Seeing ourselves in books? Amalie Howard (she/her), USA Today bestselling author, thinks that’s one of the most important things fiction has to offer. (And she’s right.) For National Book Month, we spoke to her about her journey as a writer, her forthcoming romantasy book, and her fave romance tropes. 📚

Have you always wanted to be a writer? Tell us about your journey.
As a voracious reader from a young age, I fell in love with the magic of story. From the Brothers Grimm to Tolkien to L.M. Montgomery, I read anything and everything I could get my hands on. I journaled and wrote poetry through my childhood and adolescence, and stories became an escape for me.

Though I pursued a successful career in information technology in NYC, I missed writing. In my late 20s, I wrote an urban fantasy young adult novel, which was published by a small press in 2011. I wrote YA fantasy, YA Sci-Fi, historical romance for adults, and a YA historical fiction novel. Now, I’m delighted to return to my fantasy roots with my upcoming series for Avon!

You’ve said before that inclusivity is really important in your work. Why is that, and how do you ensure your stories make the readers feel seen?
It truly is! Books should reflect the world in which we live, which is a beautifully complex and culturally rich place. Everyone deserves to be able to see themselves on the page because human beings are an inherently social and communal species, which is vital to our survival and collective sense of identity. We have a biological need to belong, and while we might not always make those social connections in real life, we have a greater chance to see those deeply vital connections reflected in books. The idea of reading something and thinking, “I am not alone” is an incredibly powerful catalyst. In fact, a book saved my life when I was a young adult suffering from undiagnosed PTSD, anorexia, and bulimia. I saw so much of myself in the heroine and I remember thinking—“I don’t want to become her; I don’t want to die.” That novel lit a life-saving spark.

As a neurodivergent BIPOC woman in America writing from my own diasporic experiences, I’m well aware of the power words can have. It’s challenging being in a mainstream world where the default is white, straight, cisgender, and able-bodied. It’s even harder finding your own place in the microcosms of marginalized communities with the infinite complexity of intersectional identity. The weight of representation doesn’t fall on one story—it falls on many stories—because at the core of it, representation is not relatability. The more inclusive books that are published, featuring characters of color, LGBTQ+ persons, and people with disabilities, the better for everyone. The world needs those stories more than ever and that’s how we grow as a nurturing, mindful global community.

From my perspective, I hope that my books are empowering, allowing my readers, whether they’re younger readers, teens, or adults, to have agency and embrace their beautiful differences, to live bravely and fiercely, to feel like they belong in a world that might not always be welcoming or kind, and to be confident in expressing their own wants, needs, and desires. Because they are enough, they are worthy, and they matter.

You have a new book coming out in January. What’s The Starlight Heir about?
I do and I’m so excited about this book! Steeped in Indian and Persian mythology, astrology, and chiromancy, The Starlight Heir tells the story of Suraya Saab, a bladesmith from a small desert in the magicless realm of Oryndhr, who receives an invitation to the royal palace to compete for the crown prince’s hand, only to discover that it’s a ruse to find the prophesied Starkeeper—a magi with the power of starlight in her veins. When Suraya’s magic awakens in a desperate bid to defend herself, she realizes that she’s the one from the prophecy and that nefarious forces within the Imperial House intend to weaponize her magic to resurrect an ancient ruthless god. She has to flee, but only by putting her trust in the handsome, illegitimate half-brother of the crown prince, who has dangerous secrets of his own. While on the run, Suraya must not only try to master her magical gifts before she inadvertently harms anyone, but she has to guard against threats from all sides… including a possessive dream-walking god whom she isn’t sure is real and the very real prince who is steadily compromising her heart. Hindered by betrayals and devastating loss, to save the realm from eternal darkness, she’ll have to choose: stand and fight or kneel and die.

As romance lovers, we’re very familiar with tropes here at The Newsette. Which are your favorite and least favorite?
I love romance tropes! My favorites are enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, fake dating, and marriage of convenience. My least favorites are anything to do with adultery/cheating and abuse. Now what I love are micro-tropes like forehead kisses, touch-her-and-die vibes, I’m no good for you, travel/quest, dream play, heroine-who-can-fight, horny-for-forearms, and teach-me lessons, to name a few.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently? What’s next on your TBR list?
A book I recently enjoyed was Goldfinch by Raven Kennedy, which was the conclusion to her Plated Prisoner romantasy series. Next for me is Jodi Picoult’s By Any Other Name, which I’m super enthusiastic about.

Lastly, is there anything exciting coming up for you that you’d like to share?
I turn 50 this month, so I’m very excited about that. I’m very thankful for the life I’ve built so far, both personally and professionally, and I’m proud of my accomplishments. I’m looking forward to what the other side of the century brings. On the book front, I’m excited for the forthcoming release of The Starlight Heir as well as some exciting developments around that series, including rights and special editions as well as blurbs from some great authors. This book is really special, and I hope readers love it as much as I do!