I wish! Elswick is purely fictional and inspired by so many wonderful towns along the New England coast! My non-inclusive list includes Newport and Narragansett, RI; Mystic, CT; Bar Harbor, ME; and Nantucket, MA to name a few.

Yes! Please only proceed if you are comfortable with spoilers for the novel:

• References to mental health struggles and depression

• Depictions of grief and loss (off-page death of a loved one from cancer)

• Discussions of student loan and credit card debt

• Minor alcohol and drug use

• Explicit sex

Burnout Summer is an open door romance, meaning it features explicit and graphic sex. As such, this book is strictly for adults.

Like Camille, I have a mixed background. My father is Mexican-American, so I’m very proud to call myself a Latina!

When it comes to the label of POC (person of color), I generally let whoever is putting together the list decide. Everyone has a different definition of what it means to be POC, so I’m happy to be included, but also understand if I’m not.

I’m going to offer basic, eye-rolling advice, but I think it’s the most important thing to do if you want to become a better writer or pursue publishing.

WRITE! READ!

Truly. So many aspiring writers have the same complaint - “I have no time to write!” and I get it. It’s hard when you’re balancing work, loved ones, and just… existing. But the only way you can improve your craft and finish a book is if you’re writing. Even if it’s only 500 words a day, that’s something. Any chance you get, open that Word document or journal and get to work!

But writing isn’t the only part of well, writing! Especially if you’re interested in pursuing any form of publishing, you have to be reading. Reading improves your writing and storytelling abilities, and allows you to see trends in publishing. Plus - it’s fun. If you can’t get yourself to write, open that exciting new read or flip on an audiobook. It’ll get your creative juices flowing!

And lastly… don’t give up! While I’ve been writing my entire life, my publishing journey began in the summer of 2020, and it took three times querying, three times on submission, four manuscripts, and two agents to finally get a book deal in late 2024. Perseverance and passion are key!