Monique Ocampo Writes
Mariella Hunt is 20 years old and lives in the Treasure Valley. She writes fiction and reflections on the Catholic faith.
She has been featured on TeenInk Magazine, with a poem published in their July 2013 edition. She also guest writes for Ignitum Today and for Stephanie Kehr.
Mariella is currently in the process of publishing her first novel Dissonance.
She summarizes her novel thusly:
A mysterious ailment dooms Allie Grant to permanent confinement. It limits her contact with other people, but doesn’t stop her from getting away to chase a song no one else hears.
When Allie’s recital ends in tragedy, she’s sent to live with Julian, an uncle she’s never met. He claims to be a Muse with surreal affinity for the arts–and answers that could heal her.
Allie learns quickly there’s more to this man, who despite his haunts has a world in his hands. As they struggle with demons together, tragedy gives way to truth that will set both of them free.
1) Where did the idea for Dissonance come from?
It came from the ocean. Five years ago I was visiting Peru and fell in love with the sea; this fascination became a story about mermaids and sirens. Somehow as I’ve edited over the years, the storyline took a total change and now it’s about Muses. I don’t know how that happened…but that just shows how much life a story can have.
2) Are there any Catholic elements in this story?
There’s an abandoned cathedral but it’s only there to illustrate the eccentricity of the man who owns it. Really, I didn’t go out of my way to pluck religious elements into this story. I think there are traces of Catholicism in how I tried to make family important, a priority over all things. Anything else is just coincidence that fit well with the story.
3) What kind of stories do you like to read?
Lately I’ve taken to reading a lot of literary fiction and YA to review, but I have a definite soft spot for classic novels. They’re timeless and they have a strange magic to them.
4) Who are your go-to saints?
Mother Mary has kept me calm all this time. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that all the details for publishing are finally settling down on May, the month of Mary! I had planned for a December release, but God proved to me that even manuscripts are part of His plan and not mine.
5) What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
For your book to be any good, you’re probably going to rewrite a lot. Don’t let the years discourage you, but be prepared to think you’re done and then realize it could be better. I promise there’s a point where you eventually feel satisfied with the plot.
Dissonance will be coming out soon! I’ll keep you posted on it.
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