Author Interviews
About the author
Tell us your story? What made you start writing?*
I’ve pretty much always been an avid reader but I didn’t start writing regularly until a few years ago, actually. When I was in school, I would write a bit for myself every now and then, but nothing was ever finished. I had this thought in my head that writing a book would be crazy and I could never pull it off. Then during my studies (I was a film student), I got into writing scripts which was the first time I saw myself as a writer.
Then Corona happened and like everyone else, life changed. I was living in the UK when it started as I had just finished my master’s degree there. When the first lockdown was announced I flew home very last minute, thinking I’d be back. The lockdown was a very weird time. Suddenly, I was home again, all my closest friends were either still in the UK or scattered around the world and no one could travel to anyone, and I was looking for a job in a time when people weren’t really hiring. One day, I was talking to one of my best friends, Alice, and we kind of jokingly decided to come up with an idea for a book and write something for fun. The idea of publishing wasn’t even on the table at first. It was all just for fun and maybe that’s why I wasn’t afraid to try. It quickly became much more than a fun story that would never see the light of day. And now I can’t imagine not writing. Now I’m really in it.
What’s your favorite family tradition?
Christmas tree decorating. Christmas Day itself can be stressful sometimes but the decorating the night before is always fun even when things go wrong. In Austria, people usually decorate their trees on the 23rd and so do we. Except my mum and I always start quite late and end up working on it until 2am. The many breaks we take, including the cocktail break, might also be at fault for that.
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
Actually, I would rather have a peek into the future. I know that’s not the question but I’m going with it anyway. I can read about the past but no one knows for sure what will happen in the future.
What is one thing you will never do again?
Tequila shots. No explanation needed.
What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
My laptop, Wi-Fi if I can, and maybe a water purifier so at least one thing is useful.
If you could hire someone to help you, would it be with cleaning, cooking, or yard work? Anything else?
I’m not good at cooking and I always make the same simple things, so I would gladly hire a cook if I had the option.
About Through Fire & Ruin
This book stole my soul, ripped out my heart and crushed it between the very pages. Wow.
I got sucked through the portal right along with her as she entered the fairyland and fell into the arms of Eyden.
For centuries, humans have been at the mercy of the fae. With the border between Earth and Liraen spelled shut, humans have no desire to entangle themselves with the fae world again. But what if they are humanity’s only hope?
LORA has been warned of the fae her entire life. Yet when a deadly virus sweeps Earth, Lora risks everything to find a cure. Spinning the perfect lie, she makes a deal with Eyden, a mysterious fae trader. As Lora struggles to keep the promises she has made to both her family and Eyden, she is forced to dig deeper into the twisted world of Liraen — her web of lies unravelling.
AMIRA has spent years trapped by her brother in her childhood palace. Her engagement to the soon-to-be High King of Liraen is her only hope for the freedom she has been longing for. As the future Queen, she seeks to finally leave her painful past behind. But she soon discovers that the palace holds dark secrets — bringing up memories Amira had long since tried to erase.
As power games are woven, promises are broken, and desperate lies are revealed, Lora and Amira both find themselves at crossroads. Will they risk it all and face ruin?
Tell us a little about the book. How did you come up with the idea for Through Fire & Ruin?
The idea started during the first lockdown back in 2020. With the whole Covid situation, I had this image in my mind of a girl trying to find a cure in the fae land and then things evolved from there. The plot and characters changed a lot during our brainstorming sessions but Lora and her goal has always remained the same. It’s funny to think back on the very first rough idea we had. Amira, our second MC, was a completely different person and Eyden and Elyssa didn’t even exist.
There are so many incredible characters that I absolutely loved reading about. Which of the characters pulled at your heartstrings the most while writing?
Lora. She was the first character we came up with and I’ve grown really attached to her. I’ve put parts of myself in her and I want to see her happy. But if that was always the case, it would be a pretty boring book.
What is your favourite scene from the book? Something that you are most proud of writing?
There are so many. One of my favourite scenes is this action scene involving Lora where a lot of things come together. I don’t want to spoil anything so I’m being very vague on purpose, but if you’ve read the scene, you know. I’m also proud of the romance in TFAR because I’m an absolute sucker for romantic subplots. There are some cute scenes and there’s also some heated arguing going on that I always get giddy about when someone tells me they loved it.
If you were to visit Liraen, what would you do? Where would you go?
Well, definitely not the palace—that sounds like a ticket to hell. I would go to Caligo, a club that’s mentioned more than once in TFAR. Maybe I’d run into Rhay. I feel like that would be the safest option and it could be fun. Although I would love to meet Elyssa, so maybe I’d stop by her place too.
About writing
Did you need to do research while writing Through Fire & Ruin? Whats the most interesting thing you learnt while writing the book?
The most research I did was really about writing a novel in general. There was lots I had to learn—from basic things like formatting to when to start a new scene… Story wise, there is a virus going around in the human world of TFAR and I wanted one of the symptoms to be prominent, purple veins. So for some time, I was doing research on what could cause that and what could kill a person. Very light hearted reading.
What are your writing habits? Do you write every day, keep a schedule or have more erratic habits?
I don’t write every day. I will do longer, intense writing sessions mostly in the evening or late at night and then I often don’t write for days. I always have a writing deadline set which I need to push myself. Lately, I do have a more precise schedule because my co-author and I have been working hard on finishing draft one of book
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
My main advice is: Do it. Get started. I spent too much time telling myself I couldn’t. Don’t let the doubts get to you. I know it’s hard to find the time. It definitely is when writing is not your only job and the truth is, it won’t get any easier. But once you start and you love it, you will somehow make time for it. You can do it—just start and see where it takes you.
What are you currently working on? WHEN IS THE SEQUEL COMING!??
I’m working on the sequel right now and it’s been so much fun to write. There is no release date yet but it will be sometime next year for sure.
Surprise question
Everyone always thinks they’d be royalty or a knight if they were born in Medieval times, but let’s be honest, you probably wouldn’t be. So, what kind of peasant do you think you’d be if you were born in medieval times?
The kind who complains a lot. I’m not cut out for farming or sewing or cooking. I would be the peasant who dreamt of doing something bigger and would constantly annoy people.
Connect with the author
About the author
Tell us your story? What made you start writing?
Telling stories has always been something I wanted to do. I remember when I was around eight years old, I walked around for a couple of days with a clipboard, interviewing my family and neighbors about what type of story they’d want to read. I don’t think I ever wrote it, but that’s my first memory of wanting to write. I dabbled a little more in my teenage years, attempting to write a fantasy epic, but it never really got off the ground. I still have all the digital files, though! Perhaps one day it will become reality.
Then I went to college, got a job, and dropped all attempts at writing while trying to be one of those responsible adults. In the spring of 2018, during a difficult period of my life, I woke up one morning from a really vivid and tragic dream I still remember. It inspired the first full novel I managed to write, which took eight months. It was pretty bad! Luckily, I learned a lot from it and the writer friends I’ve accumulated. Darkness Within was my fourth novel, and the first one which got published.
I’ve never stopped thinking about characters since that dream. They drive every single scrap of an idea I have typed out. Wanting to understand what makes people tick and what happens when I smash two very different personalities together.
Also, kissing. I like to write kissing.
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
1991. I’ve got some advice to give to ten-year-old me…is that allowed? Lol
What is one thing you will never do again?
Wait for things to come to me. Go out and grab what you want!
What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
I’m going to be cheeky here: My phone, a house, and a boat.
About Darkness Within
Zero and Lindberg. Aideen and Drew. Wow, where do I begin? This book was gripping from the second chapter to the very end. Second, you ask? As I started, my partner was watching Brooklyn 99 very loudly and I’ve found out it’s one of the most distracting shows you can attempt to read to, which is one of the reasons the first chapter went a little slow for me. That, and the fact that part of the world building was delivered in a rather telling way as Aideen’s character got introduced — the only complaint I ever had throughout the whole book!
Aideen Duffy’s job is hunting down the dark creatures who are trying to overthrow human society and bring the world back to how it used to be when vampires, werewolves, and their ilk were in charge.
The culmination of two years’ work, she’s closing in on Costecu, the vampire responsible for the most deadly cell in her city. When the op goes sideways, instead capturing the elusive bastard, she ends up with second prize: his right-hand man, Druain Lindberg.
What happens next, she couldn’t have planned for in a thousand years.
Deep undercover, Drew is swimming in the blood of Costecu’s treachery, but he’d do anything and everything to destroy the heinous vampire who’d ruined his life.
With the stink of evil ground into his pores, he’s ordered to kidnap Aideen and bring her to Costecu, but this time following orders is not going to happen. The spirited selkie can’t be cowed, and something in her calls to him.
When Drew risks long-held plans to save Aideen, everyone – good and evil – are after them. Keeping them hidden long enough to escape is not as big a problem as her letting him do what his heart compels him is essential – protecting her with his life.
Tell us a little about the book. How did you come up with the idea for it?
A few factors influenced Darkness Within. At the time I’d read a lot of paranormal books and wanted to try a slightly different twist on it in regards to how the creatures presented. I’m also a bit of a contrarian, so I was tired of all the vampires and werewolves. I wanted to take a fantasy race I like, Dwarves, and make them more interesting. I’d also been exploring the Alpha Male trope. As a male myself, a lot of times it rubs me the wrong way, so I wanted to try to come up with a character that was a bit more layered. I hope I managed that with Drew.
As for Aideen, I wouldn’t call her an Alpha Female, but she’s one hundred percent capable of taking care of herself, and doesn’t take crap from anyone. So what would she do when faced with someone like Drew? I expected lots of fireworks.
Like I mentioned, almost everything comes from characters first. Once I have them, it’s not so hard to invent a plot to run them through.
Do you have a favourite scene from the book, something you enjoyed writing the most? What is it and why?
I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite scene, but I’m most proud of myself with the scene where Drew has to pretend to interrogate Aideen for information. That was really difficult to write without it being gross or exploitative, plus I went and picked something which personally icks me out: toenails. I don’t know what I was thinking, lol!
Other than that, I’d have to say any scene where they’re sniping back and forth at each other are my favorites. I love writing dialogue.
Do any of your characters resemble anyone from real life? Are any of them a bit like you?
No, I don’t like to base characters on people I know. It would get uncomfortable if they figured it out. On the other hand, they’re all a bit like me in some way. Some personality quirk, way of speaking or thinking, habits, something is pulled from my life in almost every case. It’s a helpful way to understand oneself.
If you were to get a chance to meet any of your characters, who would you meet and what would you do together?
If I’m picking from Darkness Within, I’m not sure I can separate Aideen and Drew. I have no idea what I’d do with them, but I’m sure it would end up with me bruised and sore. I suspect they’d try to get me to rock climb or maybe participate in a cage match…
If I get to pick from any character, right now I’d pick Leighton from my New Years romance novella. She’d be great to have an adventure with.
About writing
What are your writing habits? Do you keep a schedule or is it chaotic, when inspiration hits kind of thing?
I do try to keep a habit, but the last couple of months it’s been in shambles. Typically, I’ll do most of my writing for two to three hours in the evening in a series of 20-30 minute sprints with a 5-10 minute break between each one. It’s even better when it’s with others doing the same thing. It’s a little different when I’m editing, since that’s still a challenge for me.
What challenges did you face when writing Darkness Within?
I’d never written anything paranormal and also never written anything so dark. It was interesting to figure out all the expectations and tropes, and how to make them work for me personally.
What’s your favorite and least favorite part of publishing?
My favorite part is getting at least one extra set of eyes on what I’ve done, advice on how to improve the draft, and all other writing-related things!
My least favorite is all the marketing. I’m not very good at marketing, lol.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for other writers out there?
It depends on what your goals are. If you’re looking to get published, then the biggest bit of advice I can give is to write every day. Even if it’s only for a few minutes, and you think it’s total garbage, write something every day. You can’t get better at it if you don’t practice.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a four book series featuring Eliza Compton, a woman in 1714 who wants freedom and adventure, and Richard Crowder, a pirate captain who is secretly part Kraken. She’s not a great fan of his to start, but they do have a lot of adventures together! Oh, yes, there’s also kissing.
Surprise question
Everyone always thinks they’d be royalty or a knight if they were born in Medieval times, but let’s be honest, you probably wouldn’t be. So, what kind of peasant do you think you’d be if you were born in medieval times?
I’d probably be a peasant who hated doing manual labor and shouted about the violence inherent in the system. Then died of blood poisoning.
Also Check out Darknes Exposed
When Aideen Duffy went from pursuing Druain Lindberg for the sole purpose of arresting him and throwing away the key, to becoming Drew’s lover, things certainly took a turn.
Yeah, he’s raw, cynical, and mired in the evil crimes his “boss” Costecu had him commit. But… Drew’s the good guy. For years he’s been working undercover for Aideen’s agency, and she never knew.
He protected her from Costecu’s murderous henchmen, and in so doing, blew his cover. Costecu wants revenge, and the hundreds of years-old vampire is coming for Drew.
When Drew sacrifices himself so Aideen can get away, she has a new mission: she must save the man she loves.
It’s the least she can do, especially since she means to keep him forever.
Connect with the author
