Hey there, folks! Kendra Cassidy here—retired Admiral, occasional smuggler of books, and your go-to for deep dives into the minds of fantastic authors. Today, I’m beyond excited to introduce you to someone who’s bringing a fresh, magical perspective to the world of fantasy—Morgana Sinclayr!

If you have a soft spot for fairytales, anime, and the thrill of discovering hidden royal lineages (and really, who doesn’t?), Morgana’s debut novel, Chrysanthemum Palace, is about to be your next obsession. It’s the first in The Princess Eleanor Chronicles, a series that promises enchanting adventures, richly detailed worlds, and heroes you can’t help but root for.

But before Morgana was building her own fantastical realms, she was reporting on kawaii fashion for NHK World Japan—so you know she’s got an eye for aesthetics and storytelling that captivates. Drawing inspiration from her love of anime, K-pop, and rock, she weaves narratives that are as vibrant as they are heartfelt. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, she’s also a proud advocate for neurodivergent voices in literature, bringing authentic representation to the fantasy genre.

These days, she’s crafting the next chapter of Eleanor’s journey from her home in Augusta, Georgia, and today, she’s joining us to talk about her writing, her inspirations, and what’s next on the horizon. Let’s get to it!

Want to keep up with Morgana and her world? You can find her here:

🌎 Website: www.morganasinclayr.com

📖 Goodreads: Morgana Sinclayr on Goodreads

🎵 TikTok: @authormorganasinclayr

📷 Instagram: @authormorganasinclayr

📺 YouTube: Morgana Sinclayr on YouTube

Now, let’s dive into the magic!

MCU, for sure! I come from a long line of geeks, and Marvel was a huge part of my childhood. The stories, the characters, and the way everything connects just hooked me. Plus, I love how the MCU balances action, heart, and humor—it’s always a fun ride!

Reboots—bold new takes or lazy cash grabs?

That depends on what’s getting rebooted. Some are done brilliantly and bring a fresh perspective, while others just don’t measure up to the original. When there’s care and respect for the source material, a reboot can be amazing—but if it’s just a cash grab, fans will absolutely know.

Coffee, tea, or cacao?

Does a Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappé with extra caramel drizzle count? Because that’s the only time I’m team coffee! Otherwise, I’m all about hot cacao—preferably drowning in marshmallows and buried under a mountain of whipped cream. If it doesn’t look like a sugary avalanche, I don’t want it!

For as long as I can remember! My grandfather was a writer, and his dream was to get his two books published—something he was incredibly passionate about. Some of my fondest memories are of us reading together, singing songs, and listening to his stories about his time in Korea and Japan. He’s the reason I fell in love with literature.

I was always drawn to fantastical tales of princesses, castles, and dashing princes, and I loved the idea of creating worlds people could escape to. By middle school, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I admired Naoko Takeuchi, Kiera Cass, and Meg Cabot for their powerful storytelling, and they inspired me to craft my own stories that could transport readers to new and exciting places.

Any weird or unique writing habits?

Oh, definitely! Growing up, I loved making up stories, but I was only allowed an hour of computer time each day. So instead of typing, I wrote everything by hand. My parents would buy me notebooks and journals, and I’d spend hours scribbling away in my bedroom, completely lost in my own worlds.

At the time, I wasn’t thrilled about my limited computer access, but looking back, I think being free from distractions really helped my creativity flourish. Writing by hand made the process feel more personal, and funnily enough, some of those early stories eventually evolved into what is now Chrysanthemum Palace!

Even now, though I love my laptop, I still find myself drafting and developing my stories in a notebook before transferring them to Microsoft Word. There’s just something about putting pen to paper that sparks my creativity!

Where do your ideas come from—what sparks that creative fire?

My time in college had a big impact on my writing. I worked as a fashion reporter for NHK World Japan, which really sparked my fascination with different cultures. The experience with the TV show Kawaii International deepened my understanding of Japan's rich history and modern trends, which definitely inspired my work.

I’ve also been fascinated by Nigerian culture and music, especially Yoruba. I spent years researching it, and that, along with my interest in Japanese culture, helped shape Princess Eleanor Aurora Yamamoto-Aladesanni. With her being both African and Asian, I drew from both cultures to create the fictional Eastern Kingdom of Narea and Eleanor’s unique background.

When you’re not writing, what’s taking up your time?

I love exploring different cultures through music and food, and I enjoy studying different languages. You’ll often find me roaming the romantasy or manga section at Barnes and Noble, soaking up the atmosphere of a museum, or attending a cultural festival. There’s always something new to discover!

What’s your support system like—how does your family feel about your writing?

I’m really blessed to have a very supportive family. Even during times when I doubted myself, my parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents always believed in my potential. Their encouragement has meant the world to me, and it’s one of the reasons I’m able to keep pursuing my passion for writing.

What’s the best advice you’d give to a new writer?

I’ll share something my late grandfather often told me: You have to be the leader of your own fan club. Be your own biggest supporter and believe in yourself, even if others don’t recognize your potential right away. Your story is worth telling, and only you can share it with the world.

Also, write every day—even if it’s just for a few minutes. Practice helps, and it keeps your creative muscles strong!

If we went back in time and asked kid-you what they wanted to be when they grew up, what would they say?

Oh, this one’s easy! When I was in kindergarten, during my All About Me day, I proudly told my classmates and teachers that I wanted to be a princess when I grew up. Well, I never quite became one, but I think my younger self would be pretty proud that I write books she’d absolutely love!

Biggest publishing industry red flag?

Vanity publishers, without a doubt. The idea of charging authors for visibility, especially when they’ve already poured their heart and soul into their work, feels incredibly exploitative. It takes advantage of their dreams and hard work, preying on their hopes for success. Authors deserve fair opportunities and respect for their craft, not to be made to feel like they have to pay just to be seen.

Writing Kryptonite—what knocks the wind out of your creative sails?

Writer’s block, hands down! The longest block I had lasted about three years on one story. It was incredibly frustrating, but it wasn’t until college that I regained my spark and finally finished it. Sometimes you just have to step away and let the ideas come back to you when the time is right.

Do you write to be original, or do you cater to what readers want?

I try to write with heart and integrity, focusing on telling original, culturally rich stories. For me, it’s not just about delivering what readers want, but about sharing stories that matter to me personally.

Princess Eleanor came to life because I didn’t see princesses who looked like me in the media I consumed. Instead of waiting for that representation, I decided to create it—especially for Black girls, so they can see themselves as the brave, beautiful heroines they are, and they don’t have to turn into an amphibian to find their happily ever after!

Is The Princess Eleanor Chronicles a one-and-done deal, or are we in for a full series?

I really want Eleanor's story to unfold over multiple books because there's so much to explore! The first book in The Princess Eleanor Chronicles introduces the royal politics of Narea, her background, and her struggle to fit in at her new school. I can’t wait to dive deeper into her journey toward the crown in the upcoming books!

What’s the best way to get your books into readers’ hands?

Connecting with readers where they already hang out! As a book lover, I truly enjoy engaging with my favorite fandoms and authors on social media. I love seeing the amazing fan art, cosplays, book-themed events, and creative video edits that fellow readers share.

This cozy, bookish corner of the internet is so vibrant and special, which is why I focus on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to reach potential readers and foster a genuine connection with my audience.

What’s next on the horizon?

Lots of exciting things! When I’m not writing, you can find me on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube at @authormorganasinclayr.

For my book launch last February, I kicked off my first web series, Black Princesses of the World, which highlights real princesses from the African Diaspora. This Friday, I’m launching my second web series, Melanated Minute, showcasing incredible Black trailblazers in pop culture and fashion.

And of course, I’m currently working on the next installment of The Princess Eleanor Chronicles! The stakes will be even higher as Elle explores her West African heritage. I can’t wait to share where her journey takes her next!

Well, folks, that’s a wrap! I don’t know about you, but I’m dying to see where Eleanor’s journey takes her next—royalty, adventure, and high-stakes drama? That’s my kind of read.

Morgana Sinclayr is bringing something fresh, bold, and downright magical to the YA fantasy scene, and if you haven’t picked up Chrysanthemum Palace yet, now’s the time. Seriously—do you really want to be the last one to discover your new favorite series? Didn’t think so.

And hey, if you want to keep up with Morgana’s latest projects, deep dives into Black princesses throughout history, and all the exciting things she’s got coming, make sure to follow her on social media (trust me, her content’s just as enchanting as her books).

Until next time, keep your bookshelves full and your coffee cups even fuller! Catch you on the next adventure! 🚀✨

- Kendra