Hello, Jean! Thanks for inviting me to your blog. My name is Maureen Sherbondy. I am a novelist, a short story writer, and a poet. I live in Durham, NC with my husband, Barry Peters. Barry is also a writer. 

My poetry and short stories have appeared in many literary journals, including Litro, Calyx, The Cortland Review, The Oakland Review, Jet Fuel, Prelude, WigLeaf, the North Carolina Literary Review, Stone Canoe. Luck Brilliant is my first YA novel. I am also a college English teacher. Originally from New Jersey, I have also lived in California and Pennsylvania. More can be found about my books at www.maureensherbondy.com

Tell us about what you write.

I write across the genres. I have published 10 poetry books, a short story collection, and a novel. I also love to write flash fiction. Lucky Brilliant is my first YA novel.

When did your writing journey begin?

I began writing when I was 8. Words and stories have always fascinated me. Making up stories drew me to writing. Books inspired my early imagination. 

What was your inspiration for Lucky Brilliant?

Lucky Brilliant began with the main character, a 15-year-old girl named Lucky Brilliant. The premise: What if a young girl discovers that her father was not the person she thought he was? Do we ever really know our loved ones?

Do you find inspiration in your own life for your writing?

I find inspiration everywhere! In overheard conversations at the mall food court, in books, in my imagination. 

Tell us about LUCKY BRILLIANT.

Fifteen-year-old Lucky Brilliant wants to change both the past and the future. One evening her father, Chase Brilliant, goes out to purchase canvas for Lucky’s social studies project; he doesn’t return home. While Lucky wonders where her father is, Chase is murdered for his winning lottery ticket.

After her father’s death, Lucky and her mother, Alice, are left destitute with overdue bills piling up, no food in the pantry, and the new threat of foreclosure hanging over them. Alice, overcome with grief, discovers unsavory revelations about her deceased husband. She stops teaching piano lessons and retreats to her dark bedroom with wine, neglecting her daughter.

As her life is unraveling, Lucky seeks comfort in her best friend, Eva, a worldly tenth-grader and fashionista. She also finds solace in Silas, her first romantic relationship. 

Throughout the novel, the true character of Lucky’s deceased father is revealed.  

When Lucky begins having dreams that predict the future, she attempts to change the outcome, only to realize that neither the past nor the future can be altered. Most importantly, Lucky must accept the fact that her father was not the man she thought he was.

Tell us about your experience with the publishing process.

I first tried to get an agent. When that failed, I found an independent press in Texas. I have been very happy with Black Rose Writing. Before signing a contract, I spoke to a few of their authors. It is always a good idea to conduct research. After hearing positive things about the press, I signed with them. My experience with Black Rose Writing has been very positive. They answer questions immediately and do what they say they will do. I am very happy with them. In addition, they are very knowledgeable about marketing. 

Any new projects on the horizon?

I have a new poetry book scheduled for release in Spring, 2022 with Unsolicited Press. I have also started a new YA book. In addition to these two projects, I have completed a new novel (and am sending query letters out to agents). 

 Words of advice for fellow writers in the trenches:

Revise, revise, revise. Carve out time for writing. Don’t give up. Find a writing support group. 

What was the hardest part of the story to write/research?

I had trouble with POV issues. The book originally was written from 4 different points-of-view. It took some time to realize that the book should be told in first person (from one point-of-view). 

 "Lucky Brilliant is a deftly crafted and fully engaging read from cover to cover and replete with many an unexpected twist and turn. An ideal addition to the personal reading lists for ages 15-21, as well as high school and community library YA fiction collections, Lucky Brilliant will leave readers looking eagerly towards author Maureen Sherbondy's next novel.”

—     Midwest Book Review