Welcome to BookView Interview, a conversation series where BookView talks to authors.

Recently, we talked to Kellye Abernathy about her writing and her recently released, Amethyst, The Shallows, an immensely satisfying and poignant YA novel. (Read the review here).

Amethyst, The Shallows has such a gorgeous cover. Did you get to collaborate with the cover artist at all? If so, what was that process like?

Yes, I had creative input regarding the cover design. My involvement consisted of submitting ideas and providing key words and phrases that best represented moods and themes in the book. Once I knew that Kevin Stone of Atmosphere Press was designing the cover, I relaxed. Kevin did the cover for The Aquamarine Surfboard, so I was thrilled when he agreed to do Amethyst, The Shallows. As you can see, Kevin has an exquisite sense of color and is a master at capturing the essence of a character in expressive graphics—and, of course, his beach scenes are pure magic!

Amethyst, The Shallows features an ensemble cast of six distinct but interwoven characters. How did you develop their characters so that each one was unique from the next, but still believable characters?

I found writing multiple POV to be a joy—and an incredible challenge! To differentiate the characters, it was necessary to “live” with each one, seeking to understand what makes them special and unique, not only in voice and mannerisms, but in the way they view the world. At the same time, I sought to discover the qualities in each one that might spark growth and change. As it turns out, my characters have an important quality in common that inevitably leads to change. They are curious, a beautiful quality that expresses itself in strange and fascinating ways. Curiosity gets each character into trouble (and out of it), all the while helping them forge bonds of friendship and community, a major theme of the book.

Do you have a favorite scene or sequence in the book?

My favorite scene is a sequence with two characters named Tad and Isaac. Under the light of a haloed moon, on the shore of a star-studded ocean, the two boys witness a dazzling display of ocean magic—the kind that changes them forever.

What have you learned from publishing your first novel, The Aquamarine Surfboard, that you carried with you into the writing and publishing of your second novel, Amethyst, The Shallows?

Since writing The Aquamarine Surfboard, I’ve learned to celebrate every honest and constructive book review. Reviews serve everyone in the literary community. They inform readers and support the author by providing perspectives and feedback that have the potential to make future books better. I used to get nervous before reading reviews, but now I take a deep breath and value every honest comment. Every review matters.

Who (or what) are your writing inspirations?

I’m inspired by Madeleine L’Engle, known for valiantly writing across multiple genres and appealing to all age groups. L’Engle explored a wide array of subjects, adhering to one rule only: infuse the writing with the powerful magic of captivating story.

Are you yourself an expert on the ocean or surfing in your everyday life? If not, what kind of research did you have to do to flesh out Amethyst, The Shallows?

I’m not an expert on either subject, but I’ve spent countless hours admiring the sport of surfing and studying the ocean sciences. I take every opportunity I can to read science articles, listen to podcasts, watch documentaries, talk to experts, and visit marine sanctuaries. All that said, my favorite way to research the ocean and study surfing is to observe. As a yogi, I’m drawn to the quiet beaches where meditative surfers go. It is mesmerizing to watch them match their breath to the ebb and flow, finding balance and symmetry connecting to the greatest of elements, the vast waters of the unknowable sea.

What’s next for you as a writer?

I’m excited to be writing my next book, a continuation of the adventures of the kids in The Aquamarine Surfboard and Amethyst, The Shallows. The book is called Indigo, The Deep.

Aquamarine and amethyst are the colors of the shallows…indigo is the color of the deep.

Can you provide links to any of these:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbernathyKellye

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/kellyeabernathybooks

Website: https://kellyeabernathy.com

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