Sharp Curves Ahead

I had a lot of irons in the fire that all eventuated as opportunities at the same time. I went from having a lot of inertia with this big, cumbersome book that I’d been working on for way too long, to suddenly having an editor saying, ‘I’m going to take you to acquisitions. You’d better find representation.’” La Sala did just that, contacting agents and saying “‘Hey, I don’t know how to handle a contract. Would you consider representing me in this book deal that’s going to happen in the next week?’ It was nice to have people I could talk to through this, that I had made friends with during the actual DVPit events,” he said, “because I could run to [them] as this stuff was happening. Those small communities, they’re like little batteries of resilience, and I rely on them all the time.” As a mentor for DVPit, La Sala embraces the chance to contribute. “While I don’t think of myself as a perfect role model, there are things in my journey that I wouldn’t want someone to have to learn on their own. When it comes to queer creators and marginalized creators, there’s a ton to figure out, besides how to put together a game plan for the revision.” La Sala’s good at dishing out suggestions to fellow writers, but he also has some book recommendations for readers, once they’ve emerged from his novel. “If you’re

reading Reverie for the bizarro fantasy side of it and you’re ready for something that has a similar vibe, The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins is a really weird book and I loved reading it, If you’re reading Reverie because of the glitz and the magic, the stimulation and the overload, I would actually say [the video game] Kingdom Hearts is the next best step for you. If you’re into super gay stuff, The Brilliant Death by Amy Rose Capetta is a beautifully-written high fantasy, set in a version of Italy. It focuses on witches and, instead of it being your typical dystopian tale, it’s all about the mob in Italy. It’s so good.”

As for La Sala, he’s already immersed in a new novel. “My next book is about cosplay, so I’ve been poring over competitions and craft tutorials. I love talking to people about what they’ve made and how they’ve made it. Ironically, I haven’t had time to put [one] together, because I’m too busy writing about cosplay!” Thankfully, La Sala still makes time to rock a leopard print shirt and select all-white ensembles dazzling enough to make the soccer moms of Connecticut lunge for their Tide laundry pens. Follow the shenanigans of @Ryality for yourself on Twitter.

Reverie was released on 12/03/19. www.ryanlasala.com

1. Luna P Timer - I use a timer to force myself to focus when I write. I’m not sure just any timer would work though. There is something about being watched by this particular timer, inspired by Luna P from Sailor Moon, that compels me utterly. 2. Citrine Crystal - It will surprise absolutely no one that upon my desk there is a porcelain teacup, and within it lives a citrine crystal (gifted to me by my friend and agent-sibling Shannon). It’s suppose to have inspiring properties. I think it’s nice to hold and talk to when I’m frustrated. 3. iPad and Apple Pencil - It love drawing my monsters and characters. It’s just another way to excavate them from my head. I do so on an iPad in a program called Procreate. This is also how I ended up creating some exclusive art for Barnes & Noble! 4. Notebook - I would be ejected from publishing if I didn’t mention the notebook I use. It’s a white bind notebook from MUJI. Unruled, with all those dots, which I guess is called a bullet journal? I learned that recently. 5. Staedtler Triplus Fineliner pen - they come in all sorts of pretty colors. I mostly use lilacs, pinks, and gunmetal grays. I like to buy them from Porter Square Books. 6. Ulysses -- Ulysses is a superb writing program that I have faithfully drafted in for years. I adore it’s lightweight simplicity, and the logo is a butterfly made out of a pen. So hardcore. 7.Arts and Crafts Supplies -- Sometimes I’m too tired to imagine with my mind, so I make stuff with my hands. I’m very crafty. When I first move into a new place, I always unpack my craft supplies first. 8. Phone -- Social media has been a huge theme in my publishing journey, and so has the ability to form small pockets of confidence I can text when I’m freaking out. I’d be a millenial-shaped-mess without my phone. 9. Camera -- A year ago, I wouldn’t have included my camera on my list of bookish items, but recently I’ve taken a liking to recording videos to promote the books I’m into, and converse with readers. 10. Jellicle Cup -- I’m a coffee person, mostly. Sometimes I’ll pretend to like tea. Whatever I’m drinking, I try to drink from this ridiculous mug my friend Jess got for me, which reads: JELLICLES CAN AND JELLICLES DO. If you get it, you get it.