Small Spec Book Awards - Semi-Finalist Feature #1
Happy summer everyone! I hope you are managing to keep cool during all of these heat waves.
Today, I am embarking on my second annual series of SSBA Semi-finalist Mini-Interviews. I am starting with a trio of fantasy authors:
- Molly Haniszewski, author of Beyond the Border Forest;
- Lucy A. McLaren, author of Echoes of the Etherstone; and
- Arlo Z. Graves, author of The Ice Moves for No One
More information on the SSBA can be found here, and the full list of semi-finalists for 2026 can be found here. Each author has been asked the same questions:
1. What inspired you to write this book?
2. What was your favourite part of writing it?
3. Where can we find you and your work? (socials, blog, website)
Beyond the Border Forest by Molly Haniszewski
Two kings rule the woods—the Oak King in Summer and the Holly King in Winter—and no mortal may enter their realm without permission. But when Rowan Gwózdek’s older sister goes missing, Rowan must search the forest for her, risking the kings’ wrath. She enlists the help of her sister’s hunting rival Keziah, a trans (and very handsome) hunter with a mysterious connection to the Oak King. He offers to lead her through the forest to find a magical wish granter called the Bear Maiden.
Together, Rowan and Keziah face mossmen, a wood dragon, and other fearsome creatures who serve the Oak King. To make matters worse, Rowan stumbles upon the Holly King, the Oak King's nemesis, and becomes tangled in the conflict between the two kings. To get her sister back, Rowan will have to join in the battle, even if it means she can never return home.
1. What inspired you to write this book?
I was listening to the Dendrology (trees) episode of the podcast Ologies and heard dendrologist Casey Clapp talk about the mythology of the Oak King and the Holly King (summer vs. winter). It got me thinking about opposites in fairy tales, which led me to think about reframing Snow White, Rose Red. I've actually always found the original tale to be rather boring, so I started wondering what it would look like with higher stakes and a quest. I got the idea of pretending that the tale we know today is a watered down, altered version of a much longer story from long ago, and I set out to write that longer story. I've always loved fairy tales and retellings of all kinds, so writing one just made sense.
2. What was your favourite part of writing it?
I loved coming up with the scenes centered around food. I've worked as a baker and have always loved baking and cooking since I was a child. I also grew up reading Brian Jacques' Redwall books and watching Studio Ghibli movies, so I have a deep appreciate for lengthy food scenes. My goal is to make people want a snack while they're reading.
3. Where can we find you and your work? (socials, blog, website)
Instagram: @into_the_bookish_wild
Threads: @into_the_bookish_wild
Website: https://mollyhaniszewski.com/
BlueSky: @mollyhaniszewski.bsky.social
Newsletter: Letters from the Prawdziwy Las on Substack
Upcoming In-Person Events:
Bozeman Bookcon - Bozeman, MT, August 8th, 2026
FMC Bound - Missoula, MT, September 26th - 27th , 2026
Echoes of the Etherstone by Lucy A. McLaren
Beth lives a seemingly perfect life of luxury in the city of Alpinside. Her upcoming betrothal to the eligible Lord Ashford is all she can focus on...until she meets Ellana, a young woman from the slums whose father was a victim of the Scrubbers' Stalker, the ruthless killer haunting the city.
Thrown together by the dreadful murders, the two decide to investigate. The catch? The evidence points towards Beth's own brother as the Stalker! Their new-found friendship is tested as their investigation begins to reveal far deeper secrets than either of them were prepared for, uncovering a truth which rots the very core of Alpinside.
1. What inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired to write Echoes of the EtherStone after reading The Five by Hallie Rubenhold, which is about the victims of Jack the Ripper. I wanted to write a story that explored the society within which such a killer operated, and so created the city of Alpinside which is heavily influenced by Victorian London (though with low fantasy elements). The story includes themes of patriarchal and religious oppression, misogyny and sexism, and explores the vast gap between the lives of the rich and poor in society. The two main characters, El and Beth, are from opposite classes but are drawn together by the murders. I was passionate about telling a story in which these two young women push past the oppression of the society within which they live to form a friendship and hunt down a vicious killer.
2. What was your favourite part of writing it?
I always find it weird saying this but I did find writing the chapters from the killer’s perspective quite… enjoyable might not be the right word! It was a challenge to get into the head of someone who is killing innocent people whilst also feeling completely justified in their actions. I am generally fascinated by true crime, serial killers and the like, because of the fundamental psychological differences between them and “normal” people. So it was interesting to explore that side of the story for sure. Not that I didn’t also love writing from El and Beth’s perspectives, of course!
3. Where can we find you and your work? (socials, blog, website)
Social media wise, I am mainly on Instagram and Threads (@lucy_a_mclaren). My author website is https://lucyamclarenauthor.co.uk/ where you can also scroll to the bottom and sign up to my newsletter! I also run Introverted Indies alongside fellow indie author Lydia L. Baker, which you can follow on Instagram (@introvertedindies) and YouTube to see our latest author and small press interviews, chats and panels.
The Ice Moves for No One by Arlo Z. Graves
The ice moves for no one,
the trees do not answer,
and the Svall obeys no master.
Selkie warrior Aalgur Thalon was born to fight in honor of the Dread One. She’s going to win the Dusk Trials, join the elite Duskingr Air Fleet, and kiss her old life as a deckhand goodbye. But when her body betrays her, Thalon is forced to give up the biggest part of her identity. And that might just be the least of her worries. Thalon must learn the strength of vulnerability as she faces battles she’s never trained for: Spindel Co. getting into everything and everywhere, villains in unexpected places, and worst of all, herself.
1. What inspired you to write this book?
In 2016 I went through an unexpected bout of autoimmune meningitis that resulted in permanent damage to my right arm. Over the years, learning this illness was chronic and could not be cured devastated me. But during the pandemic, inspiration struck me to write a story about an action hero struggling with a similar illness and loss of identity.
2. What was your favourite part of writing it?
Watching the characters, world, and story grow through revisions and drafts. I love working with my editor on this project.
3. Where can we find you and your work? (socials, blog, website)
@arlozgraves (all socials, but mostly Threads), arlozgraves.com
Thanks for reading!
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