THE MOON COULD ONLY WEEP (Spent Spindle Book 1)
Winner of the 2026 IndieReader Discovery Awards in Best Book Cover: Fiction
What’s the book’s first line?
“Faetales rarely lie.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Maijerda, the lone survivor of a shipwreck, must confront her grief and decide between fate and vengeance while uncovering the secrets of a mysteriously living book with the help of an exiled monster hunter. Together they embark on a journey of self-discovery as they outrun a sorceress whose thirst to regain her stolen power could unravel everything.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
When I was 13 years old, I started writing this story, chapter by chapter, to indulge my fascination with pirates, Lord of the Rings, and all things fantasy. What began as a project of daydreams, quickly became a way for me to navigate my emotions and relationship with my little brother, Sterling. He was diagnosed with autism when we were both quite young. He began speaking around 8 years old and it wasn’t until we aged, that I realized the world’s interactions with him were not as welcoming as I would’ve expected. His way with words was unique. Special. But not everyone was accepting. Once I completed my master’s program in Speech Language Pathology, I picked up this story again, overhauled it, and started to hone my craft to better express and integrate my personal experience with communication disorders and differences.
When Sterling passed away in 2021, I realized that this story had always been about grief, but not necessarily about death. It was then I decided to enhance several more concepts about the story and dive into my own personal experience with grief
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
Grief is never trending. Grief is rarely expected. And even if it is, how we process it might surprise us. I think it is important to not shy away from it and for stories to be there when we need them. Because we can’t ever truly know when we might.
There are levels within the story for people to grab onto and fit where they’re at in life. Story telling is a major part of our lives as people and it comes in many forms. I believe allowing people should have the choice between indulging the nostalgic action-adventure energy of this story or dive deep into symbolism of it. Overall, I think we should confront our own relationship with communication, neurological disorders, differences, and reflect on how we can better support our fellow people in this world who may see things a bit differently. It is my hope, that this book is a gateway to that path while being wrapped up in bundle of fantasy.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Maijerda was always a blend of who I wished I could become (when I was a kid), Evie from The Mummy, and Lara Croft (which more of will be seen in future books!). She started off as a teen and has grown with me over the years, turning into the 30 year old reluctant hero she is now. Her most distinctive characteristic in my eyes, is her relationship with music, stories, and the Moon. Despite her anxiety, she doesn’t shy away from her beliefs, needs, and embodies her passions. Feeling her emotions to the fullest, both to her benefit and detriment.
When did you first decide to become an author?
Officially? In 2018. Grad School zapped my belief in my creative writing skills and it took me a couple of years to realize…I had time to follow this path and pursue becoming an author.
Is this the first book that you’ve written?
It sure is! This is the first installment of the Spent Spindle series.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I am a Speech Pathologist, working full time in a neuro rehabilitation facility.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
Depending on the week, I spend about 14+ hours a week on what I call “Storybooking”. This ranges from writing, brainstorming, actively researching/plotting, or more currently…editing the full cast audiobook version of The Moon Could Only Weep!
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
For me, the best aspects are the community and all that I’ve learned. The hardest, I have to say is resources. Finances, marketing, business skillsets are all things I’ve adapted to over the last couple years, but I do dream of having a team that could help with these aspects and expand my audience reach. Social media is a blessing and a curse, and that ultimately is the most difficult aspect for me, is finding my niche on social media.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Don’t hold yourself back. You have to put yourself out there, be bold! And put in the work to create ART. The world needs your art.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
If the right partner in crime came about, I would absolutely be interested. I believe the path this book needs has forged piece by piece as we go and I’m not slowing down on my indie path. But what I want, more than anything, is for this story to reach as many people as possible. Having the support of traditional publishing means may serve it well if given the opportunity to open other types of doors. My dream is to see it as an animated series in the same art style as Arcane by Fortiche!
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
The sheer need to create. I devour stories. As an avid DnD player, I’ve come to realize just how important they are to actively engage in order to learn, explore, question, and simply be. Stories come in endless variations, all we need to do is be accepting. I long to help people find what speaks to them.
I also having a reoccurring dream of being interviewed by Jimmy Fallon about this book, so who knows! Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something. 😉