Joey Graceffa Was Originally Told to ‘Completely Scrap’ His New Book Idea — Here’s What It Took to Get It Published (Exclusive)

Joey Graceffa, renowned for his influential YouTube journey, has recently unveiled his latest novel, *The Twelve*, marking his fifth literary endeavour. This exciting release, which debuted on February 24, is an exploration of witchcraft and astrology, centering on a coven of witches who harness their powers based on their Zodiac signs. Uniquely, the narrative is composed exclusively of female characters, a deliberate choice by Graceffa following past scepticism he faced early in his writing career.

Reflecting on his journey, Graceffa shared a striking anecdote during a recent Instagram video. He recounted a moment from five years ago when his then-manager advised him to abandon the book due to doubts over his capability to authentically capture a female perspective. “Well, guess what?” he quipped, proudly asserting that he is now released from that advisor and has completed the project.

His passion for *The Twelve* has been palpable, having taken nearly six years for the book to transition from concept to publication. Graceffa contrasted this lengthy process to his other works, which he typically finished within a year to meet publisher deadlines. He expressed relief that the extended timeline allowed him to refine *The Twelve* into exactly what he envisioned.

Originally, Graceffa had intended this story to manifest as a feature film but transitioned to prose following the discouragement he faced. Despite feeling bemused by the suggestions made about his ability to portray female characters, he ultimately decided to pursue writing the narrative as a book, leading to the creation he is now proud to present.

Graceffa shared his past experiences, revealing that his journey to becoming a published author was far from straightforward. He spoke candidly about growing up in special education, struggling with comprehension and developing a passion for the written word later in life. There was a time when he loathed reading, deeming it exceptionally dull. However, his trajectory has significantly shifted; at his core, Graceffa now identifies as a storyteller, whether through YouTube content, reality programming like *Escape the Night*, or his literary pursuits.

Central to *The Twelve* are not only themes of astrology and magic but also sisterhood. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of twin sisters, Serena and Ophelia, allowing for an intricate exploration of their dynamic. Graceffa emphasized his admiration for women, stating, “I’ve just always had such a love for women.” As a gay man, he relishes in writing female characters, finding them often more compelling and powerful than their male counterparts.

Incorporating his own experiences and perspectives, Graceffa acknowledged the challenge in distinguishing between his characters’ choices and his own, expressing a mix of frustration and humour about this creative process. Despite the struggle, he finds the infusion of his identity into his narratives to be a rewarding experience. Notably, this novel also includes elements of queer romance, adding depth to his characters’ relationships.

On a personal note, Graceffa identifies as a Taurus, which he believes contributes to his meticulous approach to writing. He described himself as both dependable and somewhat stubborn, attributes that may have played a role in the lengthy development of *The Twelve*. He revealed, “I like to take my time in making decisions… I do need a moment to digest and just take it all in.”

With *The Twelve* now available to readers, Graceffa’s enthusiasm and commitment to storytelling shine through in this premier work. Whether through the lens of witches exploring their powers derived from the Zodiac or in the intricate relationships among sisters, the novel promises to engage and inspire readers. He has firmly established his place not only as a relatable online personality but as a credible author adept at weaving captivating narratives that reflect his unique voice and vision.