We’re looking forward to introducing you to Adrielle Reina. Check out our conversation below.
Adrielle , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Absolutely! There have been quite a few hard circumstances that I’ve had to navigate since we last spoke. One of which was having to leave my first publisher, who had the first rights to my book, due to the head of the publishing house not. . . fulfilling certain legal commitments. Typically, in the overarching book/publishing world, once you lose your first rights, another publisher won’t pick your book up. However, my book has a new home with Cloaked Press and I’m very grateful to the team over there, as well proud of myself for advocating for not just me, but my work. It was really hard and emotionally strained there for a little bit, as well as mentally, too, if I’m being honest.
I was also very proud to be part of the book raffle for Gaza this year that was organized by one of my peers and such a talented author and kind person all around, Megan Collins. We raised over $20,000 for Palestinians. That felt really good. Just to be part of that.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Of course!
I’m Adrielle Reina (Adri is fine) and I’m an author from Appalachia. I love writing stories that (I hope) are compelling in some way and human. I believe writing and reading are bridges to understanding, empathy, and new perspectives. My debut, A Ballad of Inferno and Ruin, is getting ready for a re-release after, again, I fell out with my first publisher. It’s probably the piece of writing I’m the most proud of so far. I’m deep in some rewrites and editing, but the story itself is still the same. It’s just being expanded.
Ballad follows a young woman named Emma Sandalwood as she navigates holding onto her humanity in a world that’s very determined to erase it. I think what makes her more of a unique protagonist is that she grows into this morally gray anti-hero as the book goes on and she’s also a teen mom. Tragedy and war begin to shape who she is and she goes through these moments of shifting morality throughout the book. I also like to think it’s… pertinent to our current political climate.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband. He is the reason I feel safe enough to be myself. He’s my rock. As cliche as it sounds, I feel braver with him by my side and like I can do anything.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
All the time. There are so many times where I think, “What’s the point?”
But then I think about how far I’ve come so I keep going, anyway.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
This is an interesting question because I do use a pen name for privacy and my own protection, like a safe guard. But yes. The public me is me. My thoughts. My values. My feelings. My beliefs. My fights. My love. All of it.
I’ve never hidden who I am even when advised to tone things down. I just don’t really operate that way.
I believe silence is at best, compliance. Neutrality is the tool of the oppressor.
We have voices to speak up, especially against injustice. Why not use that? Just because you’re afraid people may not like you?
I don’t really care if horrible people don’t like me. In fact, I would prefer they don’t.
To be honest, I’ve gone through a lot. Heartbreak, trauma, loss… All of these trials that are part of the human experience like most people. I’ve come to find through these circumstances that you go through these seasons of change or turbulence and come out appreciative of the changes within you and around you. You become grateful for those who see you, the real you. Every facet, flaw, or imperfection and still choose to love you and stay anyway. Sometimes it’s hard to let go of what doesn’t serve us and it hurts when others hurt us. But that feeling you get knowing there are still people who will always be there, always love you, that’s what matters.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
Writing my stories. Always. I am a creature compelled to create.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.adriellereina.com
- Instagram: Adriellereinaauthor
- Other: Threads: Adriellereinaauthor
Image Credits
Adrielle Reina
