Q&A: I.V. Marie, Author of ‘Immortal Consequences’

We chat with author I.V. Marie about Immortal Consequences, which follows six students who compete to change their fate at a darkly enchanted boarding school in purgatory where graduation is the only escape—and love can cross the boundaries between life and death.

Hi, I.V.! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Hi, everyone! I’m Isa, also known as I.V. Marie. I’m Peruvian/Chilean and was born and raised in Miami, Florida. I’ve been living in LA for almost eight years and have a wonderful (but chaotic) dog named Mr. Darcy. When I’m not writing (which, to be fair, is most of the time), you can find me getting the most out of my AMC Stubs membership, adding books to my never-ending TBR, and attempting to get rid of my fear of heights at my local climbing gym.

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

I was a reader before I became a writer, though it didn’t take long for my younger self to get the writing itch! I started writing fantasy short stories on my grandpa’s computer when I was seven, which eventually led to A LOT of fan fiction in middle school and high school.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you remember reading: Magic Tree House! I was absolutely obsessed.
• The one that made you want to become an author: Hunger Games. 100 percent.
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Six of Crows––no mourners!

Your debut novel, Immortal Consequences, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Magic, Yearning, Dark, Tension, Obsession

What can readers expect?

A twisty dark academia fantasy set at a magical school in the afterlife, where six teens compete for the once-in-eternity chance to change their fate––or risk remaining stuck in purgatory forever. It has academic rivals to lovers, dangerous magical trials, unlikely found family, six POVs, and of course, lots and lots of tension and romance.

Where did the inspiration for Immortal Consequences come from?

I grew up getting lost in fantasy worlds, and I knew I wanted to create that same experience for other readers. I wanted readers to have that all-consuming, sweeping feeling that YA fantasy books have always given me. Also, having endured a really intense personal family loss, I knew I wanted to explore the concept of grief in the book, and setting the school in the afterlife seemed like the perfect way to do that. It was also very much inspired by some of my favorite multi-POV books, like Six of Crows and The Atlas Six.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

Any scene where all six POV characters were together was truly a joy to write. I love them each so much, despite their many flaws, and I just absolutely loved getting to write their dialogue when they were together and play around with their clashing personalities.

Did you face any challenges while writing? How did you overcome them?

When I first started writing the initial draft for Immortal Consequences, I was still working in retail and had recently gone back to school. I essentially did not have a single day off. But I was determined to finish the book, so I dedicated every possible minute to writing it. I had to really prioritize this project, and I sacrificed quite a bit of my free time, but it was incredibly worth it. Now I can happily say I’m a full-time author!

What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?

It was a complete and utter whirlwind. I truly had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started querying. I had never met another author and was learning every step of the process as I went! Luckily, I found the most amazing team with Ariele and Gwen at UTA, and they held my hand through the whole thing (and continue to do so!). I count myself so immensely lucky that my journey to publication was fairly quick.

What’s next for you?

I’m editing the sequel to Immortal Consequences. Writing a sequel has been a challenge, but in the best way possible. It’s also a little sad to be writing the end of the series. I’ve been with these characters for three years now, and I’m not sure I’m ready to say goodbye!

Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?

There are so many, but some of my favorites have been Difficult Girls by Veronica Bane, The Weaver Bride by Lydia Gregovic, and Dream by the Shadows by Logan Karlie!

Will you be picking up Immortal Consequences? Tell us in the comments below!