First Book Look is an ongoing interview series that gives new authors a chance to talk about their debut titles.

Q: What is your new book called, and what is it about?
A: It’s called The Bone Key, a dark fantasy novel about a coven of owl shifters that came out in October 2024 from Quill & Crow Publishing House. It follows my main character Valeria Salcedo as she goes on a journey of self-discovery, both within her Craft, and in exploring her heritage. Valeria is of mixed ethnicity (French Canadian and Mexican American). She has always identified more with her French Canadian side, which makes her feel somewhat guilty for not fully honoring the other cultural aspects of her life. So, I wanted to show this exploration she goes on, and how it reveals hidden truths about her family legacy, something that directly ties to her magical powers.

Book Blurb:
To fight for her future, she’ll have to embrace her past…
Valeria Salcedo is a member of the Aquelarre Buho, a coven that shares the magical ability to transform into owls.

When a ruthless faction of hunters known as Los Cazadores closes in on the witches with the intention of stealing their magic, Valeria must master the powers of both light and dark to defend her coven’s gifts against those who have pursued them for generations.

Q: What was your biggest challenge in writing this book or in getting it published?
A: I always struggle with drafting, so just getting that first draft done was a challenge. I’ve been writing professionally since 2014, and I’ve drafted quite a few books. I’m a plotter by nature, so I had the entire book planned before I started, but I honestly prefer editing to the blank page/screen. Luckily, I wrote this book while taking a novel-in-a-year course, so I had my classmates and instructor to help keep me motivated and offer their thoughts on my book throughout the entire process, which was invaluable. My book wouldn’t be what it became without their insight.

Q: What are you hoping readers will get from your story? What do you hope to leave them with?
A: I hope they enjoy Valeria’s personal journey, even if she can be a little frustrating at times (yes, my editors told me they found themselves screaming at the page when Val doubted herself or did something to self-sabotage). And I hope they see that by embracing every facet of her gifts and trusting in herself, she recognizes her own magic and her own power.

Q: What has been your favorite part of being a new author, so far?
A: Honestly, just seeing people read my book! Whether they buy a copy, take it out of the library, or even snap a photo of it on their TBR pile, it’s such a thrill to see them interested in my owl witches! I also love sharing with readers that this was my debut, and that it came out the year I turned 50, something I’m so proud of.

Publishing is such a grueling journey. All that work, all that waiting…and sometimes feeling like you’re never going to achieve your dreams or that you’ll never find those readers you’re writing for. Seeing even one person choose my book makes all the struggles and self-doubt worth it.

Q: What are you working on next?
A: I’m currently deep into revisions for the sequel to The Bone Key, with a planned 3rd book in the series. I’m also shopping around a dystopian horror novel, and outlining a sequel to that as well. Plus, a few folk horror novella ideas whispering to me from the sidelines…always busy, but loving every day I’m able to pursue my dreams.

Q: Where can people learn more about you?
A: I’m MaryRajotte on all social media platforms, and they can also find me at my website maryrajotte.com or sign up for my newsletter to stay updated on all my writerly shenanigans.

LINKS
Website: https://maryrajotte.com/blog
Newsletter sign-up: https://maryrajotte.com/blog/newsletter/
The Bone Key book page: https://maryrajotte.com/blog/book/the-bone-key/
Quill & Crow: https://www.quillandcrowpublishinghouse.com/