Jolene Corona
After a decade of teaching middle school in Texas, Jolene Corona has learned what makes students forget the clock and lose themselves in a story. She wrote Braemorra with that same goal in mind: a fast-paced, emotionally immersive fantasy meant to linger after the final page. She currently lives in Texas, where she balances teaching, writing, and family life while raising a soon-to-be high school senior in a marching band, so life is often a steady rhythm of books, music, rehearsals, and beautifully managed chaos.
Writing has always been part of her life. As a child, she would dictate stories to her mother while she typed them on a typewriter, and that love of storytelling never faded. Teaching literature and working with young readers only deepened her passion for creating stories of her own. Outside of writing, she enjoys reading and going on cruises with her family whenever they get the chance.
Author Interview with Jolene Corona, author of The Prophecy of Braemorra
1. What is the best thing for you about being a writer?
I love getting to create new worlds and new people. I get to dream up places that don’t exist, create characters that feel real, and watch their stories come to life. There’s just something so special about taking an idea that’s been living in my head and turning it into a story other people can experience.
2. What is the hardest thing for you about being a writer?
I think the hardest part of being a writer is the waiting. Waiting until I have time to write, waiting for the right words to come, and sometimes even waiting until my creativity decides to show up. Writing isn’t something I can always force, so I’ve learned to be patient and trust that the story will come together when it’s ready.
3. What essential things have you learned about writing in the last year?
The biggest thing I’ve learned this past year is to stop doubting myself and trust that my story is worth reading. Self-doubt has always been my biggest obstacle. It’s the reason it took me so long to finish The Prophecy of Braemorra. I would convince myself it wasn’t good enough, give up, and not touch it for months at a time.
I’ve also learned that writing is hard. Taking all of the thoughts, dreams, and ideas in your head and turning them into a story isn’t easy. There are days when the words come effortlessly and days when they don’t come at all. But seeing those ideas slowly take shape into something real makes all of the hard work worth it.
4. Tell us about your journey in writing The Prophecy of Braemorra.
The Prophecy of Braemorra actually started with a dream. I dreamed about Saylor and Evander fighting shadows, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. At the time, I was in the middle of testing season at my school, but scenes just kept popping into my head, so I started writing them down whenever I could.
After I had a handful of scenes, I stepped back and pieced together an outline. It took me about a year to finish the first draft, and then… I didn’t touch it for months.
Deep down, I knew it wasn’t quite the story I wanted it to be. I wanted Braemorra to feel more like a fantasy version of Scotland — I’m completely obsessed with Scotland! So I went back and rewrote large portions of the book, expanded the world, and made some big changes to the characters and story. It was a lot of work, but those changes transformed the book into the story I’d imagined from the very beginning.
5. What does your writing space look like at present?
I write on my couch! I absolutely love my couch, and when I’m ready to write, I grab a blanket, some snacks, and a Dr Pepper, then I just fully embrace the couch-rot lifestyle.
Funny enough, it’s the same way I get work done as a teacher. I do my best lesson planning from the comfort of my couch at home. Honestly, if I had a fancy desk and office, I’m pretty sure they’d just collect dust.
6. What helps you brainstorm plot ideas?
Honestly, ideas tend to find me more than I find them! The Prophecy of Braemorra started with a dream, so now I always pay attention when a scene or idea pops into my head. I’ll write it down, even if I have no idea where it fits yet.
Music also helps a lot. I have a few songs that always get me in my feels, and I just let my mind wander. Once I have a few scenes, I start asking myself, “How did they get here?” and “What has to happen next?” That’s usually how my plot starts coming together. Before I know it, I’ve got an outline and a story I can’t stop thinking about.
Sometimes I don’t even know where a scene belongs when I write it, but eventually all the pieces start falling into place. That’s one of my favorite parts of the writing process.
7. Are you a plotter or a pantster — or some type of hybrid?
I am definitely a hybrid. I plot and pants! I like to have the major chapters and story beats planned out. As an ELAR (English, Language Arts, and Reading) teacher, I teach plot structure, so I know the basic elements a story needs in order for it to be told well.
That said, I don’t overplot. I like leaving room for the story to surprise me. Some of my favorite scenes weren’t planned at all — they just happened while I was writing. Having an outline gives me direction, but letting the characters take over every now and then is where the magic happens.
8. Do you use any writing software besides Word. If so, why?
I use Google Docs! It’s what I’m most familiar with because of my teaching background and using it so often at school. I like that it’s easy to access from anywhere, and I can work on my writing wherever I am.
For me, the most important thing is having a place where I can easily get my ideas down and keep everything organized. Google Docs has worked really well for my writing process!
9. Tell us three quirky or interesting things about yourself.
I was born the day before Thanksgiving in 1984, so I’ve always joked that I was almost a Thanksgiving baby! My birthday is usually surrounded by family, food, and lots of pie, which honestly isn’t a bad way to celebrate.
I didn’t become a teacher until I was 31! It wasn’t the path I originally planned, but it ended up becoming one of the best decisions I ever made. I even had the honor of being named Teacher of the Year at my campus in 2024, which was such a special milestone.
I became allergic to bananas in my twenties, and I still consider it one of life’s biggest tragedies because I used to love them.
10. What rituals do you use to help you focus or get the words down on the page e.g. music or a snack.
My writing ritual is pretty simple — I get cozy! I usually put on a True Crime documentary in the background, grab some snacks and a Dr Pepper, and settle onto my couch with a blanket.
I know it sounds a little strange, but having something familiar playing in the background helps me relax and focus. My couch is basically my writing headquarters! Once I’m comfortable, I can get lost in the story and let the words come.
11. What are you reading at the moment that has nothing to do with your genre?
I just started Pretty Dead Things by Kelsey Cox! It’s a mystery set in the world of Texas beauty pageants, which is a completely different genre from what I usually write. I love reading all kinds of books and exploring different genres.
12. Name one thing on your bucket list.
One thing on my bucket list is to take a European cruise with my husband! We also have a big goal of visiting Scotland and Ireland for our 20th anniversary in a few years.
13. What book would you like to work on next?
I am currently working on Book 2 and continuing Saylor and Evander’s story!
I also have the outline finished for another story about a girl who was born “under the veil.” I can’t share too much yet, but I’m really excited about this new story and can’t wait to share more. Stay tuned!
Books by Jolene Corona
Jul 28, 2026The Prophecy of Braemorra
Forced together through the long-awaited fulfillment of a prophecy, Saylor and Evander have to save their world before the Dark One destroys all they know. They share a bond, but is it just part of the magic? Will it be enough to find the Four Relics and protect those they love?