Author Interview: Markelle Grabo
Debut author Markelle Grabo (she/her) has arrived in the Rambling Realm. During her stay, she kindly agreed to chat with me about herself, her debut novel Call Forth A Fox, and the secrets of her writing process.
About the Markelle
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
As a writer, I love to retell fairy tales, especially ones that frustrate me or are lesser known. When I’m not writing, I’m usually experiencing stories some other way (through books, television, movies, podcasts, video games), but I’m also a fan of hiking, dressing up for Renaissance faires, and exploring big cities. I’m a communications specialist by day, and I live in the Greater Chicago area with my husband and our two fluffy cats, Matcha and Kava.
What inspired you to start writing?
My parents and teachers nurtured my love of storytelling from a young age, but if I had to point to a specific time that inspired me most, I’d say 5th grade. I had just realized, tragically, that being a Marine Biologist was not in the cards for me (I’m incredibly squeamish), but thankfully a short story unit in class gave me a new career dream: becoming a professional writer. That same year I wrote my first “novel” - a 90-page saga about very dramatic mermaids that my mom helped me edit - and I haven’t stopped writing books since.
About Call Forth A Fox
What can you tell us about your debut?
Call Forth a Fox is a queer retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale “Snow White and Rose Red.” The story follows a fifteen-year-old girl named Ro who is struggling with her mother’s decision to move their family from their village to the town across the river in search of a better life. One night, while foraging in the forest beside her cottage, Ro saves a fox from a bear, only to witness the bear transform into a boy with no memories - all he knows is that he must kill the fox. With the help of her sister, Ro vows to help the boy break his curse and keep the fox out of harm’s way, and realizes that the home she loves is not the haven she thought it was.
It’s a story about transition and transformation, discovery and acceptance, and how important family history and the past are in determining one’s future. The story also features sapphic romance, nature-based faeries and magic, and an atmospheric winter setting.
What was the inspiration for Call Forth A Fox?
I love retellings, and when I decided to write one myself, I chose a story I didn’t grow up with so I could bring a fresh perspective to my interpretation. From my first read-through, “Snow White and Rose Red” seemed like the perfect fairy tale for a queer reimagining. Rose Red has a lot of queer subtext to her character. She’s not as traditionally feminine as her sister and has a more wild and carefree physicality to her. Animal transformation in fairy tales is often queer-coded as well, and I loved the idea of exploring both in a retelling. I’m also frustrated by the overwhelmingly heteronormative ending of the original story. Snow White marries the prince and Rose Red marries the prince’s brother - a character we never meet! Almost like the ending is trying to prove the story can’t be queer. This inspired me to make queerness my retelling’s driving force.
If you were a character in Call Forth A Fox, who would you be and why?
I’m a lot like my main character, Ro - an introverted creature of habit who constantly worries about how she’ll be perceived socially, but is fiercely devoted to her loved ones and isn’t afraid to speak her mind when it counts. Ro’s love interest, Colette, helps expand her world, and that relationship dynamic is very much inspired by my own relationship.
Are there any fun behind-the-scenes moments or any hidden easter eggs in your novel that you’d like to share?
After the bear transforms into a boy, he tells Ro that he owes her a debt for taking care of him. Ro’s internal thoughts at that moment are a reference to the original fairy tale, in which the bear is a prince in search of treasure that’s been hidden from him: “I can’t imagine what he could do to repay us…If he does have treasures to offer, he’s likely forgotten where he hid them.”
Can you share a favorite quote or excerpt from Call Forth A Fox?
I love this quote from the end of chapter one because it’s a snapshot of Ro’s character arc - someone who doesn’t want change, yet change is exactly what she needs. The red fox is the first to successfully challenge Ro’s (incorrect) assumption that what she already has in life is enough.
About Writing
How would you describe your writing process?
For me, writing is a process of discovery. Because I retell fairy tales, I usually have a loose idea of what I want to keep or change in my reimagining, but the first draft is otherwise an organic exploration of the characters, setting, and ideas I want to pursue. Revision is when I dig deep, solidifying themes and character arcs.
How would you describe your writing style?
Atmospheric and dialogue-driven. My favorite scenes to write are intimate conversations between two characters.
What have you learned from writing your debut novel?
With Call Forth a Fox, I found my niche as a writer. I want to keep writing queer reimaginings of fairy tales. I want to keep telling these stories because they are the ones I needed as a teen.
What's your favorite writing snack or beverage?
Tea is my beverage of choice while writing. Green or black if I’m writing in the morning, herbal if I’m writing at night.
If you could choose any place—real or fictional—to write your next novel where would it be and why?
Somewhere with no internet signal so I’m not distracted by social media!
Grabo’s Advice
What do you think is the most important thing for debut authors to know?
Everyone’s debut experience will be different, but that doesn’t mean your book is somehow more or less important than a fellow writer’s. It’s just the nature of publishing.
Are there any resources or tools that were particularly helpful to you during your writing journey?
An MFA isn’t for everyone, but attending Hamline University’s writing for children and young adults program was incredibly influential for me. Oftentimes in my undergraduate writing program I felt stifled by the literary-focused environment, so enrolling in a degree program where I could write fantasy stories about teens was so freeing and validating. And the experience gave me friendships that have been crucial to my journey as a writer and a person in general.
What is the strangest thing you had to research for Call Forth A Fox?
How to escape a bear trap. I hope I never have to use that research in real life!
What does Markelle read?
What genres do you enjoy reading the most?
Fantasy has always been my favorite genre, though the kind of fantasy I like to read has changed over the years. I used to favor sprawling epics with potentially world-ending stakes, but now I’m more interested in character-driven stories with magic that’s intriguing and complimentary but not necessarily complex. I think Call Forth a Fox fits into that category nicely.
What's the last book you read that you couldn't put down?
I recently listened to the first two books in the Emily Wilde series by Heather Fawcett and was so charmed by the characters, storylines, and audiobook narrators.
Grabo’s Plans for the Future
What are you working on next?
Right now I have another queer fairy tale retelling on submission to editors, and while I wait for news on that front I’m revising a third story that I hope to get to my agent sometime this summer.
Where can readers find your book and connect with you?
Readers can visit www.markellegrabo.com and find me on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Threads where my handle is @markellegrabo.
Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?
I hope reading Call Forth a Fox brings you as much comfort and magic as I felt while writing it!
Unfortunately, the time has come for Markelle Grabo to continue her journey. But if you wish to find her outside of the Rambling Realm you can do so by visiting her website or following her on Twitter, Threads, Instagram, and Goodreads.
You can get your copy of Call Forth A Fox by following this link. Also, signed copies are available at Blue House Books, Hyperbole Bookstore, and Books of Wonder.
