Elmwood Inclusive Magic Academy
by Remi Lebeau
Released: Apr 05, 2024
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Why this book and why now?
I love fun, exciting fantasy worlds like Harry Potter, True Blood, and the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. For me, writing is all about creating a world that you can get lost in and characters you love spending time with. And what’s more fun than a magical school with witches, vampires, shifters, and mermaids, all with different abilities and personalities, with tons of politics and drama? It was perfect for my first book – it was an absolute joy to write! (And a joy to read, I hope!)
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
I wasn’t expecting to create such an elaborate world right off the bat. I thought it would be more of a straightforward paranormal romance, focusing just on Maggie and Rae, and then they would get together and that would be it. But when I started spending time at Elmwood Academy, I found myself wanting to explore its history and the magic system more. Like why do the wolf and panther shifter packs hate each other? How do the mermaids walk around so they can attend class? How do the vampires feel about having to share their secret knowledge? Can you be both a vampire and a witch? It really grew organically and wove itself into the story, as Maggie is learning about the magical world and her place in it. So the book became much more urban fantasy, but it’s still got that romance at the heart of its structure and Maggie and Rae as its driving force.
What 3 things would your main character want with them if they got stranded away from civilization, and why?
Maggie would want to have Pan, her fox familiar, with her for company. He’s a bit snarky, but he’s great with directions and can help amplify her magic if she needs it. And she would want her broomstick, so she can fly around, which is her favourite pastime and her strongest magical ability. And she would want the necklace of crystals that Orion found for her at the bottom of the lake, it reminds her of her friends and makes her feel like she belongs.
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Rae would definitely plan a low-key, but special night for her and Maggie. She would take a pick-up truck filled with blankets and pillows out to the lake. Maggie could fly over the lake on her broomstick and Rae would run and swim in her wolf form, under the light of the moon. Then they would cuddle up on the blankets with a bottle of wine and watch the stars.
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
Maggie would drink a tasty mulled wine, with rich notes of cedar and cinnamon. It’s witchy and evocative of spooky moonlit rituals with a big bonfire in the forest clearing of Elmwood castle.
