Jessica Spotswood is the author of the recently released young adult fantasy “Born Wicked.” She was in town as part of Penguin’s Breathless Reads tour and appeared at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville with fellow authors Beth Revis, Andrea Cremer and Marie Lu.
Jessica is thrilled that she is now a published author. She wrote three books in high school, but it was a book she wrote three years ago that got her an agent. That book was about a young artist who discovers an alternate world where artists are considered enemies of the state. While she was relating the plot of this story, the other three authors in the room were interested and commented that they wanted to read this book.
Her tour is to promote her debut book, “Born Wicked,” which sold in one week. And it’s quite a debut book — well- written, great plot, wonderful characters, and a satisfying ending that still leaves the reader wanting to know what happens next.
The story is historical in nature, but it’s an altered history. America consists of thirteen colonies, and China and Mexico have a major stake in much of the continent. Witches were originally in control of the colonies and advocated freedom of religion, but the religious sects revolted, took over, and killed most of the witches. Witches are still killed or sent to asylums if discovered.
Jessica says that although she hasn’t finished the trilogy, “The Cahill Witch Chronicles,” she knows the main outline of what will happen. That doesn’t mean that surprises won’t pop up and change things — but she enjoys the surprises that come up while actually writing the stories.
Jessica and her playwright husband live in Washington, D.C. with a cat named Monkey.
Visit Jessica’s website to see the book trailer. Jessica is a charming speaker and she lists all the events at which she will be signing books on the website also.