Things to See in Arizona received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Mary Vensel White.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Things to See in Arizona, was released on July 28, 2023.
What’s the book’s first line?
“I feel the gentle pull of the pencil across my eyelid.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Tuesday Mayes has just graduated from high school and looks forward to moving away for college in the fall. Only, her mom is hesitating because of Tuesday’s recent health diagnosis, and her dad has mysteriously disappeared on some sort of spiritual journey. When Cristian Robles, her childhood friend and long-time crush, offers to accompany her on a journey across the state to find her father—if they visit supernatural locations from his Weird Arizona guidebook along the way—Tuesday agrees. Along the way, she finds herself falling for Cristian and uncovering the truth about family secrets and her special abilities. With a mix of adventure, romance, and self-discovery, this is a story about growing up, facing fears, and discovering the strength within.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I was initially inspired by Tuesday’s voice, which I heard loud and clear at a time when my household was full of young adult voices! It was easy to imagine a spirited young woman who doesn’t want any limitations put on her life, no matter what. I’m also intrigued with things like energy, déjà vu, and intuition, and I think humans have all sorts of abilities we don’t fully understand. So I gave Tuesday some of these abilities, leaving it up to readers to debate what exactly to call them. Are they supernatural? Supersensory? You decide!
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
If you like travel, or romance, or even if you have an interest in other-worldly things like healing centers and vortexes, crystals, and ghosts, you might find something of interest in Tuesday and Cris’s journey across the diverse state of Arizona. I like to think that I infused their story with both lighter and deeper moments, as the book deals with some difficult topics and explores the ways in which relationships can be both complicated and easy.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
I would say Tuesday is defined by her wit and stubbornness—common, teenager traits! She’s also kind, loving, and insightful—besides, stubbornness can be a survival tactic and a source of strength.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
Things to See in Arizona is my fourth published book, the seventh book I’ve written, and my first young adult novel.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
I have been published by a big 5 publisher as well as indie publishers. The indie experience is often rewarding in that you get more input on things like the cover and the editorial process. If you have a clear vision of what you want your book to be, indie publishing can be a way to honor that.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I am motivated by the same thing that’s been fueling me from a young age: storytelling. It’s one of our greatest, human gifts, and I love living a life on both sides—as an avid reader of stories, and as someone who creates them. Writers and readers coming together in a space of mutual understanding (and enjoyment) is the best!