We chat with debut author Shelly Page about Brewed With Love, which is a cosy sapphic romantasy about a teen witch trying to keep her family’s apothecary up and running, with a little help from her ex-best friend—and first crush.
If you pre-order Brewed with Love from Books of Wonder by January 12th, you’ll receive a signed and personalised copy, plus a bookmark, postcard, AND a special edition surprise art print!
Hi, Shelly! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi! I’m Shelly. I’m originally from Chicago, currently living in Los Angeles, and have a long distance love affair with New York. By day, I work as an attorney representing unhoused LGBT youth, and by night I write books!
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I think I was maybe ten years old. I started scribbling ideas in my notebook and then when we got a computer (I’m a ‘90s baby) I started typing them and passing them around to my friends and family. My mom always encouraged my love of reading and writing and I never stopped!
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: I think it must’ve been Where the Red Fern Grows or Because of Winn-Dixie. Both sad coming of age books about dogs lol.
- The one that made you want to become an author: I don’t think it was a book, to be honest. I think it was my mother’s encouragement.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: This is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone & Amal El-Mohtar.
Your debut novel, Brewed With Love, is out January 14th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Witchy lesbian small town romance!
What can readers expect?
They can expect a slow burn romance between a stubborn witch and her elusive first crush turned coworker. There’s lots of plant magic, quirky businesses, and a mystery!
Where did the inspiration for Brewed With Love come from?
Brewed with Love was inspired by a small town my mother used to live in near the Redwoods in California. Redwoods are beautiful, ancient trees along the central and northern coast. I wanted to write a story where a forest was at the heart of the book, so Brewed is set in Blackclaw Valley, a small town populated by witches who draw their magic from a redwood forest. The entire magic system is based on the properties of redwood trees. For instance, redwoods often grow in fairy rings, meaning they sprout new trees from their branches that end up being clones of the mother tree. One witch in the coven can clone themself and another can regenerate. I also wanted to write about a Black-owned business that really catered to its clientele and is a pillar of the community so that inspired Bishop Brews, the apothecary where Sage and Ximena work.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I honestly loved writing the scene where we realize why Ximena had to cut Sage off. It’s not the main mystery in the story, but it’s a pivotal moment for the characters emotionally and romantically. I think oftentimes people believe they have to keep the prickly parts of themselves hidden in order to be loved. That’s not true!
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
Yes! I think the hardest part was making the tonic recipes and investigative notes actually interesting to read! My editor wanted them to be as engaging as the rest of the story, so I brainstormed with a friend on how to make basic lists and facts sound funny and fresh. Most of the problems I encounter while writing are often solved by a good brainstorming session with friends!
This is your debut novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for your?
Rocky lol. The book I initially signed with my agent for died a submission. The next book I wrote received two R&Rs, one of which became Brewed with Love. In the interim, Night of the Living Queers sold and published, which is technically my first book baby. The takeaway is to keep going and try not to become discouraged by rejection. There is more than one path to becoming a traditionally published author.
What’s next for you?
Another (unannounced) YA romantasy! You can expect a similar vibe to Brewed with Love with more hijinks and flirting!
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up in 2025?
Honestly, so many! If We Were a Movie by Zakiya N. Jamal and Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory are at the top of my list!
