Adrienne Tooley, thank you so much for joining me today. And thank you to Simon & Schuster for coordinating this interview! Adrienne joins us today for her New Release Sweet & Bitter Magic.

1. What draws you to writing Young Adult Fiction? 

The books I read when I was a teenager are the books that have stuck with me, even to this day. There’s so much room for exploration in YA. When you’re a teenager, that’s the first time that you’re really finding your place in the world, and those are the stories that really call to me as a writer. 

2. What was the hardest scene to write in Sweet & Bitter Magic? Why?

There’s a fight scene near the end of the book, and I definitely struggled there, because my brain kept getting distracted and I would forget where the characters were supposed to be, or how they should act or react to things. I wrote a whole draft where a character got injured and then three pages later wasn’t in pain anymore… So that took a lot of work to get right.

3.  What came first: the world or the relationship between Tamsin and Wren?

The relationship! This book was sapphic first, story second (haha). It was very intentional for me to first focus heavily on the relationship–their opposites attract grumpy x sunshine trope. From there, once I knew the characters in and out, the world, stakes, and story fell into place. 

4. What is your creative process like? 

Unpredictable… I like to spend a little time with a mood board and just spouting nonsense about the characters and world before I dive into drafting. From there, I have to give myself deadlines and goals to hit to keep myself accountable. Sometimes, that doesn’t feel so creative since I’m not only giving into whims, but structure is necessary to stay on track, especially during the last year juggling the pandemic, day job, debuting, and deadlines.. 

5. What three books are inspirational to you?

The Fifth Season — N.K. Jemisin is an incredible writer and her craft is stunning, I feel like I could read that book a hundred times and still find something to learn from.

The Phantom Tollbooth — this was one of the first books I read as a child that showed me how writers could play with language and it’s always the book I think of whenever I think back on what influenced me as a reader and aw riter.

In the Dreamhouse – Carmen Maria Machado’s memoir is just… stunning. It’s one of those books I clutched to my chest after finishing, one that I know I’ll read a thousand times and never tire of it. 

6. Do you listen to music while you write and if so, do you have a specific playlist?

Yes! I tend to choose one or two albums to listen to over and over while drafting, and then once I’ve finished the book, create a proper playlist that I think hits the tone and vibe of the book. With Sweet & Bitter Magic, I listened to a lot of Hozier and Laura Marling. For my newer project it’s been Phoebe Bridgers and Fiona Apple.

7. How do you take your potato?

It is of my humble opinion that there is no wrong way to eat a potato. But if I hadddd to choose, it would be perfectly mashed potatoes.

8. What are your top three musicals? 

Hadestown, Spring Awakening, and The Last Five Years

9. When writing the book, was there a certain conversation or scene that you couldn’t stop thinking about?

I always loved the chapters when Tamsin and Wren first get to the world Within (the “Witchlands”, as Wren calls it). There are some great characters we meet then, and some really important conversations. It’s also so fun to put Tamsin back in her “hometown” to see how she changes when her past is right in front of her again.

10. What book are you working on right now?

I’ve been hard at work on my second book, SOFI & THE BONE SONG. It’s a standalone fantasy about a young musician whose plan for the future falls apart when another girl wins the title she’s been training her whole life for. It’s got magic, music, taverns, an endless winter, and an exploration and dismantling of the idea that people should suffer for their art. Currently, it’s slated for a Spring 2022 release.

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us Adrienne!

Sweet & Bitter Magic is out now!