Book Details Book Title: Unbetrothed Publisher: Iron Stream Media Back Cover Copy: Around Agatha Sea, princesses are poised, magically gifted, and betrothed. So, when seventeen-year-old Princess Beatriz still fails to secure a betrothal, her parents hold a ball. Forming an alliance could mean the difference between peace and war, but Beatriz doesn't want just any suitor. She's in love with her best friend, Prince Lux. Marrying Prince Lux will always be a silly dream as long as she has no magical gift. Princess Beatriz will do whatever it takes to obtain a touch of magic, including making a deadly oath to go on a quest to Valle de Los Fantasmas. A valley where no one comes out alive. If she can manage to succeed, Princess Beatriz could have everything she desires and secure peace for her kingdom. If she fails, she'll lose not only her greatest dream but also her kingdom, and maybe even her own life. Endorsements: “Candice paints a colorful Latin fantasy in Unbetrothed. It’s a journey of change for a giftless princess and an enemy prince who must overcome their shortfalls and secrets if their countries hope to have a future. A definite read for fans of fantasy.” --Morgan L. Busse, award-winning author of the Ravenwood Saga and Skyworld series “It is overall a fun read for readers who like their fantasy mixed with a bit of romance.” –Kirkus Audience: Teens 13+ Genre: Fantasy Release Date: Unbetrothed- February 2022 InterviewBrock: How did you come up with the idea for this book or series? or What was your inspiration for writing this book or series? Candice: My inspiration came from leading a group of youth group girls and not finding the YA book I wanted to read. Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they, and what makes them unique? Candice: My main character has a false belief that she needs extra powers to be special. She’s inadequate and compensates by treating others poorly. It’s something I’d see often in real life but not something I saw in books. This girl’s story needed to be told. Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows. Candice: Beatriz’s looks are based off one of my cousins. Zichri’s name comes from the Bible. Blas was originally named Oz. Gonzalo’s name was Omar. The cast is very long so I am going to stop there. Brock: What is this book about? Candice: An inadequate princess makes a deadly oath to go on a quest for magical powers. Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? Candice: This story was my first novel I ever finished. I started just writing in January. Took a long break to write something else and returned to it in July. That entire July I stayed away until midnight enjoying my story. I had no idea where the story would lead. Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Candice: I believe many people have been Beatriz in one way, shape, or form. Feelings of inadequacy can creep in and take over. Some people become people pleasers and others stomp all over people. Without God, it’s hard to keep the right perspective. Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for? Candice: I love historical and fantasy books. I much prefer writing fantasy books because of the endless possibilities. You make the rules and get to play with fun what ifs. What if God gave us super powers? What if we could fly? What if I could read people’s emotions and not just look for signs of them? Brock: How many books are planned for this series? Candice: I have no answer to this one. I wrote a sequel, but I also wrote a prequel so I can thoroughly know what happened to other characters in the story. Then, I wrote a novella so we could read about Beatriz’s mom and dad. Then I wrote a follow up to that one that gives more information. I planned out about three more novella’s in Beatriz’s mom’s series. I guess I will see what happens with publishers and sales. If people want the books, they will be released. Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination? Candice: I may write fantasy, but I do a crazy amount of research on small possibly insignificant details. How fast can a galleon travel and how long would it take to travel 300 miles in rainy weather? There’s also human anatomy for the fight scenes and research on food, dresses, and goblets. Yes, I have done research on goblets only to end up just using the word goblet with hardly any description. Brock: Why did you choose to focus on a male/female protagonist? (Select which is applicable.) Candice: I focus on females because I really enjoy diving deep into teen girl problems. I spent years mentoring youth group girls. Brock: If your book changed as you wrote it, how is it different than how you originally planned? Candice: The book had a different shape. I cut out at least five and half chapters and I added two chapters. Brock: Were any scenes or characters cut from the book? Can you give an example? (If you have an actual unreleased scene you would like to share, please attach it separately and label it with the book name) Candice: Beatriz had a scene where she interacted with another suitor. Originally, we didn’t have the chupalama in the story, but there was another big cat attack on the road. Brock: Where do you like to write? Candice: I wrote Unbetrothed at the dining room table after everyone went to bed. It was my favorite spot. Now, I write at my desk. Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer? Candice: I’m a full-time homeschooling mom and a part-time writer. Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book? Candice: It depends on the book. I can finish a chapter book in a week, a novella in a month, and a novel in two months. Brock: What do you hope readers take away from the series? Candice: I hope readers take away that they are more valuable than the things of this world. In Beatriz’s world, gifts give people value. But Beatriz had value before and after she received her gift. Brock: What was your favorite book as a teen or child? Candice: I didn’t like reading until I was sixteen years old. I became a Christian, and I went through a period where I gobbled up the Bible. I had no idea what Christians did on their free time and decided they couldn’t just read the Bible, so I started reading Lord of the Rings. I fell in love with novel reading. Brock: What is the one author, living or dead, who you would co-write a book with and why? Candice: I am cowriting a book with some friends from my Christian Mommy Writing group. I wouldn’t change it. I love daydreaming with them. Brock: Coke or Pepsi? Candice: Neither. I don’t drink pop. Brock: Soft shell or Hard Shell tacos? Candice: I’m Mexican. We eat soft Shell and have flat fried tortillas. Brock: Favorite place to vacation? Candice: I’m not much of a vacationer. I like to visit my family in Puerto Rico and Mexico. Brock: Favorite season? Candice: Give me the early fall weather when all the trees look like they’re on fire. Brock: Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write? Like hot chocolate, raspberry tea, cheese balls, animal crackers, etc? Candice: I love drinking a milky coffee when I write in the morning. Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Candice: I have my jams. Give me the Lamentations 3:22-34. Psalm 139. Psalm 40, and all of James. Brock: Thanks Candice for the great interview! Author Details Author Name: Candice Pedraza Yamnitz
Author Bio: Candice Pedraza Yamnitz taught in a bilingual elementary classroom for years until she decided to stay-at-home and teach a crew of imaginative children. So in between reading lessons and converting cardboard boxes into pirate ships, she writes YA novels and chapter books with a Latin twist. She lives in her native Chicagoland. Author Website: http://candiceyamnitz.com Author Facebook: http://facebook.com/candiceyamnitz Author Instagram: http://instagram.com/candiceyamnitz Author TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@candiceyamnitz
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