An Interview with M.A. Arana
Maria A. Arana is a writer, poet, and editor from the Los Angeles area. She has published many poems and short stories in various publications. Formerly a teacher who encouraged a love of reading and writing, she now channels that passion to create magical stories for a wider audience. She lives with her family, four dogs, and one cat (who thinks she’s a queen herself).
You can find her on X at @m_a_Arana and at Arana Editing Services, where she also blogs.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
Since this is the third book in the series, the title came easily, especially since it reflects a little about the twins and the Garghon who taps into his feelings.
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
Ronaldo Alves’s team is amazing! They take my ideas, sketches, and adjustments to heart. I was blown away once I saw the cover for the first time. Then, when the book came and I held it in my hands, there was pride in the accomplished work.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I’ve always liked reading and writing. My writing began as poetry. It took a good friend to urge me to put my stories on paper. The first book I wrote was written on paper! The Wings Series arrived when my sister battled cancer. It helped me get through it. As a reader, there were many writers whose works must have influenced me. I can’t just name one.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I’m a former teacher with a lot of success guiding kindergarten and first-grade students to write short stories. Writing time was a special time in my classroom. I’m also a caregiver for my mother. That’s a tough job, and my hat goes out to all caregivers.
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
The most rewarding part of publishing my book was fulfilling that promise to my sister, who, sadly, passed away before she got to see it.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
I would love Tarja Turunen to create my soundtrack! She is an amazing singer and writer. Her ideas have evolved and the stories she tells through her music leave you wanting more.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
I want readers to dive into my books and come out of them fully charged to take on life and want to keep reading more. The perfect reader envisions and feels everything that’s going on in the book and is able to discuss the book.
What creative projects are you currently working on?
Currently, I am working on another fantasy, but it moves away from the world created in the Wings Series. There are still elements of power and those who want it.
How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?
Working with Atmosphere Press has taught me about the process of getting a finished manuscript to print. There is a lot going on behind the scenes and time is important. The staff here are helpful and want you to succeed without the added pressure to complete it now!
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.
