I'd like to welcome Esther Pia Cordova to the blog for an interview. I reviewed her debut novel, Convergence on the blog here.
Onto the interview!
What was your experience writing your first book?
Writing my first book was a mix of excitement, doubt, and learning to trust myself. I always dreamed of writing a novel, but I didn’t think I could commit to a full-length story—especially when my son was young. So, I put that dream on hold and focused on picture books instead.
Growth mindset is a topic that’s incredibly important to me, so I wrote I Can’t Do That, Yet, which became my bestselling book with over 90,000 paperback copies sold. Through that process, I had to learn to trust myself and believe that hard work pays off, even as an adult. But I wanted kids to grow up with that confidence naturally.
Now that my son is older and I have more time, I decided to finally fulfil my dream of writing a novel. Convergence is my first YA dystopian novel, and the experience of writing it was incredibly fulfilling. I love how a novel allows me to build entire worlds, create characters, and make them do things—I never expected to feel so attached to them! It’s like stepping into another reality, and I find that process just as rewarding as I always imagined.
What's your favourite tip for newbie writers?
My favorite tip for newbie writers is finding the balance between consistency and going with the flow. There were days when I didn’t write a single word, but my characters—Maya and Ethan—were still with me, running through my mind as I worked through scenes in my head. Sometimes this process took days. Then, suddenly, I’d have a day where the words just poured out, and I’d write two or three chapters in one sitting. Writing isn’t just about hitting a daily word count—it’s about keeping your story alive in your thoughts. Your brain is always working on it, even when you’re not actively typing.
My second tip is to make the most of ARC readers—and not just your friends and family. You need honest feedback from people who aren’t afraid to tell you what’s working and what’s not.
Be open to criticism and welcome it, but also remember that even the best books have readers who don’t connect with them. The key is to listen carefully, evaluate the feedback, and make conscious decisions about what to change. If one person dislikes something, it’s just their opinion —but if all your ARC readers are pointing out the same issue, it’s probably something you need to rethink.
Which genre is your favourite to write in?
Right now, I love writing YA dystopian. The fast-paced nature of these books reminds me of a movie—I love when a story pulls you in right away, keeps you on the edge of your seat, and constantly surprises you with twists. My goal is always to entertain, and that means getting straight into the action and keeping the reader engaged.
I also enjoy incorporating sci-fi elements, especially since my husband works in AI. We often
have deep, philosophical discussions about technology and the future, and I try to spark similar questions in my readers' minds. In Convergence, one of the central themes is consciousness—what does it really mean to be conscious? Who or what qualifies as conscious? And, more importantly, who gets to decide? It’s a fascinating and complex topic, and I love weaving those kinds of thought-provoking ideas into a fast-paced, thrilling story.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have a toy poodle named Baxter! I’ve always wanted my own dog—I’m definitely a dog person. I love cats too, but they don’t seem to love me back! I think it’s because I never lived with a cat, so I’m probably not great at reading their body language.
I waited a long time before getting a dog because I wanted to make sure I could care for him properly. When I was studying, I worried he’d be alone too much. But now, it’s perfect—I work from home, so I get to spend my days writing with Baxter by my side (and my son, of course). it’s exactly how I imagined it!
Do you keep good reviews and reader comments?
I read every single review and reader comment. It would be amazing to be able to reach out and personally thank the people who leave particularly great reviews—I truly appreciate when
someone takes the time to go on a journey with my characters. Reading a book is a commitment of a few hours, and it means so much to me that readers choose to spend that time with my stories.
Reviews are one of my favorite parts of being a writer and publisher. Even the not-so-great ones can be valuable—there’s often something to learn from them. I think many readers don’t realize just how important reviews are for authors. They help books find new readers, provide feedback for future writing, and remind me why I love doing this.
Paperback or ebook? And why?
I personally love having a real book in my hands. I spend so much time looking at screens throughout the day, so when I read for pleasure, I enjoy the break from digital. There’s just something about holding a physical book, flipping the pages, and even the smell of paper that makes the experience special.
That said, I completely see the appeal of ebooks—especially if you read one or two books a week. They’re more convenient, often more affordable, and perfect for traveling. I use both, but for the books I truly love, I always make sure to have a paperback version too.
Where do you see yourself, and your writing, in ten years?
In ten years, I hope Convergence has grown into a full series—maybe a book two or three! I already have so many ideas, not just for this world but for entirely new stories as well. My biggest hope is that I’ll have the time and focus to bring them all to life.
Writing is something I want to do for the long run, so I see myself continuing to create stories that entertain, challenge ideas, and keep readers hooked. If I can still wake up excited to write and have readers who are excited to dive into my books, then I’ll be exactly where I want to be.
Thanks to Esther for joining me, and you can follow her on her website or Instagram!
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