From the witty and powerful voice behind A Blade So Black, L.L. McKinney, and with endearing and expressive art by Robyn Smith, comes a vital story for today about equality, identity, and kicking it with your squad.
We had the absolute pleasure of chatting to Elle about her new release, Nubia: Real One, 2021 goals, book recommendations, and more!
Hi, Elle! Thank you for taking to the time to chat with us! First off, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself!
Ayyy! First and foremost, I’m a Blerd. I love everything geeky. Comics, anime, gaming, movies, dungeons & dragons, alla that. I have since I was little. My top three anime (right now) are Sailor Moon, D. Gray-Man, and Gundam Wing. I have a bunch of replica weapons from everything I’ve named hanging on my walls, and when I grow up I wanna be a firebender. Also, I write some squiggles on paper from time to time.
After the chaos that was 2020, have you set any goals for this year?
Yes! A lot of them are writer related. Launch a few new projects, wrap up production on other ones, polish up proposals to get the ball rolling on yet others, it’s always going. But I want to build in time to do absolutely nothing as well. Self care goals are important as well. Plus there are some shows, books, and games I need to catch up on.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
Quickly after I fell in love with reading. I loved storytelling overall, both creating and consuming it. I was real young, like pre-school years. I drew pictures to tell my stories at first, then progressed to what could technically be categorised as words.
Nubia: Real One is out February 23rd 2021! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Black Girl Magic with superpowers.
Now tell us a little more! What can readers expect?
Readers can expect a warm and funny coming of age story that doesn’t shy away from some of the harsh realities certain communities have to face. There’s super powers and heroes and shenanigans and parties! But there’s also very real moments that reflect the times. But the best part is they can expect a story for and about kids who now get to see themselves reflected in a hero who’s connected to something as powerful as the legacy of Wonder Woman.
Where did the inspiration for Nubia: Real One come from?
I was actually pitching Young Justice! And I figured I’d slip Nubia in as an addition to the team all sneaky like. But when they read her and about her they asked if I could pitch a story focused on just her. Uh, say less. So I pitched it, they loved it, and we got to work.
Robyn Smith is the illustrator for Nubia: Real One. What was the process like in bringing your story to life visually?
It was breathtaking. There wasn’t a single time getting a notification of new art didn’t bring me immense joy. I was overwhelmed sometimes. I cried sometimes. It was like reading my story for the first time, even though I’m the one that wrote it! It came to life in a whole new way.
What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?
Best: Do what works not only for you, but also for the project. What worked for book one might not work for book 2.
Worst: Writing is a distraction for Leatrice, and she should stop. That was my 9th grade English teacher. Yup.
What’s next for you?
Lots more books! Writing them and reading them. And a lot of naps.
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
- Legendborn, by Tracy Deonn
- A Song Below Water, by Bethany C. Morrow
- Hood Feminism, by Mikki Kendal
- Love is a Revolution, by Renée Watson
