Interview with Sara Ella! | Happy Release Day to The Looking-Glass Illusion <3

Step through the looking glass. Slay the Jabberwock. Seek the King.

Some of y'all may remember one of my last blog posts I did called the Mid-Year Book FREAK OUT Tag . . . . and you might also remember just how much I mentioned The Looking-Glass Illusion by Sara Ella . . . yeah, it out of 13 questions, it made 7 answers . . . 👀 What can I say, when I find a book I love, I want everyone to know.

Which brings me to why I'm posting on a Tuesday.

Well, my friend, it is to announce that . . .

Today is the official release day of The Looking-Glass Illusion!!!

Please tell me I'm the only one excited over this!

*pauses for fangirling (or boy-ing 😉) in the comments*

To say that I've been waiting for this release date for over a year is not even exaggerating. I've been wanting to have this book on my shelf since before I had a cover! . . . or a blurb . . . or a title . . . or really even the first book in the series. 😂 And now it's finally out in the world and able to be read by everybody and on bookshelves across the country . . . *dies* Goodness, I sound like it's my own story that's going out to the world, not someone else's. 😂

Well, anywho, enough of me fangirling . . .

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Just kidding! It's release day. You didn't think I'd let y'all off that easy, did you? 😏 No no, Dodo. First, allow me a moment to share the blurb with you, and then I get to tell you something really exciting!!

♥♦♠♣

Step through the looking glass. Slay the Jabberwock. Seek the King.

Alice is not prepared to face what awaits beyond the Tulgey Wood. When she and the rest of Team Heart enter the fourth and final Wonderland Trial, it’s up to her to lead them to victory. But this Trial is more than a game. If Alice and the others fail to defeat the Jabberwock and reveal the truth about Wonderland, more than points and fame will be lost.

Chess Shire never believed he’d make it this far. Now he’s stuck navigating a Trial he’s seen but doesn’t remember, all while searching for the brother he left behind. Not everything is as black and white as the game that shares his name. And if Alice discovers his deepest regret? Chess might just lose her too.

Apart, Chess and Alice scour the eight squares of the Heart Trial in search of memories, truth, and an Ivory King who seems more illusion than reality. Will they learn to lead together to face their greatest fears? Or will they remain pawns in a queen’s game, never truly seeing the Wonderland they’ve come to believe in?

♥♦♠♣

*sighs happily*

Well, after that lovely, lovely blurb, I guess I can just end now! See y'all!

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Oh that's right, I promised y'all something else, didn't I? 😏 Well, I guess now I have to tell you . . .

I had the opportunity to interview Sara.

*dies*

May I just say, this was literally a dream come true? Sara is my favourite author of all time and to have her here on my blog . . . 😱😭🥰. So, without further ado, the time has come (the Walrus said) to talk of interviews and things!

First off, what is your heart behind this duology?

I wanted to write a story that showcased what believing in the impossible might look like in a fantasy setting. I also wanted the themes of found family and trusting others to be prevalent throughout. Alice in Wonderland was the perfect inspiration for such a story. She spends a lot of her time in the original books alone or encountering strangers, which led me to think about how we as humans learn to build trust with others over time. Sometimes breaking the barrier of distrust feels impossible, which is why leaps of faith are so important and necessary for growth.

What made you want to start writing and how old were you?

I have been writing since I can remember, mostly because I love stories. I love written stories, and stories in films, plays, and even through dance form. I always used to write little poems or make up plays for myself and my siblings and cousins to perform on holidays. I think it was my high school literature teacher, though, who fostered my love for the craft and encouraged me to pursue it. From there I went on to read Harry Potter and fell in love with young adult fiction. The rest is history!

Who is your favourite character you've ever written and why?

Each character has walked me through a different season of life, so I love them all for different reasons. It's hard to pick a favourite overall, but I can't help but love all my guys, mostly because each of them has a piece of my husband in them—especially Chess Shire. ;)

What are three books (fiction or nonfiction) you wish more people knew about?

The Siren by Kiera Cass, Write Your First Novel by Steve Laube & Gilbert Morris, and Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer

What is the best piece of writing advice you've ever heard?

"Just because writing is hard, that doesn't mean you're doing it wrong." ~ Nadine Brandes

Aaaaand because I couldn't let an opportunity slip by . . . I made an aesthetic reel for it to. 👀 Please don't judge.

If the video doesn't work, copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFtmvR8tdM/watch <3

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Once upon a time, Sara Ella dreamed she would marry a prince and live in a castle. Now she spends her days homeschooling her three Jedi in training, braving the Arizona summers, and reminding her superhero husband that it's almost Christmas (even if it's only January). When she's not writing, Sara might be found behind her camera lens or planning her next adventure in the great wide somewhere. She is a Hufflepuff who finds joy in the simplicity of sipping a lavender white mocha and singing Disney tunes in the car. Sara is the author of the UNBLEMISHED trilogy and CORAL, a reimagining of The Little Mermaid that focuses on mental health. Her latest journey into the world of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland feels like coming full circle after her time spent chasing a white rabbit around Walt Disney World. Sara loves fairy tales and Jesus, and she believes “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away.” Connect with her online at SaraElla.com or find her on Instagram at @saraellawrites.

SARA'S GOODREADS

SARA'S INSTAGRAM

SARA'S WEBSITE

Okay, now it's really done. 😊😉 I hope y'all enjoyed this lil' impromptu post! I sure did. 😁

Have you read The Looking-Glass Illusion? If so, who is your favourite character? What other books of Sara's have you read? Who else is excited for fall? (🙋‍♀️) How can I pray for you this week? I'd really love to know! <3

Cheers!