An Interview with Madison Wright
Madison lives on the east coast of North Carolina, where she embraces the roles of full-time mother, wife, and educator. When she isn’t writing or teaching, she can often be found outdoors—whether walking beneath coastal pines, tending a garden, or chasing the salty air of the shoreline. She has a deep love for homemade meals shared around the table, especially when paired with a glass of cabernet. Her writing is rooted in both family and imagination, weaving together the beauty of daily life with the wonder of storytelling.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
As a lover of mythology, the Caladrius was the natural decision. I love the idea of a healer, but I wanted to make it my own, so I built the story around the title.
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
I cried—like, raw, ugly tears. I was so proud and it felt incredibly rewarding!
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I’ve always loved writing, so I would say that my parents encouraged creativity from a young age. My high school English teacher was, and remains, such a remarkable influence in my life.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I’m a full-time teacher, and it’s what I earned my master’s degree in!
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
The most rewarding part of this experience was the launch party! This was the moment that made me feel so accomplished, even on an intimate scale.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
My Tears Are Becoming a Sea by M83
King and Lionheart by Of Monsters and Men
Saturn by Sleeping at Last
In the Woods Somewhere by Hozier
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
I hope readers find a love for reading again in this. It’s short and sweet and a perfect reintroduction to literature. The perfect reader is someone who is old enough to appreciate nuance, grief, romance, and mythic resonance, but young enough to crave discovery and emotional intensity.
What creative projects are you currently working on?
I am currently working on Caladrius number two! It’s not named yet, but Book Two is a lot beefier than the first one. It adds so much complexity to the storyline, and it introduces my favorite character!
How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?
This was so much fun! It was rewarding and easy, and I would tell anyone who wants to publish to just do it! Go for it! You will not regret this decision!
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.