Written in the Stars Author: Scarlett Kol

Interview with Scarlett Kol:

Tell us what prompted you to start the series? Be as detailed as you want. 

This series started in a bit of an unconventional way. I signed up for an anthology of books that were retellings of The Little Mermaid, and since it was one of my favorite fairy tales as a kid I knew I needed to be a part of it even though I didn’t have anything written. As I started writing the story and building the world, I knew it needed to be expanded and there could be so many other stories happening at Faraway High. Fortunately, I had also signed up to do a Sleeping Beauty anthology later that year with the same group, so I had the idea to link those two stories and then continue on with the series after the anthology publication term was up. It’s great because they are standalone stories so people can start where ever they want and if my readers ever lose passion for these stories I don’t have a huge connected plot that needs to be wrapped up, yet at the same time, it’s a common world with some common characters which makes it fun for those readers who choose to read all the books.

How did you feel as you were writing the first book? Has that feeling changed between then and now? If so, how?

I loved, loved, LOVED The Little Mermaid, so to get to write in that world was a huge kick for me. Plus, I think the twists I put on the original made it even more fun. However, this was the first book I’d ever written that wasn’t going to a publisher and the group of authors in the set had done a lot of work in the fairy tale space, so I was a bit intimidated. However, readers have really loved this story and I’ve had great feedback on it so now I’m a lot more comfortable. I’m super proud of how the story has been received by readers and I will love Arianna and Griffin forever. 

How many times have you had a specific idea for the story but it has been derailed because the characters decide to go a different way?

Ha! All. The. Time. My characters just run their mouths and, all of a sudden, a light bulb goes off and I have to pivot and go with it. Sometimes things need to get reined back in, but sometimes it makes me realize things about the characters and the stories that I never truly understood until that moment. 

What was the most difficult part in writing the series?

The most difficult part is trying to write stories that people want to continue reading. When working with fairy tales it can be tricky because some people will specifically stay away from stories that they didn’t like the original, even if the author has done an amazing job on the retelling. Since this series is based on fairy tales, there is the added pressure of making people want to read stories they initially aren’t interested in based on prior experiences with that story.

If you could give advice to anybody else considering writing a series, what advice would you give?

Hmmm … everyone is different so honestly, you do you. However, if I had to pinpoint something I wish I’d known, I’d say to plan out the entire series from the start. Even if you don’t know all the details and things may and will likely change, knowing where you plan to go with the series will help you lay down the Easter Eggs and little details that interconnect your books and your world better. Readers totally notice that stuff and it makes it easier to build each book on the last.

About the Author:

Scarlett Kol is the USA Today Bestselling Author of dystopian, paranormal and fantasy novels for young adults. Born and raised in Northern Manitoba, she grew up reading books and writing stories about creatures that make you want to sleep with the lights on. As an adult, she’s still a little afraid of the dark. Scarlett lives just outside Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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