The book is dedicated to my grandmother, Nancy, and so much of her lives in the kindness and strength of my characters. She taught me that it’s entirely possible to be fierce and compassionate at the same time, so I borrowed that piece of her to instill in my main character, Kiera. 

Christina Bacilieri – 20 April 2024

The Back Flap

Magic will transform you. Power could destroy you. Actions will define you.

Kiera Vandyer told herself she’d only agreed to this scheme for the money, that nothing else had drawn her to this venture, but you can’t lie to the truest parts of yourself. For sixteen years, she’s hidden her burning curiosity for magic, knowing that one misstep would mean certain death at the hands of Atterah’s merciless leaders: the all-powerful Ruling Board.

Just when Kiera is on the cusp of securing a stable future for herself and her mother, a cruel twist of fate forces her to commit the worst possible infraction. She trespasses over the border into Etabon, the last refuge for magic on Atterah. Once within, her rare form makes her a target for the warden of the site. To escape the warden and conceal her crime from the Ruling Board, Kiera must use her strange new powers to battle for her freedom… or die trying.

The Last Refuge is the enthralling first novel in the Stealing Sanctuary series, weaving together the destinies of two dreamers caught up in a dark curse that spans generations. Enter a world of gripping adventure where love burns slowly, family is chosen, and hope is a dangerous yet beautiful dream.

About the book

What is the book about?

I like to describe The Last Refuge as the dystopia of The Hunger Games meets the magical world of Narnia. It centers around sixteen-year-old Kiera Vandyer’s journey after a cruel twist of fate forces her to trespass into the last magical spot on the planet. It speaks to the power of friendship and learning to embrace the magic inside each of us. Its central themes include found family, coming of age, and self-discovery.

When did you start writing the book?

I began handwriting the book in September 2020.

How long did it take you to write it?

The finished book took two years and ten months to complete, from the initial idea to drafting, developmental, copy, and proof editing.

Where did you get the idea from?

It came to me in a dream where I watched Kiera cross over the border into Etabon and change into her magical form. I’ve also always been fascinated by dystopian and fantasy novels, so the idea for this book has been growing in my mind for a long time. After I had that dream, it sparked an idea to create a world where the beings were many different types of creatures cut off from their magic. I’ve always loved the idea of who we would become if we gave ourselves a chance to look.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I was restless going through the copy and proof edit; it was tough for me to focus at times.

What came easily?

The idea for the different types of magical creatures. I wanted to include werewolves, faeries, orcs, witches, and so many more. I pictured all of these creatures milling about at a magical market; it’s one of my favorite scenes in the book.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

The book is dedicated to my grandmother, Nancy, and so much of her lives in the kindness and strength of my characters. She taught me that it’s entirely possible to be fierce and compassionate at the same time, so I borrowed that piece of her to instill in my main character, Kiera.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Lois Lowry and Ray Bradbury will forever be at the top of my list. The Giver and Fahrenheit 451 had a profound impact on me growing up. They made me think about the world we choose to create when conformity, control, and power are revered above all else, and those elements play a significant role in my own stories. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis was one of the first books I read, and it gave me a deep love for magic and magical creatures. Cassandra Clare’s beautiful take on magic in her Shadowhunters series inspired me to want to create my own magical world and characters.

Do you have a target reader?

It’s a perfect read for fans of dystopian fiction with fantastical magic. The story will speak to seekers and dreamers looking for their place in the world.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Yes, on my best days, I’ll do a five-minute meditation at the beginning of the session to clear my head, and then I’ll set a timer to write for a half hour and then take a break. I’ll alternate this until I get about three or four hours of writing time in. On days when I’m feeling stagnate, I’ll toss out the timer and word count and let my brain run wild. It’s safe to say I vacillate between standard routine and utter chaos. This process includes a ridiculous amount of tea with honey and shortbread cookies.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Yes, I’ll create a light framework with chapter headings and one bullet point for each, but I’m a discovery writer at heart, so outlines are subject to change.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

At the end of each writing session, I’ll do a quick edit and then a major edit at the end of the draft, where I’ll do a complete reading pass and a text-to-speech listening pass to hear omissions and errors.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes, I worked with two incredible editors, one for developmental and copy edits and one for proof edits.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Yes, music is such a powerful emotional catalyst for me; it can transport me into the feeling I’m trying to capture. If the music has lyrics, I’ll listen to it before I write a scene because if there are words, I’ll get wrapped up in the song’s story, which can pull me out of the writing. A powerful song that pumped me up before Kiera’s fight scenes was Lion by Saint Mesa. I’ll usually keep instrumental music on in the background as I write. I love anything by Lindsey Stirling and her electric violin.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No, I met with two agents at a conference, though. I received positive feedback and submission requests, but I’d decided to go Indie.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I did a great deal of research on which path to choose, traditional or Indie, which culminated in attending a writers’ conference to connect with fellow authors, agents, and editors. By that time, I was leaning toward Indie. After gaining honest feedback from authors in attendance who’d been through the querying process and the agents’ transparency about the timeline we’d be looking at to get the book into readers’ hands, I was confident that Indie was the path for me.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

The amazing Kim Dingwall designed and illustrated the cover.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

My marketing plan includes a combination of strategies like ARC reviews, social media tours, running giveaways, and Amazon ads. Plus, I’m working with the fantastic team at Books Forward for the PR side.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Give yourself the time and space to decide which Indie route is best for you, whether that’s small press or self-publishing. There’s an abundance of free resources to build your knowledge. YouTube has authors like Abbie Emmons, willing to share wisdom and experience, and great shows like The Creative Penn podcast and The Self Publishing Show podcast. There’s quite a bit to learn, but it’s extremely rewarding. Above all, remember that your story is worth telling, no matter which path you choose.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a small town near San Antonio, Texas.

Where do you live now?

I live in Texas, about an hour outside of Austin.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I’m someone who could spend hours on a blanket outside reading and watching the birds. Being in nature is my happy place, and I end up writing in my backyard more often than not. I think the second-best place to get lost in is in a museum, the first being a bookstore by a narrow margin. At my core, I’m a storyteller and a reader who finds hope in stories. Growing up, books provided a safe place for me to dream and grow. I want to create a similar space for readers in my novels.

What are you working on now?

I’m getting book two in the trilogy ready to go to the editor while framing up book three.

End of Interview:

For more from Christina Bacilieri visit her website and follow her on Instagram and Tik Tok.

Get your copy of The Last Refuge from Amazon US or Amazon UK.