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Trick Or Treat with Stephanie Campisi + Treat Inside!
Hi, readers and writers and little ghosties, too! We’re thrilled to kick off another day by welcoming back prolific author Stephanie Campisi! If you’re in the mood for a fright-filled read, from picture books to adults, Stephanie has certainly got you covered. She's written a fang-tastic range of books for readers of all ages — including her hauntingly fun middle-grade novel, The Unfinished Business!
Get ready for ghosts, mysteries, and a little unfinished business that’s anything but boo-ring! Want to know more about Stephanie and her spooky new book PLUS want to know what TREAT she's brought along with her today? Read on, if you dare… 👻🖤
Q: Hi, Stephanie! FANGS for Trick-or-Treating with SeasonsOfKidLit.com! We’re thrilled to feature you and hear all about you and your book, The Unfinished Business! What inspired your ghostly tale, and can you share a little about your book’s path to publication?
A: Thanks so much for having me! The Unfinished Business has had the longest path to publication of any of my books! I started writing it while living in Washington State in about 2018, and all I had for a while was a post-it note that read “favours for ghosts”. The title came next, but it wasn’t until I landed upon the theme of holding on and letting go that the story really started to come together. I’d just finished the book when my agent at the time left the business - such is life! I signed with another agent around 2020, but the book ended up dying on submission. Sob! It’s a book that I’m really proud of, and I really wanted it to have a life beyond my computer, so eventually I submitted it myself to a small press (Regal House Press/Fitzroy Books) that does really interesting titles, and it turned out to be a good fit!
What an amazing story of perseverance and believing in your work. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Q: What will young readers enjoy most about your book? Why is it a perfect fit for the Halloween season?
A: The Unfinished Business is a gentle, comedic middle grade novel about a girl who inherits a ghost-busting business called The Unfinished Business and is then tasked with finishing the unfinished business of The Unfinished Business’ late, ghostly owner. It’s whimsical rather than scary, and has a cosy, autumnal vibe that makes it perfect for the Halloween season. There are also two plot twists that may make you tear up a little - let me know if you see them coming!
Ooooh! Our eyes are PEELED!
Q: What tip would you like to share with writers who are stuck in the query trenches and / or on a story idea?
A: Just keep going! I’ve been at this a long time now, and the best way to succeed is to not give up. Whether you’re under contract or not, the answer is always to write the next book - that’s the job! - so just keep at it. I’d also say to be open to any sort of opportunity that might help you get a foot in the door. When I stopped being laser-focused on the career I thought I should have and just started rolling with the opportunities that came my way, things really started to happen. Additionally, having a group of supportive writer friends really helps, as does having a group of people who are not involved with publishing in any way, shape or form!
For the being stuck on a story idea thing, sometimes it’s best just to let an idea sit in the back of your mind until that “a-ha!” moment comes. Long walks really help me when it comes to problem-solving a story I’m actively working on, but for newer ideas, sometimes there are a few other elements or a specific perspective or theme that need to come together for that idea to start to feel real. I also find it really helpful to have an ending in mind so that I know what I’m writing towards. I’m not naturally a plotter (although I’ve become one due to the tyranny of the deadline), but I always have an ending in sight.
Q: So, we know you don't only write #kidlit - you also write adult books (super impressive)! What other books of yours can we check out ASAP or be on the lookout for?
A: My publication history is all over the place - if there’s a genre or age category you’re after, I’ve written for it (probably under a pseudonym)! For adults, I write cosy horromance as Hazel Graves and cosy romantasy as Heather Spellman, and I have a really fun chapter book series called Sparkle Pigs (under the pen name Kit Holliday) out with Harper Chapters.
And in future book news, I have an illustrated middle grade series called Broomsticklers launching with Simon & Schuster in 2027. It’s about a by-the-book witch and a human inventor who solve broom-related mysteries while doing work experience at a broom repair shop, and it’s heaps of fun!
Q: Super SERIOUS question about The Unfinished Business: If your main character, Dari, dressed up for Halloween as something other than what they are in your book, what would they choose, and why?
A: Dari is a girl who has the ability to talk to ghosts, something that causes her a whole lot of trouble and hassle, so probably not a ghost! She does, however, play the tuba (and spends a lot of time lugging that giant instrument around) so perhaps she’d dress up as Tommy Johnson, the tuba player famous for playing the Jaws theme. No one would get it, but Dari’s used to that!
Ha, LOVE THIS!
Q: What is your favorite Halloween candy, and which candy is your character’s favorite?
A: I am a chocolate girl through and through, so anything chocolate would make me very happy!
I think Dari would secretly go for a novelty plastic eyeball, Mina would grab a decorative pencil, Trent would reach for all the sour gummies, and Mr Berezhin would run off with a whole bag of liquorice all-sorts! And Celine? Chocolate-covered coffee beans, of course!
Q: Would you like to leave a Trick or a Treat for our eerie-sistible readers?
A: A Treat! I'd love to leave a signed copy of my book to one charming reader!
Thanks SOOO much for such a fang-tastic treat! And thanks again for stopping by. We loved hearing all about you and your books!
Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter Stephanie’s giveaway, 1) leave a comment below to thank her for stopping by, and 2) share her post on social media. Ghostly GIFs are, of course, welcomed, too!
Please note: Stephanie’s giveaway will be shipped within the U.S. only.
*Special Reminder: Those who like, leave a comment on, and share all posts will be entered into a drawing and be eligible to win:
One (1) of five (5) Rate Your Story Speed Passes, perfect for quick MS feedback, provided by Editor Lynne Marie and Author Heather Macht and/or
Books from Heather's Treat Bag (see below)!
Winners will be drawn and announced on 10/18. Head back to the blog then for the official announcement!
About Stephanie Campisi:
Stephanie Campisi is an Australian author based in Southern California. The author of more than two dozen books for young and adult readers, including The Unfinished Business and the forthcoming Broomsticklers series, Stephanie loves to craft fantastical worlds populated with whimsical characters. When she's not dreaming up stories, she spends her days building LEGO with her young son and hiking with her very cute Jack Russell terrier, Samson.
For more about Stephanie, find her at the below:
REMINDER: The 2026 SOKL Book Awards Contest is LIVE! For more, visit: 2026 Book Awards | SeasonsOfKidlit
Thank you for stopping by Stephanie =)
It's so much fun writing for all levels. However do you keep all your author names correct without mixing yourself up (multiple personalities??Haha). Very interested in your book coming in 2027-Broomsticklers!
Stephanie (great name by the way), thank you so much for sharing your book's journey and for inspiring me not to give up on my own projects! I can't wait to check out your book!
Great advice! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing! It is great to know that I am not the only writer who likes to write for different age groups! I appreciate hearing the importance of perseverance! I found your book Axolotls: Day to ZZZ as an e-book at our library and the 3 Sparkle Piggies books. I can't wait to read them! I posted on Bluesky.