IndieView with Keilah Jude, author of The Snow Queen’s Heir

Noelle’s life turns upside down when the whereabouts of a mysterious, powerful necklace are revealed to her through letters. But she isn’t the only one searching for it, and her quest to find it attracts a lot of perilous attention, including the Snow Queen, who is rumored to be a morally gray villain. Unknowingly to Noelle, she befriends the Snow Queen and they unravel clues about the necklace together.

When a handsome stranger, Prince Eli, tricks Noelle into spying on the Snow Queen, the pair become instant enemies. Eli’s trickery lands Noelle a prison sentence in his realm, deepening the wedge between them. Yet despite it all, the two can’t seem to fight off the forbidden feelings they develop for one another.

When Noelle learns that she is the heir to the snowy throne, she is forced to compete in the Heirling Duel—a deadly duel that exists in lieu of wars. Unfortunately for Noelle, the Heirling Duel won’t end until one heir dies, and Eli is her opponent. Noelle must choose between her budding romance, friends, or the obligation of her realm to survive the Heirling Duel, and save her people.

About the book

What is the book about?

My debut book, The Snow Queen’s Heir, is a YA romantasy that is perfect for readers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, and found family. When Noelle befriends the Snow Queen and becomes the heir to the snowy throne, she must battle the guy she can’t help falling for in the Heirling Duel, where she is forced to choose between love or her people.

When did you start writing the book?

I began in 2024 and also completed it in 2024.

How long did it take you to write it?

My first rough draft was written in two months (but that is because it was all that I did!). I was typing away at my computer with every free moment that I had. The first rough draft was absolutely awful, so I re-wrote the entire thing. I have edited the manuscript more times than I can possibly count. I’ve revised, changed ideas, and revised some more. I have so many different versions saved. But altogether, the timeline was just shy of two years once it was finished to my liking.

Where did you get the idea from?

It just happened. Somebody said as a joke, “I wish there was no war; I wish politicians fought to the death instead.” And this joke birthed an idea in me for the Heirling Duel, where heirs fight to the death in lieu of war. I decided to make the opponents fall in love too, because who doesn’t love a good conflict of interest?

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I think my struggle has been that I kept revising it. I have so many different drafts and edits. I’ve struggled with wanting the story to be perfect, and sometimes I think I’ve overdone the revision process. I’m not joking when I say that I probably have 15+ drafts on my computer.

What came easily?

I fell in love with the characters and enjoyed assigning motives for every action they took. It was so easy to write this story because I simply loved every single character. The characters took on a life of their own and it was fun to write each of them with their own ambitions. I’ve heard advice that you should write the story you would want to read, and I think I accomplished that.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

I think every author pulls from personal experience to some level. But I can say that there isn’t one character that is a copycat of anybody that I know in real life.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Yes, I love the worldbuilding that J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis created. I loved reading the romantic tension that authors Stephanie Garber, Lauren Roberts, and Holly Black have crafted. There are so many authors that I have admired for different reasons, but I think that they all have impacted me in different ways. I think every writer has different strengths, and that is why as readers we are all drawn to different styles.

Do you have a target reader?

Yes, I wrote the story with romantasy readers in mind. I belong to the best book community, and we love a good book that makes us kick our feet and rant to our friends about it. I wanted to write for this community that has meant the world to me, and cheered me on when I thought about giving up on this book. I almost threw it away, but it was the book community who cheered me on and encouraged me to try.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I do. My rule is that I just need to get the first draft done. Will it be terrible? Probably. But the important thing is to write it. Once it is written, I can revise it to my heart’s delight (which I did). I think so many writers get stuck on their first draft because they want it to be perfect, but then they never finish it. I think it is better to have a crummy first draft that is finished, than to never finish a wonderful story.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I do outline, but I’m not married to it. So if I stray away from my outline, I’m alright with that because sometimes the story calls for it. But I just write a sentence or two per chapter, and follow that structure. I tend to run long when writing, and it’s costly to print big books, so I try to stick to an outline, or else my story will go incredibly long.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I edit when I’m finished. I allow myself to have a sloppy first draft, just to get it out. Then the real heavy lifting begins.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes, I worked with a developmental editor and a copy editor. I’m truly thankful for them both and their wonderful work!

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I love listening to Hans Zimmer while writing! There is something so wonderful about his work and it is so inspiring (especially for action scenes!).

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did. I had three literary agents request to see my manuscript, and a major publisher requested to see it for potential audiobook rights. But ultimately, they all passed. Rejection is never fun. I wish it didn’t sting, but it certainly does.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher?

This is where it gets interesting! I felt like I failed when I didn’t secure a literary agent. So in a last ditch effort, before throwing away my manuscript, I pitched it to the internet via social media. I was amazed by the sheer amount of support I received. People came in waves, informing me that they would read my book and told me that I shouldn’t throw it away. Complete strangers began to root for my book and it actually makes me emotional to think about it. Why support a stranger’s book? Sometimes the internet can be the most wonderful place, and strangers can be some of the most incredible people.

Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I really made the decision when people expressed their support for my book and showed their interest in it. I felt that I had a chance, and it was worth trying.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Yes, I went to a Ukrainian business called Miblart and I love their designer’s work! They’re very professional too.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Yes, this is my favorite part! I used to be a publicist at a publishing house, so I’m doing many of the same things that I did in that role. I am pitching to podcasts, media outlets, and my biggest source of support is the reading community. I belong to the best reading communities on Booktok, Booktube, and Bookstagram and they’ve been so supportive. I will be doing digital ARCs via NetGalley and physical ARCs/PR packages once the book releases. I will mostly rely on my social media, community, and email subscribers to get the word out.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Don’t be afraid to try! It is scary to put your work out there, because there are always people who won’t jive with your work. And let’s be honest, criticism isn’t fun. BUT you will find the right readers for your story and that is the best feeling. But you won’t find them if you don’t try. So don’t be scared to publish your story!

About You

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Florida, but I have also lived in Arizona, Alabama, Ohio, Texas, and Illinois. I also spent a summer in Africa.

Where do you live now?

I reside in Chicago, IL.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I can do 11 accents. I think it might have something to do with living all over the place, but if I listen to an accent, I can usually pick it up pretty easily.

I received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in English literature and a minor in creative writing. I have a master’s degree in my favorite book, which is the Bible, from Wheaton College.

I’m also a book content creator. I love sharing my recent reads and ranting (sometimes crying!) over books. I’d love to connect and hear about what you’re reading. I’m on Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube as @KeilahJude

What are you working on now?

I’m preparing to publish my next book! It is finished, and I’m just getting ready for the polish (aka this means the copy editor).