We’re so excited to have YA author Autumn Krause on the Ready Chapter 1 blog today! Autumn is the author of A Dress for the Wicked and Before the Devil Knows You’re Here which comes out tomorrow (10/3)!
Hi! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your upcoming novel, Before the Devil Knows You’re Here?
Definitely! I’m Autumn Krause and I’m an author living in Orange County, California with my husband and two children with a third one on the way. Despite the perpetual sunshine, I’m most often found wearing a black lace dress and drinking hot black coffee
Before the Devil Knows You’re Here has such a unique premise! How did your idea for this book begin to take root?
I’ve always found apples as a literary motif fascinating. They pop up in all sorts of myths and classics, often symbolizing knowledge, temptation, or beauty. At the same time, I’ve also always loved folklore and fables, especially the old-world versions that are quirky and full of danger. Combining these two interests was just so perfect for an American gothic style retelling and I absolutely loved drawing the story out.
What did your road to publishing look like for your debut novel, A Dress for the Wicked?
Haha it was loooooong. It took me years to write the book and then I revised it for a few years with my agent. But then it sold in the first month of going on sub! It was a good lesson for publishing: things either crawl along at approximately 1 inch per every 5 years or they literally go the speed of light.
RC1 is here to help budding authors get their books published. What is one piece of advice you wish you could give to yourself back when publishing was just a dream?
There are no wasted words. Every word you write, even if its dies a swift death under the delete key, teaches you something about your craft
What is your favorite part about writing books for young adults?
The writing! I love it so much. Just getting lost in another world of my own making for hours on end and it feeling like two seconds. Strangest transmutation of mind, time, and magic and I love it.
What has been the most challenging part of being an author?
Pouring yourself into writing a book, loving it dearly with all your heart, and not knowing if others will see it the same way you do.
Can you provide links to any websites or social channels you’d like readers to follow?
@autumn__krause (two underscores) on Instagram
@autumnkrause on TikTok
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