An Interview with Clennell Anthony

Clennell is a seasoned author with a passion for crafting enchanting romantic tales across various subgenres. Her journey in the writing world has been a rich tapestry, weaving through the pages of literary magazines and culminating in her self-published romantasy novella, The Circle, the inaugural installment of the captivating Draiocht Series available on Amazon.

Intrigued by elements of murder, mayhem, magick, and zoology, Clennell’s diverse interests find expression in the conflicts she meticulously creates for her characters. Hailing from the vibrant landscapes of Florida, Clennell finds inspiration in the eclectic ambiance facilitated by her strategically placed Amazon Echo Dot and Show, creating the perfect backdrop for her creative process.

Currently immersed in refining The Cursed and The Convicted, and diligently working on the second book in the Blind Love Series, Friction, Clennell is a woman of many talents, but her heart belongs to writing. Her parlor, a virtual haven for those seeking magic and romance, invites you to join the party through her website: Clennellanthony.ink. Engage with Clennell on Twitter and Facebook. She can’t wait to meet you and share the magic woven into her narratives.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

When I was younger and first started to read, I wanted to be the next Danielle Steel. little did I know that I’d have several more idles before I ever self-published my own book. I have often enjoyed Nora Roberts, Suzanne Brockmann, and Nalini Singh’s works, to name only a few of the great romance authors I’ve read, studied, and been inspired by.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I have worked as a Joe Mug’s barista, a prep person at Popeyes Chicken, I’ve been an English tutor, trainer, and instructor. I’ve worked as a customer service representative for LC Industries and Light House for the Blind. I’ve also worked as a Substance Abuse Counselor for a local nonprofit and as an Adjustment to Blindness Co-Counselor for a local Rehabilitation for the Blind Center.

Something about me my readers wouldn’t know is that I once went to college just down the street from Harvard, but bought all their paraphernalia as souvenirs for my family and friends back home.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

Originally the title for Fractured was “The Rescue.” For some reason, I just didn’t feel like that was the right name for my book. My mother asked, “Why’d you change it?” The only answer I could come up with was, “It wasn’t at the core of Fractured’s narrative.” What I meant by this was that every person in the book had fractures within them, but all of them made different choices. Some of them were healed, and others were driven in so deep there was no coming back from them, which the reader learns throughout their journey with Sy and Sam.

Once I realized that “The Rescue” just didn’t fit my characters’ journey, it didn’t take as long as I thought it would when I first began trying on titles for the novel. Somehow, I stumbled upon just the right word to describe exactly what I wanted the feel for the novel to be when someone saw its title.

What part of publishing your book made it feel real for the first time?

I think getting the graphic designer, Panagiotis, to put together covers to choose from was the first time it really began to feel real. I had already told several people I’d be publishing my book soon. I’d even put together a launch team to help spread the word, but somehow seeing that email from Panagiotis, I felt on cloud nine and just knew and felt it was a reality even though I had a few more tasks to get through before I could push publish.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

“Get Up” by Ciera

“She Likes to Party All the Time” by Eddie Murphy

“Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin

“Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish

“Move Bitch Get Out the Way” by DMX

“Stand Up” by Ludacris

“Like a Boy” by Ciera

I”’ll Make Love to You” by Boys to Men

“A-B-C-D-F You” by Gail

“Let’s Get Married” by Jagged Edge

What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?

The one thing I’d like to stick in my readers’ minds is that being visually impaired or blind doesn’t make you or your loved ones helpless. Over the years of dealing with rejection from nearly every quarter, being ignored or treated as invalid, or simply feeling as if they don’t matter in the big scheme of things makes them far more resilient and stronger than you’ll ever know. I hope that I was able to show this through Sam’s character.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

The most rewarding part of publishing my book was being able to upload it myself on KDP’s platform. As a visually impaired author, I’ve come up against a great deal of inaccessible websites. I won’t name any names, but I’m grateful I was able to do most of the work myself and feel accomplished. It was difficult and I struggled a bit, but I still did it, and that meant the world to me.

What creative projects are you currently working on?

At present, I’m working with a co-author on an inspirational book for creatives that uses my favorite salutation as its title, Keep Creating. I am also working on book two of the Blind Love Series, entitled Friction. Along with Friction and Keep Creative, I’m trying to edit the Draiocht series, so I can get those books out into the world as well.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.