A Conversation with Ally Russell and her Middle Grade horror, It Came from the Trees

Camping Horror for older middle graders.

It Came from the Trees by Ally Russell

Publication Date: July 30, 2024

Age Range: Middle Grade

Genre: Horror/Scary

Themes: Friendship, Racial Justice, Environmentalism

Take away

I hope readers will close the book with a renewed sense of relief--relief that they are not alone in their own experiences no matter how lonely or isolating those experiences may seem. I hope readers will know that fears can be conquered.

Publication journey (stated in more detail in the video!)

I found my agent through PitMad, a defunct Twitter competition. I received nine likes on my pitches for IT CAME FROM THE TREES and one offer of representation from Paige Terlip at the Andrea Brown Lit Agency. After many rejections and near misses, it took us nearly nine months to sell the book. Ali Romig at Delacorte Press received the book, loved it, and bought. 🎉

Just for Fun

Follow Ally

Instagram: onedarkally

Ways to support authors:

• Purchasing (pre-ordering if you can)

• Word of mouth: share on social media and with friends

• Follow their social media accounts

• Sign up for their newsletters

• Suggest your local library purchase a copy

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