Spirit of the Fairytale Tradition

1) Hi! Let’s start from the top. What is your author name?

Miranda Levi

2) What inspired you to write this book?

In the realm of storytelling, I harbor an insatiable passion for mythos and the enchanting allure of fairytale retellings. It's a weakness of mine, an irresistible pull that captures my heart and imagination time and time again. So, when the desire to write this novel ignited within me, I knew I wanted to craft a tale that defied convention, one that hadn't graced the pages before. But let me tell you, that was no easy feat. It was an ambitious dream that seemed almost impossible to attain.

But then, in Slumberland, I had a fleeting glimpse of something extraordinary. It was a whisper of inspiration that danced in my mind, posing a captivating question: What if the fountain of youth took the form of a person? That was the moment everything changed. From that ethereal spark, “From A Youth, A Fountain Did Flow” was conceived.

In the spirit of the fairytale tradition, my story explores the boundless quest for eternal youth and the moral dilemmas it encompasses. It's an exquisite dance between the desire for everlasting life and the profound consequences that unfold.

Driven by the fervor of my passion and inspired by that serendipitous dream, I embarked on the journey of crafting "From A Youth, A Fountain Did Flow." It's a tale that blends the familiar elements of classic fairytales with a fresh, contemporary voice. I aimed to infuse the pages with raw emotions, heartfelt connections, and an undeniable tension that would leave readers breathless.

So, dear reader, join me as we embark on this enchanting adventure, where the boundaries of myth and reality intertwine and where the power of the written word holds the ability to transport us to realms both extraordinary and achingly real. Together, let us explore the depths of desire, the fragility of the human spirit, and the echoes of eternal youth that reverberate throughout “From A Youth, A Fountain Did Flow.”

3) What can we expect from you in the future?

I have a new novel coming out in October, Mo(ther) Na(ture).

When two sisters quarrel, humanity is on the brink of extinction. Mona, the logical scientist and creator of Earth, has been caught trying to destroy humankind yet again. Her sister Penny, the passionate and impulsive creator behind humans, challenges her to live in a human's shoes and experience their emotions before she carries out her plans to delete the human race forever.

With a bit of glitter, Mona uploads into her first human meat sack - a teenage girl - and quickly learns what it's like to feel loathing, desire, and friendship. But as she delves deeper into human history and their cruelty towards each other and Earth, she decides they're not worth saving. Overwhelmed by emotions, Mona is torn between wiping the entirety of Earth with the push of a button and fulfilling her bargain with Penny. Can she learn to be human, even with all their faults? Can she give up who she is as Mother Nature to stay on Earth?

Ma(ther) Na(ture) is a YA novel that explores sisterly bonds while imagining what playing The Sims with a defibrillating 3D printer would be like. Fans of Sophie Kinsella and Rainbow Rowell will love this heartwarming story about sisterhood, love, and what it means to be human.

4) Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?

I have ideas, but none I’ve put to paper yet. I am, however in the middle of writing book two right now. There is so much more to come!

5) How did you come up with the title of the book?

The process of coming up with the title for “From A Youth, A Fountain Did Flow” was rooted in a pivotal moment within the story. In this instance, the inspiration for the title came from a poignant poem that appears in the book. This poem holds great significance, serving as a catalyst for the main character, Scarlet, to realize her true potential and purpose.

At the beginning of the novel, Scarlet is burdened by fear and haunted by loss. She feels like an outsider, constantly on the run. However, as the narrative unfolds, Scarlet embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery. She encounters genuine friendships for the first time and begins to unravel the mystery of her own identity. Gradually, she starts to feel a sense of belonging and understands that her existence holds greater meaning.

It is within this pivotal moment, inspired by the poem, that Scarlet has a profound realization about herself and her place in the world. The phrase “From A Youth, A Fountain Did Flow” encapsulates this realization, symbolizing the awakening of her inner strength and potential. It represents the moment when Scarlet recognizes that she is destined for something greater than she initially believed.

The chosen title not only reflects Scarlet's personal growth but also captures the essence of the narrative's themes and emotional journey. It serves as a fitting representation of the transformative nature of the story, where a young person discovers their own power and purpose amidst a backdrop of adversity and self-discovery.

6) If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

If my book were to be adapted into a film, envisioning the perfect cast to bring the characters to life is an exciting prospect. For the lead role of Scarlet, I believe that Jenna Ortega or Jaz Sinclair would be phenomenal choices. Both actresses possess the talent and versatility to portray Scarlet's complex journey, capturing her vulnerability, resilience, and growth with authenticity and depth.

As for the character of Zig, I envision either Chance Perdomo or Xolo Mariduña as ideal candidates. Both actors have demonstrated their ability to embody multidimensional characters and deliver nuanced performances. They could bring Zig's charm, enigmatic nature, and inner conflicts to the screen in a compelling and captivating way.

Lastly, for the character of Marcus, I could see Michael Cimino as a great fit. Cimino has showcased his talent in portraying characters with emotional depth and sincerity, making him a suitable choice to capture the complexities as well as the humor of Marcus.

7) Tell me about your book.

Supernatural meets The Raven Boys in this thrilling young adult fantasy horror novel about a girl who has lost everything and finds herself in the center of a war between witches and demons. In a world where anything is possible, can she find the things that keep her human? Or is she doomed to a dark destiny? Love. Fate. Courage. Darkness. Thrust into a timeless battle between an ancient network of witches and the demon underbelly who will stop at nothing to possess her regenerating body. Scarlet Singer must decide what is worth fighting for in this life. Love, fate, and a greater destiny are all at stake. When Scarlet stumbles upon a poem written in a journal for her more than a hundred-and-fifty years earlier, she must face her greatest fears and accept the possibility that she is the fountain of youth personified. Only a Telepath named Marcus and a Void named Zig stand between Scarlet and the battle over her future. Whom can she trust when both sides have enough reason to end her? If any of them knew the truth, her life would be forfeit.