New Client Alert — Mariyah Evans

  • By: Jenissa Graham | Date: Jun 09 2023
Name:

Mariyah Evans

 

What you Write:

YA Fantasy (among many other things!)

 

Agent:

Jenissa Graham

 

Why BookEnds?:

BookEnds’, and Jenissa’s, values and excitement for their books is beyond admirable. How could I not be charmed by BookEnds?

 

Tell us a bit about your writing process. Where do you write, and how often? 

Depending on the book, I either write by hand (and then type it up once it’s all done, which is very tedious if you must know) or work in my computer, at least once a day. I try to set aside time to write within the day but will also write in the moment if it strikes me! I try to aim for 500-1,000 words a day. 

 

Where can readers find you on the web and social media?

Twitter at @Spaceladymse for certain! I’m quiet up there but feel free to say hello!

 

Do you have any writing rituals? (e.g. burning a candle if you’re having trouble getting started at the computer or writing longhand first if you’re feeling uninspired.)

To start, I like to have a cold drink by my side. As of now, I’ve been drinking vanilla almond milk since I’ve been cutting back caffeine. I’ll put on YouTube or HGTV as background noise if I’m at home or put on a music in another language if I’m at a cafe. If I’m writing longhand, I make sure to have my writing pen with me.

 

What do you love about writing Fantasy

I like the escapism of it. Every story provides escapism but with fantasy, you can really dive into your creativity and see where it takes you. I often get caught up in my imagination when writing fantasy.

 

Why did you choose the genre you’ve chosen?

I’ve always loved reading fantasy and writing about it feel like the most natural thing. I think up too many fantastical things for me to not write fantasy.

 

What is the hardest part about writing Fantasy?

Finding words to describe things! Especially architectural descriptors. I have a book by my side to help me find the correct words to describe things.

 

If money were no object, what would be your dream writing location?

New Orleans, Louisiana, and Marrakech, Morocco. I love the idea of a inner courtyard to sit in surrounded by plants and running water.

 

What was the most important question you asked when interviewing agents?

What is your vision for this project? I think it’s important to get an insight to where agents plan to take your book and how. It’s very eye opening and endearing to hear another discuss the passion they have for your project.

 

How did you know your book was ready to submit?

I’m in a small critique group where we share our manuscripts to get beta reader feedback. Hearing their advice and reading their comments helped determine whether it was ready or not. Also, a bit of trust in myself and my work helped me make that final step to start querying to agents.