Welcome back to Behind The Debut, a podcast to shine a light on first-time authors and their journey to publication.
In this episode, I chat with Rocio Carranza - a multi-genre writer, spent most of her youth with a book in her hand, consuming stories of fantasy and horror as if her life depended on it. She is now the author of dark fantasy novel Blood of the Blackthorn.
In our conversation, you’ll hear:
How Rocio transitioned from short stories to full length novel and how she chose the genre of her debut novel
How being a hybrid pantser/planner was beneficial for Rocio when she moved to full length novels
The chapter that she found most difficult to write and how she overcame that challenge, plus the chapter she had the most fun writing (spoiler alert: Princess Diaries vibes)!
Why Rocio found the first draft particularly hard, imposter syndrome and overwhelm as a new writer, plus the best advice she’s ever had about the first draft process
How feedback shaped the manuscript of Blood Of The Blackthorn, the blinkers we can wear as writers and the importance of constructive criticism in the editing process
The surprising discovery that Rocio had during the writing process that had implications for the rest of her life too
How she approaches marketing her book as an introvert, and the mindset that makes her feel more positive about the promotion process
Rocio’s writing routine, capitalising on her energy and her favourite writing tools (including keeping a notebook in the car!)
The advice the would give her pre-published self - awesome advice for any writer!
ABOUT ’BLOOD OF THE BLACKTHORN’
HOW FAR ARE YOU WILLING TO GO TO KEEP YOUR SECRETS?
After years of living as a lady in the Givensmir court - a life of luxury and opulence - Eve's past has slowly come back to haunt her. One of secrets and magic that courses through her veins, thought to have been long forgotten.
Now, a princess lies mysteriously dead before her in the great hall.
The eyes of the duplicitous court are everywhere. And there is nowhere left to hide.
In a realm known for its witch hunts and the ongoing conflict with the Blackthorn, the kingdom of witchcraft across the treacherous Dallise Sea, Eve now finds herself on the wrong side of this war.
And the time to escape is running out.
CONNECT WITH ROCIO
Website: https://rociocarranza.com/
Socials: Instagram - Tiktok - Bluesky - Goodreads
Buy Blood of the Blackthorn: Signed copies / Amazon EU / Amazon US / Barnes & Noble / [Bookshop.org](http://Bookshop.orghttps://bookshop.org/p/books/blood-of-the-blackthorn-rocio-carranza/22235556)
HOW TO LISTEN
Listen on your favourite podcast players including Apple podcasts, Spotify and Pocketcasts
If you’re interested in appearing on the show, drop me an email to michelle@michellereeveswrites.com
Show music by music_for_video from Pixabay
CONNECT WITH MICHELLE
Join me on Substack at michellreeveswrites.substack.com where you'll find the latest episodes of Behind the Debut, plus behind the scenes chat about author life, books, writing, publishing and more.
