Please give a warm welcome to author Larae Mitchell

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I am a proud member of the Cherokee Nation and many of my ideas come from the lore of different native tribes in and around the United States. I have kept my sense of wonder by trying to see the world through the imaginings of my grandchildren. Nerida Kai and Shattered Reflections were born from a desire to normalize feelings after the loss of my twenty-three-year-old son in 2017. I often judged or felt judged during the period of grief. Believing there is no right or wrong way to grieve I sought to show grief as a necessary part of life. Laughing, crying, sitting quietly or even screaming into the void, in the aftermath of loss, does not alter the love you share with the departed. I wish love and light to all who share this journey. I look forward to sharing many more stories with you in the future.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

No, I actually wanted to be a librarian. Unfortunately, education is expensive in the United States. I’m pretty sure writing has turned that frown upside down. I had no idea I would enjoy sharing stories as much as I do.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

Nerida Kai was inspired by a day spent with my granddaughters. The story contains little pieces of each of them. I wanted a way to portray grief to the young without judgement. We don’t speak often enough about what loss looks like and everyone feels awkward as they go through it for, he first time. Being able to open a discussion on the topic, even with the young, is very important to me. Shattered Reflections is a fictionalized version of my journey through pain to enlightenment. The women in the story were inspired by my mother, myself, and my daughters.

What are you working on now?

I’m very excited to announce, right here right now, that I have a new YA Fantasy series coming soon. I’m currently developing a modern-day fantasy based on ancient Egyptian beliefs and magics. I look forward to revealing more in the months to come. For now, it’s your exclusive!

Do you have any quirks while working?

I work very early in the morning (3-5AM) because I need absolute quiet and no interruptions or what I write is a disaster. Editing; however, requires music with a beat.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to continue writing and finding an audience for my work. This life may not have been my first choice, but I love it. I’m fortunate to be married to a wonderful man who encourages me to write full time. I’m living the dream.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

Don’t be discouraged. Your work may not be a fit for the mainstream and that’s okay. Keep pushing forward and be brave enough to put it out there anyway. You never know who you might impact. A graphic artist is an asset, Levi Pottorff really pushed Nerida Kai from prayer to vision. He can be found on Twitter @braskaranger if you like what you see.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Release your magic. Your feedback and encouragement keep me writing. We are doing this together and I depend on you. Reach out to me through my website or e-mail to receive a bookmark, signature plate, and backpack tag. First come first serve there are only thirty available. Thank you, for everything!