We chat with author Debbie Cassidy about Wicked Onyx, which is set in a ruthless magical academy and the last Onyx must unravel dark family secrets and navigate dangerous alliances to reclaim her legacy and make those who betrayed her pay.
Hi, Debbie! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hello! Firstly, thank you so much for inviting me to chat. I’m excited to be here. Now, a little about myself? Hmmm…I’m a UK based author, mum of three humans and two furbabies. I’ve been writing fantasy romance stories for several years, and I can’t get enough of it. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me deep in a book, playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends, board games with my family, or immersed in a gripping TV show. I’m a coffee drinker, a late to bed and early to rise gal with a penchant for dark chocolate.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I’ve always loved reading fiction, and my love of writing came with my desire to create story worlds of my own.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Tom’s Midnight Garden.
- The one that made you want to become an author: All of them!
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: IT by Stephen King because of the found family aspect.
Your latest novel, Wicked Onyx, is out February 10th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Ooo, that’s a hard one. Five words you say? A rollicking good time…Wait that’s only four words. A rollicking good time with teeth. Crap, that’s six. Hmmm… It’s a ‘Can’t stop reading it book’. At least I hope so. Gosh this was a hard one, and I failed. XD I’m sorry.
What can readers expect?
A dark academia set in a fantasy world, filled with rich lore, engaging characters, deep world building, and plenty of literary eye candy 😉
Anamaya is a morally grey heroine with bite, and I absolutely loved writing her. And if you’re a fan of found family and slow burn romances where you don’t know who she’ll end up with, you’re in for a treat.
Where did the inspiration for Wicked Onyx come from?
A very vivid dream. I kept thinking about it and the story bloomed from there.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
All of it! The world build and the lore scratched my world weaving itch. And Anamaya was a delight to sink into. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the dynamics of the relationships she forges. I had a blast!
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
I didn’t face any specific challenges. Wicked Onyx was a passion project, but I knew that I would be submitting it for traditional publishing, so I guess the only challenge was to try not to get ‘into my head’ about it. To write it as I would any other book—for joy, for myself, and for my readers.
What’s next for you?
More books in the Veritas Legacy. I’m working on the first draft of book 3 right now. I’m also dipping into Space Romantasy this year. The Darkest Stars, book 1 in that new series, is out now. I plan to write and release the second book later this year.
I have some secret projects that I’m plotting too. I’m so excited for the stories to come!
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up this year?
I have a huge TBR, and I’m very much a mood reader. But I’ve been longing to dive into The Will of the Many by James Islington, Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn, and The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig. Those are the top three that come to mind for me.
