While still in elementary school, I became obsessed with the idea that the elements of nature are not to be controlled by human hands. I wanted that kind of power! As someone who is always cold, the ability to stop the wind in its tracks would definitely come in handy. And if I could make it rain… well… that would just be cool.
These thoughts followed me into middle school. What if I had power over the unseen? What if I could make wind blow, and water churn and fire crackle? It sounded dangerous and absolutely unrealistic, but it was these questions that kept me awake at night.
When I continued to meet each day with no more power over the elements than a housefly, I decided to write a story about people who do.
My 12-year-old self was in for a lot of surprises, the least of these being that controlling the unseen, even through someone else, is hard. I had to meet more people, with more gifts and more quirks, than I ever imagined were inside of me. I fell in love with each of them and their good, their bad, their beautiful and their totally stupid.
I often tell people that while yes, I am working on a trilogy of novels, I’m not their sole creator. I’ve never said to my characters, “Do this now.” Instead, I ask them, “What happened next?”
It isn’t humility that keeps me from saying, “This is my story.” My story looks more like this. My debut novel, however, is the story of a woman who, despite being able to communicate with the wind, is feared by people… even those she loves. It is the tale of a melodramatic princess, a broken captain of the guard and a borderline defenseless kingdom on the brink of war. It’s about loneliness, love, finding freedom and the unbreakable bonds of an adopted family. It’s a story that was shared with me by these people, who became some of my dearest friends.
And they’ve asked me to share it with you.
Since I was 12 years old, I have been pouring my heart, soul and mind into writing three books that will not only tell this story but that will welcome you into it. It is my ardent hope that you will find friends in my characters and a new home in my world.
I would not be where I am today without my favorite books and their authors or my friends, who consistently show me the unlimited power of empathy. Thanks to them, my characters speak, and the most outlandish parts of my novels feel somehow… realistic.
And now, the big question. When will this story be available anyway?!
As of today, my debut novel has been reviewed and, I’m ecstatic to say, loved, by my family members and friends. That’s a wonderful feeling. Now, I am preparing to submit my life’s work to formal editors. As easy as that sounds… it’s not. Handing my characters–my people–over to a stranger is difficult, to say the least. Of course I’m excited, but editors are paid to poke holes. So, I’m bracing myself. One step at a time.
In the meantime, I’ll keep talking to my characters, asking them questions and pounding out the kinks between points of view. This is less work than it is an honor and a joy. Know, too, that I’m always easily accessible from this site, Twitter (@AquinnahBree) and Instagram (@aquinnahbree).
As my publishing plan develops, I’ll be posting all about it here. I know I say it all the time, but I’m unspeakably excited to introduce you to my people and my world. Stay tuned!
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