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Author Interview: Bethany Mangle on Conditions of a Heart, Her Writing Process, and More!

2/15/2024

Hi bookworms and welcome to an author interview! Today I'm chatting with Bethany Mangle, author of Conditions of a Heart! This book is filled with beautiful moments, engaging characters, and humour that will make you smile. You can read my review here for more of my thoughts. Conditions of a Heart comes out February 20th and you can preorder your copy here!

Image Source: Courtesy of Simon & Schuster

Synopsis: Brynn Kwan is desperate for her high school persona to be real. That Brynn is head of the yearbook committee, the favorite for prom queen, and definitely not crumbling from a secret disability that’s rapidly wearing her down. If no one knows the truth about her condition, Brynn doesn’t have to worry about the pitying looks or accusations of being a faker that already destroyed her childhood friendships. She’s even willing to let go of her four-year relationship with her first love, Oliver, rather than reveal that a necessary surgery was the reason she ignored his existence for the entire summer.

But after Brynn tries to break up a fight at a pep rally and winds up barred from all her clubs and senior prom, she has nothing left to prop up her illusion of being just like everyone else. During a week-long suspension from school, she realizes that she doesn’t quite recognize the face in the mirror—and it’s not because of her black eye from the fight. With a healthy sister who simply doesn’t understand and a confused ex-boyfriend who won’t just take a hint and go away like a normal human being, Brynn begins to wonder if it’s possible to reinvent her world by being the person she thought no one wanted: herself.

Hello Bethany! Welcome to Page by Paige Books! I am so excited to chat with you today. To get things started I’d love to get to know you a bit more. Could you share 3 fun facts about yourself?
It’s funny how it’s so difficult to think of even three random facts about myself off the top of my head. I’ve started stacking books on a half-wall to save space in my apartment, which causes an avalanche any time I want to get a book. I have a French bulldog named Potato. I am always missing at least one key on my laptop keyboard.

Congratulations on the upcoming publication of Conditions of a Heart! Would you say that your writing process has changed since writing your debut? If so, in what ways?
Thank you! I think my writing process has changed for the better since writing my debut. I try to pay more attention to structure from the beginning. That makes it easier to understand where I’m going and what I want to accomplish by including a particular scene. My writing process is really disorganized in general, but I’m working on it.

I loved exploring the developing relationships that Brynn had with her sister, her parents, her friends, and Oliver, her ex-boyfriend. The characters were so dynamic and intriguing to read about. What advice would you give to writers working on creating and writing about these different types of relationships?
I always recommend thinking about real-life relationships. I don’t base my characters on any single person in particular. Instead, I try to remember that all relationships are complicated and more nuanced than just good or bad. I also keep in mind that everything is being filtered through the lens of my main character. They’re going to misinterpret things or make decisions that I wouldn’t necessarily agree with. I have to see their relationships as separate from myself.

I saved so many great quotes while reading Conditions of a Heart. Do you have any favourite quotes or scenes from the book that you could share?
One of my favorite parts is when Brynn is reflecting on her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Oliver: “For too long Oliver and I were always just there, a pair that people cheered for at first and then demanded later. But sometimes all that pushing hardens you the way that diamonds are formed from the pressure, the heat, the crush of a world. And although everyone expected us to sparkle, we could cut too.” I really love this section because Brynn is talking about her relationship and the power of expectations, but that also applies to her own life as a disabled teen. She’s facing so much pressure to act a certain way and present a perfect image to the world, but it’s tearing her up at the same time to pretend that everything is fine.

What would you say was the biggest challenge you encountered while writing this book?
My biggest challenge while writing any book is figuring out what happens. I don’t always write in chronological order, and I’m terrible about coming up with an outline ahead of time. That means I’m often fumbling around in the middle of a draft trying to understand how to tie things up and resolve arcs in a way that makes sense.

What is the main message that you want readers to take away from Conditions of a Heart?
I hope it makes people more aware of how disabled people experience the world and the challenges we face. In addition to symptoms caused by our disabilities, many disabled people still struggle with being sidelined as inspirational because we’re “overcoming” obstacles that don’t need to be there in the first place. Plus, after the start of the pandemic, we now have even more to worry about since it’s unsafe for us to be in so many spaces.

On your website, you mentioned that one of your favourite TV shows is The Mandalorian, which is one of my favourites as well! Which Star Wars character (from any of the movies and shows) do you relate to the most, and why?
This question is so difficult because I’m obsessed with Star Wars. If I had to pick one character, I relate a lot to Ahsoka during the Clone Wars animated series when she was younger. I’m pretty stubborn, and I want to figure things out in my own way. Otherwise, if you’re trying to talk to me in the morning before I’ve had caffeine, I’m Chopper.

Along with Conditions of a Heart, there are so many exciting books coming out in 2024. Are there any other releases coming out this year that you’d recommend for fans of your work?
I’m fortunate enough to be reading an early copy of Sydney Langford’s The Loudest Silence. It follows the life of Casey, a 16-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a professional singer. Just before moving across the country, her life is upended by permanent hearing loss and she has to rediscover her relationship with music as a Deaf-Hard of Hearing musician. The story is based on the author’s personal experiences and reflections.

Thank you so much chatting with me today about Conditions of Heart! I had a great time reading it and I’m excited to read more of your work in the future! Do you have any upcoming projects that you’re currently working on?
I’ve actually decided to start working on a dystopian young adult novel with some science fiction themes. It’s totally different than anything I’ve worked on before, so even if it isn’t something I end up publishing, it’s still a fun exercise in building a fictional world and approaching characters from a different perspective.

Author Information

Bethany Mangle is the author of the Prepped, All the Right Reasons, and Conditions of a Heart. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys spoiling her dogs, playing video games, and spending time with her unbearably nerdy husband. She moves too much to put a location in her bio ever again. Visit her at BethanyMangle.com.

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I had so much fun chatting with Bethany about Conditions of a Heart. Don't forget to preorder your copy before it releases on February 20th! What book character would you want to be friends with in real life and why? Let me know in the comments below!

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Most Anticipated February 2024 Releases

2/3/2024

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Hi bookworms! It's officially February and you know what that means! A whole month of new books! Today I'm sharing 11 of my most anticipated releases of February! With everything from romance to fantasy, to mystery, these books have it all! I'm so excited to dive into them soon. Now let's dive in!

The Cursed Rose by Leslie Vedder
February 6th

Confined to a tower with the monstrous Briar Rose, Fi is desperate to find a way to decode the ancient riddle of the Rose Witches before she loses Briar forever. Meanwhile, Shane is desperate to find the weapon left behind by the Lord of the Butterflies, in hopes of saving her partner. But along the way, Red and Shane will face another enemy, the Wraith. The future of Andar lies in the secrets of its past. Fi and Shane must take on the greatest lost ruin of them all - the Tomb of Queen Aurora. I can’t wait to see how this amazing trilogy ends! I’ve loved the first two books so far, and they’ve been some of my favourites these last few years!

Relit edited by Sandra Proudman
February 6th

I love a good short story anthology so I knew I had to add this to my tbr! Relit is a collection of sixteen stories that center a Latinx point of view in reimagined classics. It's got everything from fantasy to sci-fi and more! I can't wait to see how these classic stories are remixed!

I Hope This Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang
February 6th

I loved If You Could See the Sun by Ann Laing so I am super excited to see what this book has in store! It’s about Sadie, a model student and school captain, who channels all of her frustrations into email drafts. It’s a great way to let loose on her power-hungry English teacher or a freeloading classmate taking credit for her work. But most of her emails are about Julius, her co-captain who constantly gets on her nerves. And when all of her emails get accidentally sent out, everyone is quick to let Sadie know what they think of her too. But amidst the chaos, one person is growing to appreciate the “real” Sadie - Julius, the only boy she’s sworn to hate. I can't wait to see how all the drama unfolds!

Drawing Deena by Hena Khan
February 6th

Drawing Deena follows the story of Deena, who is struggling to find the name for the knot in her stomach. The one that appears when her parents argue about money, and when it’s time to go to school. But with the help of her friends and her art, she makes it through each day. Hoping to help her parents’ money troubles, Deena creates a logo and social media account to promote her mom’s home-based business selling clothes from Pakistan. When business picks up, it causes some unexpected consequences and now Deena’s latest creative outlet becomes another thing that makes her feel nauseated and unsure of herself. After Deena reaches a breaking point, both she and her mother learn the importance of asking for help and that, with the right support, Deena can create something truly beautiful. This sounds like a heartfelt middle grade story!

City Spies: Mission Manhattan by James Ponti
February 6th

The City Spies head to the Big Apple when a credible threat is made to a young climate activist who is scheduled to speak in front of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. With Rio acting as alpha and a new member in their ranks, the team’s mission to protect a fellow teen takes them on an exciting adventure in, around, and even under the greatest city in the world as they follow leads to the outer boroughs, the UN Headquarters, and even the usually off-limits stacks that extend deep under the main branch of the New York Public Library. I am so excited to continue this series! It’s such a fun read!

The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller
February 6th

The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder follows Freya Lockwood, who is shocked to learn that her antiques dealer and estranged mentor, Arthur Crockleford, has died under mysterious circumstances. After 20 years of avoiding it, she has no choice but to return to her hometown after discovering a letter that Arthur sent to her just days before his death. Teaming up with her eccentric Aunt Carole, Freya investigates an old manor house during an antiques enthusiast’s weekend. With secretive guests and poor reproductions of antiques, Frey and Carole will have to discover the killer fast, before they strike again. I love mysteries and I'm really intrigued to see how the antiques come into play in the plot!

Disciples of Chaos by M.K. Lobb
February 20th

Seven Faceless Saints by M.K. Lobb was one of my all time favourite reads last year so I am beyond excited to read the sequel! Damian Venturi isn't aware of it yet. But as small shifts start to crack the foundations of the Ombrazian power structure after the Rebellion's attack, cracks are beginning to show in Damian's own facade. Uncontrollable anger is bubbling to the surface and can't always be pushed down. Rossana Lacertosa should feel victorious. She accomplished everything she set out to do, and more. The Rebellion's attack set countless prisoners free and brought attention to the unfairness in the Palazzo's structure. And Damian is back by her side where he belongs. Yet the war with Brechaat rages on and government officials are hellbent on keeping the status quo. Then an Ombrazian general arrives from the front lines, and orders dozens of arrests, shipping Roz and Damian's friends up north. Determined to free those who matter most, Roz and Damian set their sights on Brechaat. But their journey is dogged by strange magic, and Damian shifts further from the boy he used to be.

Conditions of a Heart by Bethany Mangle
February 20th

Conditions of a Heart follows the story of Brynn Kwan who projects a perfect persona at school and desperately wants it to be real. But in actuality, she’s being worn down by a secret disability that she is determined to hide from everyone around her. She’s even willing to break up with her boyfriend Oliver, who she’s been with for 4 years rather than reveal that the reason she ignored him over the summer was because she needed surgery. But after trying to break up a fight at school leaves her suspended for a week and barred from her clubs and prom, Brynn realizes she can’t recognize herself. With a confused ex-boyfriend who won’t take a hint to leave her alone and a sister who can’t understand, Brynn begins to wonder if she could actually be the one person she thought no one wanted: herself. I'm currently reading this and having a great time! Can we also take a moment to appreciate this stunning cover? 😍

The Someday Daughter by Ellen O'Clover
February 20th

Before she was born, Audrey's mother, Camilla St. Vrain, wrote the bestselling book Letters to my Someday Daughter, a guide to self-love that advises treating yourself like you would your own hypothetical future daughter. Audrey's always felt more like a promotional tool than a member of Camilla's family, and she's determined to create her own identity — starting at the prestigious summer premed program she'll attend with her boyfriend before heading to college. But when Camilla asks Audrey to go on tour with her to promote the book's anniversary, instead, Audrey can't help but think that this is the last, best chance to figure out how they fit into each other's lives — not someday, but today, just as they are. What Audrey doesn't know is that spending the summer with Camilla and her tour staff — including the disarmingly honest, distressingly cute video intern, Silas — will upset everything she's so carefully planned for her life.

Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek
February 27th

Where the Dark Stands Still follows Liska Radost who lives in a small village near the spirit-wood. She has always known that magic is dangerous and those who practice it are monsters, but after she unleashes her own powers she is caught by the Leszy, the demon warden of the wood. And he offers a bargain: one year of servitude in exchange for a wish. Soon Liska is whisked away to his crumbling manor where she’ll have to uncover her host’s secrets if she wants to survive the year and return home. This sounds right up my alley! I am so excited to dive into it.

Compass and Blade by Rachel Greenlaw
February 27th

You guys know how much I love pirate books, so I added this to my tbr immediately! Compass and Blade follows the story of Mira, who plunder's shipwrecks and rescues survivors. But the people of Rosevear never admit the truth: that they set the beacons themselves to lure ships into the rocks. When the Council watch lays a trap to put an end to the wrecking, they arrest Mira’s father. Desperate to save him from the noose, Mira strikes a deal with an enigmatic wreck survivor, and sets off to find something her mother has left her, a family secret buried deep in the sea. With just nine days to find what she needs to rescue her father, all Mira knows for certain is this: The sea gives. The sea takes. And it’s up to her to do what she must to save the ones she loves.

Those are my anticipated releases for February 2024 bookworms! I can't wait to read them! What February releases are on your radar? Are any of these books on your tbr? Let me know in the comments below.

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Author Interview: Bethany Mangle on Conditions of a Heart, Her Writing Process, and More!

Most Anticipated February 2024 Releases

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