Author Interview with Natalie Lloyd

The DMS was lucky enough to interview Natalie Lloyd. Lizzy reviewed her new book A Snicker of Magic, and it was great to share our thoughts about it and hear yours! We're excited to learn a little more about her story. So, without further ado... take it away, Natalie!

What inspired you to write A Snicker of Magic?

For a long time, I thought the first spark of inspiration came from an Avett Brothers concert. They’re my favorite band, and it was the first time I’d heard them live. The concert was so inspiring; people danced together in the aisles and sang out the words to their gorgeous lyrics. It made me chill-bump happy. I remember telling my brother it was more like a magic show than a concert, and I think that’s when I started daydreaming about a town where music connected people in a magical way. 

But it wasn’t until I was revising A Snicker of Magic that I realized I’d also written it because I missed my grandparents. They’ve all passed away now, and I miss them every day. But there are certain days when the missing-place still feels especially intense. I spent lots of time with them when I was little, and they always made me feel loved and brave and smart. They were wonderful storytellers, and they encouraged me to tell stories. My grandfather played a guitar and a banjo. One of my grandmothers loved to make quilts. One year, my other grandmother gave me a book of poems for Christmas with notes in the margins about why she liked particular passages. It was like she’d pressed memories in the book for me to keep. All of those memories (and lots more) found their way into A Snicker of Magic. I wrote the story because I was homesick for people I love, and miss.

How long did it take you to write A Snicker of Magic?

I wrote the first draft over a summer, but my rough drafts are rough. I revised it several times after that, and revised it again with my agent before I started working with my editor. From first line to finished book, it took a few years (which actually isn’t that long). But I’d been saving up bits and pieces for that story long before I ever started writing it. I think that’s true of every writer, with every book. Technically, I know all stories have a certain starting point. But in some ways, I think every story is the product of a lifetime. I think writers hide their memories, wonders, hopes and fears in stories all the time, without even realizing it. 

What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?

I love this question! I’ve jokingly said my writing inspirations are Roald Dahl and Dolly Parton (except I’m not really joking at all). I like magical realism and I’m partial to Appalachian settings, music and folklore. Dolly and Mr. Dahl really are inspirations to me, and have been since I was little. 

But there are two book series’ in particular that made me a reader for life, and made me want to be a writer when I grew up. The first was The Babysitters Clubseries, by Ann M. Martin. The other was The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, especially The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Even as an adult, I think about Aslan when I need to be brave.

Where did you come up with the characters Felicity and The Beedle? 

The characters that finally show up on the page are the result of months of daydreaming. I remember jotting down the name Felicity Pickle long before I started writing the story. Sometime later, when I thought about the kind of character who could see words … I knew that was Felicity’s journey. The word-collecting idea came from the Beatles song “Across the Universe.” A lyric in the song mentions words “slithering and slipping” through the atmosphere. I’m still smitten with that image. I couldn’t stop thinking about how rad it would be to actually see words that way. Felicity and I also share some of the same hopes and insecurities. But she’s much braver than I am. 

I pictured Jonah as I was writing the first draft of the book. Felicity met him at exactly the same time I did. Suddenly, he was there, and he was Jonah Pickett from the start. Jonah reminds me of some friends I’ve been lucky enough to have. Plus, I know what it’s like to be the new girl in a new place. I think I wanted to create the best friend Felicity could have ever hoped to find. 

The path to publication varies from author to author. Every author has a unique story and one that other authors can learn from. Can you tell us a little bit about your path to publication or do you have any advice for new authors? 

I’ve wanted to be an author since I’ve been able to daydream. I loved to write, and knew I would always be a writer. But it took some time for me to stir up enough courage to actually pursue publication. I spent lots of time researching agents. And then I spent time researching how to write a query letter. My agent is Suzie Townsend, and she’s so smart, creative, and talented. After asking for my full (which, as fellow friends who’ve been in the Query Trenches know, is worthy of a celebration in itself), she got back in touch with me so quickly that I assumed it was a polite rejection. It was, in fact, an email about setting up a phone call. Suzie connected me with my editor at Scholastic, Mallory Kass. Working with Mallory has taught me so much about storytelling and writing. She’s incredible. I can’t believe I get to work with both of them. They’re a dream team. That’s the short version of a longer story, though. On the road to publication, I hit lots of rejection-potholes. 

Since I’m so new at this, I don’t feel like I have much advice I can offer. But I wish I could give new authors - and someday-authors - a standing ovation and a cupcake. I think you’re so brave for putting your heart out there. Here are some reminders I have for myself: Keep writing what you love. Keep investing in the relationships in your life, and not just the ones on your pages. Step away from the internet sometimes - and away from reading about publishing - and just write. Take care of your heart, and your mind. And, if at all possible, snuggle a sweet dog at every given opportunity. 

If you could live anyplace real or fictional, where would it be? Why?

Biscuit :)

Green Gables! But only if I could be Anne the whole time I’m there. Actually, that would be my ideal version of Austenland. I want an Anne-land, where I could cosplay Anne, and actors dressed as Gilbert and Diana would hang out with me at ice cream socials. (… Am I making this weird?) As far as real places, I’m smitten with London. I love British history, culture and literature. I don’t want to live there (I would miss my mountains too much) but I daydream about spending a summer there. Really though, I feel home whenever I’m with Biscuit (my dog) and my family. I get to spend quite a bit of time with them right now, which makes me so happy. There’s a lyric in a Mumford & Sons song that I like: “I will learn to love the skies I’m under.” Right now, I love the skies I’m under. I’m grateful.

 If you could befriend a character from one of your books, who would you befriend? Why?

Maybe this is too obvious, but my first pick is Felicity Pickle. I know what it’s like to be the new girl on the first day of school. I’ve always been quite shy, and so I know how hard it can be to reach out and connect with someone in a new place. There’s also a new character I’ve written named Cody Belle, and she would be a wonderful friend. She’s funny, dependable, always up for an adventure, and very astute at determining when her BFF needs to chill out and drink hot cocoa. I think those are fine qualities. 

Where do you like to write? We know you love The Avett Brothers, do you listen to music while you are writing?

My number one favorite place is the back porch of my sister’s house. She lives in south Georgia, down a red dirt road in a house surrounded by tall pine trees. Also, my phone and wi-fi don’t work so well when I’m there, so it’s a perfect, quiet space to create. When I’m home, I like to write from a floral couch near the fireplace. Or in a faded pink wingback chair near a window. I like to write on my bed too, because it’s easy to spread out notes and make a cozy spot for Biscuit. 

As far as music, it depends on what I’m working on. This probably sounds weird, but I like the Avett Brothers so much that I can’t really listen to them while I’m writing. I start singing along or thinking too much about the lyrics. Their music informs so much of what I do though. Their songs make me think more about characters and about wordplay in general. During early drafting, I sometimes listen to a Pandora station, movie soundtracks or even an app on my phone that makes rain sounds. But I’ve always liked to write when it’s quiet, too. Quiet except for the sound of clicking keys. 

Are you currently working on a book? If so, can you tell us a little bit about it?

I am working on a new book. Thanks so much for asking! I can’t wait for readers to meet these characters. I don’t want to say too much about it yet, just in case I make some more changes in revisions. But I know it’s about a brave girl, a singing ghost, a buried treasure and hot chocolate. 

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Words, Words, Everywhere!

“In all my years of word collecting, I've learned this to be a tried and true fact: I can very often tell how much a person loves another person by the way they say their name. I think that's one of the best feelings in the world, when you know your name is safe in another person's mouth. When you know they'll never shout it out like a cuss word, but say it or whisper it like a once-upon-a-time.” ~ Felicity Pickle, A Snicker of Magic

Felicity Pickle sees words around people and items, so she collects and keeps track of them. She finds them all over the places, especially because Felicity, her mom, and her younger sister are travelers. They never stay in any place very long, that's just the Pickle way. When they visit Midnight Gulch, the town where her mama grew up, Felicity finally finds the place she wants to call home. Maybe it’s because she meets her best friend in the whole world, Jonah, there. He fills her in on all the unique parts of the town and even takes her to meet the person who makes the ice cream the town is known for. I mean who wouldn’t want to eat ice cream with mysterious powers that can make you brave, or remember something, and the names are just as interesting as the flavors. Jonah has a secret – pumpernickel. He not only shares it with Felicity and lets her in on what “The Beedle” is and how much he helps people, but he also challenges her to participate in “The Duel”. Now Midnight Gulch has been known for the magic in its people. Unfortunately since many years ago when the two Weatherly brothers decided to duel to see whose magic was better there’s only been a snicker of magic in the town. Just a hint of magic in every nook and cranny. Will Felicity get her wish and get to stay in Midnight Gulch? Will she be able to overcome her fears about public speaking and talk at “The Duel”? How can the magic come back to the town and its people? Will Felicity ever be brave enough to try the memory ice cream? You'll have to read this spindiddly story to find out!

When I met the author Natalie Lloyd at the Connecticut Children's Book Fair, I wanted to read her story because she seemed so sweet and interesting. When I started reading A Snicker of Magic I immediately fell in love with the writing. Natalie Lloyd has a lyrical way with words that lull you into the story while the characters worm their way into your heart. I love the character of Felicity and her ability to see words. As someone who loves words and reading I thought it was the coolest thing ever to be able to see words hovering in different places and above people. The words she collects are unique, eclectic and sometimes brand-new. I was sad when the story ended because I wanted to find out more about Midnight Gulch and its unique magic. I recommend this book to kids in fourth grade and up who love a good story about family, friendships, and magic. I definitely plan to read more by Natalie Lloyd.

Has anybody else read A Snicker of Magic? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L

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Answer to Monday's Riddle: Feeling Like Ice Cream?

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! This week we're in for a special ice cream treat. Lizzy's review will make us feel the excitement, and Friday we've got a treat for you, so be sure to check back! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

Ebenezer Bleezer

I'm cold, but mostly sweet, and known to be special treat. My colors are flavors with rainbows on top, and you'll usually find me near places you shop. Shared with a friend or enjoyed all alone, I'm tasty dressed up or served in a cone. A comfort to those who are feeling sad, though too much of me is thought to be bad. But what a delight to go out for me! Such joy I'll deliver for a very small fee. Ebenezer Bleezer was someone who mixed me up right, with so many choices you must try a bite!

What am I? Answer: Ice cream! 

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Monday's Riddle: A Flavor for Everyone...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? Going out for this is a tradition in my family. Margo and I love it! ; ) ~F

I'm cold, but mostly sweet, and known to be special treat. My colors are flavors with rainbows on top, and you'll usually find me near places you shop. Shared with a friend or enjoyed all alone, I'm tasty dressed up or served in a cone. A comfort to those who are feeling sad, though too much of me is thought to be bad. But what a delight to go out for me! Such joy I'll deliver for a very small fee. Ebenezer Bleezer was someone who mixed me up right, with so many choices you must try a bite!

What am I?

I gave you a clue! 

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