Meet Anna Bright.

Anna Bright is an indie bookseller by day and an author by night who still gets in trouble for reading when she’s supposed to be doing other things. When not hiding out among books, she loves concerts, roller coasters, and adventures at home and abroad. Anna lives with her husband and cat in a charming cobblestoned neighborhood in Washington, DC, but you can find her online at www.annabrightbooks.com and on Twitter and Instagram at @brightlyanna.

 

The Interview.

Hi Anna! Thanks for joining us today!

 

If you had a choice, what character from any book series would you go on an adventure with for the day? Would you cat, Salem, agree with this choice?

I think, of all my characters, I’d want to adventure with Homer. He’s grumpy and old and he’s SEEN THINGS, and he’s got some great stories. Also, he’d probably teach me how to navigate and also maybe to fight. Salem would dislike Homer because Homer has such literal, physical thick skin that he wouldn’t respond to Salem biting.

 

Who would you want to be in your debut novel, The Beholder?

I think I’d want to be Skop. He’s got a home he loves a lot, but he’s also got this itch to see things, and he’s lucky enough to be able to chase that. And I identify with that restlessness, a little bit. 😊

 

As a bookstore employee, did that enhance your desire to write or hinder it at any time?

Working at the bookstore changed the game for me. I was an avid reader and a committed writer when I came to work here, but after I started at One More Page, I was absolutely swimming in great content and reading outside my comfort zone. It was also really helpful to be in an environment where I was interacting with people; I’m a natural introvert, but if I’m not careful, all the voices of my characters start to sound like mine, so it’s essential I get out. There’s also something magical about working with books that actually makes my heart glow. So, definitely enhanced. Also, my coworkers are the best and most supportive.

 

What is your dream adventure?

I’ve already taken my dream adventure! It involves day hiking in Wales and eating in pubs at night. I guess the “dream” part is doing it every year? Or maybe getting abducted by fairies while I’m there and not returning to the real world? If that happens, nobody come after me, know that I’m happy where I am.

 

If you could be any magical character (villain or hero!), who would you be?

Yvaine, from the film adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s Stardust. It’s my go-to down-in-the-dumps movie and Yvaine is a glorious, funny, sharp-witted character. Also she’s literally a star.

 

How has life changed since you’ve been accepted by a publisher? What was it like to receive that news?

I lost my mind. I happy/ugly cried for hours and jumped up and down like a pogo stick. It was incredibly exciting to sell a book. And my life has changed! All for the better. It’s amazing to have a publisher like HarperCollins behind me, to be challenged by such an excellent editor and to have the support of such a dedicated team. It’s also mind-blowing to see the cover art that the story inspired—I feel so thankful.

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers today?

I’m so appreciative of the enthusiasm readers have shared!! It’s odd that my stories aren’t just for me anymore, and it’s scary—a little like letting people read your diary. But it’s even more exciting to know that I’ll get to share all these things that have been boiling in my brain. So, I guess I’d just like to say—thank you.

 

Thank you Anna! It was a pleasure having you today on Bookish Looks.

THE BEHOLDER debuts June 4, 2019 – have you gotten your copy yet?