An unforgettable fantasy debut inspired by West African mythology, this is Children of Blood and Bone meets The Little Mermaid, in which a mermaid takes on the gods themselves.
We had the pleasure of chatting with debut author Natasha Bowen about her novel Skin of the Sea, along with book recommendations, inspiration, and more!
Hi, Natasha! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I am a complete bibliophile who loves reading, writing, and is obsessed with stationery.
As the year draws to a close, how has 2021 been for you?
This year has been a turbulent one for various reasons, but it has also been a time where I have had the time and space to reflect. Because of this, 2021 has ushered in a great deal of change and growth. For that I am thankful. I also managed to edit one book and write another!
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I have always been obsessed with stories and reading. Writing was a natural step that came early. I remember writing and illustrating little homemade books at around seven years old. I wanted to create stories that you could get lost in.
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
I first remember reading ‘The Little Mermaid’ by Hans Christian Andersen when I was six years old.
The book that made me want to become an author was The Nancy Drew series. I loved the drama, and the fast-paced action.
The book I can’t stop thinking about is ‘Salvage the Bones’ by Jesmyn Ward.
Your new novel, Skin of the Sea, is out November 2nd! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Mermaids, magic, myth, courage, and love.
What can readers expect?
Readers can expect a story that explores the origins of Black mermaids and the glories of West Africa in the fifteenth century. They will find themselves in a world of Senegalese fairies, shape-shifting hyenas and deities from a spiritual belief system that still exists today. Skin of the Sea highlights West African knowledge, magic, adventure, and fellowship all wrapped up in an epic quest.
Where did the inspiration for Skin of the Sea come from?
I came across Yemoja, a Yoruba deity in the Ifá spiritual belief system, while researching more about Mami Wata. Presented as half fish and half Black woman, Yemoja was said to have left the rivers and streams that she inhabited to follow the first stolen Africans across the seas. Some say she wrecked the slave ships; others say she offered the enslaved comfort, and some believe that she gathered the souls of those who passed in the sea to return them home to their creator. It was this last belief that inspired me. What if Yemoja created seven Mami Wata to help her do this? And what if one of them found a boy alive instead?
Can you tell us a bit about the challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?
I wrote Skin of the Sea when I was teaching full time. I’m also a mother of three and so finding the space, energy, and time was one of the biggest challenges. I adapted to write in snatched moments in notebooks and then transferred what I’d written sporadically to Word. Perseverance was key. Even if it was only fifty words written on my lunch break… it all counted. The story really wouldn’t leave me alone and so it kind of flowed!
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I have to say that I really enjoyed writing Yinka. With a shaved head, an obsession with weapons and an unwillingness to take any disrespect, Yinka commands your attention and adoration. She is so visibly strong and fierce, but it is borne out of her love for those close to her.
What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?
The best piece of advice was to write the story I want to read. The worst piece of advice is slightly different–– I think it was having so many people try to impress upon me that I should write in a certain (their) way. We’re all different and I think it’s important to do what’s best for you.
What’s next for you?
Finishing the sequel for Skin of the Sea and drafting another book set in the same world.
Lastly, what have your favourite reads of 2021 been?
‘The Other Black Girl’ by Zakiya Dalia Harris blew me away! I loved the concept and the twists. It was so gripping that I finished it in two days.
