YALLfest author spotlight: Cinda Williams Chima

Consider this an Inner Beauty Monday, if you will.

Have you ever heard of YALLFest? If you're like me and love to read Young Adult novels, then you probably have!

YALLFest is one of the only book festivals focused entirely on Young Adults. It's held in Charleston, South Carolina and this year it starts November 9th. The best part is, it's mostly free! The only thing that cost money are the ticketed events- the keynote conversation and the closing YA smackdown. All signings are free!

I really wanted to go this year! This year's lineup includes 50 young adult authors, including 25 New York Times Bestsellers. That's a pretty impressive lineup! Unfortunately, I don't have the money to go this year, but am definitely planning on going in the near future. If you love to read, live in the South Carolina area (I live in Florida and would DEFINITELY make the drive!)  I absolutely recommend going to this. 

Since I am so sad about missing it this year, I am so excited that I am able to get involved in other ways! I was given the opportunity to host interviews with some of this year's YALLFest authors!

The first installment of this series is an interview with New York Times bestselling author Cinda Williams Chima! 

Cinda is the author of The Heir series and the Seven Realms series. You can find her at this year's YALLFest!

What one thing do you need to have when you write?

A computer

Describe your book in 5 words

Wizards misbehave, magic goes mutant.

What is the hardest line to write- the first or the last?

Usually the lines in between.

Best writing tip you ever received?

Give yourself permission to write badly.

Tell us 5 random facts about yourself.

1.       I am a twin.

2.       I am named after a character in a novel.

3.       I didn’t really start driving until I was 27.

4.       I am descended from Puritans and scoundrels.

5.       I used to be in a folk music band.

Where's your favorite place to write?

On a balcony overlooking the ocean.

 What are you working on now?

I’m writing The Sorcerer Heir, the fifth book in a trilogy.

At what point in the development of an idea do you know that it will become a full-length novel?
When I’m finished with a full-length novel.

Well there you have it! As an aspiring writer, I definitely love the writing tip! Sometimes, you have to remind yourself of that. I also can always appreciate an ocean view, I can imagine it is very good inspiration for writing! 

Cinda Williams Chima's new book in the Heir series, The Enchanter Heir comes out October 1st! So be sure to pick up a copy so you can have her sign it at YALLFest! 

All information regarding YALLfest can be found: here, or on their facebook page here.

I hope you're as excited as I am about the upcoming author interviews! Let me know if you're going to YALLFest this year! After crying with jealousy, we'll gush over which authors you're most excited to see! 

And if you're like me and can't go this year, I hope you enjoy this opportunity to learn about new authors! 

Follow your bliss,

Ember Darling