We chat with author Anna Mercier about All We Hunger For, which follows a young woman who sneaks her way into a magical baking contest but gets pulled into an elusive aristocrat’s lavish world and his nefarious plan as rebellion brews in their city.
Hi, Anna! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m someone who’s worn a lot of hats in life: marching band/theatre kid, public educator, coach, event-organizer, gamer, hiker, secretary for a port-a-potty place. Okay, I put that one last for comedic effect. I only worked there for a few summers during college, but it’s a fun factoid to throw in there. At my core, I’m a community builder. I’ve always been known to rally groups together, and that’s continued in my publishing career. Not only do I share craft tips and tricks on socials, but I co-host Turning to Story, a podcast centered around a love of the craft to make it through the publishing industry. Outside of writing, my entire goal is to become the kind of person whose house you never leave hungry or without leftovers.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I always loved storytelling, but I think it manifested as a dramatic kid crawling through the Appalachian woods, pretending to be Indiana Jones. I was always playing pretend, acting out scenes by the creek or in my bedroom. I think this came from my father who had an intense love of films and mythos for different music groups. When I was in college, and the only socially acceptable way to continue galavanting in the woods was a rousing game of Humans vs. Zombies, I tried writing. I haven’t stopped since.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli (I haven’t thought about this book in years!)
- The one that made you want to become an author: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (my copy is filled with annotations)
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin (the prose! the characters! the twists!)
Your latest novel, All We Hunger For, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Everyone deserves food and art.
What can readers expect?
The book started as a love letter to Great British Bake Off, and it has so many little nods in there for people who love the show. However, it’s also about the power of food and art. Throughout history, those in power have used both as weapons against the poor, so I wanted to write a book that tackled those issues. While there’s romance and found family, they come together over their experiences with food insecurity and the innate human drive to express themselves.
Where did the inspiration for All We Hunger For come from?
My husband and I love cooking shows. Any new season of Chef’s Table is an entire event in our lives. Years ago, we were watching a new season of Great British Bake Off, and I paused it to say, “Why doesn’t this have romance and magic?” My husband, never one to crush my dreams, politely said, “I think it’s because this is the real world.” That was enough to make me write a world of my own in which contestants had romantic flings and could bring a curmudgeonly version of Paul Hollywood to his knees with magic.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Those who know me know this answer. Say it with me… Nik. While Elara is our main POV, I knew this book needed Nik’s perspective too. Elara is intensely connected to her art, and Nik is the opposite. Life, and his father, have pushed him to conformity. The moment he meets Elara and sees what magic she can do? His entire world breaks open, releasing the floodgates on his creativity. It allows him to question what he truly desires beyond what he’s been told he should want, and I just loved writing that from a thematic standpoint.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
Revisions. So. Many. Revisions. Between writing contests, rounds with my agent, and finally rounds with my editor, I think I overhauled this book ten times. One particular time, I laid on the floor and cried because I wasn’t sure if I could do it again. I dug deep, found merit in the feedback, and revised once more. I’m glad I did because my editor offered on that new version. Looking back, I’m glad I was able to find the importance of each revision. While some notes didn’t land, I was able to interpret feedback into what could make the novel stronger and push it in the direction I’d always wanted it to land.
This is your debut novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
Incredibly fun! I started pursuing publishing about eleven years ago, and that path has brought some incredible people and memories into my life. I was selected for Pitch Wars (a now disbanded writing contest) twice, and I devoured every bit of information I could from each round. I also met some incredible people who’ve turned into life-long friends. That community and growth mindset (shout out to any teachers reading) really made those long years of churning out books (five books to be exact) so joyful.
What’s next for you?
While promoting my debut, I’m also teaching myself to fast draft, which means I may or may not be working on something new. I’ll also be starting to record new episodes for Turning to Story with my co-host Lyssa Mia Smith, author of Revelle and Gilded in Vengeance, in August once life calms down a bit. On the non-writing side, I’m going to soak up the rest of summer with friends.
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?
If you’re looking for a cozy, fun read reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films, please check out Spellwright by Heather Kassner! Another cozy read that felt like a warm hug was Caroline Bonin’s A Barista’s Guide to Love & Larceny. On the mystery, suspense side, A House of Vipers by Emma Jackson kept my up way past my bedtime. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of Catching Feelings by Emily Charlotte who helped me fall in love with contemporary YA romance. I’m also arms-wide open for two adult novels: Unfinished Business by Clare Osongco and The Jori by S.Z. Ahmed.
