Today I am featuring Naomi Kelly, author of Trial by Obsidian and Meraki: A Syren Story.
Naomi Kelly is a young Irish Indie author who released her debut novel, Trial by Obsidian, last year. She has recently released their second novel, Meraki: A Syren Story on May 1st. She writes YA Fantasy with romance subplots, inspired by all the fantastic books she has read over the years. Her writing style is very character-centric, which leads to writing in the first person. She loves diving deep into the feelings and thoughts of her characters and really put herself in their shoes to figure out what they would be going through.
What inspired you to write?
Sometimes when I would read a really good book that I couldn’t stop thinking about, I would start thinking about where I would imagine the characters going next. This gradually developed to me drafting my own plot lines and characters which eventually lead to me writing my first book, Trial by Obsdian.
What are some of your current projects?
I have a few ideas in the pipeline, I think all Indie authors are prone to having multiple “works in progress” at once. I’m hoping to grow my first book with a sequel, and I’d love to write a collection of short stories that revolve around the side characters from my books. For now, I’m just enjoying Meraki‘s release.
Why did you start writing?
I actually started writing in my early teen years as a part of my counselling sessions. I found it really hard to explain how I was feeling, and I was advised to write a couple of pages a day. Sometimes I showed my work, other times I just ripped up the pages, but just getting the words out of my head and into the real world helped me immensely.
Who do you hope to inspire with your writing?
I’d hope to inspire the young adult readers with my writing because they are in the age group my main characters usually tend to be in. In the first book of the trilogy, Kanna is 14 to 15 years old. If you strip away the fantasy and adventure aspects, she goes through the same things that a 14- to 15-year-old teenager goes through in the real world. She’s insecure, unsure of herself, has trust issues, is self-conscious, and a whole lot more. Long story short, she’s not perfect. It’s okay to have flaws and be vulnerable, because realistically there is not a person out there who doesn’t have them, and I think it’s an important thing to see.
Who is your favorite author and/or book?
Sarah J Maas and Amanda Bouchet would be two of my favourite authors for the same reason. They both manage to create these large fantasy worlds that are navigated by relatable female characters. (And they both have a brilliant ability to write steamy romance which never hurt anybody!)
If you could apologize to one of your characters, what would you say?
Dear Wren of Meraki; A Syren Story.
I’m sorry that you had to go through a lot of heartache and pain, but I ensure you there was a point to it all. By going through it you finally learnt how strong and capable you are, and I think you would agree that you came out a better person than you started. (Also I gave you a lot of good things too so I’m not so big baddie!) Love always, Your creator and friend, Naomi.
How do you normally begin a writing session?
I normally begin a writing session with a mug of tea, and I’ll read over what I did the previous day. Apparently, it’s a writing sin to edit as you go, but I find recapping my work really helps me get back into the scene and if I can catch a few typos along the way- even better! When working on a project, I try to do it every day. There will always be days you are too busy, but I do believe you can make time no matter what. Often, I’ll write a quick sentence or idea as a text to myself whilst out and about. Writing isn’t always just typing, and if you need a work break, then editing, reading, drawing out characters, maps, title ideas are all useful ways to keep the momentum going.
If you could give one piece of advise to your past-self about writing, what would it be?
Not everyone is going to love your work. No matter how perfect you think your plot is, or how amazing your characters are, someone, somewhere will dislike it. So don’t worry about trying to impress that one person, because you’ll never be able to, but that’s okay. Write what you want to read.
Follow Naomi Kelly
Books
The poverty-stricken southern lands of Deshure have kept Juniper Obsidian hidden all her life. Her concealed identity kept her safe. Until now. The northern lands of Sinlara are home to the Chambers. Here rules are enforced and wars are waged, but since the end of the War fifteen years ago things have been quiet. That is until they get their hands on Juniper. [Read More]
Her song is a gift bestowed by the gods; so why does it feel like a curse?
Seventeen-year-old Wren thinks she has just swum away from the greatest threat in the sea. That’s until she finds herself being hauled upon a warlord’s boat. With her life at the mercy of a young, temperamental King, Wren must decide who is her ultimate enemy. [Read More]
Currently, I am not accepting any more applications for Feature Friday. Follow me for updates regarding when I will be reopening the application. Until then, signing off.
E.S. Barrison
E.S. Barrison 