FAQ
What inspired Emily Knight?
I didn't feel there were a variety of strong, ethnic lead characters in children's books. I also grew up watching anime and loads of Dragon Ball Z and X-Men. To be honest I just wanted to read a book that was based on what I liked to watch but I didn't want it to be a comic book. When I couldn't find that book, I wrote one.
What inspired The Christmas Heist in The Very Merry Murder Club?
I was in my raw stages of grief after losing my dad and I almost said no to being part of the Murder Club because I couldn't even write. Thankfully with my agent we managed to come up with an idea. I couldn't write something dark with my mindset at the time, so a dance book mixed with Oceans 11 was perfect for me. I really enjoyed writing Murder on the Dancefloor for The Super Sunny Murder Club.
What inspired Love In Winter Wonderland?
The lack of Black love stories especially at Christmas time. There are quite a few films based around that but not so much in books. All I knew is I wanted a fun and cool Christmas book based in Stoke Newington which is where I was brought up.
Which is your favourite book?
It used to be Emily Knight I am...Becoming but now with ten books in I have a few!
Which couple is your favourite out of your YA love stories?
I am obsessed with all of them but if I had to choose probably Trey and Ariel from Love in Winter Wonderland.
Your books read like movies. Why are they not movies yet?
Thank you and I don't know! Let me know if you know anyone who can help :) When it's the right time it will happen.
Are you going to write more YA?
Yes! I love writing YA and I will always have more books.
Who is your favourite book boyfriend that you've created?
I would say Saint from The Love Dare. Sain't pretty perfect.
Is it hard getting published?
Yes! I thought it would be a breeze but there are so many ways to get published, especially now via e-books.As long as you believe in your vision just do what's best for you. Be consistent and persistent and read in the genre and age group you want to write for. If you're determined to become an author then please keep writing.
You have such a diverse cast in your books - was that intentional?
Not really. I live in London which is a really diverse city and I have friends from all different races and backgrounds. Some of my best friends are Jamaican, Greek, Indian, Filipino - you get the idea! So I write about what I know. I wish more writers would have more diversity in their books.
Do you have an agent?
Yes I'm repped by the brilliant Gemma Cooper from Gemma Copper Literary.
Was it easy to get an agent?
I wish! I was trying to get an agent since I was 18 and secured one when I was 24 and then left them! I signed to Gemma kind of by accident. She was closed for submissions but was offering feedback during the Black Lives Matter Movement in the summer of 2020. I sent three chapters to her for feedback, she asked for the whole manuscript and a week later she signed me!
Is it true that you have the same illustrator as JK Rowling?
Yes! We both used the amazing Giles Greenfield for our book covers. I used Giles for the first edition of Emily Knight which I had self-published but that book is out of print now.
What is the best advice you were given?
Don't give up, write everyday and read everything. There's not any shortcuts so if you want something, be persistent and work on your craft even when you don't feel like it!
Is it true you got a 6 figure deal?
Yes in 2021. It was amazing and the timing was perfect as my family was grieving and it was the good news we all needed.
Do you think being a Black writer is harder?
There are not as many opportunities in general for Black people in publishing but it is slowly changing. I for one am using my platforms to help with that change whenever I can.
Is Emily you?
No lol I'm cooler than her!
Are any of your book characters based on you?
I would say I'm a mix between a few of my characters - Tia from Only for the Holidays, Boogs and Anika from Love in Winter Wonderland, Saint and Sharisha from The Love Dare and Wesley Parker from Emily Knight.
Do you have a favourite character?
Ooh that's a tough one. I always loved writing Lox Knight from Emily Knight. Maybe Boogs from Love in Winter Wonderland. I could write a whole book on Boogs.
Will there be anymore Emily Knight books?
I don't have plans for anymore but you never know. I love the warrior world so the door is always open.
How old were you when you wrote Emily Knight?
I was twelve years old.
What's the best thing about being a writer?
I can write all the crazy things that go on in my head.
Did you always want to be an author?
No I was going to be a lawyer or a tennis player - this is all my mum by the way! But in Year 7 my English teacher told me to be an author and that made way more sense.
Have you got any more books due out?
I have more Wild Magic and another kids book due out in 2025.
Are you going to do anymore pop up blogs after Rose?
Rose was so much fun to do and I wanted to see how it went. The views was so good that I wrote Lox and released that in 2015. Roberta came out in 2016 and The Knights in 2018 but I'm not sure if I will do more.
How can I learn about publishing a book?
There's lot of great free resources online to learn but social media is really good to get advice.
Who are your favourite authors?
Jodi Picoult, Sophie Kinsella, Jane Green, Lauren Oliver, Karen M McManus, Tiffany D Jackson to name a few. I am obsessed with all of Jackie Collins books!
What's your favourite book?
Ooh that's a tough one! I would go with Are you there God, it's me Margaret by Judy Blume. I've read it so many times my book is ripped! And Holding Up The Universe by Jennifer Niven. Jack to me is the perfect book boyfriend.
How many words do you write a day?
It varies because I have to write to a deadline so when the clocks ticking I can write super fast and always to music!
What are your thoughts on the lack of diversity in publishing?
It sucks! And has a black person, it's pretty discouraging. I can go on about diversity for days but it all comes down to publishers needing to do better! I'm so glad I have a publishing house and a book awards that is devoted to making a change.
What's your name on Instagram?
@abiolabello
Are you on TikTok?
Yes but not as much. I like the idea of filming but actually filming is a different story. It's @abellowrites