Q&A With Esme Lee Wilmot

Esme Lee is a writer of speculative & contemporary fiction as well as a metallurgist & I’m honored to be doing this interview with her. Esme’s debut novel will be released in March of 2027! 

Q: Welcome to Book Notions Esme! Would you please give a brief description of your debut novel coming out in March 2027? 

A: Thank you so much, Bianca. I really appreciate this opportunity to talk with you about my debut, which is due for release on March 9, 2027, with Lake Union Publishing. 

Parallel is a speculative domestic thriller about a woman’s journey into a parallel world, an experience that forces her to take control of her splintering life—if she can survive long enough to get back home.

Marina Clarke’s life is unraveling. When her controlling husband accepts a job transfer under suspicious circumstances, their move to a remote mining town offers him ample opportunities. But what she wants is suddenly no longer relevant. Separated from her ailing father, she finds herself isolated, jobless, and bound to a man she no longer trusts.

Her main solace lies in visits to the local swamp. With its eerie ghost trees and black orb spiders, the ethereal refuge bears the hum of preternatural secrets. But on the day of a total solar eclipse, Marina is pulled into another world.

A world where she was murdered.

Trapped in this alternate reality, Marina must rely on her wits to discover the truth about her impossible situation. The small-town whispers. The devastating betrayals. The phenomenon connects every thread.

To survive, Marina must follow these leads to uncover her killer—and find her way back home—before it’s too late.

Q: Where did the idea for your novel come from & how long did it take you to write it?

A: I got the idea for this novel while standing in my kitchen of all places. A ‘what if’ question popped into my head: What if you unknowingly went to a parallel world where your alternate self-had been murdered? Just imagine how screwed you would be, considering everyone would think you were an imposter. I’ve always loved science fiction and horror, and the idea just grew from there.

The first draft took me about nine months to write, and it was terrible as I was an absolute beginner. Then I met my future agent, Anjanette Fennell, who generously reviewed portions of the manuscript as I converted it from draft one to draft two. This took about another year. Since then, the manuscript has undergone so much work that I’m honestly unsure of the total time investment, but it would be a whopper of a number! However, I am very grateful for all the feedback and help I’ve had over the years.

Q: Are you currently writing your second novel? If so, can you reveal any details or is it too early?

A: Yes, I am currently working on the second draft of book two. This is also a speculative thriller and is due to my publisher next year in September. To be honest, I am quite nervous about it. On the one hand, I’m doing the final proofread for Parallel, which is this shining polished book, and on the other I have this messy book two that is still evolving (even the working title is up in the air). If anyone ever invents a time dilation machine, please sign me up. I would love to pause time on the outside of my study, while I get to write for hours on the inside!  

Q: What are some messages and emotions you hope readers take away from your novels?

A: The themes and the messages of a story (aka ‘the point’) are very important to me. With Parallel, it’s all about having the courage to follow your best life, to make positive changes and to come into your power. To realize that you are stronger than you think. I hope that people walk away from my book feeling hopeful, courageous and empowered. And entertained! Let’s not forget that. 

Q: If you were to write a sequel to your novel, what would the characters be doing right now & why? 

A: Ooo, this is such a great question, but given the character arcs, this might be a bit of a spoiler. Let’s just say that the main characters learn what they need to learn from their “journey”, thus opening them up for a better future. 

Q: Esme would you please provide your social media links so that the readers of the blog and I may follow you and your work?

A: Readers and fellow writers can find me on Facebook and Instagram:

https://www.facebook.com/esmeleewilmotwriter

https://www.instagram.com/esme_lee_wilmot_writer/

An author website is also planned, so stay tuned! 

Besides novels, I also write short stories (mainly horror). One was just published in an anthology by Black Beacon Books, and another will be released early next year in an anthology by Red Raven Books. 

Many thanks, Bianca!