Young and successful: Rozálie Pražáková, at just twenty-one years old, can boast two published books

Many people spend years before their manuscript is adopted by a publishing house. Why do you think this happened relatively quickly for you and how did you perceive the whole process?

To be honest, I have no idea why my manuscript was accepted by the publishing house so easily. Most people spend months or even years on this, but for me, it worked out the first time. I do not think my manuscript was particularly different from the others. Rather than anything else, I simply attribute this success to luck.  

What inspired you the most in writing and did you know from the start that you wanted to write specifically young adult fantasy?

Music inspires me the most. I build most of my stories on characters, and they are created best by listening to music. I adjust their character based on song lyrics and like to find connections in the often metaphorical words between their nature and the plot of the book.
As for young adult fantasy, I've always been certain about that. It's my favorite genre both for writing and reading. I enjoy the freedom it gives, the endless possibility to invent, given by the fantasy label. With age, I'm moving from young adult to new adult literature, and I'll probably reach explicitly adult one, but I plan to stick with fantasy.

You were invited to a discussion by Humbook, where you also met your readers. How was that and do you enjoy this imaginary "clash with reality"?

I never minded speaking in front of people. Especially when I can talk about something I dedicate myself to and which is totally natural for me, so I always incredibly enjoy these discussions. And the actual meetings with readers? I love that. It doesn't matter if they are younger, older, talkative, or shy. Each one who has ever had a few words with me always gave me motivation to keep writing. 

How does your environment perceive all this? Did they support you from the beginning, or were they rather nervous?

Given that I've been droning on about writing since I was little, it probably wasn't a surprise to anyone that I eventually wrote a book too. The first manuscript was read by a handful of my friends, and those who avoided it, heard about it daily. I somehow think that the actual publication was some kind of liberation for my environment, because all of a sudden I had dozens of people I could talk to endlessly about my stories.

Do you have any plans at the moment regarding your future writing? Would you, for instance, be interested in a genre change?

I am currently working on a new book, as I've been hinting on my Instagram. If everything goes according to plan, readers can look forward to another fantasy, this time with a pirate theme. For now, I certainly plan to stick to the genre and I do not plan to venture into unknown waters. Honestly, I don't even believe I could handle it.
 

What did you find the most challenging during the entire publication process?

Definitely editing. With the second book it was easier, while writing I already knew what the editorial board likes and dislikes, so there were fewer changes, but with the Crown of Fear it was a blow. Accepting the changes without taking them too personally, and above all, returning to what I already declared as finished.

Was it difficult for you to balance writing and studying, or did you not see it as a problem?

I wrote most of The Crown of Fear during quarantine, so I didn't really have much better to do. The Scepter of Anger was a bit of a tougher nut to crack, but I managed to combine it with the holidays, and in the end, it turned out the way I wanted it to. Anyway, now, as I embark on the third manuscript and study at university, it's getting a bit rough. It's mainly about priorities and inspiration. Sometimes I find writing easy and take it as a break from studying, sometimes I'm exhausted after school and don't write a single line. It depends on the day, but it definitely doesn't go as quickly as before.

What was your biggest moment of surprise after the book came out - something you didn't expect at all?

I can say this very precisely. The first autograph session. I was convinced that five people would come and two of them would be my parents… And when a queue of enthusiastic readers formed in front of me, who put hope into my debut, what's more, for those five days that the book was out, they already managed to read it and shower me with words of praise, I was on the verge of tears.

Thank you for the interview.

Sources: editorial staff, interview

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