Rainbow State received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Mariah Ashley.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Rainbow State, Published Tuesday June 27th by Small Dog Press, LLC
What’s the book’s first line?
“As soon as we are through the front door, I push past Dad and bolt for my bedroom, but he stays on my heels.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
The question the book asks is, “Is your past your curse or can it be your greatest gift?”
Ultimately, the answer is kindness, forgiveness, and self-acceptance.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
A dinner party inspired the story. If you knew me, you’d be shocked by this— I am not a dinner party sort of person.
A woman at the party told me that her mother had recently passed away, and that before she died, she told her that she would always find a way to communicate with her.
This got me thinking (worrying, actually) about my children (at the time 13 and 17) and the terrible position they would be in if they lost me.
I fretted about how I would not be able to guide them through those young-adult years if anything happened.
So, I started imagining a young girl who had lost her mom, but was able to communicate with her (indirectly) in supernatural ways.
I also infused the story with the lessons and love I’d want to impart it if I wasn’t able to do it in person.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
The book is a feel-good experience. It highlights the common problems young adults have but feel they are all alone in facing. It’s a heart-mending story that should make the reader feel seen.
It’s also a fabulous escape, hopefully you will feel like you are in Hawaii when reading it. I visited family in Hawaii many times as a young person and drew on that to paint the vibrant setting.
Many of the readers who have reviewed my book are older, so I also think it’s a chance to relive the magic and intense emotions of all the “firsts” of that age.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Jade has a lot of witty, funny, snarky inner dialogue. Being inside her head is a lot of fun! She’s also self-deprecating, loyal, and fiercely loving.
I like to think she’s like Amelie, from the movie Amelie, mixed with Eleven, from Stranger Things!
When did you first decide to become an author?
I’m not sure I consciously decided to become an author. This story just insisted on being told. Quitting wasn’t an option, I HAD to get it out. It drove me to distraction to have it rattling around in my head!
Is this the first book you’ve written?
It is, but I have ideas for a lot more. Including two more (atleast) in this series.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I am a wedding photographer. I’ve had my own business for 25 years. I think observing people for a quarter of a century (oof) has made me skilled at reading and describing facial expressions and body language.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
Not enough! I work in spurts. I’ll be prolific for months and then drop off for just as long. I do not recommend this tactic! It means I am constantly rereading my work because I have forgotten what I wrote.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
Marketing. I love it because it’s a challenge, and it feels like the success of it is in my control. However, I also hate it because intellectually I know it’s a long game, but I still expect and want immediate results.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Remember that you are doing this for the love of writing the story. Just finishing it is a success. It’s a big deal to write a whole book! celebrate all the wins along the way.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
I don’t think so. I used to believe that traditional publishing was the more legitimate avenue. Since deciding to go indie, I’ve learned how mainstream it is. I think the control indie authors have over every aspect of their book and marketing is priceless.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I love the idea that I could change a person’s way of thinking. I know how much certain books have impacted me, and made me reflect years after finishing them. Books have literally made me a better, kinder person. I would love to know that I created a book that did that for someone else.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Alice Hoffman is one of my favorite writers. The way that she weaves magical realism into her work is beyond the beyond. I am in awe of her writing.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. That book DESTROYED me. It almost made me throw up my hands and say, “Forget it! Why bother? I’ll never write anything as good as this!”