Author Q&A: Lusine Torossian

Q: What genre or format do you write in? (for example: romance, fantasy, short stories, poetry, etc.)

A: I write young adult fantasy that’s steeped in mythology and Armenian storytelling traditions. While my stories have strong romantic elements, they’re grounded in the magic and wonder of ancient folklore. I love blending these timeless tales with contemporary themes that speak to modern readers. It’s like taking the best of both worlds—the enchantment of old stories and the fresh perspective of today.

Q: Who do you write for? Who is your audience, and are you seeking to reach a particular type of reader with your work? Why?

A: I primarily write for young adults. This focus comes from my own teen years of balancing between cultural traditions and modern life in the US. Those years were a mix of everything—beautiful, chaotic, inspiring, and challenging. Novels, especially fantasy, became my compass during this time. They helped me make sense of life and understand relationships in deeper ways. Now, I aim to create stories that offer that same kind of guidance and connection for today’s young readers. While I write with teens in mind, I hope that my stories will appeal to readers of all ages. After all, we’re all trying to find our place in the world.

Q: When did you decide you wanted to write?
A: I started writing as soon as I could form sentences in Armenian at age five. I remember my very first story: a five-page saga about a mother stork rescuing her babies from a burning tree. Writing became such a huge part of my life that I filled notebook after notebook with stories back in Armenia. Sadly, those precious notebooks were left behind when we moved to the United States. That was hard, and I still remember the passion I felt for each tale I unfolded from my vast imagination onto the page. My love for storytelling stayed with me, even as I switched from writing in Armenian to writing in English.

Q: What got you interested in the world of writing originally?
A: Everything changed when I discovered Anne McCaffrey’s Harper Hall of Pern books in high school. Her writing blew me away—the worlds she built, the intricate plots, the characters that felt so real and relatable. She had this amazing gift for pulling readers into her stories and holding them spellbound. I was so inspired that I actually wrote her a letter, asking for advice about becoming an author. And she wrote back! Her kind message encouraged me to never give up. I keep that letter framed on my desk. On days when writing feels tough, I look at it and remember why I started this journey.

Q: What do you do to hone your craft?
A: I’m lucky to be part of several supportive writing communities that keep me growing and motivated. I have amazing critique partners and beta readers who are absolutely invaluable to my process. We help each other with everything—brainstorming ideas, spotting plot holes, questioning inconsistencies, and making our storytelling stronger. People often say writing is a solitary pursuit, and that’s partly true. But I’ve found my growth as an author really comes from the feedback and encouragement of my writing tribe. I’m always trying to learn more through craft books and online courses. And I was fortunate to have been mentored by the late David Farland. His guidance transformed my writing by showing me how even small changes in craft can make a profound difference in storytelling.

Q: What tricks do you use to get out of writer’s block?
A: I have a secret weapon against writer’s block. I use what I call the four ‘C’s’: Candles, Coffee, Composition (musical), and Clarity. It’s a little ritual I do before each writing session. First, I light a scented candle. Then I brew a strong cup of Armenian coffee—it has to be Armenian coffee! Next comes the perfect soundtrack—sometimes it’s instrumental fantasy music, other times it’s just the soothing sound of rain. Finally, I take five minutes to meditate and clear my mind before I begin writing. Over time, this routine has become like a signal to my creativity that it’s time to work. Even on those tough days when the words just don’t want to come, this combination of scents, flavors, sounds, and quiet reflection helps unlock my storytelling flow. It’s amazing how such a simple routine can get the words moving again.

Q: Would you mind telling us about your writing process?
A: My writing process has evolved over the years. I used to be what writers call a ‘pantser’—just writing into the dark and letting the story flow organically wherever it wanted to go. But after I had to rewrite my first epic novel three times—yes, all 150,000 words!—I knew I needed a better approach. These days, I start with brainstorming. Sometimes I do this alone, but I love bouncing ideas off my writer friends and my daughter, Christina, who’s also passionate about reading and writing. I need to have a clear picture of where my story is headed, at least for the first act and a final end-goal, before I dive in. Once I have that destination in mind, I write a quick summary and start working on those opening chapters. It’s so tempting to revise as I go (and sometimes I give in!), but moving forward is important for maintaining momentum. I often have stop myself from going back to polish awkward phrasing. I think of my process like carving a statue. First, you have this big blob of clay with a general shape. Then you begin adding important features, keeping them just clear enough to see what the final product might look like. I work on the first section until I’m happy with how it flows into the next part. Then I move forward, section by section, making sure each piece connects smoothly and that I haven’t left any loose threads just hanging there, aimless. After that comes at least two or three rounds of revisions. I believe in getting feedback early, so I share each section/act with my critique partners as I complete it. They help ensure the story makes sense and keeps readers engaged. Only when the whole piece feels truly polished do I let it go out into the world.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration?
A: My inspiration comes from so many places, but it all started with the fairytales, folktales, and myths I grew up with. They’re really the foundation of how I tell stories. But I also draw from what’s happening today. There’s this great newsletter I subscribe to called ‘The Optimist Daily’ that shares stories about communities tackling challenges and making positive changes around the world. These real-life stories of human resilience and innovation are gold mines for creating complex characters. I’m fascinated by people who push through overwhelming odds to make meaningful change. But I’m equally intrigued by those who choose darker paths (the road to hell, and all that…). After all, the most compelling stories often come from understanding why people make the choices they do. What really excites me is weaving together ancient storytelling traditions with modern human experiences. It lets me create tales that feel both timeless and relevant to today’s readers.

Q: What does representation in literature mean to you? Is it important to you? How so?
A: Representation in literature is deeply meaningful to me. Growing up between cultures, I know what it’s like to rarely see yourself in the books you read. I feel it’s important for literature to include stories where readers from all backgrounds and identities can find characters who feel real to them. There’s a difference between seeing your culture portrayed with real understanding versus just being used as window dressing. It’s not about checking boxes. It’s about creating characters whose identities and experiences are naturally woven into who they are and the choices they make. When writing about different identities and experiences, I believe representation should emerge organically from the story, not added as afterthoughts. It's important to make these portrayals well-researched, respectful, and authentic to the communities they represent.

Q: How do you think representation in literature affects culture? Does it?
A: Having been a former public-school teacher in multi-cultural neighborhoods, I’ve seen up close how powerful representation in literature can be. When young readers find stories with diverse perspectives and experiences, something magical happens. These books become both windows into different worlds and mirrors that reflect their own experiences. This is especially powerful during the formative years. I’ve watched students develop not just understanding of different cultures, but real empathy and emotional connections. There’s something special about connecting with a character who’s different from you. It turns abstract ideas about diversity into something personal and real. When this happens, readers naturally become more curious about other cultures. They question their assumptions, and build connections they might never have made otherwise. I truly believe that when books show authentic representation, they help create a more empathetic and understanding world.

Q: Does representation play a role in what or how you write? Please talk about why or why not.
A: Being American-Armenian and growing up between cultures naturally shapes how I write my stories. I know what it’s like to straddle different worlds, and that experience flows into how I create my characters and their journeys. While my stories take place in fictional worlds, I weave in elements inspired by Armenian and surrounding regions’ folklore and traditions, along with contemporary themes that reflect our diverse world. But it’s more than just drawing from my heritage—it’s about understanding how identity shapes who we are and the choices we make. When I was young, finding a book in a local library that reflected even a tiny part of my cultural experience felt like discovering treasure. At the same time, reading stories about American life helped me understand my peers better and bridge our cultural differences. Books became my window into both worlds. That’s why in my writing I work hard to create characters whose identities feel real and natural to the story, never forced. I believe the best stories come from characters whose backgrounds genuinely influence their choices, relationships, and how they see the world.

Q: What advice would you give to new writers?
A: I’ll share the same invaluable advice Anne McCaffrey gave me years ago when I wrote to her as an aspiring author and she quoted me a variation of Heinlein’s rules for getting published: ‘Write it. Finish it. Send it out. Keep sending it out until someone sends you a check.’ And let me add a few things I’ve learned along my own journey. Find your writing community—fellow writers who will support you, critique partners who will help you grow, and mentors who will guide you. Learn to embrace revision (yes, really!). Accept that some days the words will flow like magic from that ether place no one can explain, and other days they’ll feel as if they’re stuck in mud—both are completely normal parts of a writer’s journey. Success looks different for every writer, but the path always involves persistence. If you keep writing, keep learning, and keep improving your craft, you’ll find your way as a writer. I promise.

Q: Do you have any work already out there that you would like to talk about? If so, please tell us about the project, why you wrote it, and what you hope readers will take from it.
A: My debut novel, Light Weaver (releasing on May 28, 2025) follows a young relic thief who steals an ancient resurrection artifact to save her fallen family. But when her heist leads to tragedy and an impossible choice, she risks being pulled into an evil she can never escape. Inspired by rich Armenian mythology and folklore, the story weaves together divine riddles and trickster gods stirring chaos. It features a clean enemies-to-lovers romance and an innovative magic system where wielders of light and shadow can trap souls within silk tapestries. My heroine relies on both wit and magic as she faces choices that blur the lines between right and wrong, taking readers on a journey of healing and redemption. I’m excited to share that the free Advance Reader Copy (ARC) application is available on my website.

Q: Would you like to share anything about your current work in progress?
A: I’m diving deep into two projects right now, both set in the Light Weaver universe. The first is Book Two of the Light Weaver series, and I’m having so much fun continuing the story of soul-trapping magic, divine riddles, heists, and impossible choices. I’m also working on another story that explores a different corner of the Light Weaver world. While it features a completely new cast of characters, it still weaves in those themes I love writing about—family bonds, enemies-to-lovers romance, redemption, and the blurred lines between light and shadow. I’ll be sharing exclusive updates on both works through my newsletter and website as they develop.

Q: Where can readers find your work? Please share links and pertinent information.
A: My debut novel, Light Weaver, releases on May 28, 2025, from The Wild Rose Press. If you’d like to follow my writing journey and get exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and early access opportunities, you can visit my website: https://lusinetorossian.com/ I also have a newsletter where I love connecting with readers!

Q: Thank you for sharing your thoughts, today. Any final words?
A: Thank you for having me! I’ve loved sharing my writing journey with your readers.

About the Author

Lusine Torossian crafts young adult fantasy novels inspired by Armenian mythology. Drawing from her heritage, she weaves rich folklore into tales of adventure, magic, resilience, and hope. Her debut novel, Light Weaver (published by The Wild Rose Press), won the 2023 SCBWI-Florida Rising Kite Award for Young Adult Fiction.

When she’s not creating magical worlds, Lusine finds herself contemplating the meaning of life by analyzing shapes in the clouds—often her story characters show up there. In her family, she’s known for reading fortunes in Armenian coffee grounds, carrying on a generations-old tradition she’s yet to master.

A New York City native, she now lives in sunny Florida with her husband, alongside her writing partner, a very brave Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Finny.

Visit https://lusinetorossian.com/ for book news, events, and behind-the-scenes content. Connect with her on social media:

Instagram: @lusinetorossianauthor

Facebook: @authorlusinetorossian

Bluesky: @lusinetorossian.bsky.social

TikTok: @lusinetorossian