Zoraida Cordova is the author of "The Vicious Deep" trilogy, the "On the Verge" series, and the Brooklyn Brujas series. Her latest novel, "Labyrinth Lost", was a Tor.com Best Book of 2016 and an NPR Best Young Adult Book of 2016.“Labyrinth Lost” was also optioned for film by Paramount Studios.

I'm thrilled this episode is proudly sponsored by 'Libby', a brand new app lovingly developed by Overdrive (a company I've been a fan of for 6 years). Overdrive's vision and mission is to enlighten the world by reading, a vision that also aligns closely with my core beliefs. 'Libby' was designed for readers to discover and borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your library for FREE. Be sure to click here to learn more and download the app to your phone or tablet!

In today’s episode, Zoraida walks us through the inspiration behind “Labyrinth Lost” and how she created the religion in the novel. She also shares how the editing journey for her novel inspired new story lines and stronger characters, and what it was like to land the movie deal.

Further into our conversation, we talk about the importance of surrounding yourself with honest people in the writing community who push you to do better.

For craft-focused listeners, we discuss how your own family structure can inspire world-building ideas, and why Zoraida doesn’t always rationalize the characters’ emotions.

Say 'Hi' to Zoraida on Twitter and check out the books/resources mentioned in her episode over at her shownotes page by clicking here. And don't forget to follow her hiking journey on Instagram by clicking here!

Happy listening!

Xo

Yin

PS. Do you know anyone who would love our conversation? Please share this episode to help spread the word! 

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“At the end of the day, the only thing I can control are the words that I put on the page.” -Zoraida Cordova (Click to tweet)

“When we talk about mirror images in media and in society, it’s really important to be able to see a reflection of part of yourself.” -Zoraida Cordova (Click to tweet)

“Read widely…It helps you figure out who you are as a writer and how you want to tell your stories.” -Zoraida Cordova (Click to tweet)

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WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN TODAY'S EPISODE: 

• Landing a movie deal for “Labyrinth Lost”
• How your own family structure can inspire world-building ideas
• The importance of surrounding yourself with honest people in the writing community who push you to do better
• How the editing journey for “Labyrinth Lost” inspired new story lines and stronger characters
• The sources of inspiration Zoraida drew from to create the religion in “Labyrinth Lost”
• A look into Zoraida’s organized writing process
• The importance of giving your characters justice by not always rationalizing their emotions