Coline writes the Aria and Liam series – middle grade adventures through different historical periods. Join us for a chat about her writing process and more!

Tell us a little about yourself – a brief bio, if you will.

I was born in Abidjan (Ivory Coast), raised in Paris (France), became an adult in San Diego (US), and launched my author career in Dubai (UAE). Beyond my love for traveling and experiencing different cultures, history has always captivated me deeply. Since childhood, I’ve been passionate about the mysteries of the past.

Growing up, I struggled with dyslexia and developed a dislike for the French language, leading me to jokingly aspire to be a “professional reader.” Fortunately, English became my saving grace, allowing me to transition from a reader to an author. After a time working in the luxury perfume industry, I felt compelled to share captivating historical stories with children, infusing each narrative with thrilling adventures.

What led or inspired you to start writing fiction? And how did you end up choosing your specific genre(s)?

Becoming an author was something I never imagined. It all started with my love for stories, which I believe offer us avenues to escape, learn, and evolve. Living abroad exposed me to diverse cultures, while my fascination with history unveiled timeless wisdom. Naturally, these influences merged into my writing.

Moreover, I was driven to depict an unbreakable friendship between a boy and a girl, accompanied by the friends they make along their adventures. Choosing the middle-grade genre felt right—it’s a time of youthful dreaming, free from the burdens of adulthood, and it shapes how children view the world. Through Aria and Liam, I aim to take kids on exciting adventures filled with humor and the warmth of friendship.

What has been the most challenging part of being an indie (self-pubbed) author? How have you tackled that challenge?

My biggest challenge as an indie author is competing with big corporations and their vast marketing and promotional budgets. However, I never considered querying large publishing houses because we are fortunate to live in a time when artists can thrive independently without surrendering their creative control. I was prepared for the reality that my book series might take longer to grow. My previous experiences working for small brands against industry giants like LVMH and L’Oreal taught me that while big corporations have money, they often lack the passion and creativity that smaller entities bring to the table. I want to craft my fictional world with the freedom to innovate and dream, even if it means facing greater challenges. Despite the hurdles, this journey fuels my determination and creativity daily.

What has been the most delightful or fulfilling part of being an author?

To create every day. I believe creativity is the fuel of the soul.

Tell us a bit about your process. Do you write every day? Do you have a specific coffee shop where you write? Etc. (What’s working for you, in other words?)

I aim to write every day, but my ADHD sometimes makes that challenging. I’ve learned to embrace periods of hyperfocus, where I can write for hours or days on end, followed by necessary breaks. Because I write historical fiction, I usually start by selecting a historical period and diving into research if it’s a time I need to familiarize myself with. After that, I take long walks with a piece of paper in hand, allowing the story to play out in my mind like a movie. Once the story takes shape, I focus on writing it and tweaking the plot as I go. When I hit a creative block, meditation helps unlock my creativity, making it one of the most powerful habits I’ve adopted in recent years.

Do you have a favorite review you’ve received, and if so, what do you love about it?

The best reviews I’ve received are the ones where readers express their love for Aria and Liam and their relationship. It’s incredibly important to me that people feel like they are friends with them. I want every child to feel included, believe they can be adventurous, and have compassion for others and themselves. On the other hand, I must admit that I generally avoid reading reviews because I don’t want them to hinder my writing process. The human brain has an annoying tendency to focus on the negative, which was helpful when we were hunters and gatherers but isn’t so helpful in the digital age.

What tips do you have for other authors working on their books? Things you’ve learned that you like to share with newer authors?

Don’t let outside nonconstructive comments influence your writing. Since I became an author, one of my biggest challenges has been accepting and learning to embrace negative feedback. It’s inevitable—not everyone will like your work, and that’s okay. It’s important to distinguish between negative reviews that are constructive and use them as opportunities to grow as an author. There are as many books as there are people, and this diversity allows everyone to find books they love. However, in today’s world of societal pressure and social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of not writing what we truly want out of fear of being canceled. I’m glad I chose this career because it forced me to overcome my fear of rejection and learn to accept others’ opinions without losing myself.

What was it like working with Andrea and Michele of Two Birds?

I worked with four different editors through a platform before finding Andrea and Michele through a recommendation in a Facebook group. Finding the right editor is one of the most crucial and challenging partnerships for an author. I believe in fully trusting the expertise of those I work with, and that’s exactly what I found with Andrea and Michele. They took on a significant challenge with me: English is not my native language, and despite studying in the US and living in an English-speaking environment, I still get addicted to long French sentences and crazy expressions! Andrea and Michele helped me see and improve the flaws in my writing, for which I am deeply grateful. Their personal touch and understanding are something a robot could never replace! Additionally, their advice on language has been invaluable, especially given the tricky nature of targeting the right tone for this age range. Working with them has not only improved my writing but has also made me feel more confident and understood as an author.

How did you end up choosing to work with us? What is the most helpful tip you can offer to authors who, like you, want to find the right editor for their books?

I make decisions based on intuition. When I saw the recommendation on a Facebook group, I immediately visited your website and reached out. After our initial email exchanges, I had a strong positive feeling, and my instinct has not failed me. I know Aria & Liam are in good hands. For authors looking to find the right editor, my most helpful tip is to trust your gut. Look for someone who understands your vision and makes you feel confident in their abilities. The right editor will improve your book and support you throughout your writing journey.

Where can authors and readers connect with you, and find your books?

I sell on all major platforms, but this year, I decided to focus on direct retail through www.ariaandliam.com. Beyond just the books, you can immerse yourself in their universe, discover illustrations of their daily lives in Sommetville, and follow their adventures. You can also connect with them on their social media pages (yes, they have their own!). More than just characters in books, I wanted Aria and Liam to live and breathe daily, and hopefully, they will soon come to life in animation.

Is there anything we haven’t asked but that you’d like to add?

One last thought I’d like to share is that every book has an audience. The challenge lies in finding your readers. Stay true to your voice and keep believing in your story, and your audience will find you.

Have questions about the editing process? We’d love to chat with you and help you figure out your next steps. Contact us to set up a free sample edit.

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