Today we are very excited to share an interview with Author Lenore Borja (The Last Huntress)!
Meet the Author: Lenora Borja
Lenore Borja grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. She attended Arizona State University before moving to New York City to study acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. After a brief career as an actress, she spent several years working in executive search and human resources in both New York and San Francisco. She now resides in Fort Collins, Colorado, with her husband and a bossy feline named Maximus. When she’s not writing, she enjoys adventure travel and anything that gets the heart racing, whether it’s hiking, running, or getting lost in a good book.
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About the Book: The Last Huntress
Alice Daniels has a problem. Her reflection keeps misbehaving when she looks in the mirror—and the longer she ignores it, the harder it tries to get her attention. On her eighteenth birthday, she learns why: she is a huntress, someone gifted with the power to enter mirrors and the magical world that exists beyond. But with this power comes immense responsibility, for in the Mirror Realm lurks an evil that has infected the human race for centuries: demons. It is up to her and her three huntress sisters—with the help of one handsome and overbearing protector—to hunt and banish this evil one demon at a time, thereby keeping the chaos in check. But when an ancient god pays Alice a visit that turns deadly, it is clear the Mirror Realm is more than it seems, and she soon finds herself in a race against time to save the life—and soul—of the one man the gods are determined to never let her have.
The Last Huntress is a story of redemption and sacrifice, the bonds of true sisterhood, and the impossible, sometimes frightening, things we’ll do for love.
~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
A few years ago, my husband discovered a secret closet hidden behind a mirror in our apartment. Thankfully it was empty, but it was unsettling to think we’d been looking in that mirror for over a year without realizing there was something on the other side. It made me consider all the mirrors we pass every day. What if each of them had something to hide? Enter The Last Huntress and the Mirror Realm. I also wanted to write a story with strong female characters who support each other and have each other’s backs, no matter what. While the romance is integral to the plot, sisterhood plays a big part in the story. The bond I share with my girlfriends inspires me. I wanted to bring that same feel to this book.
YABC: Who is your favorite character in the book?
That’s tough because I love them all! But if I had to choose, I would say Alice (the main character). She’s the one I spent the most time with and got to know really well.
YABC: Which came first, the title or the novel?
The novel. The original title was Wayward Soul, but my publisher and I decided The Last Huntress better represented the story.
YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
I’m most proud of the scene in the desert with Alice and Colin. Since we’re talking about ‘fated love,’ I wanted to demonstrate their relationship on a basic human level. I felt it was important for the reader to feel the depth of their connection because it is essential to the story.
YABC: Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?
Pay attention to word count! My first draft came in over 160,000 words. I had to rework it to get it to a manageable size. I do, however, think that was a valuable exercise. It helped me uncover unnecessary scenes and characters that did not serve the story. Letting them go is never easy, but you gotta do it!
YABC: What do you like most about the cover of the book?
I like that the imagery isn’t overly apparent. We could have slapped a mirror on the cover, but it didn’t feel right. The story is about Alice and her journey, and I felt the dark colors and butterfly image layered over her face better encapsulate the book’s mood.
YABC: What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2022?
The Forgotten Witch by Jessica Dodge (release date: Sept 19, 2022) It takes place in Scotland and has magic and witches. Three of my favorite things!
YABC: What’s a book you’ve recently read and loved?
The City in the Middle of the Night by Charlie Jane Anders. The story takes place thousands of years from now on a distant, tidally locked planet. It’s imaginative, thrilling, and thought-provoking.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I’m working on book two of the Mirror Realm series. (there will be a total of four books in the series) I also have a standalone paranormal romance novel I’m working on that is equal parts comedic and dark.
YABC: Which was the most difficult or emotional scene to narrate?
Probably the final scene. I wanted to give my readers the resolution and reward they deserve for sticking with my characters throughout their journey, even if there are more books in the series. I’m not a fan of cliffhangers, and I believe storylines should resolve at the end of every book. I needed to get it right!
YABC: Which character gave you the most trouble when writing your latest book?
Probably Alice’s friend Olivia. She has abilities that sometimes make it tricky to write for her, but I love her to pieces.
YABC: What is the main message or lesson you would like your reader to remember from this book?
Love can come in any form, and it doesn’t matter whether it develops slowly or instantaneously. In the end, it’s all the same. It’s love.
YABC: What would you say is your superpower?
There’s nothing I would claim as a ‘superpower,’ but I think I’m pretty good at writing dialogue and keeping the narrative moving. Oh, and eating entire bags of popcorn. I’m extraordinarily good at that.
YABC: Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?
ASPCA & Humane Society. Our furry friends can’t speak for themselves, and it breaks my heart to see them abused or neglected. Organizations that support them will always have my support. The Last Huntress features a cat (modeled after my cat, Maximus), a horse named Max (also modeled after Maximus), and two Doberman Pinschers who talk a mean game but are really a couple of love bugs. I like to include animals in my stories whenever I can.
YABC: What advice do you have for new writers?
Keep showing up. Keep going. The only person who can write your story is you!
YABC: Is there anything that you would like to add?
Thank you for featuring me on your blog. I’m thrilled to share a little about me and my writing. I hope to have more to share in the years to come!
Title: The Last Huntress
Author: Lenore Borja
Release Date: November 1, 2022
Publisher: SparkPress
Genre: YA paranormal romance
Age Range: YA/14+
