Author Name: Kacy Ritter

Book Title: The Great Texas Dragon Race

Book Genre: Middle grade fantasy

Release Date: August 1, 2023

Publisher: Clarion Books

Welcome, Kacy! How would you describe The Great Texas Dragon Race?

I actually love the description picked by my publisher: Wings of Fire meets The Hunger Games in this contemporary middle grade fantasy about thirteen-year-old Cassidy Drake, who enters the dangerous Great Texas Dragon Race to save her family’s dragon sanctuary.

What sparked the idea for this book?

The idea for The Great Texas Dragon Race ignited from a deep love for fantasy and a fascination with the natural beauty of Texas. The idea of bringing dragons into a modern Lone Star State, right alongside cowboys and ranches, was just too cool to resist. That’s how the adventure with Cassidy and her bestie rescue dragon, Ranga, began.

How long did it take for you to write the book? Did you do any research?

Writing this book was a bit like growing a dragon egg – it took time and patience. Beyond dreaming up fun dragon species, it also involved researching the various ecosystems within Texas. I became obsessed with the unique flora, fauna, and rich tapestry of the Lone Star State, which were important for Cassidy’s survival during the race. I also wanted the dragons to be as real as the landscape in the story. After eighteen months, I queried the novel and found an agent shortly thereafter. But the fantastic feedback from my agent and editor took time to incorporate—and it was so worth it!

If you were speaking to someone who hasn’t read your writing before, why should they want to read The Great Texas Dragon Race?

If you like high-stakes competitions—or dragons—this book is for you. Side note: If “Texas” evokes a certain image, please keep an open mind about the dragon-filled Lone Star State I’ve imagined. This book is my love letter to Texas, but I know that for many, Texas has a real branding problem. *cough, book bans, cough* I hope you’ll find another side of Texas in the fantasy world of The Great Texas Dragon Race.

What do you hope readers will take away from this story?

Through Cassidy’s adventures, I hope readers find the courage to tackle challenges head-on, question the status quo, and appreciate the beauty of the world around them. The story is a reminder that we are capable of more than we think… and that the world is full of enchantment if we know where to look.

What about the writing/editing/publishing process has been the most surprising to you so far?

Every. Single. Thing. Publishing is such an opaque process until you’re in it. I had no idea what influence trade reviews had, how librarians really do run the world, or how working with an editor can really add a high shine to your novel. I feel so grateful for what I’ve learned thus far, even though I feel I’ve only scratched the surface.

Any words of wisdom you give your pre-published writer self (or to a new writer)?

Embrace those rejection letters, and don’t give up. Every writer faces rejection, and it’s not the end of the road. My first novel will never see the light of day, but I learned so much through the journey of writing it. Keep writing, believe in your stories, and hold onto your passion like it’s a bucking dragon. 😉

What are your interests outside of writing and reading?

I’m a huge fandom geek. Give me ALL of the fantasy and sci-fi. I love cosplay, Cons, and anything with vampires, dragons, or magic. Beyond that, I love spending time with my cooky, art-obsessed family. P.S. My daughter is 18 months old, and she’s pretty much the cutest thing on two legs.

Are you working on a new project? Please tell us about it.

Right now, I’m diving into a fresh middle-grade fantasy adventure which is tentatively called “The Marfa Monster Mystery.” It follows a half-siren hero and her friends as they unravel puzzles to save their monster community from the human skeptics. Get ready for more strange creatures, daring escapades, and a sprinkle of the unknown.

Where can readers find you?

You can join my adventures on my website, kcritter.com. Like everyone else, I also hang out on social media, so let’s connect. My handles are @KC_Ritter on IG and Twitter (are we calling it X now?) and @kacyrittertx on TikTok. There you will find information about events, school visits, and signings. I hope to see y’all soon!

Thank you, Kacy! The Great Texas Dragon Race is out now.

The Great Texas Dragon Race

Thirteen-year-old Cassidy Drake wants nothing more than to race with her best dragon, Ranga, in the annual Great Texas Dragon Race. Her mother was a racing legacy, and growing up on her family’s dragon sanctuary ranch, Cassidy lives and breathes dragons. She knows she could win against the exploitative FireCorp team that cares more about corporate greed than caring for the dragons. 

Cassidy is so determined to race that she sneaks out of her house against her father’s wishes and enters the competition. Soon, Cassidy takes to the skies with Ranga across her glorious Lone Star State. But with five grueling tasks ahead of her, dangerous dragon challenges waiting at each one, and more enemies than allies on the course, Cassidy will need to know more than just dragons to survive. 

Author bio:

Kacy Ritter is a fantasy geek who has lived all across the Lone Star State. She holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of North Texas, and currently resides in Houston with her partner and their daughter. She daylights as a healthcare professional, and loves writing at the intersection of fantasy and Texas Americana.