1--What is the title of your latest release?
MODERN FAIRYTALE! It comes from a line Selena Gomez sings in her song “The Heart Wants What It Wants” that I thought was cool.
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
Beneath the city of Toronto lies a secret, magical kingdom called Fairhaven—one Princess Esme finds dreadfully dull. She spends her days pulling pranks and ruining parties, much to her father, King Tedros's dismay. When she sabotages the anniversary ball, he finally takes the advice of the other families and kicks her out of Fairhaven to teach her a lesson.
Esme can return one day, but only if she follows a strict list her father has written. She must change her spoiled ways and help people, live on her own, and overcome her selfishness - among other goals. When she meets Noah Crawford, a humanitarian who works for a local philanthropy company, she thinks she's hit the jackpot. She plans to use him and work for his organization to convince her father she's changed...but things don't always go according to plan.
Soon, she discovers one of the Senators from Fairhaven wants to bring magic to Earth to rule over it, her boss at the humanitarian organization doesn't have the purest intentions, and old frenemies have wicked intentions for Fairhaven in her absence. On top of all that, she begins falling for Noah—and must decide if she ever wants to return to Fairhaven or if she's found a modern fairytale in the real world.
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
I read a lot of novels, and they’re usually set in the United States. I don’t mind that, but as a Canadian, I wanted to see more of Canada represented in fiction! So I chose Toronto. The magical kingdom in my book, Fairhaven, secretly lies beneath its storm drains.
4--Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
I would, yes! I love ballgowns and pranks. I think I’d ask her to make me an honorary princess, haha!
5--What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Brave, determined, and rebellious.
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I learned that I believe in true love and that it can change people for the best. It’s out there, waiting for everyone!
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I wait until I’m completely finished! It can be difficult to wait, but it makes it easier to fix it all when I’m done. Sometimes when I start writing, I’m not sure of the ending, so I need to make it to the end first before I edit!
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
So, so many. Sushi, chocolate ice cream, cookies. I’ll eat anything!
9--Describe your writing space/office!
Right now, I have my writing desk in my bedroom. My two cats sleep on my bed behind me while I write! In the future, I’ll be moving into my grandma’s house and taking my late grandpa’s old bedroom. I know he’d be proud of me and everything I’m going to write in that room.
10--Who is an author you admire?
Ruth Ware. I love her mysteries! Sherrilynn Kenyon and NK Jemisin are others. I love their imaginations. They think of things I never would’ve dreamed of!
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
Every book I’ve read has changed me in some way, but “Wishtree” by Katherine Applegate and “Holes” by Louis Sachar come to mind. They’re both beautiful stories about the power of friendship.
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
I was sitting in my rocking chair when I got the email that Oliver-Heber Books wanted to publish me. I was so happy! 2024 was a rough year for me from house renovations to a break-up so it was the good news I needed. They’ve been wonderful to work with!
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
It’s a tie between fantasy and mystery! Even better if the two genres combine somehow. Maybe I’ll write something like that one day!
14--What’s your favorite movie?
I’m a huge Star Trek fan, so The Wrath of Khan is high on my list. When I want romance, I always return to Notting Hill! Hugh Grant was a cutie back in his younger days. And the British accent? Swoon!
15--What is your favorite season?
Fall. I love to watch the leaves change color and the air get a little chilly. It’s the perfect season to curl up with a good book!
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
Something lowkey is best for me. I usually go out to my favorite restaurant with my parents and grandma. I love fettuccini alfredo!
17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
Dune part two was wonderful! Fast-paced and full of action. It’s a great reference if you want to write sci-fi/fantasy with battle scenes!
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
At the moment? Definitely Asian cuisine. I could eat Pad Thai, sushi, and spring rolls all day. Great, now I’m hungry, haha!
19--What do you do when you have free time?
Play video games and watch Star Trek! I love cooking and baking as well. Writing will always remain my number one passion, so I do that even in my free time.
20--What can readers expect from you next?
I have many different books coming out soon! I’m writing more fantasy romance novels and releasing mysteries. If you’d like, you can keep up with me on Twitter and Instagram and my official website. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy!
The Maidens of Fairhaven #1
Beneath the city of Toronto lies a secret, magical kingdom called Fairhaven—one Princess Esme finds dreadfully dull. She spends her days pulling pranks and ruining parties, much to her father, King Tedros’s dismay. When she sabotages the anniversary ball, he finally takes the advice of the other families and kicks her out of Fairhaven to teach her a lesson.
Esme can return one day, but only if she follows a strict list her father has written. She must change her spoiled ways and help people, live on her own, and overcome her selfishness—among other goals. When she meets Noah Crawford, a humanitarian who works for a local philanthropy company, she thinks she’s hit the jackpot. She plans to use him and work for his organization to convince her father she’s changed...but things don’t always go according to plan.
Soon, she discovers one of the Senators from Fairhaven wants to bring magic to Earth to rule over it, her boss at the humanitarian organization doesn’t have the purest intentions, and old frenemies have wicked intentions for Fairhaven in her absence. On top of all that, she begins falling for Noah—and must decide if she ever wants to return to Fairhaven or if she’s found a modern fairytale in the real world.
Romance Fantasy [Oliver-Heber Books, On Sale: November 19, 2024, e-Book, / ]
Dana Gricken is an author from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. From self-publishing her first series in 2018, she's gone on to sign book deals with Fire and Ice Young Adult, Melange Books, Bella Books, Roan and Weatherford Associates, Oliver-Heber Books, and Evernight Teen.
In her spare time, she enjoys watching Star Trek with her cats, reading, cooking, spreading kindness online, educating about mental health struggles, and playing video games. She hopes her books bring joy to people and wants to write over a hundred novels in her lifetime.
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