I'm excited to introduce Belle Manuel, a Sci-Fi and Fantasy author hailing from the Deep South, renowned for her ability to craft intricate and immersive worlds. Her passion for storytelling is evident in her expansive Firenian universe, which includes the completed Twisted Fates trilogy and the ongoing Soul Stealer Saga.
In 2023, Belle released The Faerie Throne, the first installment in the Shyal Chronicles, inviting readers into a dark and whimsical fantasy realm. Additionally, she co-authored Flames Like Darkness with Angelina J. Steffort, with the second book in this series anticipated in late 2024.
Beyond her writing endeavors, Belle is an editor for other fantasy writers, dedicating her life to the literary world. Her influences include authors like Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo, and Holly Black, whose works have inspired her own storytelling.
In our conversation, we'll delve into Belle's creative process, her experiences in the publishing industry, and the inspirations behind her captivating narratives. Whether you're a fan of high fantasy, dark fantasy, or urban fantasy, Belle's works offer a rich tapestry of adventure and imagination.
To stay updated on Belle's latest projects and connect with her, visit her Amazon Author Page and follow her on Goodreads.
Star Trek or Star Wars?
- Star Wars before Disney got ahold of the IP.
DCU or MCU?
- Movies, neither anymore really. If we’re talking comics, DC wins with the grittiness.
Coffee, tea, or cacao?
- Assuming “cacao” is just hot chocolate? I’ll take that.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
- Around middle school. I started with crappy little writing attempts, then that grew into binders full of stories that I’d print out for my friends.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
- Work has to come first. That’s the reality of life. So, I use breaks when able to get some words out, or I carve out time late at night for myself.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
- Reading, editing, crocheting, scrolling through YouTube. I’m a very boring person. I do sometimes like to go thrift all day, and I do love that.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
- As of this interview, I have ten novels available for readers right now across three different “universes” within which I write. With regard to my favorite, I’d have to say that always changes. It seems the series/book I’m currently working on is always my favorite at that moment.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
- I do! I get a few messages a month from readers asking about the next novel in the series they love, asking about updates I may not have posted. It’s really awesome. I have had some negative Nancys send some more hurtful messages, but I love getting the positive ones. They’re really inspiring to me.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
- I originally wanted to be a child advocacy attorney. Then as I got older, the prospect of law school was less and less appealing, and choosing a creative degree was more desirable.
Does a big ego help or hurt writers?
- I think it can hurt some. I won’t say all; absolutisms are rarely useful. But I think having a big ego is harmful for most people. It doesn’t allow you to view yourself with the right scrutiny to keep improving.
Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you building a body of work with connections between each book?
- I like each series to stand on its own, absolutely. While I may write within the same universe, and books may even hand off to one another in the future, I specifically write each series with the goal of standing alone. Since I write from YA on up to Adult, I like to keep it that way.
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
- Original artwork for my covers. I cannot express how important it is to support fellow creatives, nor how much better work you’ll get from a custom cover instead of a premade cover or an AI monstrosity.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
- This is a hard one. I have a dozen folders of “ideas”. Six or seven of those have actually significant writing (more than just a paragraph or two).
What is the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything?
- Why, 42, of course.
What does literary success look like to you?
- Honestly, for me, I see it as having readers who look forward to my books. I don’t have a million fans or anything, but I truly consider myself successful because I’ve had readers message me, join my street teams, and all that because of my books. And I love that. That’s success to me.
What do you have coming next?
- I have the final book in two series releasing in 2025, and then I’m also hoping to unveil a new story sometime Summer 2025.
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