An Interview with Gabrielle Marie Kozak

Young, traditional Catholic, prolific author, editor, graphic designer, photographer, and crocheter living in the United States. I have been writing since I knew how to form the letters (I am now twenty years old). The Trooper Series is my debut, written (with several other works) before graduating high school. I also describe myself as the Architect Author, as my writing method is rather revolutionary compared to the traditional method of drafts and reading.

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What inspired you to start writing this book?

This book is actually semi-autobiographical. I’d wanted to write something similar for months and came up with two other plotlines before adopting this one. The story comprises a good deal of my own vision and speculative hopes.

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

Originally, the title was Ground Zero, but then I realized there’s already a published novel under that title. Cognito fits the story like a glove.

Describe your dream book cover.

It’s classified. I have a brilliant plan.

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

It actually has a playlist! Meet Me on the Battlefield, Cry by Mandy Moore, My Immortal, Unbroken by Really Slow Motion, I Am Not an Option, and Star Sky are some of the songs.

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

I actually don’t really read. My bedtime calm-down book is Hitler’s Rise to Power. My spiritual reading books are Gift of Oneself, the Holy Bible, and a book on Cardinal Stepinac.

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

I was a religious Sister for almost two years. Something many of my readers probably wouldn’t know is that I have aphantasia. I also wrote my debut, the Trooper Series, between the ages of sixteen and seventeen. I’ve had several interesting experiences, from helping a ewe give birth to teaching K-1 for two weeks.

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

I have always been a writer. Literally. I can remember scribbling stories on notebook paper and tying the pages into a book with yarn. I remember being told that I should be reading Lord of the Rings and Narnia by second grade – and did. I do believe a lot of my success is due to the fact that my mother taught me phonics before I went to kindergarten.

Where is your favorite place to write?

Wherever I can! I enjoy using my (new) laptop, but I’ve had to write on my cell phone for a good amount of time. Someday, maybe I’ll put together a writing studio.

What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?

Save files! I’ve permanently lost several of my earliest works.

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

I really hope they connect with and are inspired by the heroism and the humanity of my characters. The main recurring theme is ‘faith under fire.’

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