Sierra Isley joins the blog this week to discuss her YA romance, In the Ring
Author Name: Sierra Isley
Book Title: In the Ring
Book Genre: YA Romance
Release Date: 9/15/23
Publisher: The Little Press
Welcome Sierra! How would you describe In the Ring?
A teen girl with anxiety starts boxing to cope but gets roped into an underground fight club and the charms of its ringleader.
What sparked the idea for this book?
In the Ring was inspired by my personal experience as a teenager with an anxiety disorder. A mentor of mine brought in a punching bag and taught me the basics of boxing, and I found a lot of much-needed relief from my anxiety symptoms when I practiced. I knew then that I wanted to write a book about the physical and mental interactions of anxiety.
How long did it take for you to write the book? Did you do any research?
It took two years from the first sentence to the final draft of In the Ring. I did a lot of research about boxing since my only experience was a few weeks of practicing with my mentor. I’m not a sporty person so I was intimidated writing a book about athletes!
What drew you to young-adult fiction?
Young adult books are what sparked my interest in reading and writing. Growing up, I was obsessed with stories like The Hunger Games, Percy Jackson, etc. Being a young adult while reading a story told through the eyes of a young adult was liberating; I finally felt seen and heard. I loved the idea of creating characters and worlds and I hoped that one day I would be able to make my own.
If you were speaking to someone who hasn’t read your writing before, why should they want to read In the Ring?
I would recommend In the Ring to anyone interested in romance books with mental health and queer representation. The book does cover mature topics which I’ve listed on my website. Please make sure you’re comfortable as your mental health always comes first!
What do you hope readers will take away from this story?
I hope readers understand that even though In the Ring deals with some tough topics, it’s meant to be a story of hope and healing. Rose deals with so many challenges throughout the book but receives support from her “found family.” I also hope readers are also inspired to seek out help if they need it. Rose sees a therapist who helps her process her trauma. Asking for help is never something to be ashamed of.
Any words of wisdom you give your pre-published writer self (or to a new writer)?
Celebrate every step of the process that you can. Getting a book published is an uphill battle and if you only focus on the negative, it won’t be a rewarding experience. This industry is notoriously slow so it’s important to celebrate every victory. Treat yourself!
What are your interests outside of writing and reading?
I’m a huge foodie. I love exploring restaurants and coffee shops around Philadelphia.
Are you working on a new project? Please tell us about it.
I currently have my second book on submission, a queer romcom about a socially anxious werewolf who rushes a fraternity to find his “pack.” Fingers crossed!
Where can readers find you?
My website (preorder links and events are listed here) sierraisley.com
IG, tiktok: sierraisley
Twitter: sierraisleyy
Thank you Sierra! In the Ring is available for pre-order NOW.
In the Ring
A gritty, raw, and binge-worthy, young adult romance about a queer teen with anxiety who literally fights her way to mental health. This YA sports romance is perfect for fans of Kathleen Glasgow’s Girl in Pieces and HBO’s Euphoria.
Rose Berman is losing her mind. At least, that’s what everyone at school seems to think. Plagued by panic attacks that started after her mother’s death, Rose is the target of frequent teasing and rumors. But when the star quarterback takes a joke too far, the school’s tattooed, cigarette-smoking time bomb — Elliott King — steps in and punches him in the face. Rose’s therapist recommends she try out a sport to manage her anxiety. She can’t help but think of Elliott–maybe if she could punch like him, she’d feel safer and stronger. She sticks out like a sore thumb at the boxing gym, but she soon finds power in the sport and a reprieve from her panic attacks.
As their worlds intertwine, Rose and Elliott are forced to face their most daunting opponent outside the Ring: their growing feelings for each other. But Midtown Ring isn’t just a gym. As Rose falls deeper into the world of boxing, she learns Midtown is a front for a late-night, underground fight club where Elliott King is the headliner. Surrounded by violence and destruction, Rose’s anxiety begins to spiral. She starts hallucinating, just like her mother did before her death, leaving her to wonder if everyone at school might be right. If her newfound physical strength can’t keep her grounded in reality, she may be doomed to walk the same path as her mom.
Author bio:
Sierra Isley is a young adult author originally from Atlanta, Georgia, but currently based in Philadelphia. She graduated from Florida State University in 2021 with a degree in Editing, Writing and Media. Outside of writing, her passions include filmmaking, social media communications and drinking chai lattes. In the Ring is her debut novel.