The Magic of Trauma and Transition with Rebecca Maeve Hartwell

Welcome to today’s episode of the Authors’ Alcove, where we have the immense pleasure of hosting Rebecca Maeve Hartwell, a talented editor and author who brings a wealth of experience from her journalism background and a profound passion for storytelling. Today, we delve into her captivating Unlapped series, exploring the intricate themes of trauma, healing, and resilience woven into her work. Join us as we uncover the depths of Hartwell’s inspiration, her characters’ journeys, and her vision for the series.

Main Themes:

Inspiration Behind the Unlapped Series: Rebecca Maeve Hartwell shares the unique blend of influences that gave birth to the Unlapped series, from her love for “Once Upon a Time” to the deeply personal experiences that shape her storytelling. Discover how fan fiction elements and real-life challenges are interwoven to create a compelling narrative.

Exploring Trauma through Fantasy: The series introduces us to a world where magic is born from trauma, set against an alternate reality of an Italian fascism-led new Roman Empire. Hartwell discusses how the backdrop of corruption and power struggles enriches the story’s exploration of personal and societal healing.

Characters at the Heart of Healing: Meet Angie and Daniel, the central characters of the Unlapped series, whose stories of overcoming trauma and emotional barriers are at the core of the narrative. Hartwell highlights the importance of representing complex, underrepresented experiences through her characters, such as Angie’s portrayal of autism.

Themes of Ancient Curses and Global Collapse: Hartwell gives us a glimpse into the broader themes of the series, including ancient curses, immortality, and the consequences of a fallen shadow oligarchy within the magical community. Learn how these elements contribute to the series’ overarching message of transition and resilience.

Advice for Unpublished Authors: Drawing from her dual expertise as an author and editor, Hartwell offers invaluable advice to unpublished authors on navigating feedback and staying true to their story’s essence. Discover the role of developmental editing in refining narratives while preserving the author’s unique voice.

Heartbound Editing: Beyond her work as an author, Hartwell is dedicated to supporting other writers through her editing services at Heartbound Editing. She shares her approach to helping authors across genres such as fantasy, romance, and historical fiction, ensuring their stories shine in their truest form.

Closing Thoughts:

Rebecca Maeve Hartwell’s journey from journalism to fantasy writing is a testament to the power of personal experiences in crafting deeply resonant stories. The Unlapped series stands as a beacon of hope and healing for readers navigating their own transitions, offering a magical exploration of the strength found in overcoming adversity. Whether you’re a fan of intricate fantasy worlds or in search of characters that reflect the complexities of real-life challenges, Hartwell’s work promises a journey worth embarking on.

Stay tuned for our next episode of the Authors’ Alcove, in which we will continue to uncover the stories behind the storytellers.