I am delighted to welcome children’s author Lexi Rees to my blog. Lexi is a fellow Chindi Authorwho writes for young adults. Her book Eternal Seas was published by Matador, in September 2018.

What inspired you to write for children?

I really enjoy reading middle grade books, particularly fantasy adventures. My son and I often share books – when he was little he brought me a copy of “Magyk” (the first in the Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage) home from his school library because he thought I’d enjoy it. He was right – the whole series was great.

We still often share recommendations. When we were on holiday this summer he insisted I read “Red Rising” by Pierce Brown at the same time as him so we could discuss it.

Writing in a genre you love is such fun. I know some people research hot topics and write to fit that regardless of whether it’s Cowboy romances or mermaids, but I think I’d find that quite hard to do.

As well as more kids books, I do have plans for a few grown-up non-fiction books too though, in areas I’m passionate about.

Where did the idea for your novel come from?

The Relic Hunters evolved through wildly imaginative discussions with my son. When I physically started writing it, I was sitting in a marina in Turkey, but a lot of the plot twists were invented on a hiking trip with my son in Scotland. I think and write best whilst outside, either by water or in the mountains.

How have you created characters that your readers can relate to?

I did a lot of work on character development. One of my fantastic editors (Emma Mitchell from Creating Perfection) pushed me really hard to make sure the characters were engaging, and I’ve been really pleased that so many of my reviewers have commented on them.

I particularly wanted to make sure that Finn, Aria and Pippin were all strong characters in their own right – I didn’t want any sidekicks with no purpose.

I also wanted to cover non traditional family structures (adoption) and sought feedback to make sure it was handled appropriately for the readers age.

How does your story captivate and hold it’s audience?

Ooooh – I think that’s a question for my readers! I wouldn’t like to presume on their mahal!

Here are a few comments from their Amazon reviews …

“There were times when I was sitting on the edge of my bed with adrenaline and times when I truly believed that I was a character in the book. Sometimes in the evening I ended up going to bed later than I was supposed to (don’t tell my mum!) because i was so hooked. Each individual character has its own strength and weaknesses but they all care for each other and help each other. This book is definitely up in my top book list. I am about to read this for the fourth time when I have finished writing this review! Any Mums reading this review please buy this book for your kids, boys or girls.”

“I loved Eternal Seas because of the suspense and plot twists, I didn’t want to put this book down and wanted to keep reading as I really enjoyed it.”

“It was so creative and gripping. The storyline was fab with a cliffhanger at the end. The characters were believable and I could relate to Finn!!”

So I think their answer to your question is the plot and the characters.

What’s the best bit of feedback you’ve had from a child?

My team of beta readers were fantastic, each giving me different feedback. One of them was so enthusiastically positive that her mum was worried I wouldn’t get anything useful from her comments, but actually it was her gaps that gave me some of my best insights because I knew they were areas where I needed to focus my attention!

What can we expect from you next?

The sequel to Eternal Seas is well underway, with lots more action and adventure, and some ponies as well as boats, plus I’ve got two non-fiction projects and another couple of middle grade fiction ideas that I’m developing.

If you’d like to hear the latest news, plus get exclusive behind the scenes insights, competitions, and maybe even become a beta reader, please do join Lexi’s secret readers street team, here.

Eternal Seas, the relic hunters book one.

The Blurb:

Such a small parcel shouldn’t cause experienced smugglers much trouble, but this parcel is far from normal.

Lost and scared after a violent storm, Finn and his sister, Aria, take shelter on a remote island. They discover the parcel contains a relic belonging to a long forgotten people. Locked inside are powers which will change their lives, and the world, forever. As Finn realises his connection to the relic, a vision strikes him – but what does it mean? Who should they trust? And if they decide to follow their hearts rather than their orders, will they manage to deliver the relic in one piece?

Chased across the seas as they try to solve the mysteries within the parcel, the fate of this ancient people depends on them. Finn and Aria must choose between what is right and what is easy – and time is running out …

About the author: