We are excited to spotlight a talented young author with strong ties to the International School of Arizona. Now an 11th-grade student at Cactus Shadows High School, Sophia recently released her debut novel, Game of Knaves, on her 17th birthday, February 15th. Inspired by her love of storytelling and shaped by her years at ISA, she has already accomplished something remarkable as a first-time published writer. Below, Sophia shares more about what inspired her book, her writing journey, and what it’s like to see her dream come to life. Readers are also invited to meet her in person at a book signing event at ISA on Wednesday, March 25th from 3:30–5:00 p.m. in the school library.

What inspired you to write this story, and when did the idea first take shape?  Growing up, I often played card games with my grandparents. Over time, I began to wonder if I could create a story around them, with characters representing different playing cards. Slowly, the idea of a series set in a world inspired by a deck of cards formed, and the plot began to unfold.

You attended ISA before high school. How did that experience influence your love of reading, writing, or storytelling?  My middle school teacher, Ms. Kero, encouraged students to read through a 40 Book Challenge each year, with quotas for different genres. It motivated me not only to read more, but also to expand the types of books I explored. By completing the challenge each year, I read over 120 books during middle school, and discovering new genres greatly improved my writing skills.

As a high school student and first-time author, what was the biggest challenge you faced while finishing your novel?  The biggest challenges were time management and motivation. While editing drafts during the school year, I had to organize my time so I could work on my book while still keeping straight As. Motivation was also difficult, since after most school days I was drained. Setting goals, seeing the finish line, and imagining the end result helped me push forward.

Can you tell us a little about Game of Knaves without giving too much away?  Game of Knaves is set in the world of Deque, in the suit of Spades. There’s a deadly competition to become Queen, filled with royal balls, martial arts, and an arena fight to the death. It’s a mix of The Hunger Games and The Selection, with Shadow and Bone-style magical elements. The main character, Novem, enters the competition to avenge her mother’s death, while uncovering truths about herself, relationships, and the politics of her world.

What does your writing process look like?  I’m a plotter—I like to have the whole novel planned out before writing. After outlining, I wrote my first draft in three weeks during the summer after freshman year. Multiple revisions and feedback from family, friends, and my neighborhood book club helped shape the final version. Game of Knaves is the first book in a planned five-book series, and I hope to write the sequel this coming summer.

Were there any authors, books, or teachers who inspired you along the way?  My second grade teacher at ISA, Ms. Nehlsen, strongly supported my writing dream. At the end of the year, she gave me a journal that I later used to develop the earliest ideas for Game of Knaves. Language studies at ISA also strengthened my vocabulary through Spanish and French learning, which I continue in high school.

How did it feel to hold your published book for the first time?  It was so exciting to see my name in print with the words I’ve written. It felt like holding a massive achievement in my hands. The cover design by my friend Raina Owsley is absolutely gorgeous, and seeing all my hard work become a dream come true was unforgettable.

What advice would you give to other students who dream of writing a book?  Start now. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or for life to feel less busy—tomorrow is always a day away. I always dreamed of becoming an author, and instead of waiting, I made it happen. If you’re a student dreaming of writing a book, don’t wait. Start now, and you’ll be grateful you did.