“No one need fear the stars. They don’t limit our destiny, only point out possibilities. Indeed, the stars, the planets, and the very study of the zodiac can transform our lives.”
—Fearless Astrology
Logan McRae is an ordinary high school girl who wants to change her sucky life until she finds an old astrology book. In “Aries Rising,” the first of the new Star Crossed series, Bonnie Hearn Hill combines astrology with a page-turning tale of a teen on a mission. “Aries Rising” will publish in March, and the next two books in the series, “Taurus Eyes” and “Gemini Night,” will publish in May and August.
These are the first young adult novels for Bonnie, who is the author of six thrillers for MIRA Books.
So why write for teens?
“Because it was the best way to tell the story,” Bonnie says. “And that’s all it was, at first, just a story I wanted to tell, not a series. It wasn’t even set at the beach originally.”
We’re sitting at the narrow glass and chrome table overlooking Bonnie’s patio and monster bush of purple sage. It’s the same table where she meets with her weekly critique group.
“The idea came to me right here,” she says and points at the expansive windows. “We often channel ideas for each other, and Hazel channeled this one. I had never even considered writing young adult, let alone astrology.”
Hazel Dixon-Cooper began as a student in Bonnie’s writing class then became her closest friend. After four years in the class, she received what’s politely referred to as a six-figure deal for two humorous astrology books.
“She’s amazing,” Bonnie says. “Outrageous and hilarious. The first time we had lunch, she opened her mouth, and funny fell out. I said, ‘Hazel, if you can get that mouth on paper, you will make a fortune.’ She did, and she has.”
For the last six years, Hazel has been the Cosmopolitan magazine astrologer.
“One day we were talking at this table, and Hazel was figuring out the signs of characters. Hamlet was a Libra. Santa was a Sadge.”
“Hazel, those are novel titles,” Bonnie said.
Several hours later, Bonnie had an idea for a book called “Frankenstein Was a Taurus.” (She later changed it to “Aries Rising”.)
Although other novels featured astrology, Bonnie hadn’t heard of any targeted to teens and including extensive astrology information.
“It seemed like a perfect blend,” she says. “As Logan learns about each sign, so does the reader.”
And so did I. Not sure how I feel about being a work-driven Capricorn, but for the first time, I’ve started getting Moon signs. Hey, I might write my own book.
After writing thrillers, how did you shift into young adult gear?
It was one of the easiest transitions I’ve ever made. Now, getting into the head of a killer—that was no fun. I’m a kid at heart, a double Gemini, and teen emotions are universal. Can’t you remember how it felt to fall in love for the first time? To twist in the wind over a guy? To wish there were some way you could change your life? I just tapped into that. Once I wrote the first book, I knew I wanted to write more. Then the second book, which has a ghost in it, started talking to me.
Was it difficult to sell the book/series since you were not established in the teen market?
My agent sent me a ton of young adult books she had represented. I studied them for several months, wrote my first draft and sent it to her. Have I mentioned that she’s the best agent on the planet? Hard-working Taurus, loyal and nurturing. I give thanks every day that she’s in my life.
How long did it take to sell?
Since I hadn’t written YA, I had to finish the first novel the way any first-time author would. My agent sold it in less than three weeks. If you believe in coincidence, which I don’t, it just so happens that the editor who bought it is an Aquarius, the same as Logan.
What message do you want teens to take from “Aries Rising”?
That you can take control of your life and go after what you want. Your parents, your teachers, your guy, the zodiac—no one, nothing can do it for you. My editor told me she was attracted to the book because Logan and her two BFFs are loyal to each other. Chili is a beautiful, talkative Gemini from a wealthy Armenian family with a hands-on mom, while Logan’s mom is a golf pro who is never home. Paige is a shy Pisces who wants to be a fashion designer. But together, these girls are a team
You’ve mentored many writers. What advice would you give to someone who wants to write YA?
Think series, not book.
The biggest glitch I’ve always seen in YA is what I call Wise Parent Syndrome. These novels are about and for teens. Parents are supporting characters, not stars.
Finally, quitting isn’t an option. Write and keep writing. Never give up.
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