Queenbe Monyei: I chose to do fantasy because I believe there is a lot of room to explore with the characters, plot and setting. You are less restricted when you are writing fantasy because you have the freedom to create your own world. In a sense you can come up with a lot of the rules and I love that.
Annabell: Did you have to do a lot of research before writing Nalia and the Potion Maker?
Queenbe Monyei: I did my fair amount of research. An English-Latin dictionary was my constant companion. I used other fantasy novels as references for formatting and grammatical rules.
Annabell: The various potions was one of my favorite aspects to the novel, what inspired you to create that concept of Poto’s character? What type of potion would you make if you had his power?
Queenbe Monyei: Well Poto comes from the Latin word “to drink” so his name was very important to me. I wanted him to be kind and loveable but also incredibly smart and brave- so his character had some big shoes to fill. If I could try any potion it would have to be Witful Wonder. I wouldn’t mind having the solution to my problems quicker than usual.
Annabell: Nalia’s ability to create anything from her imagination was a terrific gift. If you had her powers, what would be five of the top things you would create?
Queenbe Monyei: A collection of my “to read” books. Art supplies. An ipad (lol). A car that doesn’t make noise when it runs. My dream home.
Annabell: What can readers expect in the sequel to Nalia and the Potion Maker?
Queenbe Monyei: The second book is called Rise of the Marés–so Nalia will find herself battling the deadly dream invaders. It’s definitely a faster pace. A lot more abilities will be introduced in the second book. More twists and more turns. A possible love triangle! I go a lot deeper in the world of Aetheria and explain how things work. The first book I feel was a bit of a taster of Aetheria and hopefully by the second book readers will be ready for more.
Annabell: What made you decide to become a writer? Are there any authors who inspire you?
Queenbe Monyei: I’ve been writing since I was a child. I have always used it as a way to express whatever I was going through. I also have an overly active imagination! I started the book as a way to deal with the hard time I was going through. I am definitely inspired by J.K. Rowling, J.R.R Tolkien and Dr. Seuss.
Annabell: The cover is beautiful and mysterious. How did you come up with the idea behind it? Who is the designer?
Queenbe Monyei: I designed the cover myself. I really wanted it to be simplistic, and the book centers a lot around potions so I only thought it was fitting for a potion bottle to be on the cover.
Annabell: You had moved to Turkey to teach English. What made you decide to move so far away and what was the experience like?
Queenbe Monyei: Well, I had friends who were living there after college and kept encouraging me to go. I really wanted to experience something new and completely different from Los Angeles. Turkey is a beautiful country filled with warm people and I loved working with the children there.
Annabell: You have lived in London, Turkey, and now live in L.A. Where have you enjoyed living the most and where would be your ideal place to live?
Queenbe Monyei: I would have to say England as a child and Turkey as an adult.
Annabell: Outside of writing, what are some other things you enjoy doing?
Queenbe Monyei: I love to paint, watch movies, go to museums and travel.
Annabell: What is your writing routine like? Do you like to listen to music while you write? If yes, what kind? Do you have any favorite snacks?
Queenbe Monyei: I tend to not have music in the background as it will easily distract me. I usually have to be alone to write because that’s the best way for me to focus. I discovered Angry Birds. I thought it would be the end of my novel, but it would help me focus, strange I know. I’m not a huge snack person, but I drank a lot of Twinings lemon and ginger tea.
Annabell: Any new projects you are working on now?
Queenbe Monyei: Well, I am currently working on Nalia and the Rise of the Marés and sketching out book three Nalia and the Time Keeper’s Clock.
Thank you again to the lovely Queenbe Monyei for granting Open Book Society the chance to read her novel and participate in fun interview!
Check out her blog for more information on her and her novels: http://naliasworld.blogspot.com/
