Class of 23: The Reunion – Skyla Arndt

1. Tell us a bit about who you are and what you do?

My name is Skyla Arndt and I am a YA horror romance author! I love all things spooky and swoony. My debut, TOGETHER WE ROT, came out in 2023, and I just released my sophomore novel, HOUSE OF HEARTS, this September.

2. Was your experience of the publishing process what you expected?

Not at all! Growing up, I thought being an author would allow me to live in the woods somewhere and have minimal human contact, haha. Surprisingly, this career involves a lot of public speaking, podcasts, in person events, and social media promo! It’s been a huge adjustment for me, but I’ve been lucky enough to meet so many wonderful readers and fellow authors in the process. (Though I still yearn for my cabin in the woods…)

3. What would you say has been your favourite part in that process?

Seeing my stories come to life! There’s something so magical in holding your book for the first time and knowing that all the hard work finally paid off.

4. What was the hardest part of the process? And how did you navigate it?

One of the hardest parts of publishing is creative burnout. I really struggled with this after the release of my first book. Before being traditionally published, I had no experience with deadlines or “author branding” or any of that. Suddenly, I’d gone from a world where I could write whenever I wanted with zero expectation to one with contractual obligations and hopeful readers.

House of Hearts was actually born BECAUSE of burnout—strangely enough! I wanted a secret passion project to help me rediscover my love for writing. I had no idea whether it would sell or not, but I needed a story that was purely for me. It was a Frankenstein creation of everything I love! There were ghostly masquerade balls, secret societies, and Alice in Wonderland whimsy and it was so fun.

5. Since your debut, do you feel like your writing practice has changed much?

I’d like to think so! It’s my hope that I improve my craft with every book I write. I’m always striving to get better! Beyond that, I’ve learned how to better navigate burnout and deadlines. One way I do that is by not writing on weekends and treating my work like a 9-5 (albeit, a very FUN 9-5).

6. What is one piece of advice you would give to a debut author?

It is so easy to be your own worst critic! Believe me–been there, done that. Publishing is flooded with rejections and negative reviews, so it’s super important to be your own cheerleader instead. You sold a book! Be proud of that.

7. Going on to readers. What did you want readers to get from your work?

HOUSE OF HEARTS was my sanctuary for the last two years. It was a safe world for me to fall into when the real world proved too much. Through burnout and personal grief, I found a home in the pages. It’s my biggest hope that this book can be a fun escape from the outside world for readers!

8. Now we’re two years forward since your debut came out. Has the way your book has been received or reviewed, changed the way that you feel about your work?

It used to! I used to be very hurt when I’d get tagged in a negative review of my book. There was a stage in my life where every negative comment would sit with me for ages and really make me question my book’s worth.

I have no idea when it happened, but at some point in my career I must have developed either a thicker skin or crafted a mental wall for myself. Either way, I’m now at the point where I can laugh about it all! It is what it is. And for every negative bit of feedback, there are wonderfully kind readers that send in fan art and tell me how much my stories mean to me! It’s really such a dream.

9. What has been your best interaction with someone who has read one of your books?

Oh boy, there have been so many moments I can’t pick just one! I’ve had readers send in phenomenal fanart for both of my books. I still remember one very kind reader giving me a scrunchie with book art on it for TWR—I was floored and it’s still my go-to hair tie to this day!

10. Have you learned anything in the process of writing that you wish you had known when you first started?

I’m sure I have, but honestly I feel like I needed to go through everything in my debut year to get to where I am today! The struggle and confusion was a rite of passage, haha. I met so many other debut authors in the same shoes and we cheered/commiserated together about the process.

11. What are your publishing goals going forward? What’s next for you?

I very recently went full time writing, so my goal is to find a new and comfortable routine for myself!

I’m currently working on a secret regency project (super excited to share more in the future) and I just recently announced the sale of my adult thriller, GOOD TASTE! It’s a cannibal cruise ship comedy and the wackiest thing that’s ever come out of my brain. I can’t wait to send it off into the world.