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What inspired you to take pen to paper and write Beyond the Fireworks?
I was inspired by the quiet moments we don’t talk about enough — the ones after the noise fades. The moments when you’re lying awake replaying your life, wondering how you got here and whether you’re brave enough to change it. I wanted to explore what it feels like to love deeply, endure silently, and slowly awaken to your own truth. The story came from a desire to honor that internal shift — the moment a woman realizes she deserves more than survival.
The novel has a poetic quality, with prose that moves readers through each scene with rhythm and flow. What drew you to this style, and how do you think it affects the reader’s experience?
That rhythm felt natural to me. Trauma and memory aren’t linear — they move in waves. Sometimes soft, sometimes sharp. I wanted the prose to mirror Celine’s inner world — reflective, emotional, layered. The poetic style allows readers to feel the story rather than just follow it. It invites them inside her thoughts instead of standing at a distance.
You dedicated this book to your daughters. What’s one message or lesson you hope your daughters, and other young girls, take away from this story?
I hope they understand that love should never require them to abandon themselves. That strength isn’t about how much you can endure — it’s about knowing when to choose yourself. And that their voice, their safety, and their peace matter deeply.
In what ways do you see the book creating space for conversation, reflection, or connection among survivors?
The book doesn’t sensationalize trauma. It sits with it quietly. My hope is that readers who have lived through similar experiences feel seen — not judged, not rushed, not simplified. And for those who haven’t, I hope it opens a window into the emotional complexity survivors navigate. Healing often begins when we feel understood.
Trauma, domestic violence, and survival, and healing are central to Celine’s story. How did you navigate writing about these experiences in a way that honors the realities of survivors while serving the story?
With care. I focused more on emotional truth than graphic detail. The internal conflict, the silence, the confusion – those are often the most honest parts. I wanted to honor the reality without exploiting it. The goal was dignity, not drama.
Were there scenes that were particularly difficult to write, and how did you approach them?
Yes, especially the abuse scenes. They were emotionally heavy. What made them difficult wasn’t just what was happening, but what wasn’t being said. I had to sit with discomfort and allow silence to carry weight. I resisted the urge to resolve the tension too quickly. That restraint was hard, but necessary.
Fireworks serve as a recurring symbol in the novel—first reflecting Celine’s fear, and later her ability to shift from anticipating the explosion to embracing the beauty that follows. Can you speak about the significance of this symbolism and its importance to the novel as a whole?
Fireworks represent anticipation, that tense waiting for something explosive to happen. Early in the novel, they mirror Celine’s anxiety, the sense that something could go wrong at any moment. But over time, the meaning shifts. Fireworks also hold beauty, light, possibility. The title speaks to what exists beyond that spectacle – beyond fear, beyond chaos. It’s about finding clarity after the noise fades.
The novel is shaped by Celine’s reflections on her past. How did you approach creating a layered, fully realized character whose experiences influence her decisions?
I allowed her past to live alongside her present. Celine doesn’t make decisions in isolation; she carries her childhood, her early relationships, her beliefs about love with her. I approached her with compassion. I wanted readers to understand not just what she does, but why.
How did you develop the supporting characters, and what role did they play in shaping Celine’s journey?
The supporting characters act as mirrors and contrasts. Some reinforce what she’s used to. Others gently challenge it. They each reveal something about her – her fears, her longings, her blind spots. No one exists just to move the plot. They exist to illuminate her.
During the writing process, did the characters ever begin to feel autonomous, or were you consciously guiding their paths throughout?
Absolutely. There were moments when I thought I knew where a scene was going, and a character’s emotional truth shifted it. That’s one of the most beautiful parts of writing — when the story begins to breathe on its own.
As this is your debut novel, were there any parts of the writing process that felt particularly challenging, or any unexpected positive surprises you encountered?
The most challenging part was trusting my voice. It’s vulnerable to put something this intimate into the world. But the surprise was how healing the process became for me. Writing it required reflection, honesty, and growth.
What do you hope is the main takeaway for readers of Beyond the Fireworks?
I hope readers walk away feeling less alone. Whether they’ve experienced abuse or simply felt stuck in a version of themselves that no longer fits, I hope they feel encouraged to listen to their inner voice. There is life beyond endurance. There is peace beyond chaos.
What’s next for you as an author? Do you plan to explore similar themes in future work?
I plan to continue exploring stories centered on transformation and the emotional lives of women — particularly the moments between endings and beginnings. I’m also increasingly drawn to stories that weave intimacy with suspense, where polished surfaces conceal deeper truths. I’m excited to explore that space next.
In Beyond the Fireworks, Celine begins to confront the quiet aftermath of a relationship that changed her in ways she did not yet understand. What once looked like love slowly reveals itself as something far more complicated – a web of control, silence, and emotional unraveling.
As the truth becomes harder to ignore, Celine must face the memories she has tried to soften and the parts of herself she lost along the way. Through moments of reflection, painful clarity, and the quiet courage required to move forward, she begins the difficult work of reclaiming her life.
Written with lyrical intensity and emotional honesty, Beyond the Fireworks explores the complexity of love, the lingering impact of emotional trauma, and the long, imperfect path toward healing.
This debut novel explores the moment when a woman finally sees the truth of what she endured – and begins to step beyond it.
J. Elaine is a writer and creative storyteller whose work explores healing, identity, and the quiet strength found in beginning again. Her debut novel, Beyond the Fireworks, is a lyrical work of fiction that follows one woman’s journey through trauma, love, and the difficult process of reclaiming herself.
In addition to her writing, J. Elaine is an experiential marketing strategist with a career spanning global technology companies including Microsoft and Salesforce, where she helped design large-scale programs and experiences that bring people together.
Originally from Oakland, California, she now lives in Los Angeles with her two daughters.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Stuck at the very end of time.
If you love gritty dark fantasy, epic mythical battles, and ancient gods interfering with mortals, you need to check out City at the Edge of Time by Janet and Chris Morris!
“An exciting and brilliantly colored sortie . . .” – David Drake
Join Tempus and Niko on the triple shores of land, sea, and eternity . . . Where a young girl trembles between love and sorcerous obsession . . . Where a prince’s refusal to admit his flaws makes him a pawn of hell . . . Where a city of immortals learn that Death has not forgotten it . . . In the catacombs beneath a warlock’s citadel, swords and courage face the jaws of demons — with a girl’s life and a god’s vengeance resting on the outcome.
The Sacred Band of Stepsons series is Homeric and heroic fiction following the exploits of an ancient cavalry unit modeled on the Sacred Band of Thebes. Deftly mixing history, myth, and fantasy, Morris’ Sacred Band of Stepsons live and die in a world where gods are real and magic works — sometimes.
Morris’ accursed cavalry commander, Tempus, first appeared Sacred Band first appeared in the million-selling Thieves’ world shared-universe in 1981. Subsequently, Janet Morris, first alone and subsequently with her husband Chris Morris, take the Sacred Band into their own series of novels, set in the fourth century BCE. Passionate, gritty, lyrical prose and unforgettable characters make this series. Perseid Press Sacred Band novels includes the “Author’s Cut” of the Beyond Sanctuary Trilogy and Tempus, as well as the epic novel The Sacred Band, and The Fish the Fighters and the Song-girl.
Best selling author Janet Morris began writing in 1976 and published more than 30 novels, many co-authored with her husband Chris Morris or others. Most of her fiction work was in the fantasy and science fiction genres, although she also wrote historical and other novels. Morris either wrote, contributed to, or edited several book-length works of non-fiction, as well as papers and articles on nonlethal weapons, developmental military technology and other defense and national security topics.
Christopher Crosby Morris (born 1946) is an American author of fiction and non-fiction, as well as a lyricist, musical composer, and singer-songwriter. He is married to author Janet Morris. He is a defense policy and strategy analyst and a principal in M2 Technologies, Inc. He writes primarily as Chris Morris, but occasionally uses pseudonyms.
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What is something unique/quirky about you?
We are songwriters; You can hear our MCA album Christopher Morris Band on Soundcloud.com/Christopher-Morris and Chris’ more recent work on N1M.com/ChristopherCrosbyMorris.
Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
Janet wrote her first novel in 1975 and Chris was the first one to read and comment on it. Their marriage survived. A routine emerged where Chris would read aloud all the new drafts and make edits on the spot. After a few books Chris’ ideas became frequent enough that we agreed he should have credit for writing, whereas before we had kept separate Janet’s storytelling and Chris’ songwriting. The rest, as they say is history.
Who is your hero and why?
Heraclitus of Ephesus, a pre-socratic philosopher, whose Cosmic Fragments foreshadow our knowledge of reality and how to perceive it. Among his precepts is the statement that change alone is unchanging. We’ve worked Heraclitus’ fragments in here and there throughout our books.
Which of your novels can you imagine being made into a movie?
All of them. We write cinematically, our books are vivid adventures written without knowing how they end, perfect for suspenseful films. I, the Sun, The Sacred Band, Outpassage and M.E.D.U.S.A.are particularly suited for cinema. The Threshold Series is a feast of opportunities for today’s special effects creators.
We love horses, history and philosophy, so why not an ancient cavalry unit made up of paired fighters led by a centuries-old warrior sage with a god in his head? Tempus and his Sacred Band of Stepsons are cast in a moment stretching across all of recorded history.
Who designed your book covers?
Most of our covers, including City at the Edge of Time are realized by Roy Mauritsen, a gifted graphic artist.
Advice to writers?
As for advice to writers, here is all we know: write the story you want to read. Start at the beginning, go to the end, and stop. Seriously. From start to finish you must inhabit the construct in a manner that makes the reader choose to continue. If you, as the writer, can’t feel what it’s like being there, your readers won’t either. So close your eyes, look at your feet where they are standing on the story’s ground; tell us what you see. Tell us what you hear. Ask at the end of each paragraph, ‘what happens next?’. If you lose touch with it, wait until you’re back inside it. Tell the story that comes only to you, and from you, to us.
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Seth thought God was dead…but ideas tend to linger.
“Kent Priore writes like a natural about the supernatural. American fiction has found a terrific new voice.” —Joseph O’Neill, PEN/Faulkner Award-Winning Author of Netherland
Standing amidst the destruction of Magistrum, great sorrow and guilt weighs upon Seth as he keeps the memory of his mistake close—to continue his growth, to remain good. A concern which lingers through the birth of his daughter, Persephone, labeled a True Born God by the personification of the White Abyss. And due to the sudden death of her uncle, Persephone’s abyssal powers emerge in a destructive way, tearing a hole through the fabric of the world. Thus, solidifying Seth’s worries of managing his own struggles while being father to a god who resembles his past far too much.
Feeling Persephone’s powerful aura pulsate through dimensions, both antagonistic forces begin pursuing her, wanting to eliminate a threat, and make her power theirs. Alongside these heavy stressors, Seth must also deal with the inevitability of Sasha dying the same mysterious way as the other Guild members.
The Earth devolves into a wasteland as the gods ravish the globe, devouring every human they can find. All the while Seth, Sasha, their daughter, and others lay in hiding, waiting for the right moment to strike back, to resist the will of the Abyssian gods—but can they without sacrificing everything they worked so hard to achieve? And will Seth, so burdened by his past actions, endure this, or will he devolve into the monster he once was…the monster he fears his daughter will also become?
Fans of “Jerusalem” by Alan Moore, “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath, or “The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakovor will enjoy “The Monsters Among Us.”
“Kent Priore writes like a natural about the supernatural, and The Monsters Among Us is a marvelously dark and true novel. American fiction has found a terrific new voice.” —Joseph O’Neill, PEN/Faulkner Award-Winning Author of Netherland
Seth’s life until now has been a product of a diabolical, evil Truman Show, his entire upbringing a façade orchestrated for malevolent purposes. After his beloved dies, he undergoes a demonic metamorphosis, which causes the world’s fictitious walls to crumble.
As he tries to piece a semblance of his life back together and move on, he meets friends who inspire, but even more harsh truths are revealed, perhaps too difficult to cope with.
The very existence of life and reality is exposed as a machination of grotesque gods. And to defeat them, Seth will have to fill his emptiness, for which there’s only two options… Bring the world to ruin, or learn to transmute his pain into strength.
Fans of “Jerusalem” by Alan Moore, “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath, or “The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakovor will enjoy “The Monsters Among Us.”
“I was intrigued from the first sentence, determined to spend the night speed-reading so I didn’t have to remain in suspense any longer.” -Ella Dupuie, author of Fractures of the Fallen
“Supernatural storytelling at its best, this vivid cinematic novel takes the reader on an imaginative journey through what could be considered end of days. The Monster’s Among Us is a masterful creation and a must read—even for those who aren’t fans of fantasy/horror.” —Joni Marie Iraci MFA author of Vatican Daughter
Graduated from Bard College with a BA in the Written Arts, Kent Priore is an author of dark literature, genre-blending epics and vignettes, where dark romanticism meets modern psychology for a macabre but hopeful depiction of inner struggle and the human ability to endure, and perhaps even prevail. He has a fascination with humanity and is one of the few to believe that despite our many weaknesses, we are far stronger than we often think. He wishes to show that strength to those darker individuals, burdened by lonesomeness, poor mental health, and other forces perceived to be out of their control, as well as show them that all is not lost.
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An Interview with the Author…
What are you reading right now? Or what do you have on your TBR that you’re dying to read?
I’m currently reading Edenville by Sam Rebelein! It’s fantastic, and fans of the book would also like The Monsters Among Us and its sequels. Rebelein created a rich cosmology in Edenville that weaves around the entire story, and I did the same for The Abyss Borne Gods books.
Favorite social media site?
None of them! I exist on social media merely because being an author demands I do. Honestly, I’m not a fan of how the internet has evolved, and the heavy role social media has in our lives. There’s a piece of humanity missing from us now—a certain liveliness, personability, wholeness. This is a topic too large for this space, but I prefer to just speak to another human being, face to face.
Favorite Superhero or Villain?
Venom! I enjoy that he is neither a hero nor a villain, and has a host of troubles, mostly psychological. As an author who writes literature centered around dark, morally grey philosophy, Venom’s blend of good and evil speaks to me.
Sweet or Salty?
I’m going to cheat a little here: Sweet AND Salty. Because much like how that combination brings out the best of both its parts, I think this answer encapsulates who I am as a person and author quite well; someone who sees the value in both positive and negative emotions, in not just being one thing while damning the other. To be truly whole as a complex human being, one must invite both sides of the spectrum into oneself.
Any Phobias?
I suppose being alone. Not a very interesting answer, I know. No one likes being alone. But it’s the impetus for how I came up with Seth’s plight and core modus operandi. He cannot stand being alone and he desperately wants to feel whole.
Do you play video games? If so what are some of your favorites?
Yes, I do! This is one hobby I still make some time for. I’ve been playing video games for the last thirty years, and my favorite would have to be the Xenoblade Chronicles series. Though I’m currently absorbed in Pokemon Pokopia.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Witness the vile acts of a monstrous heart.
Feel the vicious clash of duality in conflict.
Know the light of protection through valiant courage.
-Winner: 2026 Literary Titan Gold Book Awards: Fiction -2nd Place: 2026 BookFest Awards – Fiction- Dark Fantasy -Book Nerdection “Must Read” -Readers’ Favorite: 5 Stars
Von is cast into the pages of Ananael, the Order’s tome of secret knowledge. However, his venture into the past takes an unexpected turn as he awakens within a cosmic void in the presence of the eternal being, who grants him perspective through others woven through his existence. Yet before he may commence his time-altering quest, a trial of discovery, revelation, and horror surrounding his origin awaits him.
Benson’s monstrous heart sews the seeds of a vile past brimming with betrayal and hate. Through unimaginable deceptions and buried secrets, familial bonds once forged from love, honor, and acceptance are upended and broken forever. The souls of integral births, sprouting from pillaged and neglected foundations, unfurl a path towards disarray.
Distorted memory fragments challenge Von’s grip on reality, and the reveal of a horrid truth ignites a vicious fury of vengeance. Though his quest for answers falters along the way, he finds help from an unexpected ally. Meanwhile, a mysterious power awakens within Navaryn, putting her at odds with both her friends and herself. And as the motivations of Celestine’s leader become questionable, her suspicions involving her role within the Halryn continue to grow.
As the disparate worlds of Celestine and Daeva teeter on the brink of war, Von and Navaryn are drawn together by unseen forces. Two destinies, once parallel, now collide. But where bloodshed beckons, a valiant act of courage challenges the course of their fates.
-Winner: 2025 International Impact Book Awards – Fantasy -2nd Place: 2025 BookFest Awards – Fiction- Dark Fantasy -Winner: 2024 Indies Today Awards – Best Urban Fantasy -Winner: 2024 Literary Titan Gold Book Awards: Fiction -Finalist: 2024 Literary Global Fiction/Debut & Dark Fantasy Sci-fi -Book Nerdection “Excellent Read”
For Rayshell and her best friend Trish, senior year of high school is going to hell in a handbasket. The feud between Celestine and Daeva is bleeding into their world. When a mysterious visitor infiltrates her dreams, Rayshell is thrust into a realm of profound, otherworldly secrets. Together, Rayshell and Trish uncover the unbelievable—they are the living vessels for two banished Celestine guardians.
Amidst mystical recollections and a wondrous magic system that shatters the veneer of their everyday lives, the two friends embark on a journey against time to connect with the Celestine guardians’ allies in hopes of freeing them from their imprisonment. Simultaneously, the shadows cast by Daeva darken. The notorious outlaw, Merisek, has positioned himself to claim dominion over the Order of Existence—a trio of powerful artifacts capable of reshaping reality. Armed with two of these relics, Merisek races against the emergence of the Celestine guardians to claim the third. The stage is set for a showdown that will determine the fate of existence itself.
Rayshell and Trish are all that stand between Merisek and his unhinged desire to twist the fabric of reality into his making. As the threads of destiny unravel, the question looms: who will be the author of existence, and what profound truths will be unveiled in the final, decisive act?Clay Urn Publishing * Amazon * Apple * B&N * Bookbub * Goodreads
Husband & Wife author duo Shannon Vierra & Edward Ayllon write under the pen name S & E Black. Together, they craft the award-winning series, The Chimera Snare. They share a deep appreciation for music and credit a great number of bands and artists for inspiring their writing journey. Currently, they live in the greater Chicago area amidst a rich and diverse culture with their clowder of rescue cats.
Shannon is an urban gardener and an avid seed collector. In the makeup community, she goes by the moniker zoomzoommacaron and hosts an international, zombie-themed makeup collab called the #zombabescollab. She also enjoys anime, horror movies, craft beer & kombucha, cooking (and eating), sunbathing, photography, and singing badly. Music fuels Shannon’s many passions, especially writing and creating art. She credits music with saving her life on multiple occasions in her teenage and young adult years.
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Edward first discovered the joys of creative writing through his early high school studies, and has spent many years exploring and developing a deep appreciation for the arts. Since first collaborating with his wife, Shannon, he has sprouted a passion and true affinity for storytelling and crafting literature. In addition to refining his skill in creating written works, his other interests include playing bass guitar, listening to music, and dabbling in photography.
Limited-edition hardcover set copies of the books, $20 Amazon/Paypal – 1 winner each! Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHORS
What book do you think everyone should read?
Shannon: Be Water, My Friend, by Shannon Lee.
Edward: Animal Farm by George Orwell.
Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?
Shannon: They come to me as we storyboard and flesh out more of the universe. And each one takes time to develop, so it’s a bit of a process. Even if they’re more minor characters, we still do our best to dial in their vibe, attitude and appearance before we start to insert them into the story. I personally need to see them first, so each character has a complete (or nearly complete) profile.
Edward: It’s a little of both. We make it a point to iron out the framework of what we’re working on, but from time to time there comes a need that a new character can facilitate. That happened a few times while writing “Reflections.” It’s that organic element of writing that can truly bring a sense of spontaneity and liveliness to a story.
Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?
Shannon: Music all the time. I can’t especially find my zone in silence. Music helps pull my focus and take me out of my head and into the scene I’m working on, making it easier for my mind to find freedom.
Edward: I need music 100% of the time. It helps bring me into the mood or atmosphere of what I’m trying to write. It’s been highly inspirational for the both of us. In fact, we include a page in our books with dedications to the various bands and artists whose music has influenced our writing.
Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?
Shannon: I will always work on the framework for the coming installments, but for sitting down and writing proper, I work on one at a time.
Edward: I’ve been entertaining the thought of writing multiple books at once. If I can discipline myself enough, I might be able to do it. We shall see.
If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?
Shannon: I’ve never considered this question until now. Perhaps I’d choose Harry Potter so the author wouldn’t be a transphobic twatwaffle who ruined their series for thousands of fans. Trans Rights are human rights. No one should dictate who someone else wants to identify as. Life has no place for this kind of hate. Let people be themselves.
Edward: I couldn’t agree more. There’s no sense in being hateful on account of people simply wanting to freely be who they want to be.
Pen or type writer or computer?
Shannon: Pen and paper for early notes and basic framework, especially on the road. Then I move to the computer to further refine things. I’ve never been great at a typewriter because it’s too rigid for my chaotic approach. I make too many mistakes while typing in general, and sometimes need to start my thoughts over.
Edward: This may be old-school, but I’ve become very fond of using a whiteboard. We got one not too long ago specifically to map out our next book. It’s on wheels, too, so we wheel it into the living room and spitball back and forth over drinks and snacks. I write pretty chaotically as well, so a computer is really the only way to go for me.
Tell us about one of your favorite characters.
Shannon: I tend to favor writing the villains. Joro is a character that we don’t know terribly much about in Fragments, but he is one of my favorites. Not only because he’s a shapeshifter and one of the powers I wish I could have. In Reflections you will get a glimpse into his past to help understand a little about what turned his heart so cold.
Edward: My favorite character to write has to be Merisek, who is Joro’s mentor. He’s presented in “Fragments” as a cold-hearted villain, but you come to find that there’s much more to him beyond the superficial by the end of the book. Then as you dive into “Reflections,” you come to learn more about his origin, his motivations, the life-changing revelation he faces, and how he tries so earnestly to honorably navigate the path that he was unwillingly set on. Put simply, he was a lot of fun to write.
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One visible spirit. Two phantom thieves. Three courageous friends.
June Brookes has haunted the library at Pinedale High for decades, without attention. Until one day, new sophomore, May Blakely, notices. Could this be June’s chance to cross over to the hereafter? If only she knew what needed to be finished from her old life.
Angsty May prefers solitude. Her deadbeat dad may have ditched her in this small town, but she has no interest befriending this strange girl, or the cute boy across the street.
June’s hereafter hustle goes haywire when two phantom soldiers plot to hijack her passage to peace, at the expense of hurting fellow students. June saves May’s life, igniting their joint efforts to protect the school. Can May help June to her happily ever afterlife?
Don’t miss the rest of the Haunting of Pinedale High books!Find them on Amazon
Celaine Charles lives in the enchanted Pacific Northwest, teaching elementary school by day and writing by the stars at night. She’s an award-winning, multi-genre author who balances her dual life creating poetry, fantasy, and contemporary romance shorts, while blogging about her journey on Steps in Between. In addition, she’s embarking on the world of children’s picture books.
She’s published collections of poetry through Egret Lake Books and Palmetto Publishing Group, and fiction through The Wild Rose Press and Eliza Storm Books.
Celaine is a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, Storyteller Academy, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and reads poetry regularly with the Museum of Northwest Art, Writing’s on the Wall series.
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Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
After watching the Netflix movie, Girl Haunts Boy and the Netflix series, School Spirits, I literally wrote my new young adult paranormal fantasy, When June Haunts May, as if it were on the screen!
I pictured my blue-haired angsty sophomore, May, meeting the spirit, June, in her new high school. June pesters her for a friendship in which she has no interest, not to mention she’s dressed like she’s headed to a fifties sock hop. But this girl…ghost…desperately needs to connect with May. She’s the first person to see her in decades, so she must be the key to help her crossover to the other side. In the midst of meeting, they both stumble upon the local high school lacrosse star, Reid, crying by himself in the…rumored to be haunted…woods behind the school.
Hiding behind my writing desk, each main character was in constant motion as this story came to life. And they’re all three going through real emotions the big screen could vividly portray. May prefers loneliness as her safe haven. June’s been alone for so long, she’s a jumbled mess when someone finally sees her. Reid fears the loneliness he predicts is soon to come for reasons they all find out later. This book, without being sad, shines a little light on three different perspectives of loneliness.
The story is set at the start of fall, the colors all golden-green and marigold-yellow at a North Carolinian school, Pinedale High. On campus there’s a wooded area and pond behind the school, with an old neighborhood sprawling out beyond, complete with crumbling sidewalks and overgrown shade trees. The autumn season creates the perfect ambience for this small-town story and would make for a spookily cozy movie any time of year.
May, June, and Reid become unlikely friends, meeting some curiously amazing side characters along the way. They will truly have you smiling and possibly wincing at the same time. And as if figuring out her past isn’t enough for June to deal with in her seemingly small window to cross over, two Confederate soldiers decide to hijack her freedom, putting the whole school in danger.
When June Haunts May has just enough spook, risk, and vulnerability woven in with tender moments that build relationships, including friendship and young love, to make this cozy ghost story the perfect feel-good movie!
I also wrote a novella, Stained Glass Secrets and Star Wishes, back in 2022. It’s a mash-up of Hallmark meets Fantasy, and I’ve always imagined it as a holiday movie on the Hallmark Channel.
A stressed-out, single accountant skips out on life to spend Christmas alone at her family’s snowy, lake cabin. A freshwater fairy, who looks handsomely human out of water, comes to the surface to face his own fears and grief, yet unexpectedly spies her crying through a window. Together with a wish on a star, a snowy ice castle, some Christmas cookie mishaps, and Ollie, the springer spaniel, they fall in maybe-one-day-possibly love.
The whole story makes me gush!
And finally, I’ve been told by many readers of my young adult Keeper Series (Seam Keepers and Dream Keepers), that it should be made into a movie. I guess with my own ADHD, I always try to write my books with strong pacing. It’s a tough one for me because I can get wordy. But hopefully with the art of revision and rereading my stories again and again through that revision process, I smooth the pacing for the most reluctant reader to want to read. And good pacing does make for a great movie!
What a fun question to answer!
Advice they would give new authors?
I would tell a new author to keep writing no matter what. And equal to that, keep reading and learning how to improve your craft. That’s it. New (and seasoned) writers need to continually remind themselves to ignore the noise and negative reviews (unless there’s truly something that will help them improve their writing) and just continue to create and grow in their craft.
Going to writer’s conferences is also a GREAT way to learn the craft and business of writing. There are support systems out there, but writers need to reach out to find them. A writing conference and/or writing class in your community are great ways to get started.
I met my writing critique group through a writing class. Then we all attended a writing conference together. I learned so much while at the same time, increasing my support system. Writing is an isolating experience because we’re generally alone for long periods of time. Critique groups and writing classes can help ease the isolation and provide resources.
So new writers—read, keep writing, ignore the noise, and reach out to find your people and improve your craft!
Describe your writing style.
Always a hard question for me, but this is my assessment of my writing based on what my critique group and beta readers tell me, as well as how it feels when I’m drafting my stories.
I am a lyrical writer working to edit down my long sentences while still trying to achieve the dance and flow of a full story.
There. I said it. I guess you might say I’m overly wordy, but ultimately don’t want to come across that way, so I have to backtrack over all my writing in the revision and editing stages to cut words. I will never be that writer who needs to add more details for word count. Ha! I am the opposite! My stories always need to be cut and tidied up.
Lyrical writing is just part of my process, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
What makes a good story?
For me a good story is all about the characters. I can read a book with an okay plot, if I love the characters. But it’s difficult for me to read any story, if I can’t relate or connect with the characters working through even the most organized plot lines. I’m definitely a character-driven author and reader, both.
Along with intriguing characters, I appreciate lyrical voice and sensory explosion on the page. I want to see, and hear, and taste, and smell everything the characters do. When a simple sentence sweeps me away, I’m in awe of the author and can’t wait to read more.
What are you currently reading?
This is my year of reading ARCs (advanced reader copies) and researching romance. It’s been rough not reading fantasy and poetry, the two genres I love the most, but 2026 filled up fast with several ARC reads for other authors. I am exploring the idea of writing a full-length contemporary romance.
I’m not sure how this happened, but I may have overcommitted myself with ARC reads. With that said, it’s fine. I love helping other authors this way because I need their help in return, and it feels special getting a sneak peek at a finished book that’s not out there yet. Getting those early readers and honest reviews can surely help set a newly launched book in the right direction. So, I am happy to do that. I just happen to have a lot of ARC’s back-to-back right now.
As for romance, this is a new genre for me. I’m already writing short stories with my author’s collaboration project. With fellow writers, SD Porter and Eliza Storm, we are each writing short rom-com style stories to match each holiday. We’ve written one for Halloween (Midnight Meet-Ups), one for Valentine’s Day (Sweet Chaos), and our new collection for the Fourth of July (Caught a Spark) comes out this summer (2026). I’m having so much fun, I think I might want to write a full-length romance! To research, I’m reading a variety of authors in the romance world right now. Most of these have been audiobooks, since I’m busy reading ARCs.
For now, I’m reading books for other amazing authors and swooning about my own one-day romance.
What is your writing process? For instance, do you create an outline first? Do you write the chapters first?
I always think of characters first, no matter what kind of story I’m writing, be it fantasy, contemporary romance, or children’s. After that, I place my characters in a setting that fits them, then loosely point them in the direction of what they want or need until something internal and external gets in their way. Finally, I make as many things rain on their journey…so that we have some kind of interesting story and growth arc in the end.
Writing chapters and scenes help me when I’m stuck. It’s okay to write out of order, and I’ve done this before with books, but I find that it takes me longer sometimes to stitch them back together. For this reason, I try to write as linearly as possible.
When drafting a new story, I do consider plotting plans like Save the Cat and the Three Act Structure, however they are sketched and not written in ink. I ask myself a lot more questions than I used to when planning a story now. I want to know up front what lie they believe about themselves, what childhood trauma might be holding them back, and then how they might use that very fear to save the day.
I’ve always called myself a recovering pantser. My first book took seven years from first draft to publication. Although it was a long journey, I still learned so much on the way. I wouldn’t trade any of that time, however I don’t want to spend seven years on a book again. At my age (not telling) I don’t have time for that. As much as I love letting my characters explore and choose their own story (which I still do to a degree) I have a few mile posts I need them to get to along the way to keep me focused and grounded….and ultimately to get more books in my reader’s hands.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
I do believe in writer’s block, but I’ve learned a few things about the wall that stops the flow of writing and some tips and tricks too.
We all fall into different categories of life and we’re all facing different obstacles in the way of writing (or having time to write). So, the variables are unmeasurable. With that being said, I remind myself that creating is unique for everyone and can be affected by a vast number of reasons. I can’t name them all here but…family and/or job responsibilities, time restraints for a million reasons, health, life surprises (positive and negative), energy levels, and more. Give yourself a break! It’s okay to step back sometimes. Regroup. Start again when you can.
I’ve read that sometimes we get stuck when we don’t know our story well enough. You can work backwards to the place you felt confident and try to angle it in a slightly different direction. Presto! That sometimes works.
Plan a field trip to research my characters (where might they go if they visited my town?)
Drown my sorrows in chardonnay and allergy-free chocolate
Reread all I’ve written again with fresh eyes
Read another author’s ARC
Read book reviews
Work out (I like Pilates)
Write or read poetry
Write something completely new (maybe an article helping other writers)
Pray (this one seriously works for me)
Find some fresh inspiration for my writing space (a new candle, vase of flowers…)
Plan a weekend or even just a day to NOT think about writing and just be
Spend time with loved ones or friends and just live a little (fill up the life tank)
Find a new flavor of tea or coffee to drink while I write
Try plotting a little—if you’re a pantser. Try pantsing a little—if you’re a plotter. The point? Do something different!
Read a writing craft book
Dress up when I write (or maybe dress in character), but sometimes dressing for the occasion puts me in the right mood.
Burn candles or use aroma therapy to set the mood…I like lavender and vanilla
Create mood boards to go with my stories (Pinterest is great for this)
Take my characters out for lunch…or dinner…or coffee…or dancing (whatever might work for the story). By this, I mean that I write a small scene that might never make it into the book, but maybe something to share with readers later.
Here’s a new one, not on my blog post. Find a music soundtrack that coordinates with your story or story vibe. Background music can put me in the mood.
Another new idea, not on my blog post, which works for me most times…set a timer. I like 25-minute sprints, but even if you only have ten minutes, write for that allotted time. You will feel better. And sometimes that’s all we need to get back in the groove.
Caleb Ward is trying to forget the night he almost died. Ava Lin is trying to understand why he survived.
But Hollow Creek isn’t letting either of them move on.
What starts as a strange blackout spirals into a trail of eerie clues, shifting shadows, and a connection between Ava and Caleb that grows hotter and more undeniable with every new secret uncovered.
Something happened that night. Something dangerous. And it’s waking up.
The lights exploded into darkness so fast it felt like the whole world had been switched off. One second, the fairgrounds pulsed with noise; the next, a hush dropped over everything – thick, heavy, wrong. Ava’s breath caught in her throat as the shadows around the tents stretched, bending in directions that didn’t match the lanterns flickering overhead.
“Caleb…” She didn’t even finish his name. Her hand shot out on instinct, finding his fingers in the dark. His grip closed around hers immediately – warm, tight, desperate – anchoring her like a lifeline.
Static rolled through the air, not sound but pressure, brushing across her skin like cold fingertips. The wind picked up and carried the faint smell of scorched leaves and metal. Somewhere behind them, a ride creaked slowly, even though nothing was moving it.
Caleb stepped close enough that she felt the heat of his chest at her shoulder. “I’m here,” he whispered, voice low and unsteady.
Something moved at the corner of her vision – a ripple of shadow that stole her breath. But Caleb was already there, guiding her back against him, solid and unwavering. The world still trembled, but she didn’t. Not with his strength at her back. In that moment, she felt it with aching clarity: as long as he held her, she could face anything.
All around them, people shouted – fragmented cries swallowed by the dark. A string of carnival lights fizzled overhead, sputtering blue sparks that made the shadows jump like living ink.
Ava squeezed his hand harder. “We have to move,” she said, though she wasn’t sure which direction was safe anymore.
Caleb turned, pulling her with him, and in that split-second flash of dying light, she saw his face – terrified, determined, and somehow still looking at her like she was the one thing in this chaos he trusted.
The ground trembled.
The shadows bent again.
And together, hand in hand, they ran toward whatever waited in the dark.
When data itself begins to speak, who decides what it’s trying to say?
Light Years To Midnight — a globe-spanning thriller where science, faith, and code collide in a race against a countdown written into the fabric of reality.
The wind whipped dust across the plateau as Jonas crested the ridge, breath burning in his throat. Below him, the satellite dishes of the abandoned relay station stretched into the dark like a field of frozen giants. Their metal frames groaned under the rising storm, each bent toward the same invisible point on the horizon.
He wasn’t alone.
A faint beam of light—too controlled to be an accident—flickered between the dishes. Jonas crouched, heart thudding, watching as a woman stepped into view, her silhouette sharp against the skeletal machinery. She moved with the alertness of someone who had been running for far too long.
Elena.
He had seen her face in files, in encrypted packets, in the warnings that had chased him across continents. But seeing her here, in the flesh, felt unreal—like walking into a photograph he wasn’t meant to understand.
Before he could speak, a second figure emerged from the opposite end of the array. Maya paused only when she spotted Elena, recognition flaring across her face. They had never met, not really, but the anomaly had braided their paths tightly enough that the moment felt inevitable.
Jonas stood and lifted a hand, but movement in the distance froze him mid-step.
Engines.
Low, tactical, deliberate.
A convoy approached from the north, its headlights dark, its tires crunching through gravel like muffled gunfire. Special operations—unmarked, unhurried, confident. Not hunters, but collectors.
Elena’s eyes locked on his. “Are they here for you,” she whispered, “or for all of us?”
Maya stepped closer, her breath sharp in the cold air. “Does it matter?”
Something pulsed beneath the earth—three beats, a pause, three more—vibrating up through the metal frames of the dishes. The sky above them shimmered, faint but unmistakable, as if answering the rhythm.
Jonas swallowed hard.
“No,” he said. “It doesn’t matter anymore. It’s already found us.”
Dustin is a lifelong fan of science and speculative fiction, blending his fascination with astronomy, technology, and the unknown into stories that explore the edge between logic and wonder. When he’s not writing, he’s reading, stargazing, or chasing trails on his dirt bike — always searching for what lies just beyond understanding.
Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
I come from very humble beginnings in a small town in British Columbia. I worked the usual jobs you find in places like that — the kind that teach you patience, grit, and a deep appreciation for people. Eventually I made my way to Vancouver, where I built a career in Architectural Drafting. It was steady work, and for a long time it felt like the right path.
But somewhere along the way, something stopped resonating. I realized I was getting older, and that the little voice that had always whispered “follow your passion” wasn’t going to quiet down on its own. So I made a choice — a hopeful, slightly terrifying, wonderfully exciting choice — to finally listen.
And that’s how I found my way back to storytelling.
Writing lets me share the worlds I’ve carried with me for years… and invite readers into places where shadows glitch, secrets breathe beneath small towns, and ordinary people discover extraordinary courage. I’m grateful every day for anyone who chooses to walk into those stories with me.
What is something unique/quirky about you?
I’m a tad nerdy.
Where were you born/grew up at?
I grew up in a little town a few hours from Vancouver, B.C. — and when I say little, I mean little. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows everyone, and where the biggest claim to fame is being the crossroads of four major highways.
I didn’t stay long, though. Even as a kid, I felt this tug toward something bigger, something just beyond the tree line. It is beautiful, but the opportunities I was looking for weren’t there. So I carried those early memories with me — the quiet streets, the mountains close enough to touch, that sense of being on the edge of something unknown — and they found their way into my stories later.
Those small-town roots are still a part of me, and they shape the worlds I write. There’s something special about places where secrets linger just beneath the surface… and shadows sometimes feel alive.
If you knew you’d die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
Laying the back of my truck on a clear night with a blanket watching the universe move across the sky.
Who is your hero and why?
One of my greatest inspirations has always been Carl Sagan. There was something extraordinary about the way he looked at the universe — not with cold detachment, but with wonder, curiosity, and a deep sense of humanity. His work opened doors in my mind, inviting me to think bigger, dream wider, and explore ideas I might never have considered otherwise.
I still miss his voice, his gentle wisdom, and the way he made the cosmos feel both vast and intimate. His influence hasn’t faded for me; it’s woven into the way I see the world and into the stories I try to tell. He reminded all of us that imagination and science, wonder and truth, can live side by side — and that there’s beauty in asking the next question.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I love getting outside whenever I can. Camping, being out in the fresh air, just letting the world slow down a little — it does something good for the soul. And when I really want to let loose, I’ll take my dirt bike out and ride until I’m completely worn out. There’s something freeing about it, like shaking off all the stress at once and coming back to myself.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
So far out of the box I can’t even see it anymore
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Honestly… I’m not sure I ever had a single moment where it clicked. Writing has been a gradual transition for me — a quiet shift rather than a dramatic one. I’m still getting used to the idea, and maybe that’s okay.
What I do know is that somewhere along the way, the stories I carried inside me started asking for space. They wanted to be written, shaped, shared. And every time I sit down to put those worlds onto the page, I feel a little more like the person I’m becoming — someone who tells stories because they matter to me, and hopefully to readers too.
So whether I call myself a “writer” or not, I’m grateful to be on this path, learning as I go, and inviting others into the worlds I create.
Do you have a favorite movie?
My favorite movie? I think I’d have to choose 2010. There’s something about it that still feels awe-inspiring to me — that sense of scale, of mystery, of looking out into the universe and realizing how small and extraordinary we really are.
It’s epic in the quietest, most meaningful way, and every time I watch it I’m reminded why stories about the unknown resonate so deeply. They make us curious. They make us dream. They invite us to imagine what else might be out there… and what might already be waiting for us.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
LOL. Not there yet. I’m still surprised I got published!
What inspired you to write this book?
I’ve always loved Halloween — it’s my second favorite holiday after Christmas — and there’s something magical about that time of year that never really left me. I wanted to tap into that feeling again, the sense of wonder and mystery I had when life was simpler and the world felt a little bigger.
So I started writing a story that let me step back into that space. A world I would have loved to wander through myself… eerie, playful, full of possibility. Creating it felt like revisiting an old memory and discovering something new inside it. And sharing that world with readers is one of the most joyful parts of the journey.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I’ve got a few more ideas rattling around in my head — stories that feel a bit more adult, a little grittier, with edges I’m curious to explore. And who knows… one of them seems to be whispering about becoming a trilogy.
It’s still early, but that’s part of the joy. Writing has opened doors I didn’t expect, and I’m excited to follow these new threads wherever they lead. If readers are willing to come along, I’d love to keep building worlds we can step into together.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
What I enjoyed most was how writing this story carried me back to my childhood — a time when everything felt a little simpler and the world didn’t weigh quite so heavily. It reminded me of those early days of curiosity and imagination… and even of my first crush, with all the awkwardness and wonder that comes with those early infatuations.
There was something sweet about reconnecting with those memories, like rediscovering a part of myself I hadn’t visited in years. Bringing that feeling onto the page made the writing process feel less like work and more like a return to something familiar and deeply human.
If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?
Caleb: Jacob Elordi
Ava: Anna Cathcart
Liam: Timothée Chalamet
Dr. Vale: Lee Pace
Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.
I think this story is a must-read because of the way it unfolds — slowly at first, like a candle burning down in a dark room, and then suddenly you realize the shadows are moving in ways you didn’t expect. There’s a careful blend of suspense and a soft, growing romance, all wrapped in a tension that keeps tugging you forward.
What I love most is how the moments of quiet connection sit right beside the unsettling ones. It’s a story meant to pull you in gently, hold you close, and keep you wondering what might be waiting just beyond the edge of the light.
If readers enjoy that mix of heart, atmosphere, and mystery, then I think they’ll find something special here.
What did you edit out of this book?
There were moments when I felt the story tugging toward something a little steamier, especially as the characters grew closer and their emotions deepened. But I also wanted to honour the heart of the book — that youthful space where tension, longing, and connection can feel electric without crossing too far.
So I chose to keep the romance within a safe YA zone, focusing more on the emotion, the build-up, and those breath-catching moments that say so much without needing to go further. In many ways, holding back made the story stronger… it let the characters speak through their feelings rather than the physical details.
What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?
Carl Sagan, Arthur C Clarke, Issac Assimov, Dean Koontz, Alan Steele, Dan Browne, R.A. Salvatore
How long have you been writing?
Well for years, just got serious about it recently.
What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?
I google everything to get my facts straight and try to write what I know.
Do you see writing as a career?
LOL ask me again in a year.
Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
I’ve always been a reader — it’s one of the constants in my life. I tend to wander between genres depending on my mood, but I’m especially drawn to science fiction, fantasy, military thrillers, and good old-fashioned espionage.
There’s something about those worlds — the sense of scale, the strategy, the imagination — that has always lit up my curiosity. They shaped the way I think about storytelling and probably planted the seeds for the kinds of mysteries and atmospheres I love exploring in my own work.
Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?
I tend to have quite a few ideas drifting around in my head at any given time. Sometimes I’ll jump from one project to another just to follow where the energy is that day — it’s part of how my creativity works.
But when a story really starts calling to me, I can focus in and give it the attention it deserves. There’s something wonderful about letting ideas breathe while still being able to commit fully when a project reaches that moment where it feels ready to come to life.
Pen or type writer or computer?
COMPUTER
What made you want to become an author and do you feel it was the right decision?
It’s a bucket list thing. It was time.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
I think I’d tell them to just go for it. People will always have their own ideas about how your life should look, what path you should follow, what’s “practical.” But only you can feel the pull of the things that matter to you.
I’d remind my younger self that it’s okay to choose a different direction, even if no one else understands it yet. Your path is yours to walk — and the stories you carry are worth listening to.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
It really depends on what real life is doing at the time. The bills don’t stop, the responsibilities don’t pause, and sometimes finding the space to write feels like trying to carve out a quiet moment inside a storm. But little by little, you find ways to make it work.
Some days it’s easy, and other days you just have to put your head down and keep going. The important part is showing up for the story, even in small moments. That’s how the books eventually come together – one determined page at a time.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
When a struggling single mom and her adorable toddler get snowed in with a grumpy wolf shifter, Christmas magic starts working overtime.
Escape to Christmas Cove, a cozy small town where magic, shifters, and holiday romance collide.
After a painful breakup, Riley is ready for a fresh start in Christmas Cove. All she wants is a peaceful life for herself and her two-year-old daughter, Sabrina. Love isn’t on her holiday wish list. When she’s stuck in a blizzard, help arrives in the form of Alex Conors — a protective, brooding werewolf.
Snowed in with a grumpy shifter and a crackling fire, Riley begins to see the gentle heart behind Alex’s fierce exterior… and Alex finds himself falling for the brave single mom who awakens something he thought he lost long ago.
Hot cocoa and toddler giggles turn strangers into something more. But when Riley’s past resurfaces and threatens the safety she’s found, Alex will have to prove that loyalty, love — and pack — are forever.
A warm, emotional holiday romance filled with shifter charm, second chances, and the magic of Christmas. Ideal for fans of protective alphas, found family, and heartfelt happily-ever-afters.
🏠 Small-town charm & found family 🐺 Grumpy wolf + sunshine single mom 👩👧 Adorable toddler moments 🎁 Snowed-in & forced proximity 💕 Fated mates and holiday magic
Jessica Coulter Smith is an acclaimed romance writer with a passion for storytelling. Her works showcase the power of love and its ability to transcend boundaries, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. With a unique writing style and perspective, Jessica continues to inspire and entertain readers from all walks of life.
Would you like a chance to win a$20 Amazon or PayPalGift Card?Follow the tour HERE for specialcontent and a giveaway!
My Holiday Playlist
There’s something about Christmas music that immediately puts me in the mood to write holiday romances — especially the kind filled with snow, twinkle lights, and a little bit of magic. Every December (and sometimes long before), I start building a playlist that keeps me in the spirit while I write.
Some of these songs are sweet and nostalgic, others tug at the heartstrings, and a few just make me smile. Together, they capture the emotions I love weaving into my stories — love, hope, second chances, and finding light in unexpected places.
So pour yourself a mug of cocoa (or maybe some spiked eggnog), settle in, and let me share a few of my favorite Christmas songs — the soundtrack behind Fur, Fangs, & Mistletoe and just about every cozy story I write this time of year.
Each of these songs carries a little spark of what I love most about Christmas: love, kindness, reflection, and that touch of wonder that seems to hang in the air all season long.
Music always finds its way into my writing — sometimes as inspiration for a scene, sometimes just as background noise while I sip cocoa and imagine snow falling outside my office window.
Whether you’re reading holiday romances, baking cookies, or curled up with your favorite blanket and pet (I usually have a cat in my lap), I hope you take a moment to enjoy your own soundtrack of the season.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
One man against the world
The Quest for Freedom
The Conquest Trilogy Book 1
by Matthew Devitt
Genre: Dark Epic Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Affer was once a peaceful planet, until a war broke out between its six inhabiting species. The humans, who were once the mightiest force on Affer, were massacred in droves, and the ones who survived the onslaught were reduced to mere slaves. The five other species divided the humans amongst themselves and returned to their respective kingdoms. The years passed, turning into decades and centuries, without any change. Eventually, the humans had accepted their fate as slaves. All except one. Four hundred and seventy-three years later, Fletcher Rush starts his journey to free his kind…and conquer the planet.
I’ve always had a love for fantasy, and to this day LOTR and The Inheritance Cycle remain some of my favorite books. There are limitless possibilities when you’re writing, but with fantasy, it’s different. You don’t have to adhere to rules or logic; you can create whatever type of world you want. Characters can live in a dystopian society, a grand futuristic city, a picture-perfect world, or a medieval wasteland. Time, technology, and magic are all there for the taking, and as a writer, you get to choose what defines your story.
Would you like a chance to win aprint copy of The Quest For Freedom (US only), or a $10 Amazon or PayPal gift card (WW) – 1 winner each! Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
What can we expect from you in the future?
Currently, I’m working on the second book in the trilogy, then I’ll move on to the last book in the series. After that, you’ll have to wait and see!
Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?
Not at the moment, but I have thought about it, and I do intend to add side stories/bonus stories once I finish the series.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in The Quest For Freedom?
I’ll be honest: there are too many characters to cover them all while also giving them the descriptions they deserve. But I’ll give a description of my two favorite characters. Fletcher Rush is the main character of Conquest and the leader of the rebellion. Like all humans, he starts as a slave. However, unlike others, he doesn’t plan to stay one. From the moment he was put to work, Fletcher vowed to change Affer forever. Training his body and mind, he prepares to escape enslavement until the day finally comes. After he becomes free, he quickly proves that he is a natural-born leader. He rallies his men behind him and strikes fear into all who face him. Even when the odds seem insurmountable, Fletcher still
charges headfirst into them. No battle is too large for him, and nothing will hold him back from freeing mankind.
Ji is Fletcher’s first ally and his right hand. Having helped Fletcher escape from Titanan, he has been aiding him since the beginning. Ji might not be as strong as Tor, as smart as Crystal, or as capable a leader as Fletcher, but he learns quickly and is
always the undisputed voice of reason. As they conquer city after city, Ji becomes more resilient and a better leader, worthy of standing by Fletcher’s side. He still has a lot to learn, but he plays a crucial part in the human army.
Where did you come up with the names in the story?
Many of the names for the characters just came to me, but for some, I looked through a list of names and picked out one I liked. The names for the cities, creatures, and the unique names were harder. The way I did it was to pick a letter that I wanted it to start with and play around until I found something I liked.
Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
Every time I write, I learn. I always strive to give everything my best, and with writing, I tend to get better and better with each story I finish.
Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
If you enjoy fantasy, I can guarantee you’ll love The Quest For Freedom.
What is your favorite part of this book and why?
I can’t say too much, otherwise I’ll spoil it. But, the fourth battle of the book is undoubtedly my favorite. It’s a massive part I build up to, and it came out even better than I had hoped for.
Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.
Now here’s a question I really like! Conquest was made to go against the grain. It encapsulates the brutality of war, which I feel is often overlooked in fantasy. The world and characters are both meant to feel as real and lifelike as possible, while still keeping that fantasy spark. From the Yoxtoll Forest with pale white trees towering into the sky, to the scorching Argon Desert, it feels like a place you could visit, and the characters are no different. Each person and each species has something unique about them, while also keeping to the traits of their species.
Conquest redefines what fantasy is capable of by going where others won’t.
What did you edit out of this book?
More than I even remember. I do have the unedited version saved, but I haven’t looked at it in ages. Some parts sounded great when I wrote them, but coming back with the final edit and reading over everything made me see them in a different light. The beginning had the most changes, but every part of the book was touched after I had “finished” it.
Safina Bello is a dark romance and thriller author who writes stories about obsession, betrayal, and dangerous love. Inspired by suspenseful plots and morally gray characters, she crafts tales where romance is as thrilling as it is risky. When she’s not writing, she’s connecting with readers, she is currently working on her new book “Dear Killer- The murder of Monica Hall”
Follow Safina on Instagram: @_Safinsb
When Obsession Turns Deadly: The Dark Truth Behind “Dear Killer”
I’ve always been drawn to the parts of life that most people are too scared to look at—the shadows, the secrets, the dangers hiding in plain sight. That’s what inspired me to write my upcoming thriller, Dear Killer: Murder of Monica Hall.
It’s not just a story. It’s a confession, a warning, and a nightmare all rolled into one.
“If you’re reading this; it means he killed me…”
Those are Monica Hall’s last words to the world, written like a diary and a death sentence all at once. For years, she lived in the shadow of a man whose love was nothing but a slow poison. He was patient. He was obsessed. And to him, Monica was his forever—even in death.
When her body is finally found, it looks like the tragic end of a life spent running from him. But nothing is ever that simple. Monica wasn’t just a victim. She was a master of lies, a manipulator, and a murderer. The further the investigation goes, the clearer it becomes that Monica’s death was not the end of her story… it was only the beginning of a new nightmare.
Writing Dear Killer forced me to confront a chilling truth:
People like Monica exist.
I’ve seen pieces of her in real life—the ones who hide behind charm, who destroy everything they touch, and who have families willing to cover their darkness just to protect a last name. That realization haunted me. It still does.
We often imagine monsters as strangers lurking in the dark. But the worst monsters? They’re the ones smiling in family photos.
Dear Killer is more than a thriller. It’s a look at love twisted into obsession, at secrets buried too deep to stay hidden, and at the terrifying ways the past always catches up to us.
This book scarred me as much as it thrilled me to write. But that’s the kind of story I live for—the kind that keeps you awake at night, staring into the dark, wondering how well you really know the people you love.
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A televised cooking competition puts Sherry, a successful cooking competitor, in the spotlight, especially when the final challenge calls for catching a killer.
A televised cooking competition puts Sherry in the spotlight, especially when the final challenge calls for catching a killer . . .
Despite being a seasoned competitor, nothing could have prepared Sherry Oliveri for the thrill of being chosen for a three-day cooking challenge on national television. She’s dying to tell her friends, but she and everyone else involved in the contest has been sworn to secrecy until it airs. Still, that’s not stopping someone from penning cryptic notes about the show for the whole town to read, which has the production crew on edge—right up until one of them is found dead.
Determined to root out the killer, Sherry suspects the truth lies with whoever’s behind the mysterious notes—which have now turned dark with menacing comments on the murder and suggestions of buried secrets. Trying to unravel it all while focusing on her recipes, Sherry’s stopped dead in her tracks when the cook-off host drops a bombshell. With no time to spare, she’ll have to unearth the one missing ingredient that will ensure the killer’s cooked . . .
Includes recipes from Sherry’s kitchen!
Praise for the Cook-Off Mysteries:
“The Cook-Off Mystery series by Devon Delaney is a very tasty treat!” —Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
“This is a very fun and rollicking mystery that stays light-hearted even as the case gets more complicated . . . Cooking, holiday celebrations, and moving family drama all make for the perfect escape.” —Kings River Life
“This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn’t feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!” – Netgalley Reviewer.
Devon Delaney is life-long resident of the Northeast and currently resides in coastal Connecticut. She is a wife, mother of three, grandmother of two and accomplished cooking contester. She taught computer education and Lego Robotics for over ten years prior to pursuing writing. Along the way Devon has been handsomely rewarded for her recipe innovation over the last twenty-plus years. Combining Devon’s beloved hobby of cooking contesting with her enthusiasm for writing was inevitable.
When Devon is not preparing for her next cook-off, she may be found pursuing her other hobbies, including playing competitive USTA league tennis, gardening, needlepointing, painting, jarring her produce, and hooking rugs. Her standard poodle, Rocket, is her pride and joy and keeps her on the path of sanity.
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What is your writing process? For ex: do you outline first?
I have yet to develop a consistent writing process. A lot has to do with my life’s happenings at the time of writing. If I’m in a time crunch I outline with as much rigor as I can, but I have yet to adhere to the outline as I reach the halfway point of the book I’m working on. Outlines are very helpful to put one foot in front of the other without a misstep. Mapping out an outline I have every intention of sticking to is the best launching point for me. I plow ahead for at least two hours at a sitting most every day, putting words down to move the plot forward. As I move along in the process I predictably take a left turn from the outline. When I’m confident the outline has served its purpose I go rogue and transition over to notes I’ve taken from manuscript day one. One of my favorite steps in the writing process is re-write time. I begin my first re-write when I’m halfway done the manuscript. I recognize I’ve reached that point by the number of words I’ve written. By the end of my first re-write I have exercised my most powerful word-whacker tool repeatedly, cutting out multiple paragraphs of text. I have a tendency toward wordiness and a tap of the Delete key is my best defense against reader vertigo, a not-so-rare condition brought on by a dizzying excess of words on the page. I read and reread my words not for grammatical errors, which abound, but for inconsistencies, both in the character’s development and the storyline. I search for confusing passages and unnecessary detail of any variety. Clarity is king and not easy to achieve. After midway re-writes I move ahead to finish the story, before starting the re-write over again from word one. I’m confident at this point I am headed in the right direction. I know how I want the book to end, how I want to tie up loose ends and which characters I want to let remain standing by the last word. I’m pretty sure I re-read my books between twenty to thirty times. I think about the characters and plot day and night until I finally send the manuscript off to my publisher.
Do you see writing as a career?
I would love that.
Fun facts/tidbits/did you know? – type tidbits about the author, the book or the writing process-
Fun facts:
I am the oldest person on my USTA tennis team.
I have tried out for Chopped three times and gotten to the final interview stage each time before not being chosen. I will keep trying.
I began watercolor painting this year.
I won the very first recipe contest I entered.
I got a publishing contract in one month after my agent began the search.
Writing process tidbit: Writing a winning recipe is a lot like writing a good mystery. Begin with a catchy title. Cozy mystery readers love puns in their titles. For a recipe contest you must know your audience. Some research on past winning recipes can offer a clue as to the naming convention the contest leans toward, the contest may lean toward a long descriptive name or , on the flip side, a short direct attention grabber. Draw the reader into the book or recipe from word one. If the ingredient list is too long the home cook turns the page to an easier version of a similar recipe. Along the same vein, if there are too many characters in the plot the story is diluted, and the reader closes the book. The meat of the recipe, which is the recipe preparation, must contain a unique twist that makes both appealing and outstanding. A twist or two within a mystery is mandatory for the book to be successful. The recipe must wrap up with a wonderful outcome that draws the diner in, to the point he or she can’t wait for the first bite. Likewise, the book’s plot must wrap up loose ends and leave the reader satiated and yearning for more from the author.
Nina Soden 