Welcome to #TheQuickSixInterview with Belinda Topan!
We’re riveted by our next guest’s story! Both thrilling and heart-wrenching, One of a Kind is a unique and exciting coming of age journey of self-discovery (and vampires!) for young adult readers. Sparking with action, magic and the supernatural, author Belinda Topan brilliantly taps into the psyche of her powerful heroine, Ceres, as she embarks on a secretive, surreal adventure into the underworld seething with challenging treachery and startling revelations.
Thanks, Belinda, and congratulations on this powerful novel! 🙂
About the Author
Belinda Topan is a huge fan of all things vampire-related – it’s what she writes, reads and watches the most. For Belinda, her biggest inspirations for writing come from the music she listened to and shows she watched as a child. They transport her to a world where she can explore her imagination and create stories that she’s passionate about.
Belinda has self-published three books – Living with Vampires, Sunset, and Sunrise. Belinda is passionate about the arts and loves being involved in the community.
Please find Belinda Topan at her website: Belinda Topan – Author, Music Lover, Gamer, Vampire Reaper and on Instagram and Facebook.
One of a Kind is available for pre-order and e-book from Belinda Topan’s website.
WHO wrote, illustrated and published this book?
MEEEEEE! Well, I wrote the book and published One of a Kind; I had help from Kathy Shanks at the wonderful Turtle Publishing for the cover, and I couldn’t have done it without her.
WHAT is it about?
One of a Kind is a young adult supernatural book about a teenage girl trying to find her path in life whilst her guardian rules her life with an iron fist. Her best friend Zack ends up missing, and she is plunged into a new reality.
What is your favourite part of this book?
When she starts looking for her friend. I was doing some research for old caves and underground old buildings in Brisbane city. I wrote this really cool scene searching through the old sewer pipes, made from brick and mortar back in the 1800s, and she discovers a secret underground club. The best thing about writing is bringing real locations into a mythical setting and creating something from it.
WHEN did you begin writing this book?
Oh gosh, I started writing this book back in high school, and have been on and off writing this book for over ten years. Been wanting to give this book the time and justice it deserves to make sure I am 100% happy with it and I can proudly say I am.
When is its release / launch date?
Release day is on the 27th of October 2024 😀
WHERE did the inspiration for this book come from?
Hmmmmm, there are a lot of things that gave me inspiration. I can say a combination of things. I was really into Buffy the Vampire Slayer when I was a teen and wanted a strong female character. I also wanted to have more supernatural themed stories here in Australia. It’s always in America or the UK and we never see any down under. Music has also been a huge inspiration for me as certain songs I would listen to and scenes would appear or help me understand what my character is feeling and how I can convey it.
WHY is this book meaningful to you?
This book is meaningful to me because it helped me heal. Writing is a very powerful tool for me, helping me convey my thoughts and feelings in a story. Guiding a character who is unlikeable and eventually watching her grow and become a better version of herself, even if it’s a slight change, it’s a step.
Why would its message resonate with readers?
I hope this book give comfort to people who are trying to find their own path in the world, how they feel and know they can achieve their goals, along with knowing that someone has gone through these thoughts, feelings, experiences and not feel alone. A chance to sit there and go; “I know this feeling.”
HOW do you feel about the cover design? How does it convey the feeling or mood you envisioned?
I adore the cover; it gives this feeling that the main character is alone, illuminated by the lights of Brisbane city. I like having her back to the reader, give her a faceless identity where someone could put themselves in her shoes as she stands before the water looking longingly at the city.
How have you promoted this book and how can we find it?
You can find my book on my website & Amazon.
You can also check out my Instagram and Facebook and keep yourself up to date when I announce my 99c deal 😀
OTHER information or experiences you’d like to share?
I hope you enjoy my little book. It has taken me a long time to publish this story, going through many drafts and rewrites. The first five, maybe six, drafts were definitely a written letter about how angry I was at the world when I was in high school, but I can say now, it is no longer that. Traces of this anger are in there but given purpose for my character and how she moves forward. I look forward to bringing you along on this journey.
Thank you for sharing your personal and insightful story, Belinda! 🙂
#thequicksixinterview #oneofakind #vampirestory #youngadult #justkidslit
