Hi there, I'm Serena Archer but more formally known as the author of the Defenders series. The first installment of the series and my debut novel Defenders and the Water of Florence is to be released September 7,2021 and I thought it would be fun to tell you my story of getting where I am today.
I got the idea of the Defenders series because I am extremely petty, which is probably not the answer you were expecting. I was in my sixth grade class and was in a weird place in my life. As the former "gifted child," my "gifts" weren't working for me anymore which led to me having a small identity crisis. My entire life I have been known as someone that knew everything and when I found myself not knowing, it really affected my mental health. Towards the end of sixth grade, I was at the beginning of what I call the Beginning of the Lows. I was angry at myself for not understand the curriculum and not knowing how to ask for help because I am supposed to be the one helping others. While sitting in my seat, I got the idea for the Defenders series like strobe lights going off in my brain. It was magical and overwhelming at the same time, but in my heart I knew this is my calling. But Serena, how is this petty? I got the idea when my teacher admired another student's essay...
But that doesn't matter anymore because soon after, I went to work. I had no clue how to write something people would want to read and I struggled in every English and Writing class I've ever taken (even to this day), so the odds were against me. It was my mother that encouraged me. She advised me to keep my plans private so if I change my find I won't have to deal with society's question and she told me to write down every idea that I came across. That's what I did. For about a year and a half, I went through several baby naming websites, books, and read amazing stories from authors around the world. While all of them were inspiring, my self doubt only grew. There was no way anyone would want to read my story. My story isn't inspiring at all. But there was something in me that wanted to keep going. I continued writing The Water of Florence while I was in middle school and that was by far the worst part of my life. My mental health was no longer healthy enough for everyday chores and my book became a coping mechanism. It gave me hope for my future that seemed so dull.
This cycle carried on for two and a half years before I forced myself to finish the book. The thought of growing old and never knowing what my series could have been was my main motivation. I did not want to turn out like the elderly people I know; the ones who gave up on their dreams for a practical reality. So when I finished, it was a breath of fresh air, but my mom still needed to encourage me to let anyone read it. She sent The Water of Florence to beta readers and editors for reviews and to polish the manuscript.. The result was amazing! It was so good that I decided on a publishing date and here I am: with a published book, more on the way, and the happiest I have ever been. I wish I could tell 12 year old Serena to keep her head up, everything will work out.
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