An interview with Sophia Bazar
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We're back with our weekly indie author interview! It's so important to support indies wherever possible, as they're one-man-bands with so many different hats. They rely on those of us who get it to support them however we can, so we'll continue to do this for the foreseeable.
This week, we're all about Sophia Bazar.
A little bit about you and your life, your hobbies, your interests, etc.
"I was born in California and I’m the third child of four. Growing up, I was always in my own world. I think it’s because my two older siblings were so close, and I was kind of the odd one out (plus, my younger sibling wasn't born until I was nine, so the age gap was pretty big).
Since I can remember I was making up stories, usually for my Littlest Pet Shop toys (omg, do you remember those? They were amazing) and my Calico Critters dolls. I also travelled a lot when I was younger because most of my family lived in Mexico, and the down time in between cities gave me a tons of daydreaming time.
I really love to cook and I spend way too much time looking up recipes to try out. While I’d love to say I’m an amazing baker… I’ve burned one too many brownies to claim that with confidence.
But if I had to choose, travelling is my biggest passion. There is nothing that brings me more joy than exploring the world."
Info about your latest book and/or the book you'd most like to promote.
"My debut book, All For The Crown, is a romance set on the fictional Mediterranean island of Atelonia. It follows Crown Prince Elias, who returns from military training determined to fulfil his part of a royal succession clause and reclaim control of the crown. But there’s a catch - he and his brothers must each complete a specific task before their father, the king, falls too ill… or before their uncle swoops in to take the throne.
Meanwhile, Valentina Millar, a local restaurateur, is struggling to keep her late mother’s beloved restaurant afloat. Drowning in debt, she’s at her breaking point.
When a chance encounter thrusts Valentina into Elias’ world of riches and royalty, they strike up a mutually beneficial deal: a fake marriage that checks Elias’ box for the succession clause and sets Valentina up financially for life.
But somewhere between the lies and the late-night scheming, the two start to realize there might be something real between them.
Will they risk everything for a love they never thought could happen?"
Additional Information:
"All For The Crown is my baby, there is no other way to describe it.
In late 2023, I got an idea that I originally thought would be a blog post on Tumblr. I’d always write things down in a locked Notes app page, and before I knew it, I had paragraphs and ideas for the same story. That had never happened before. The characters and plot started living in my head before I ever opened a doc, and as cheesy as it sounds, I just felt like this story had to come out.
It took me about eight months to write (not counting the many, many breaks I took), and maybe that’s why it ended up over 500 pages long, oops!
Holding that final book in my hands, knowing it came from just my imagination, was the most rewarding feeling. I’m so proud to now share it with people around the world!"
Any details you'd like to share about what you're currently working on
"Right now, I’m working on the sequel to All For The Crown! This time, the story focuses on Prince Carter and his journey through the succession clause, while also going head-to-head with his ex-best-friend-turned-mortal-enemy, Rebecca Maxwell.
Writing for this new duo has been so fun! I’d gotten used to thinking through Elias and Valentina’s voices, but now I get to explore two completely different perspectives, and it’s been really refreshing.
One of the most interesting parts has been writing a dynamic that’s steeped in history. With Elias and Valentina, readers followed their relationship from the beginning. But with Carter and Rebecca, you’re thrown into a dynamic filled with tension, rivalry and unsolved feelings, and their story slowly unravels through peeks into the past."
What inspired you to get into writing and what keeps you motivated?
"I’ve always loved writing. Actually, my Tumblr page has just celebrated its 14th birthday!
Maybe it’s because I’m a Pisces, but I often find myself creating worlds and stories for random people I pass on the street. And ever since I started reading into the multiverse (very influenced by Marvel movies) I can’t stop thinking about how there might be a version of me living a completely different life. So, my response to that possibility is to create these characters that do just that. And in some way, they help heal pieces of me.
My motivation comes from life itself. Sometimes, when you’re deep in a writing hole and you’re hyper focused on that one scene, it can feel super isolating. But stepping outside, experiencing the world, having conversations, that’s what fills the creative well. And of course, I stay motivated because I love my characters. You get so attached to them, you just have to see their stories through."
Your opinions on indie vs trad publishing and why you chose the route you did.
"Honestly, I fell into indie publishing in a kind of funny way. When I first started writing All For The Crown, I didn’t even know if I’d share it with anyone - I just wanted to write a book.
Once I finished it, I wasn’t emotionally ready to send it off and be told “no” over and over. I had just poured a year of my life into this project, and I didn’t have it in me to hear that it wasn’t 'what they were looking for'.
So, I decided that self publishing was the way for me. And I haven’t looked back! I love the control it gives me over the book’s direction, design, and marketing. Traditional publishing is absolutely amazing and opens a ton of doors, but I think you need really thick skin for that path. Indie felt right for me, and I’ve genuinely loved the experience."
What challenges have you faced during your writing and publishing journey?
"The biggest writing challenge I faced was definitely writer’s block, specifically around the 75% mark of the book. I think part of me didn’t want to let go of the story or say goodbye to the characters.
But the best thing I did was take a break. I stepped away from the manuscript for two weeks, even though it was hard to stop thinking about it. But that distance gave me clarity, and when I came back, I was ready to give the story the ending it deserved.
On the publishing side, I’ve been very lucky. I’ve had such a supportive circle around me, encouraging me to take my time and go the self-pub route. Because of them, and the amazing book community, I’ve had a surprisingly smooth ride so far."
What advice would you give to someone beginning their writing journey?
"Write. Just write. Write everything and anything that pops into your head.
Even if it feels silly now, you never know when that random note full of prompts will come in handy! Give yourself permission to be messy and imaginative. It’s all part of the journey."
Name an author that inspired you to write and why
"Lauren Asher! She’s the one who got me back into reading after years away from books. Her characters are so layered and real that it feels like you're peeking into someone’s life. Her writing is beautiful, emotional, and deeply inspiring to me."
Anything else you'd like to discuss in terms of being a writer, self-publishing, a fun fact about yourself, anything.
"If you’re self publishing, I just want to say: enjoy it! There will be stressful moments for sure but remember that for there to be light there has to be darkness!
When you’re in those good moments, when even one person connects with your story, soak it in!"