We chat with author Riss M. Neilson about I’m Not Supposed to Be in the Dark, a paranormal young adult romance that follows a teen convinced that her best friend–turned-enemy is possessed by a ghost.
Hi, Riss! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi, all! I was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and grew up on fanfiction.net, Gossip Girl, Dragon Ball Z and Goosebumps books. I watch anime and replay the same songs over and over. I spend free time playing video games like Stardew Valley and rewatch the same comfort shows every year (The Vampire Diaries, Jane the Virgin, Stranger Things are among a few. I used to watch The 100 twice a year until season 7 broke my heart and left me with cracks and bruises). I have two amazing kids. The oldest just turned fourteen and the youngest is barely twelve but already has a teenage attitude. This year, I’ve been on a book buying ban (kind of) and so far have managed to read twenty books off my shelf. It’s been incredible and I can’t believe some of these titles have been collecting dust for years.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I think my love of stories started with hearing my grandfather tell them while we were planting vegetables in the garden or sitting in the backyard at night. Then, in the fifth grade I won a poetry contest and my poem was published in an elementary school anthology. It was about spring time and blooming flowers and I was so very proud of it. I don’t remember a year I spent not writing after that.
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 think one of the first books I remember reading was Wayside School is Falling Down. I’d have to say it was The Hunger Games that made me want to write a novel because before that I was only writing slam poetry, Gilmore Girls and Dark Angel fan fiction. Lately I’ve been hooked on Taylor Jenkins Reid. She has become one of my all time favorite authors so it’s hard to pick just one book, but I can’t stop thinking of Malibu Rising.
Your latest novel, I’m Not Supposed to Be in the Dark, is out May 9th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Secrets, rekindling, love, mystery, revelation
What can readers expect?
A dangerous, yet flirty ghost, a quirky grandfather who sells magical things, a main character who thinks she’s a detective, dancing under moonlight, a big discovery, and maybe even some kissing. Readers of my first book, Deep in Providence, can also expect to see a few returning cast members that I had so much fun bringing back. Lolo Zack is actually a character from my first book.
Where did the inspiration for I’m Not Supposed to Be in the Dark come from?
After writing an important thread about possession in Deep in Providence, I found myself wanting to dive deeper into the thread and unspool it, give it more space, and this specific story started with a scene I mostly kept as is: Aria Cayetano watching someone walk into the woods at night. The story felt like it poured out of me after I realized the someone was Derek Johnson, and that she wished she could talk to him.
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
This is truly, honestly, so very hard because I adored writing this entire cast. All of them were so much fun, and if I ever get the chance I’d love to continue some of their stories. But Lolo Zack stands out to me at the moment. He’s funny, sneaky and mischievous, protective, a little selfish, and is the perfect person for Aria to banter with.
This is your second novel with Deep in Providence published last year. Have there been any key lessons learnt since then when it comes to writing and publishing?
As far as publishing goes, I think I’ve learned that so much of it is out of my control and writing is the only thing I can truly do to continue to change the trajectory of my career. Most authors can’t control marketing or the way our book’s are received by the industry or by readers: a fact that was a bit hard to come to terms with early on. But I’ve learned to ride the waves and enjoy the fact that I’m doing something I really love. Years ago I was working as a nursing assistant, a job my heart wasn’t in, and now I get to write stories for a living. I’m really happy to be here and thankful for the ability to grow as a person and writer and author friend. I think as far as the act of writing goes, I’ve learned that I don’t have to stuff everything I love into one story, that there will be space in future books for other things.
What’s next for you?
My debut adult romance novel Wild in the Sun will be out with Berkley next summer and I’m so excited. I’m currently getting started on a second adult book which will also be published by Berkley.
Lastly, are there any 2023 releases our readers should look out for?
I’ve already read and absolutely adore Unholy Terrors by Lyndall Clipstone. I’m excited about Never a Hero by Vanessa Len. The first book in the series, Only a Monster, is still one of my favorite books. I’m looking forward to Sing me to Sleep by Gabi Burton and If I have to be Haunted by Miranda Sun.
