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CHRISTINA: Rowan Brighton Brown first came on my radar on X/Twitter when they offered free query critiques—and hundreds responded. Of course, I had to follow the person who put themselves out there like this, giving back with time and knowledge. As of December 26, they had beta-read eleven drafts and critiqued 208 agent queries for free. That's my kind of energy, and I was thrilled when Rowan agreed to my interview.
When did you first think you had a book to write and how did you start?
ROWAN: The first time I decided to sit down and truly write a novel was in early middle school.
My guess is that I’m a part of one of the first generations of writers who have an electronic draft from their childhood saved in perfect condition. (And let me tell you, that is a mixed bag!)
That first book was about a group of kids who had gotten into trouble with technology, being sent away to a school with no modern machines. The kids spend a lot of time navigating card catalogs and rotary phones, and, of course, get in more trouble with the technology they cobble together from smoke detectors and stolen cell phones. It’s nowhere near finished or readable, but it’s quite cute.
The book opens on an incredibly boring scene where the students go on a tour of the school kitchens. It spends a lot of time describing cabinets and floor plans, which initially puzzled me, but now I think it taps into something brilliant.
As an adult, the inside of a lunchroom kitchen doesn’t interest me at all. I have enough life experience to make good guesses at what food they’re making and how. But kids pass by the closed kitchen day after day for years and are never allowed to enter. To a child, those swinging metal doors are as exciting as a portal to another world!
I try to keep a little bit of that perspective with me whenever I’m writing for young people. They find magic in all sorts of places that are no longer obvious to us.
CHRISTINA: What is your current project or latest release?
ROWAN: I’m currently working on a queer Appalachian horror novel called White Trash Witchcraft. The book follows eighteen-year-old Sierra as she searches for her dad who has disappeared into the opioid-riddled underworld of the Blue Ridge Mountains. After tracking his last known location to a harm reduction clinic, Sierra meets an intoxicating and infuriating intern who offers answers about her dad and questions about her sexuality. Together, they find a disease creeping through users’ veins like kudzu–and it looks more like an ancient family magic than any ordinary infection. Perfect for young adult fans of Wake the Bones, Compound Fracture, and The River Has Teeth, White Trash Witchcraft examines the monstrous consequences of generational trauma alongside the backwoods magic of motorcycles, methadone, and Mothman.
CHRISTINA: Sounds like a timely project! I can even see that translating to film.
Have you gone on an author pilgrimage or research trip? Where and what was the most memorable moment?
ROWAN: White Trash Witchcraft is set in rural North Carolina and though I’m from the area, I’m
currently in school in another part of the country. I’m incredibly grateful to have received a grant from the National Young Arts Foundation and a place at the Azule Artist Residency that allowed me to return to my mountains to research and write.
One of the most difficult things about writing White Trash Witchcraft was capturing the authentic experience of Appalachian witches and folk healers. The traditions are primarily passed down orally in communities that are historically insular and distrustful of outsiders. One night, we had a potluck and invited neighbors from the surrounding hills to come talk, eat, and share. Everyone had stories about ginseng and tobacco, opinions on the words “hillbilly” and “redneck,” and concerns about their traditions dying out. When I spoke about my project and desire to include other people’s stories, there wasn’t any hint of distrust or insularity. Instead, the group wanted to share their knowledge and practices that were so close to being lost. The shift in attitudes due to the palpable fear of Appalachian culture being left behind gave White Trash Witchcraft new urgency.
Interested readers can add White Trash Witchcraft on Goodreads and see videos of the potluck and other experiences at Azule on my Instagram and TikTok.Photos of Azule Artist Residency
CHRISTINA: What an inspiring place, beautiful experience.
What are you reading now?
ROWAN: I’m just finishing up the masterpiece that is Demon Copperhead! The book is an Appalachian retelling of David Copperfield, and it’s one of the few books I’ve read that accurately captures the voice of the region.
I’m a big fan of retellings in general, in fact, the book of mine that is on submission is a middle-grade retelling of Twelfth Night! My next project will likely be a spin on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, which is my other current read.
CHRISTINA: Ooh, that's exciting. Crossing all the digits your novel finds a home.
Best advice for new writers:
ROWAN: My advice for new writers is to prioritize and compartmentalize the parts of the process that bring you joy. Especially if you’re pursuing publication, the desire to write things that appeal to agents and editors and the tendency to measure your worth based on other people’s responses can be deadly to your love of the craft. I find that if you separate the excitement of creation from the drudgery of submission, it’s much easier to create a sustainable and fulfilling practice.
CHRISTINA: That is not only practical but sounds like a super healthy approach to craft and the industry. Thank you for your time in sharing your story and photos. I wish you luck on your current writing project as well as your novel on sub.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rowan Brighton Brown is a queer Southern writer hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains. They have a BA in English from Smith College and specialize in lyrical and lingering books for middle-grade and young adult audiences. They are currently a mentor with the Write Team Mentorship Program and SmoochPit. When they aren't writing or editing, they can be found in their local library or exploring the outdoors. Connect with Rowan via Website Goodreads Instagram X/Twitter Bluesky TikTok
Story sounds so cool. Reminds me of my Appalachian roots.
Rowan, thanks for sharing your time helping others with their queries and your experiences here on Christina's site! Great interview -- and I'm with you on Demon Copperhead. What a great book! Best of luck with your novel; White Trash Witchcraft sounds timely, fascinating, and frightening (in the best of ways).