On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Marianna Peci discusses her new book, A House Of Scarlet Souls, in which Veronika, a determined huntress whose reality takes an unexpected, monstrous turn, is forced to question the very nature of truth and illusion.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Marianna Peci about her life and career, what inspired her to write A House Of Scarlet Souls, and her creative writing process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I feel my answer might be somewhat expected, or basic, please don’t be bored by it. I am Italian, born in 1997 and so for some part of the Gen Z generation, and for others not. I grew up raised by grandparents, mostly because my parents were always working. I grew up surrounded by more than just Italian: I had my mum’s family who spoke French every chance they got, and carried some of their tradition from Switzerland, where my mum and her brothers grew up.
On a similar level, my dad’s family is British and that also came with some traditions, no less an always present offer to have a tea when I was visit them. I think it was more that normal that growing up I got passionate about learning new languages, and the idea of traveling to new places (though, on that, I still have a lot of work to do).
Of course, moving to England after high school, I was finally able to focus more on my interest, something that the Italian settings has unfortunately challenged. So after working in a store, every occasion was a good occasion for me to look back at who I wanted to be when I was younger (a writer and an actress) and I started to work towards that goal.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I think I might have just started high school? While before that I wrote many mini stories, I am also fairly sure I wrote my first ever book after discovering an Italian writing site when I was around fourteen. I wrote the entire book (and I might pick it up again one day in the future) and from there I kept writing books and planning stories to no end.
When did you take a step to start writing?
I don’t think I can really pin point the exact age. I know however that I was a child who once just opened her fridge for a snack. I’m not sure what happened in my mind, but right after I ended up writing a full story about animated cutlery, romance and adventures. The enemy had to be present, of course. I’m not sure if I should give credit to my artistic journey as an actress, who might have influenced my writing or not. But everything started as a child and never stopped.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
It takes me a few months (if I’m completely free) to write a full book and in high school that’s sort of the amount of time it normally took me. However, I rewrote AHOSS as an adult, so if we actually look at the timeframe between the ever first draft (at the time it was called The Huntress) to the publication, it took multiple year.
What made you want to write A House Of Scarlet Souls?
It might sound crazy, but it was a photo. There was a red hair actress from a tv series, and she was wearing this sort of red riding hood costume. I saw the picture and got a completely unrelated story in mind (nothing with fairytales except that cape that first appeared in the original draft). The cape was later removed, but the entire saga literally arrived just because of that photo. I saw it and I started to imagine every single characters, their connections, lives and all. At that point I had to put everything on paper and I am so happy I did it.
What were your biggest challenges with writing A House Of Scarlet Souls?
Rethinking on the story as an adult. When I was younger and I first drafted it, I also let my fantasy go, but now I wanted to make everything perfect and for that I needed to make sure that I had a plan for everything. Also, many characters somewhat changed and making them real was my biggest fear. Have I managed to? According to some reviewers I did, but that was my biggest fear.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
The photo, she literally came to live just because of that photo. There are some external influences, of course, but that single photo was enough for me to decide all about Veronika’s journey. Looking back at it, I find quite funny how that was enough to create this character that I am absolutely in love with, writing her it’s always so funny.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
I love drama, that’s how much I can say. I feel that giving the extra (real) answer might spoil a bit too much. But I love drama and unperfect relationship, even within groups (friends, family) as no one will ever be identical to the other.
What is the inciting incident of A House Of Scarlet Souls?
An unlucky birth? Am I allowed to say that much? The absolute moment where everyone would be like “are you serious?”. In my mind that made it for me.
What is the main conflict of A House Of Scarlet Souls?
Family, in the real sense.
Did you plot A House Of Scarlet Souls in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
Bit of both? I know some scenes in advance. I know the ending too. But I don’t know every single scene and chapter. Also, I might plan but then the characters just do what they want. So I just follow the flow.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did A House Of Scarlet Souls need?
A normal range? I’m not sure, I suppose my editor should answer that better than me. But I absolutely needed my editor to help me work on the story. As I also write in Italian, in reality I had the Italian editor being done first to actually conclude the story. Than it got translated and had to work with an editor in English again. It takes a lot of work.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Having a plan is always good (and putting it on paper is especially good because it can help you in the future, even if you want to return to it). Do not exclude anything, you might even use it for a future story. But let your characters take control, sometimes they need to say things too.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I am currently writing the third book in the series and editing the second. There would be a novella (hopefully, but thinking of two) attached to it and then the other in the series (planning for four to five main books). There’s a chance I will focus on a fantasy in between (pure fantasy, not urban). It’s also an old story of mine but definitely revisited. I blame photos again, cause many characters arrived unexpectedly because of them. Currently planning on dragons, magics, a couple of artifacts and a few royals with quite some variegated pasts. A lot of influence came from Merlin, for sure.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
It absolutely did, but I won’t lie, impostor syndrome is always there. I am always afraid of tomorrow and what if I won’t get to my plans in time. I feel it’s important to speak about this as well cause I don’t want everything to sound too magical and perfect. Doubts are always along the way.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Apple Books: https://apple.co/4eJpP1e
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4eeSkE1
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3ZE4QbM
Website: https://mariannapeci.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MariannaPeci
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariannapeci
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariannapeci/
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jjbarnes@sirenstories.co.uk
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