Meg

Welcome back to my Author Spotlight series, where I shine a bright light on the talented authors within the indie romance community. This series aims to celebrate authors who bring their unique voices to the romance genre, connecting them with readers who crave diverse and enthralling love stories. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to an author whose storytelling is as enchanting as it is diverse. Naomi Rachel Kelly is an Irish indie author passionate about crafting tales of magic, merfolk, and mythology. Her pen has conjured both the fantastical realms of The Syren Stories, a captivating YA Fantasy duology comprising Meraki: A Syren Story and its sequel, Kairos: A Syren Story, as well as the exquisite regency romance novellas under her pen name, Naomi Rachel Kelly, such as A Portrait of Pride. Meraki: A Syren Story, published in 2020, unfolds a narrative that thrums with the essence of gods and the heart of the sea. It tells the story of Wren, a young syren, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she’s captured by a tempestuous young King. Wren’s powerful song becomes both her strength and her vulnerability, her journey a tapestry woven with truth and deception. Readers have hailed it as “a truly gripping read” with an original plot that ignites an emotional connection with the protagonist. As we dive into the waves of Wren’s tale, we find ourselves cheering her on, experiencing her highs and lows, and embracing her journey towards survival and love. Kelly’s talents extend beyond the shores of fantasy. Kairos takes us deeper into the Syren realm, and the newly released Kalon: A Centaur Tail offers an enchanting companion novel that interweaves beloved characters from her previous works. Can you tell us about your journey as an indie author and how you decided to delve into the genres of YA Fantasy and Regency Romance? Since my teenage years, I’ve always been writing something. Whether it was some poetry, scripts for me and my friends to act out or fan-fics of my favourite characters at the time, I have been writing for years. However, my journey to becoming an indie author started about four or five years ago when I decided that my idea for a short story competition would be better as a novel – and I haven’t stopped writing books since! Writers are always told to write what they know so I stuck to my favourite genres as I knew their tropes and themes best. The Syren Stories series combines elements of mythology and fantasy. What inspired you to write about merfolk and incorporate their powerful songs into the narrative? I really enjoy reading about legends and mythology, particularly Greek mythology so when I had an opportunity to weave it into my fantasy world it was the obvious choice! Syrens and sea creatures such as Hydra and Charybdis are heavily rooted in Greek mythology with ties to various gods and I wanted to show off their powerful (and sometimes terrifying) attributes. Wren, the protagonist of your Syren Stories series, is described as a strong female character who challenges the status quo. What motivated you to create such a compelling and empowering character. I had the idea for my main characters Wren and Kellan before I ever even thought of the plot. I knew I wanted to twist the normal narrative of a mermaid giving up her voice for a prince, and instead wrote about a King who desired a powerful syren because of her voice. Incorporating an enemies-to-lover trope also allowed me to show off Wren’s feisty, sarcastic and stubborn side as she fights Kellan every step of the way. This helped de Meraki: A Syren Story received rave reviews from readers, praising the gripping plot and emotional investment in the main character. What was your process like while writing this book, and how did you ensure that readers would connect with Wren on such a deep level? A reader connecting with the main character is always important, but when your main character isn’t human it’s super important that your protagonist remains relatable. Wren might be crafted by the gods and have gills but she still struggles with regular ol’ human emotions such as family issues, falling in love and worrying if she is enough. The Syren Stories series consists of Meraki and Kairos. Could you share with us a glimpse into the journey of Wren’s character development throughout these two books? Over the course of the books, Wren is always torn between land and sea, humans and creatures, her destiny and her dreams. Meraki opens with a scene where Wren has swum away from home and this urge to run/swim/fly away is something Wren really struggles with throughout the books. As the story develops Wren is surrounded by a makeshift found family who might just be her future – that is, if she can deal with her own dark family which she thought she left in her past. As an indie author, how do you balance your writing process with the various aspects of self-publishing and book promotion? Do you have any tips for aspiring indie authors looking to navigate the industry? Like a lot of indie authors, I work full time, so learning to juggle writing, editing, marketing, and general author admin such as emails, podcasts and interviews is definitely a steep learning curve. The most important thing is your story – it may sound obvious, but there is no point in stressing about marketing and promoting a book that you’re not proud of. Being an indie author means you are the biggest champion for your own work, so make sure you’re 100% happy with it as you will be sharing it with the world for years and years to come. I used to find social media intimidating, but once you find your niche it is an amazing way to make connections – and friends! All of my ARC readers, editors, and even bookshop owners who now stock my novel

Welcome to another exciting installment of Author Spotlight, where I dive deep into the world of indie romance authors. This series aims to illuminate the incredible talent within the indie romance community, giving these authors a platform to connect with readers, share their writing journeys, and shine brightly in the literary universe. In today’s spotlight, we have the talented wordsmith Jennifer J. Coldwater, whose passion for storytelling has led her from the halls of teaching to the realms of indie authorship. Her journey, marked by curiosity and creativity, has resulted in a body of work that celebrates love in all its forms, believing that love is indeed love. Jennifer has chosen to feature her book “When Ivy Met Adam”, a contemporary romance that promises to sweep you off your feet. It’s a tale of second chances, forced proximity, and a sexy queer love triangle that will leave your heart racing. But that’s not all; Jennifer’s book is available for free on Kindle Unlimited, making it even more accessible to romance enthusiasts everywhere. If you’re a fan of diverse characters and captivating storytelling, “When Ivy Met Adam” might just be your next literary crush. Let’s dive into this enchanting world created by Jennifer J. Coldwater, where love knows no boundaries, and second chances might just lead to happily ever after. Can you tell us a little about your journey as a writer? How did you transition from teaching to becoming a full-time indie author? I will let you know when I am able to make that happen! I am still a full-time teacher and a part-time indie author. I wrote Holland, My Heart during COVID-19 lockdown when I had a lot more time on my hands (amazing what just a lack of commute does to your day!). When Ivy Met Adam was more challenging, time-wise. That said, I thrive in chaos! So, even though I have sworn off school-year writing, I think it will probably happen again. The concept of a love triangle is often explored in romance novels, but “When Ivy Met Adam” adds a unique twist with a queer love triangle. What inspired you to explore this particular dynamic in your story? Spoiler alert! I was researching tropes while writing Holland, My Heart and saw “two-person love triangle” on a list somewhere. I think it refers mostly to secret identities (like Peter Parker’s biggest competition with MJ is Spider-man!). Once I had it in my head, I couldn’t stop thinking about the concept of falling for someone you’d loved before they transitioned. I follow several transmasc Instagrammers and I would have no trouble believing you could fall for this grown-ass man with a beard and have no idea he’d once been that cute girl in your English class. There’s another whole layer in the story of Adam and Eve about gender, but that’s a lot to squeeze into one question’s answer! In “When Ivy Met Adam,” Ivy learns of Adam’s past deception, leading to a broken heart. Can you share with us the significance of forgiveness in the story and how it influences the characters’ journeys? Ivy’s struggle is really about finding room in her heart not only to forgive Adam but also to risk letting herself get hurt again. She is using “I can’t forgive him” as a smokescreen to hide her fear of losing him again. I am confident I’ve done that in my life! The book is described as a contemporary romance based on the biblical story of Eve. What made you choose this biblical inspiration, and how does it tie into the themes of your book? Holland, My Heart is based on my favorite story in the Hebrew Bible: the book of Ruth. She inspired me to choose other badass women in the Bible. Eve seemed a risky choice and logical next step. Eve is often so misunderstood. I didn’t write When Ivy Met Adam to change the way the world sees Eve. But I changed the way I see her through writing the book. One of the books I read when researching my book is Bruce Feiler’s The First Love Story: Adam, Eve, and Us. I highly recommend it for anyone who is curious about how Eve’s story has been told over time. The book features a forced proximity trope, where Ivy and Adam are brought together despite their complicated history. How did you approach creating tension and chemistry between these characters while navigating their shared past? Including forced proximity in this novel seemed a necessary hat-tip to the Garden of Eden. Ivy and Adam are trapped by a storm on O’ahu, which is not-so-subtly meant to make you think of paradise. Once I’d dropped them there, I found myself struggling with exactly what you asked. Tension, chemistry, character development. I tried to use their time together to illustrate Adam’s confidence and Ivy’s lack thereof. While they’re both far from home, they are very much on Adam’s turf. He gets to save the day and Ivy gets a little swoony about it. There’s nothing more effective for speeding up a love story than forced proximity! As an author who creates diverse characters, what do you believe is the importance of representation in romance novels, particularly within the LGBT+ community? I was a queer kid who read everything I could get my hands on. And in not one of the many, many (many!) books I read did I see someone like me. My goal is to write characters in whom we can see ourselves. I want someone to read When Ivy Met Adam and think, “Oh. Being into men AND women AND men who used to be women isn’t weird.” Could you share some of the influences or authors who have inspired your writing style and storytelling? Yes, please! Talking about my work is awkward. Talking about what I read is easy! For this book, I read a lot of LBGT+ young adult and new adult romances. Some of my favorites were Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee, narrated by Logan Rozos; May the Best Man Win by Z. R. Ellor, narrated by Avi Roque (who I’m hoping to have narrate Adam

Dive into the dark and tempting world of Vivian Murdoch, a sassy romance writer who’s not afraid to explore the taboos that make us squirm and the complexities that make her characters unforgettable. Vivian’s latest release, “The Wolf,” is a spicy novella that’s part of The Annual Game Night series. It’s a story that challenges norms and takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions while keeping you on the edge of your seat. “The Wolf” is an omegaverse dark romance that delves into forbidden relationships and controversial themes. It’s a story of Adam and Jocelyn, stëpsiblings entangled in a complex relationship that defies societal norms. The book is a labyrinth of dark themes, including dubc0n/nonc0n and forced Os, among others. Vivian Murdoch crafts a world as intriguing as it is unsettling, making it a must-read for those who dare to venture into the darker corners of romance. But who is Vivian Murdoch? She’s a fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants author, whose creative juices flow strongest in the dead of night. Vivian has a penchant for writing alpha holes, anti-heroes, and heroes you love to hate. When she’s not penning down her dark fantasies, you’ll find her playing Animal Crossing or spending quality time with her pets. Now, let’s get into my exclusive interview with Vivian Murdoch, where she spills the tea on her inspiration for “The Wolf,” her approach to writing sensitive topics, and much more. Vivian, what was the initial inspiration behind “The Wolf”? Was there a specific moment when you knew you had to write this story? So, I’m a decent fan of horror movies. I saw all the Purge movies (except the most recent one… but we won’t talk about that one) in theatres. I’ve loved the concept of having one night where you can do anything you want. Even my friends and I talked about what would you do on purge night. Well… For me, I was like, I’d hack into the system and wipe out all student loans. Like, it kinda bothered me that we saw only really violent crime. I’m not a violent person, but I def have some things I’d like to accomplish. That of course, got me thinking even further. Why were there no sexual crimes? I mean, yes, we did get that scene where the women offered themselves to be living art and got touched, but really? That’s it? And that is what started the wheels turning. Once I started watching Black Mirror, the idea really solidified. I think it was after the last Purge movie that I really got excited about the idea of doing a purge night, but make it sex. At that point, I was really leaning into the omegaverse world and felt this was the PERFECT backdrop to start my story. At first, I wanted to just do several short stories and publish them together, but with my other projects, that wasn’t feasible. That’s why I opened it up as a shared world and anthology. Your book delves into some very taboo and dark themes, such as stépsibling relationships and dubc0n/nonc0n. How do you approach writing about such sensitive topics while keeping your audience engaged? I’ve always been a darker writer, and I feel my readers know to expect that at this point. I don’t really like to describe my stuff as just DARK, because, let’s face it, there’s way more darker stuff out there. However, I do say I’m dubcon minimum. Even my “light” stuff has things like arranged marriages where they really can’t say no. I do my absolute best to put up trigger warnings to help those not familiar with my work to know whether or not they can handle my brand of love. Adam and Jocelyn are complex characters with a lot of layers. Can you share some insights into how you developed them? What was the most challenging aspect? Literally, the hardest was the sibling aspect. I’m an only child, and it was so hard to think about the family dynamics in this situation. If I’m being honest, I’m worried I didn’t punch that part up enough because I just don’t have the life experience. I did my best to add in the angst, but I’m worried it still didn’t ring true. The saving grace, in my opinion, is that they didn’t grow up together. They don’t have that typical sister/brother dynamic. As far as developing them, they did things just like all my other characters. They told me what their issues were, how they would behave. They become real people in my mind, and all I can do is write down what they tell me. For example, in the scene where he pees on the suppressants, I was not expecting that. I’m writing, minding my own business, and Adam’s like… you know what? Imma piss all over them. Like… what???? “The Wolf” is set in an omegaverse. For those unfamiliar with this term, could you explain what it is and why you chose this setting for your story? So, it seems like there’s a lot of leeway when it comes to omegaverse. People do things differently. I’m going to tell you how I define my omegaverse, but please know other authors might do it differently. I write mostly human omegaverse, meaning they don’t shift. I have one shifter story right now that I consider kinda omegaverse, but for the most part, I deal with humans. There are three dynamics in my world—Alpha, beta, and omega. The Alphas are dominant, aggressive, bigger, and far more powerful. They have the ability to incapacitate betas and omegas with their Alpha bark or growl. They exude power over the other dynamics and bend them to their will. Betas are more like average Joe’s. They have nothing special about them. The omegas tend to be far more subservient, smaller, more delicate. The other aspect is Alphas can go into a rut (very animalistic. Same as heat in felines and canines) and omegas go into heat or estrus. Though they

In my Author Spotlight series, I shine a light on the talented authors in the indie romance community. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Elizabeth Dunlap, the creative mind behind the captivating book, Monster’s Bride Part 1. Elizabeth Dunlap is an award-winning author whose works include the Born Vampire series and the Neck-Romancer series. She’s always wanted to be a writer, and when she’s not writing, she’s designing or playing a ridiculous amount of video games. Monster’s Bride Part 1 invites readers to step into the chaotic life of Cressida. After accidentally texting a monster, Cressida finds herself dealing with various problems, including dangerous debt collectors and an unexpected alliance with her monster pen pal, Bastien, and his incredibly sexy friends. This medium burn reverse harem paranormal romance is intended for mature audiences. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey as an indie romance author, including what inspired you to start writing in the romance genre? I’ve always been in love with books, even before I could read. I was drawn to stories with a love theme because I am a huge romantic. Even if I venture out of my normal genres, I always want a story with romance in it! “Monster’s Bride Part 1” sounds intriguing with its paranormal and reverse harem elements. Could you share what inspired the story and what readers can expect from this duet? Monster’s Bride was inspired by a writing prompt along the lines of “What if you texted the wrong number?” I was instantly inspired with my own twist—what if you texted the wrong number, and there was a demon on the other side? It quickly became a story I am so in love with, from the characters to their story. It’s such a special book. In your author bio, you mentioned the “Born Vampire” and “Neck-Romancer” series. Could you give us a glimpse into these series and what sets them apart from other romance novels? One thing readers can expect from my books is strong women and loving, supportive men. Born Vampire is about a female vampire who falls in love with her enemy, a werewolf, while her people are on the brink of war. Neck-Romancer is about a witch who discovers she is the first necromancer in 400 years, and the men she gathers along the way will do anything to keep her safe. Both series feature growth, passion, and overcoming evil with the support of loved ones. Indie authors often wear many hats, from writing to marketing. How do you balance your creative process with the business side of being an author, such as book promotion and engagement with readers? I try to just be excited about my work, which I always am! My readers love seeing what I’m working on, and they enjoy the snippets I share. I also make my own covers, and I love sharing what I’ve made! Your website mentions that you’re an avid gamer. How has your passion for video games influenced your writing, if at all? Video games have definitely influenced my writing by showing me all sorts of characters and stories. Neck-Romancer was actually inspired by the game “Lollipop Chainsaw,” a game about a cheerleader with a zombie boyfriend. I loved the idea of a necromancer having a boyfriend she resurrected. Can you share some insights into your writing process? Do you have any specific routines or rituals that help you get into the creative zone? I work really well when I have a daily goal to meet. I’ve developed a few tricks to help with writer’s block, so my process has become very smooth over the years. I like looking at inspiration art or the cover I’ve made for the book. Sometimes I make a playlist of music that fits the vibe. Building a presence on social media is crucial for indie authors. Could you share some tips on how you’ve effectively used platforms like Instagram and Facebook to connect with your readers and fellow authors? Posting inspiration art, sharing snippets, and teasing characters all help build interest in what I’m working on. With romance, I love sharing swoon-worthy quotes from a book, teasing the steam readers will find inside. What advice would you give to those who are just starting their journey in the world of indie publishing? Don’t give up! Keep trying, keep working hard, and keep writing books that matter to you. Not every book is going to be a success, but as long as it’s a story you believe in, someone will read it and love every word. Not every book is for everyone, and that’s okay! Believe in yourself, believe in your work. Everything else will fall into place. Diversity and inclusion in romance literature have become increasingly important. How do you approach inclusivity in your writing, particularly in your LGTBQ+ romance sub-genre? My books are all about love, of all different types. Several of my reverse harem books include bisexual awakening, something I have experienced myself as a bisexual woman. Neck-Romancer became a special series because of the love between Jaz’s men. I have adored seeing them fall in love with Jaz and each other along the way. Finally, what can your readers look forward to in the near future? Are there any upcoming releases or exciting projects you’d like to share with us? My next release is the final book of the Neck-Romancer series! I am super JAZZED (lol) about it! I am also beyond excited to write the Monster’s Bride Christmas story because Cressida and her sweet demons bring so much joy to my heart. Thank you for joining me in this fascinating interview with Elizabeth Dunlap. To stay connected with Elizabeth and explore more of her literary world, be sure to check out her Website and follow her on Instagram, Facebook Page, and Facebook Group. Keep an eye out for her upcoming work, and remember Elizabeth’s valuable advice for indie authors: keep trying, believe in yourself, and

In my Author Spotlight series, I shine a light on the talented authors in the indie romance community. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Nadine Abrahams, the creative mind behind the captivating book, The Primal Heartbeat. Nadine Abrahams has been an avid reader and writer since early childhood. From publishing poems to creating her first novel at thirteen, Nadine’s passion for storytelling has only grown. She writes books that reflect on both the dark and good sides of humanity, showcasing characters who find strength in their flaws. The Primal Heartbeat is the first book in the Stars Fallen Series. Born into a world where humanity has been corrupted by evil, Ake’s destiny is to defeat a dark goddess. With aid from her soulmate, Ake bravely battles the forces attempting to tear them apart. This epic fantasy romance follows a strong heroine on a perilous journey filled with danger, self-enlightenment, and love. Can you share with us your journey from being an avid reader and writer to publishing your first novel, “The Primal Heartbeat,” at the young age of thirteen? How did your early experiences shape your writing style and passion for storytelling? I was an avid reader from a very young age, but it wasn’t until high school that I discovered a passion for writing. I was often bullied, so I retreated into the world of books. My best friend Amy and I devoured books from the school library and discussed them at length. She has been a huge source of encouragement, and I thank her for encouraging me to write again. The character Ake came into my dream one night, and I began to write and rewrite. I finished a first draft in my late teens and published it in 2004. Since then, I rewrote the book with the help of my amazing editor, Jenn from RedInk Creative, and now books two and three are written and will be out in the coming months. I also want to thank my family, especially my husband, My Lan, for their support. “The Primal Heartbeat” introduces readers to a world of magic and romance set in 306 CE. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind creating this unique historical fantasy setting? How did you blend elements of romance and fantasy to weave your narrative? I have always loved fantasy, including the works of Tolkien and Kate Forsyth’s series The Witches of Eileanan. The romanticism of the medieval period and stories based on Celtic legends, such as Arthurian sagas, intrigued me. My characters flow through me, often arguing and changing their stories as if telling me their journey. What started as Ake’s journey came to involve her lover, and their romance blossomed. It was easy to entwine romance and fantasy. Telewanake (Ake), the protagonist of your book, is destined to bring about the downfall of the evil goddess Drianna. What inspired you to create such a powerful and determined character? How did you develop her personality and strengths? After going through some traumatic events myself, Ake became a representation of my own struggle and sense of self. She could conquer things more confidently and ardently than I could. As I wrote, I asked myself how I might respond in that same situation, which became the basis for developing her traits further. The themes of endurance, love, and forgiveness resonate strongly in “The Primal Heartbeat.” How do these themes reflect your own beliefs and experiences, and how do they enrich the narrative of your story? Despite trauma, I have found that love and forgiveness are key to peace. Unlike glorified love stories, it takes hard work, dedication, and self-reflection. It is a harder road than walking away but brings more peace in the end. In a world dominated by men and plagued by disease and murder, Ake’s journey is one of resilience and self-discovery. How did you approach the challenges and obstacles she faces, and what message do you hope readers will take away from her story? I have been inspired by countless strong women around me and in my own discovery of self. I have learned that most people are stronger than they realize. I hope readers take away from Ake’s story that they are warriors, stronger than they realize, and all conflict soon passes. There are those who want the best for you—find your people, just as Ake does. The bond between Ake and her soulmate is a central aspect of the book. Could you share with us how you developed their relationship? What aspects of their dynamic make their love story compelling for readers? Their story isn’t one of instant love. It grows over decades and is often fraught with miscommunication, flawed opinions, cultural differences, and the male-dominated morality of the times. Through it all, they respect each other and realize their strengths counter the other’s weaknesses. They grow as a couple with time and patience. Their traumas often affect their relationship, and they have to work hard to maintain it. Love is not easy; it is hard and exhausting yet rewarding. Your writing not only explores the good and dark sides of humanity but also showcases characters who find strength in their flaws. How do you strike a balance between portraying vulnerability and creating characters who inspire readers? Life is flawed, vulnerable, yet beautiful. A person willing to show their vulnerabilities develops a sense of trust and displays humility, drawing like-minded people towards them. Someone who is strong despite their vulnerability inspires others. “The Primal Heartbeat” is the first book in the Stars Fallen Series. Can you give us a sneak peek into what readers can expect from the upcoming books in the series? Any hints about the direction the story will take? We see the couple move from innocent teenagers, the equivalent of nineteen-year-olds, to a couple in their early twenties. What started as innocent in the romance department heats up in book two as they grow as a couple. Her lover is not who he

In my Author Spotlight series, I shine a light on the talented authors in the indie romance community. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Mia Fury, the creative mind behind the captivating book, Stripped of Mercy. Mia Fury is the alter ego of an established PNR writer who ventured into the darker waters and decided to stay. The Bennett brothers are her proudest creation to date, but keep an eye out for more, unrelated, books coming soon too. Dark, naughty, and steamy are promised. Stripped of Mercy is a dark, deadly romance that delves into the Bennett Crime World. Deano, dealing with the aftermath of a botched surgery, faces deadly episodes of rage and a need for revenge. Evie, a witness to his violent crime, finds herself drawn to this wounded man. As their paths intertwine, their attraction becomes as dangerous as the world they navigate. Will Deano find redemption, or will he become a threat to the Bennett empire? Can you give us a sneak peek into how you craft complex characters like Deano, who’s dealing with personal struggles while navigating the criminal world? I think each character starts out pretty simple, but the character naturally rounds out as I write. I’m known to be a major pantser, so often I go in with very little idea of what I want to do with a character or a book and just let it unfold. Deano revealed facets to his personality that I never expected, so he was really fun to write. “Stripped of Mercy” introduces us to Evie, who crosses paths with the enigmatic Deano. What drew you to develop their relationship in the midst of danger and revenge? How do you balance the dark themes with the romantic elements in your storytelling? Being a pantser, I like to throw two people together and let them get themselves into all kinds of trouble! Evie very quickly became so protective of Deano that for once I was writing a ‘touch HIM and die,’ as well as the other way around. Every time she threw herself between him and danger, I was just so proud of her, while simultaneously screaming ‘what are you doing?’ at her. Balancing dark and romantic themes can be tricky. Some readers want more of one than the other, but I believe the contrasts and balances highlight each other in a way that makes the story even more beautiful. Writing dark heroes (or anti-heroes) is tricky, because you have to make them dark and keep them that way, but at the same time, they have to soften for their woman at times and be at least a little redeemable. As an indie romance author, what challenges have you faced in terms of promoting your books and building a readership? Could you share some insights into the strategies you’ve used to connect with your audience and enhance your digital reach? I think ‘indie writer’ is a completely different career than that of a traditionally published writer because we have to be all the things and somehow fit that into the same amount of hours in a day. For me, I wish I could afford to have people doing all the promo for me so that I could focus on writing only, but I do enjoy some of the marketing side of things. Meeting with, chatting with, and creating shenanigans with other writers and readers alike is one of the best parts of this job. Connecting with people, albeit mostly virtually, is an important part of my job as a writer. Your social media presence is impressive, with profiles on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and more. How do you approach using these platforms to engage with readers and share updates about your books? I think if we’re not on as many platforms as possible, we risk missing vital audiences that we really want to connect with. Am I getting this promo thing right? I’m pretty sure I’m not, but I’m doing the best I can and enjoying most of the ride. Would I love to see my TikTok videos gain a wider reach? Of course, but again, I have no idea how to do these things, so I’m pantsing this side as well as the writing. “Stripped of Mercy” explores intense themes that may be triggering for some readers. How do you find the balance between addressing sensitive topics and ensuring your readers have a fulfilling reading experience? Dark romance can’t exist without triggering content because it’s our safe place to explore things others wouldn’t find palatable. It’s an essential genre of literature. For some, the reading of such content offers a catharsis or release from having experienced such things, and for others, it’s a chance to venture into the darkness, knowing there’s an easy way back out. I’m very clear with trigger warnings because I’d rather everyone went in fully informed. Your alter ego, Mia Fury, has created quite a world within the Bennett Crime series. Could you give us a glimpse into your writing process? Do you meticulously plan your stories or let the characters guide you? Pantser all the way here. For me, it’s sitting down with a blank screen and maybe a vague idea and then I just start typing. There’s no planning at all, and the word terrifies me. My characters own me, and I’m their little b*tch, but I like it that way. Indie authors often wear multiple hats, from writing to marketing. Any tips for fellow indie authors looking to enhance their digital reach? I have plenty of advice, but whether it’s the right advice for each individual is unlikely. For me, I started with the writing, and when I had a few books out there, I had to feel my way for promo and marketing. I’d say for anyone new, who’s working on as yet unpublished works, don’t waste too much time planning social media before your book is ready. The whole side of things is all-consuming, and it