I’m super excited to interview one of my favorite new YA Fantasy authors, Addison Dixon! Her portal fantasy is one that I think everyone should read. Fun, exciting, and with a compelling main character, I think you will enjoy it. Here’s a mood image just to get you interested.
On to the interview:
1. What gave you the idea for A Star Appears?
I’ve always had a super active imagination and the places I’ve traveled to, people I’ve met/known all my life, and adventures I’ve been on all have a big part in my story. Books I read as a child have also inspired me. Videogames and movies I watched growing up influenced my imagination. Also, my younger brother and I were best friends growing and our adventures impacted my stories. I actually started A Star Appears when at a friend’s house years ago. She and I had gone to Six Flags’ Halloween festival and that had some influence me on my story, what with all the people dressed up as fantasy creatures. I’d also gone to public school up until 4th grade, so Riley being in public school at the beginning was influenced by that. The circumstances are loosely based on actual situations that happened to others.
2. Who is your favorite character from your series and why?
That’s not a fair question, haha! I think Dorobonn is my favorite. He’s Riley’s mentor. He was inspired by the older people in my life. Several people have told me Dorobonn is also their favorite. There’s another I really like, but I can’t say anything about them, as they are the protagonist for the third book (which I’m currently working on—hehe! No spoilers!)
3. How long have you been writing, and do you have any tips for writers?
I’ve been writing since I was 11. I was 11 when I came up with the idea for A Star Appears (before it was A Star Appears) but that started off as drawings. Due to encouragement from my parents, and other family members, I started writing the book at 12 years old. I “wrote” other stories (some, what people would call, “fanfiction,” like, of Star Wars) but A Star Appears was, to my surprise, the one I stuck with.
My tips for writers are these—don’t be discouraged if you don’t complete a story. You might complete it later or maybe not. Just figure out the story that’s right for you. Pray about it. If you feel strongly about it, do it. Don’t second-guess yourself. Don’t compromise your beliefs or values simply because it seems to be “what the public wants.” Tastes change and the audience is fickle. Write what you want to see more of (words I heard growing up.) If/when you hit writer’s block, give yourself a break. Perhaps you need some time away from your writing, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you feel the need to write something else, then do it! Don’t limit yourself.
4. What are your favorite YA/portal fantasy stories?
The Chronicles of Narnia. I’m currently reading The Magic City by E. Nesbitt and am enjoying it. Eragon has been a favorite of mine for many years. Geronimo Stilton: Kingdom of Fantasy #1, and Krystonia. Believe it or not, there aren’t terribly many YA/portal fantasies I’ve read.
5. What is the central message or theme of your book?
The central message of my book is—even though bravery isn’t easy, it’s not impossible. God can give you courage. The question is, will you take up your sword and shield and stand up for what you know is true?
I love that message! It’s definitely one of the greatest themes in the book.
Here’s Her Book!
Sixteen-year-old Riley has never had the confidence to stand up to the school bullies—until one of them harasses his friend Caroline. But his act of courageous defiance causes a mysterious black star to appear at the corner of his eye, setting in motion a series of events that will change his life forever.
The star marks Riley as the third star bearer in a prophesy that spans hundreds of years. Thrust into the otherworld of Leíso, he must defeat Iradocc, a demolic who’s intent on spreading Dark Magic through Leíso and the Human World . . . and who is determined to see Riley dead.
The first two star bearers failed. Now, only Riley can stop Iradocc before it’s too late. If he doesn’t, the Dark Magic will permeate both worlds, and everyone will die. But can Riley overcome his fears and believe in himself enough to save the world and those he loves?
A Star Appears is the first book in The Star & Cicatrix Legacy series, a magical and enchanting fantasy about family, friendship, loyalty, and courage.
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Star-Appears-Cicatrix-Legacy-Book-ebook/dp/B09VP1J5W6/