Every Tuesday, get to know a bit about the stories behind the books you love, and discover your next favourite novel.
Sabitha: We have a deep fantasy for you today. Robin Alvarez is here to tell us about When Oceans Rise. Robin, take us away!
Robin: When Oceans Rise is a YA contemporary fantasy which comps as a Filipino Little Mermaid (with no mermaids) meets The Butterfly Effect.
A teen girl gives up her voice to the sea witch to escape an abusive relationship, but after she’s dropped into an alternate universe, the sea witch uses her voice to unleash Filipino monsters on the worlds. The girl must get her voice back to save both worlds.
Sabitha: What inspired you to write this book?
Robin: When Oceans Rise is based on this moment, at seventeen-years-old, when I decided to go surfing during a hurricane and almost died. I’d been in an abusive relationship. That day in the surf, I got caught in a fierce riptide, and I wondered if it would just be easier to let go. Ultimately, I didn’t. But When Oceans Rise is built around that entire scene of powerlessness and struggle and questioning what I was worth.
Sabitha: That’s such a powerful moment. Was there any equally powerful music that inspired you while you were writing?
Robin: ‘Explosions’ by Ellie Goulding was a big influence for the way a person can feel like they are destroying everything around them.
Sabitha: We have a lot of writers in our community. What’s your writing process?
Robin: I’m a hybrid writer currently, and I prefer to write in a 4-act structure because it just makes the most sense for my brain.
Sabitha: Do you have a “fan-cast” – do you have actors you’d cast as your main characters?
Robin: Someone else made me a fan-cast that now lives in my brain! Liza Soberano is a Filipina American actress, and Diego Tinoco is of Hispanic descent so they’re a dream!
Sabitha: That’s lovely! What book do you tell all your friends to read? Besides yours of course!
Robin: Recently? Ever Since by Alana Bruzas. It made me cry so much and really shows the warning signs of a different kind of abuse.
Sabitha: That’s such an important message for a book. In your own novel, which character do you relate to the most and why? Has it changed?
Robin: In my villain era, the sea witch! In my healed era, Anita, the happy, supportive best friend.
Sabitha: How did you choose the title?
Robin: It’s based on another song that inspired my book! “Oceans” is a song with images of just trying to keep your head above water.
Sabitha: If you could pick any author to read your book, who would you want to read it? Why them?
Robin: Jenny Han! I’m such a big fan of her writing, and she is the coolest author to follow. Her life just seems magical!
Sabitha: When you picture your ideal reader, what are they like?
Robin: Weird! I love all things weird and people who are not afraid to be themselves.
Sabitha: Agreed! Does the location the story takes place mean something to you or to the work?
Robin: Yes! It’s set in Corpus Christi, Texas which is where I spent my teen years. I love Corpus so much because for all the darkness I experienced, there was always more light.
Sabitha: Thanks for sharing your story and your process. We’re looking forward to reading! Where can the Night Beats community find you and your book?
Robin: When Oceans Rise is available is major retailers like Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Target, as well as several indie stores online. Please follow me on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.