Check out what inspired Alexa Martin to write "By the Bootstraps" down below.
What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?
There are so many different things that inspired this book, but the biggest one would be my family’s move to Texas. We have lived in so many places, including Mexico, but Texas was the biggest change of all. The culture here is just so big, fun, and specific, that I knew I had to write a book here. And obviously, Cowboy Carter played a huge role in it as well. The way Beyoncé showcased Blackness in this space was beyond inspirational.
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
I think Reading Rainbow means being unapologetic in the stories I tell as well as making sure the stories I read reflect the world I live in. When I read with pride, I’m proud to explore stories that weren’t often told in the past and do what I can to try to protect them so they can continue to be told in the future.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
When I write a story, I want it to look like the big, beautiful, diverse world that I live in. I think it’s a disservice to readers to give them a book that lacks that representation. I also think it’s so important to approach voices that aren’t like mine respectfully and to be sure that everyone feels seen in a way that is safe and enjoyable for all.
Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.
"By the Bootstraps" is a small-town cowboy romance between Luna Starr and Tate Jacobs. She’s running away from grief while he’s been stuck in his hometown hiding from his problems. They’re forced together when she has a home improvement disaster and he comes to help her put her house back together. I really wanted to write a rom-com that explored a few heavier topics. Found family is one of my favorite tropes and after losing my mom, it became more important to me than ever to show. In this book, it comes together after both characters have dealt with family issues of their own and I loved being able to give them a happily ever after even through harder times.
What can fans expect from your book?
I always go into writing my books knowing I want readers to finish the story with a smile on their face. Readers can expect to laugh and lose themselves in this fictional small-town that welcomes everyone. I want them to laugh, maybe cry, and definitely blush as they make their way through Luna and Tate’s story.
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
I actually just turned in the draft to book two in this series! I’m so excited to stay in this town for a little longer and get to dive deeper into the stories that can be told there.
