An Interview with Tessa Kinsela
Tessa Kinsela is a Queensland-based educator and writer with a passion for adolescent well-being and storytelling. Through her teaching and writing, she explores the complexities of teenage identity, emotional growth, and consequence. An Unconscious Choice of Chaos, her debut novel, draws on lived experience to present a thoughtful and authentic portrayal of adolescence. Tessa believes in the power of stories to foster empathy, reflection, and meaningful conversation among young readers.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
I had a few title choices on the go, and choosing one was easy and difficult at the same time—it needed to feel just right. Chaos is central to the book, but Ashley doesn’t choose it. Small decisions lead her down a path until she’s caught in a storm she never consciously chose.
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
When I first saw the final cover and Ashley’s eyes, I just knew it was her. I could feel her through that cover. Then, eighteen months after writing the first line, the paperback arrived in the mail for proofreading. Holding the actual book in my hands was surreal and emotional, to say the least.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I always wanted to write. My parents remember me constantly writing poems and short stories, and my teachers noticed how I threw myself into creative writing. Then, in Year 8 English, I read my first novel, Rebecca. I knew after that I would write a book one day, no matter what.
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
There are so many deeper meanings throughout the story—mental health, things seeming right but not feeling right, and innocent teenage choices that can turn on you. But the tagline, “You don’t have to be broken to fall apart,” is the most powerful part. Having that message out there is easily the most rewarding part of publishing this book.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
There are quite a few songs mentioned throughout the book, giving little glimpses into Ashley’s own music choices. But if the book itself had a playlist, it would probably be Chappell Roan. Her music has that mix of emotion, chaos, and vulnerability that just feels like Ashley’s world.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
My perfect reader would finish feeling like they earned the ending because they walked alongside Ashley rather than judged her. Maybe they feel a little more understood themselves or look back on their own teenage years and finally understand them a little better. More than anything, I hope they felt Ashley’s journey with her.
What creative projects are you currently working on?
Ironically, my next book is far removed from Ashley’s world. It’s a dystopian story centred around one question: What if all those conspiracy theories we’re constantly flooded with on social media turned into something more? It’s very different, a little unsettling, and I’m really excited to see where it goes.
How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?
Working with Atmosphere has been such a fun experience. I’ve met so many beautiful souls, and everyone has been incredibly helpful and encouraging along the way. My advice would be: Do it. Get your story out there, and having a team behind you who will back you all the way makes the journey even better.
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.