Please welcome Amy R Anguish to our blog today. Rendersella releases next Tuesday
Can you tell us something about you we may not know?
When I started college, I was an art major. I made the mistake of taking two art classes first semester along with my basics. It was too much and I decided art wasn’t for me–at least not as a major. I switched to English and focused on writing stories instead of drawing and painting as much–though I still dabble in it. Partly where the inspiration for Ella’s art came from. 🙂
When you were a child did you have a favourite fairy tale?
Cinderella has always been a favorite. I love her way of clinging to a dream even when it doesn’t seem like it could possibly happen. I especially love the old movie version of the Rogers and Hammerstein version. The songs are wonderful and I always thought Lesley Ann Warren was the perfect Cinderella, even though her hair was brown instead of blonde.
What inspired you to write Rendersella?
When I was in West Virginia a few years ago, I was so inspired by the beauty around me (even when it was still basically winter and all the trees were bare and ugly, everything was still gorgeous, with mountains and valleys and waterfalls. We visited Tamarack, which is a place known for selling local art. And we saw several coal trains. And my brain made the connection between the coal and how Cinderella’s fingers always ended up dirty. But then what if they were dirty because she used charcoal to draw with? And the story grew from there.
Was it fun retelling a fairytale?
It was so much fun! Honestly, I’ve loved fairytale retellings for years, but they intimidated me. How could I make one that was different enough to stand out, but still wove in all the familiarity of the original? But when that first spark of an idea hit, the rest fell into place so fast, I couldn’t help but write it. Little did I know, that I would be writing two more after! My side characters itched to have their own stories to tell.
Did you have to do any fun research for this story?
The part I probably researched most was how to make watercolor paints out of normal items you could find in a pantry. I also ended up looking up how to use a turkey call. LOL. Not necessarily what you were expecting, was it? Me, either. But it fit the story so well!
What do you hope readers take home out of this story?
I really wanted to weave in a faith element, and I incorporated a verse about how we are God’s masterpiece. In other words, He created us exactly how He wanted us and He wants us to serve a purpose for Him. We’re not mistakes. And no matter how our live turns out, He can still use it for His glory. I also wanted to show the struggle a Christian would have if her stepsister treated her like Ella’s did. She knows she needs to forgive, but how? It’s not easy, for sure.
I know there are two more books to come in the series, which fairy tales are they based on?
The next one is Fairest Inn All. It’s based on Snow White and is set in Brunswick, GA, where Keri White and her brother, Jake, are there to help their seven uncles revamp the old family inn. Royal Barrett and Queenie Ville are also characters in that one. It releases next March.
The last one is Beauty School and the Beast. This will be Bellamy’s story (she’s the stepsister in Rendersella). She’s got one last chance to find a way to bring in some money for their family. This one won’t release until March 2027.
I love the cover, how did you come up with the cover?
Would you believe it’s not the cover I originally pictured or tried to describe to my publisher? I couldn’t imagine a person on the cover. I wanted a pumpkin and the shoe and some paintbrushes or something like that. But when she sent me that option, I knew it was the one. It screams fairytale and incorporates the pumpkin and shoe too. I can’t wait to see what she does with the other two!
Finally, can you tell us about your latest release? Where can we buy the book and where can we find you on the web?
Rendersella releases July 22 and will be available on Amazon and should be available on other online booksellers as well. https://scrivenings.link/rendersella. You can find Amy at her website.
Now, I’m glad I didn’t sign up my son for advanced art classes. He loves to take art for fun, and we worried advance classes might take the fun out of it. After reading what happened to you, I’m feeling much better I didn’t go that way!
Sounds like a fun retelling of Cinderella. Thanks for sharing how it came about!
Hi Dienece I know how more advanced classes can take the joy out of something we really like.
I think you would love this book
Hi Jenny and Amy, My apologies for the late reply. Thanks for sharing your delightful interview. Rendersella sounds like charming story and the cover is pretty. 😊