Interview with Author Michael Owens, AKA Mika Horvath

My latest interview is with Sci-Fi author Michael Owens, who wrote The Windless Sky.

Alexis: Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?

Michael: Hi! I'm a single mom named Michael, who took an early retirement during the pandemic to write books in an old yellow farmhouse by the sea. I write SF and NF under my own name, women's fiction as Mary Jane Owen, and MG gothic horror as Mika Horvath.

Alexis: Sounds like you’re living the dream! What book or books have most influenced you as a writer?

Michael: I love romance and SF and have a library of over 1000 books, many of which I've had since my teens. Most of them would be considered trashy paperbacks, but they are old friends to me.

Alexis: I love that! I have so many books that I’ve loved for years as well. What do you like to do other than read or write? Do you have any interesting hobbies?

Michael: I am a lifelong lover of all animals, especially dogs, and run an international dog rescue.

Alexis: That sounds so lovely! Dogs are such loving and amazing animals. What TV shows/Movies do you like to watch or stream?

Michael: My favorite movies are Aliens, Victor Victoria, and the Pitch Perfect trilogy.

Cover of Michael Owens’ book The Windless Sky.

Alexis: What’s your favorite animal?

Michael: Dogs. Little dogs, big dogs, fat dogs, skinny dogs. I like dogs.

Alexis: Has a video game ever influenced you as a writer?

Michael: One of these days I'm totally going to write Among Us fan fiction.

Alexis: Do you have pet(s)? If so, share a picture of your pet!

Michael: I have 10 dogs and a cat. Three borzoi, a greyhound, a galgo, a french bulldog, a terrier, and 3 chihuahuas. You can see some of their pics in my fb photos, https://www.facebook.com/ms.owens/photos_by.

Alexis: What advice do you have for other writers or people just getting started in writing?

Michael: Just do it.

• author interview
• book review
• book spotlight
• fantasy
• science fiction

Interview with Science Fiction Author Eric Goebelbecker

I’ve been so excited to learn more about so many amazing indie authors, so check out my latest interview with Science Fiction writer Eric Goebelbecker!

Alexis: Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?

Eric: I'm a rookie indie author and released my first book back in March. I write science fiction that makes you think. My first book, Shadows of the Past, is the introduction to a sequel series to War of the Worlds.

Alexis: What book or books have most influenced you as a writer?

Eric: Fahrenheit 451. Slaughterhouse Five. The First Book of Swords. Dark Matter (most recently.)

Alexis: Fahrenheit 451 is so iconic, and I often wonder what Bradbury would think about all the book banning going on today, by groups like Moms for Liberty (more accurately called Karens for Censorship). Slaughterhouse 5 is one of my favorite classic novels—it’s so powerful. I think we definitely need more books that make people think, especially if they can tell a good story. So, what are some tropes of fiction in your sci-fi that you love/hate? Why?

Eric: I dislike telepathy, as I think it works too well as a deus ex machina. I don’t like military sci-fi that spends paragraphs describing cool weapons. My favorite sci-fi trope or subgenre is alternate history.

Cover of Eric Goebelbecker’s Shadows of the Past.

Alexis: Alternative history can be very powerful! I definitely enjoyed The Man in the High Castle. Who is your favorite character in your book? What do you like about them?

Eric: Emil Zimmerman. He's based on my grandfather, who fought for the German Army in WWI and saved his unit when the Welsh broke through their lines at Mametz Woods. He fled to the U.S. in 1929 after tangling with proto-Nazis.

Alexis: What do you like to do other than read or write? Do you have any interesting hobbies?

Eric: Cycling, Aikido, computer programming, dog training.

Alexis: Tell us about a mystery/urban legend from your hometown!

Eric: New Jersey has the Mob and Springsteen instead of Urban legends.

Alexis: I guess that’s true! Maybe there’s fewer urban legends when there’s more frightening people in real life. What TV shows/Movies do you like to watch or stream?

Eric: Dark Matter. Andor. For All Mankind. Last of Us.

Alexis: What’s your favorite animal?

Eric: Dogs.

Alexis: Do you have pet(s)? If so, share a picture of your pet!

Eric: I will send a picture of my dog, Freya.

A picture of Freya, Erc Goebelbecker’s dog.

Alexis: What advice do you have for other writers or people just getting started in writing?

Eric: Write! Don't wait for permission!

Alexis: How do you choose what books you want to read?

Eric: Online recommendations. Discovery via reviews. Friends.

Alexis: Do you like Greek/Roman/Norse/Asian/African mythology or folklore? What’s your favorite myth?

Eric: Probably the Pantheon due to Saberhagen's Books of Swords.

Alexis: If you write sci-fi, what technology or innovations or scientific discoveries have inspired your work?

Eric: War of the Worlds. WWI. Working on radars when I was in the Army.

If you’re interested in learning more about Eric Goebelbecker and his work, you can find his website and other information here.

• author interview
• book review
• book spotlight
• fantasy
• science fiction

Interview with Fantasy Author Shelby Oval

My next interview is with Shelby Oval, the author of Out of Embers and Shadows.

Alexis: Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?

Shelby: I am a self published author who loves fantasy books. After reading so many I decided that I wanted to write one that used the beloved tropes, but gave a bit more power to women and other non-typical groups! So that's what I did!

Alexis: Awesome! It’s always good to write a book that you’d love to read. What book or books have most influenced you as a writer?

Shelby: Throne of Glass, From Blood and Ash, and Fourth Wing.

Alexis: I enjoyed Fourth Wing as well. What are some tropes of fiction in your genre that you love/hate? Why?

Shelby: I adore “who did this to you" and especially when they aren't together together yet! I am also a huge fan of when the male love interest is obsessed with his female counterpart (think Casteel in Blood and Ash). Overall, I love a good enemies to lovers trope. With that being said, I am NOT a fan of young girls needed a big strong man to teach them magic and how to save the world. Women can do that on our own thanks!

Alexis: Who is your favorite character in your book? What do you like about them? (or, which character do you hate most and why)

Shelby: I love my main character, Lora - obviously - because she is already strong and powerful at the start of the book, and she knows it. I also like a character named Garrison because from the get-go he is honest and open about Lora and all the events that transpire.

The cover of Out of Embers and Shadows by Shelby Oval.

Alexis: What do you like to do other than read or write? Do you have any interesting hobbies?

Shelby: My partner and I scuba and hike (when we can). We live in the Middle East and try to go to as many amazing places as possible on weekends and holidays.

Alexis: I love hiking and travel as well! Tell us about a mystery/urban legend from your hometown (or another place you’ve lived).

Shelby: In my hometown we actually have the longest missing person case in state history. A young woman my mom and dad knew from high school was walking home after a U2 concert and vanished. No one knows anything - or at least hasn't said anything. Its been 30 years and only little leads have come to the surface.

Alexis: That is a very tragic mystery! I always hope that someday someone will come forward, or evidence will be found, so that there can be some justice and resolution for the families of these victims. What’s your favorite animal?

Shelby: I have an absolute attachment to weenie dogs. I had one for 15 years and she was the light of my life. Besides her, I love turtles and swim with them whenever I get the chance!

Alexis: Dachshunds are very cute—my husband had one for a while as well. Do you have pet(s)? If so, share a picture of your pet!

Shelby: My perfect angel baby - Edelbe - was my dog growing up and I am still just as obsessed with her now!

Shelby Oval’s beloved dog, Edelbe.

Alexis: What advice do you have for other writers or people just getting started in writing?

Shelby: I have to keep reminding myself, even now, that the first draft is just that - a draft. It doesn't have to be perfect and print ready! Just get it onto the page!

Alexis: How do you choose what books you want to read?

Shelby: Lowkey - I judge a book by its cover hardcore! If the cover is cool I will read the back and then decide. (sometimes someone will suggest something and I'll look into it! Or I ARC read!)

Alexis: Do you like Greek/Roman/Norse/Asian/African mythology or folklore? What’s your favorite myth?

Shelby: I am obsessed with Madaline Miller's Song of Achilles and all that is the love story between Achilles and Patroclus. But I am currently diving into the Persephone/Hades retelling!

Alexis: Exciting! I love myths and retelling as well. Thank you for talking to our readers, and I wish you luck with your book!

• author interview
• book review
• book spotlight
• fantasy
• science fiction

Interview with Fantasy Author E. B. Repetto

My next author interview is with E. B. Repetto, who wrote the fantasy duology, The Goddess Maker.

Alexis: Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?

Repetto: Hi everyone! I'm a 29-year-old epic fantasy writer hailing from a small town in southeast Ohio, now residing on the east coast in the Greater Boston area. I released my debut novel, Lightning & Ember in the Fall of 2023 and recently released the second in the series, Blazing Sun, in May of 2024. As a self-proclaimed weeb, my series is action-packed, featuring a diverse cast of characters, magic, and court intrigue.

Alexis: What book or books have most influenced you as a writer?

Repetto: I generally read a lot of sci-fi/fantasy novels and manga/manhwa, so my inspirations are somewhat spread out. If I had to pick one, I would say Scott Westerfield's Uglies was one of the first sci-fi novels to stick with me. I loved the world-building and the character interactions, and it was refreshing to see a capable female lead in a genre that, at the time, was mostly dominated by men.

Alexis: Interesting! I’ve never read Uglies, but it sounds like a fascinating series. What are some tropes of fiction in your genre that you love/hate? Why?

Repetto: I love a good hidden truth. There's something about a mystery that makes a story complete in my mind and they're so much fun to unravel. I've been challenging my beta readers to find the ultimate antagonist in my works (thus far, no one has been able to name them, but they are on the right path). Beyond that, I think I have a love/hate relationship with most other tropes, so I tend to play around with them. Sometimes, I follow them straight--other times, I might make a character knowingly follow one only to do so with an ulterior motive. I'm all about subverting expectations (for good or for bad).

Cover of Lightning & Ember by E.B. Repetto.

Alexis: Who is your favorite character in your book? What do you like about them? (or, which character do you hate most and why)

Repetto: This one is tricky! My main trio are all gripping in their own ways. At the end of the day, though, Akina is probably the closest to my heart. She's a woman that knows her strength and how to wield it. It's a quiet skill that doesn't go unnoticed by the people around her, and truthfully, one I wished I knew how to master.

Alexis: She sounds like an interesting character! What TV shows/Movies do you like to watch or stream?

Repetto: Given the aforementioned weeb comment, I tend to watch a lot of anime. My recent favorites are Jujutsu Kaisen, Blue Lock, and Kaguya-Sama: Love is War! My husband and I are always on the hunt for a bingeable action/adventure/sci-fi series, however, so we tend to hop between what's new on the big streaming services.

Alexis: You should check out Delicious in Dungeon, which is my favorite anime recently! Do you have pet(s)? If so, share a picture of your pet!

Repetto: I do! I have a 4-year-old German Shepherd and a 1-year-old Australian Shepherd. Yes...there is a lot of barking in our house (in fact, that's how the Aussie got his name--Echo!)

Alexis: How do you choose what books you want to read?

Repetto: I tend to shop for books at physical, local bookstores, so I generally rely on staff recommendations when picking out a book. While I tend to give preference to stories from diverse authors, I'll read anything if the recommendation is glowing enough. From there, I do what I call a "random page test" where I'll flip to a random page in the middle front of the book and read about half of it. If I'm grabbed by what's there, I'll walk out with it.

Cover of Blazing Sun by E.B. Repetto.

Alexis: Do you like Greek/Roman/Norse/Asian/African mythology or folklore? What’s your favorite myth?

Repetto: I love a lot of Greek mythology. The Iliad and the Odyssey were two of the first books that I bought when I moved to Boston. I particularly love a good hero's journey, so the Odyssey is probably my favorite of the two. Down the line, I've been toying with the idea of creating a sci-fi series modeled after the Greek Primordial Deities. It's still in the early planning stages, but so far I'm excited about the prospects.

• author interview
• book review
• book spotlight
• fantasy
• science fiction

Interview with Fantasy Author Camilla Vavruch

Check out my latest interview with doctor and fantasy author Camilla Vavruch, who has written the Stories of Gereon and the Elemental Saga!

Alexis: Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?

Camilla: Hi! My name is Camilla Vavruch and I’m an author of feel good fantasy - because the world out there is more than dark enough, so I want my books to leave you with a good feeling. That doesn’t mean they don’t include their fair share of darkness, angst and bad stuff, but the end feeling should be happy. Pretty much all my books include dragons, and usually other sorts of magical creatures too. In real life, when I’m not playing pretend the voices in my head, I work as a medical doctor and am a mom of three kids.

Alexis: I love dragons, and I think it can be a relief to read some feel good fantasy every once in a while. And you sound like a very busy and energetic person! What are some tropes of fiction in your genre that you love/hate? Why?

Camilla: I love hurt/comfort, which is pretty obvious from my own writing (and probably inspired by my work as a doctor). Other favorites are coming of age and found family, which you can always find in my stories! Miscommunication is probably my least favorite trope, because I want to just go in there and explain and make things right, so it frustrates me.

Alexis: I can see how miscommunications in books can be frustrating, because you just want everyone to talk things out! Coming of age is a great classic, and I love reading about found families! Who is your favorite character in your book? What do you like about them?

Camilla: Tristan Arrington, main character of Boy of Shadows and a major part of the other books in the series Stories of Gereon, is my favorite at the moment. He thinks of himself as a weakling, but considering what he’s survived and that he’s still standing, he is one of the mentally strongest characters I’ve written. In an upcoming book, I’ve written a grumpy dwarf named Bruni, who has also quickly become a big favorite of mine. Writing a sarcastic, rude character with a heart of gold turned out to be so much fun.

Cover of Stone of Shadows, the first book of the Stories of Gereon series by Camilla Vavruch.

Alexis: What do you like to do other than read or write? Do you have any interesting hobbies?

Camilla: I spend a lot of time in my garden and grow a lot of vegetables and flowers. Other than that, I mostly just chase after my kids and try to keep my house in order, which is easier said than done.

Alexis: I also like gardening—it’s very peaceful and makes me feel connected to nature and the earth. And i can definitely relate to spending lots of time chasing kids! What TV shows/Movies do you like to watch or stream?

Camilla: At the moment, Bridgerton. Me and my husband are rewatching Scrubs again, the best medical series ever!

Alexis: I like Bridgerton as well! What advice do you have for other writers or people just getting started in writing?

Camilla: Just start writing, and when you’re done with the book, don’t be afraid to let it go. First to the editor, and then out into the world. You should, of course, be happy with what you put out, but the risk is that you end up sitting on your manuscript forever and ever - I know I did. It took me like fifteen years to get my first book out, and I wish I had just gotten it done sooner.

Alexis: How do you choose what books you want to read?

Camilla: I mostly judge the books by their covers… And then if the blurb keeps my interest, I’ll pick up the book. I do DNF books if they don’t catch my attention pretty quickly.

Alexis: Yes, an interesting cover can definitely draw readers in! For our readers, if you’d like to learn more about Camilla Vavruch, check out her author bio and her links below!

About the Author

Meet Camilla Vavruch, a multitasking marvel and dragon-lover extraordinaire! By day, she’s a doctor at a healthcare center, healing bodies and saving lives. By night (and early morning and lunch breaks), she unleashes her wild imagination as a writer of fantasy novels filled with magic and, of course, dragons of all shapes and sizes.

Camilla is the author of two series, The Elemental Saga and Stories of Gereon. Both are set in the same universe, but with entirely different characters and focus. All of Camilla’s stories include found family (her favorite trope!), at least a touch of hurt/comfort, and a healthy dose of fantastical creatures.

When she’s not slaying dragons on the page, Camilla is also a mom of three (who somehow still finds time to sleep), a web and graphic designer, and a lover of all things creative – from writing to drawing and photography. It’s a wonder she has any time left to breathe, but Camilla wouldn’t have it any other way.

Join her on her wild and fantastical journey through life!

Check out her website and other links!

• author interview
• book review
• book spotlight
• fantasy
• science fiction

Interview with Mystery Author Teddie Peacock

Check out my newest author interview with mystery author Teddie Peacock!

Alexis: Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?

Teddie: Hi! My name is Teddie. I just wrote and published my first book at 59. My second book publishes on May 30th. I taught college level writing classes for 11 years. I still don’t know where commas go! A death in my family and relocation to another state with my husband’s company left me feeling out of sorts. On a whim, I joined my neighborhood book club “Book Club is my Alibi.” These wonderful, supportive women encouraged me to write and publish my first book Secret Keepers.

Picture of Teddie Peacock, the author of Secret Keepers

Alexis: Awesome! What book or books have most influenced you as a writer?

Teddie: I love Jane Austen novels, and all of the descriptive details of every day life and relationships.

Alexis: Jane Austin is one of my favorite authors too! What are some tropes of fiction in your genre that you love/hate? Why?

Teddie: I hate the shocking “ twist that no one saw coming” that makes no sense. For me as a reader, there has to be some tie in that makes sense. I love that you can write “ over the top” villains that you love to hate!

Alexis: Agreed about twists! I love when I get a really shocking reveal, and then I look back through a book and see tiny hints or clues that showed it was coming. Who is your favorite character in your book? What do you like about them? (or, which character do you hate most and why)

Teddie: Tessa is my favorite character. She is the moral compass in the story and the “ truth seeker”. Kelly Ryan is the worst! Everyone hates him and I’m not sure he has even one redeeming quality.

Alexis: What do you like to do other than read or write? Do you have any interesting hobbies?

Teddie: I kid myself into believing I am an awesome flower gardener. When really I am an awesome neglectful weed gardener.

Alexis: I also love gardening, but it can definitely be a challenge! Tell us about a mystery/urban legend from your hometown (or another place you’ve lived).

Teddie: On the farm across the hill from ours in KY, certain times during the year, the old large plantation style farmhouse would appear to be engulfed in flames. Legend goes that the daughter and her handmaid were burned to death when the house caught on fire due to a lightening strike . The daughter was being forced to marry a local doctor when she was in love with a Civil War officer who later went on to become a very famous general. The daughter is rumored to haunt their family cemetery calling the name of her forsaken soulmate.

Alexis: What a fascinating story! What TV shows/Movies do you like to watch or stream? 

Teddie: My all time favorite was Supernatural. I just rewatched Outlander. I’m trying to pace myself watching Bridgerton.

Alexis: I’m a huge fan of Bridgerton, and I’ve watched some of Supernatural. What’s your favorite animal? 

Teddie: Dogs - definitely dogs. They love you even on the worst days.

Alexis: Do you like playing video games? What’s your favorite game right now? Has a video game ever influenced you as a writer?

Teddie: Nope! But I do watch my young grandson play and act like I know what is going on.

Alexis: Do you like playing board games or role playing games like D&D? If so, which games do you like best?

Teddie: I do like board games. But right now they mostly trend toward kid games

Alexis: What advice do you have for other writers or people just getting started in writing?

Teddie: Just Do It! Don’t listen to that self doubter in your head. Be your own best cheerleader! Get out of your head and read your work like a reader.

Alexis: That’s a great answer! Certainly we can sometimes really discourage ourselves with too many doubts. How do you choose what books you want to read?

Teddie: Book club mostly! But I also try to support other indie authors and read their work.

Alexis: Great! I read tons of books, but definitely read indie when a book speaks to me.

Cover of Secret Keepers, a book by Teddie Peacock

About Secret Keepers

Kelly Ryan was bad, very bad and they all knew it!
But they were friends with him anyway. Kelly was a walking, talking chaos creator.

Years later, when Kelly dies suddenly under mysterious circumstances; Tessa can't let it go. Not after the night that caused so much destruction, shattered friendships and changed all of them, forever.

They've all been telling lies and keeping secrets about that night and nearly everything else. They all had reasons to end Kelly but who wanted revenge enough to actually do it? Can Tessa stop the cycle of destruction that comes from being in Kelly's orbit? Lies, secrets, loyalty, revenge and murder- how far would they really go?

• author interview
• book review
• book spotlight
• fantasy
• science fiction

Interview with TexArcana Author J.C. Alegria

This is an interview with J.C. Alegria, one of the authors from our upcoming anthology, TexArcana! J.C. Alegria wrote the short story, “Buck and a Half.”

Alexis: Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?

J.C. Alegria: Retired airline pilot with a passion for reading and storytelling. Seven publishing credits

so far: two aviation articles and the rest are spooky short stories. I live quietly in the

woods of western Pennsylvania. With the owls.

.Alexis: Owls are amazing creatures! I love seeing them on my walks. So, what book or books have most influenced you as a writer?

A picture of a beautiful barn owl!

J.C. Alegria: Better to list authors: Ray Bradbury, E.A. Poe, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Robert

McCammon, Elmore Leonard, Donald E. Westlake, et al.

Alexis: That’s a great list! I particularly like Ray Bradbury, Edgar Allen Poe, and Stephen King. Dean Koontz’s Watchers is one of my all-time favorite sci-fi/horror books, as well. I loved the idea of a hyper intelligent dog! If you write horror, what are some of your biggest fears, and how have they inspired your writing?

J.C. Alegria: The frailty of sanity and how easily our minds can deceive us and blur reality, and how comfortable evil seems to be curled up in the human spirit. I think these are things that frightens us all at some level.

Alexis: I agree. It’s always so disconcerting how easily evil seems to get into everything in the world, isn’t it? So what do you like to do other than read or write? Do you have any interesting hobbies?

J.C. Alegria: I am an avid scuba diver.

Alexis: Interesting! What TV shows/Movies do you like to watch or stream?

J.C. Alegria: I enjoy well-written horror stories that focus more on psychological and supernatural elements rather than violence and gore. “The Lady in Black” (2012) is a good example: a terrifying movie that was rated PG-13. I also enjoy good crime stories along the lines of Elmore Leonard.

Alexis: “The Lady in Black” is truly terrifying. What’s your favorite animal?

J.C. Alegria: I’m a dog person.

Alexis: Do you like playing video games? What’s your favorite game right now? Has a video game ever influenced you as a writer?

J.C. Alegria: The last video game I played was about 40 years ago. It was “GALAGA.” Joy stick and two buttons to destroy alien spacecraft. Booth-type machine in the lobby of a movie theatre. Cost twenty-five cents, and I kicked butt.

Alexis: Sounds like fun! Do you have pets?

J.C. Alegria: I’ve had dogs most of my life but do not have any now. However, I frequently dog sit for friends and enjoy the company of two wonderful German shepherds. I thus get a weekly dose of canine affection, a necessary inoculation against a crazy world.

Alexis: What advice do you have for other writers or people just getting started in writing?

J.C. Alegria: Whatever you do, read these two books: Make Your Words Work, by the late, great Gary Provost, and, of course, The Elements of Style. Then study how authors you enjoy construct sentences and paragraphs to deliver clear prose. In my opinion, the best style is clarity. Learn how to combine sentences without using conjunctions and know that adverbs are not your friends. Learn how to express a character’s thoughts without constantly using “he thought.” Imagine a scene and write it down, remembering that you are playing a movie in your reader’s mind. That’s a privilege. And have fun telling a good story.

Alexis: How do you choose what books you want to read?

J. C. Alegria: Previous experience with authors, themes, and I may skim through reviews, but I never read a synopsis; I don’t want to know the story before I read it.

Alexis: Do you like Greek/Roman/Norse/Asian/African mythology or folklore? What’s your favorite myth?

J.C. Alegria: Icarus.

Alexis: Thank you for talking to me! To learn more about J. C. Alegria, check out his author bio below!

Author Bio for J. C. Alegria

J. C. Alegria, a retired airline pilot, was raised in both Latin America and the United States. His previous publishing credits include two cover-feature aviation articles for FLYING magazine and the horror short stories Ghoul is my Copilot (Murky Depths, 2008), Cathedral (Tell Tale Press, 2019), and The Strange Death of Ebenezer Scrooge (Silver Shamrock, 2019). He also has two novel-length manuscripts ready to fly; the first is a horror/thriller with wickedly ruthless characters and the other is an aviation-based adventure story set during the Sandinista Revolution of 1979, a tale which takes a hard, unflinching look at greed and the cold brutality of Man. An avid reader and huge fan of spooky tales, he lives somewhere in the woods of western Pennsylvania, where he is currently working on his next story. Usually at night.

• author interview
• book review
• book spotlight
• fantasy
• science fiction

Interview with Young Adult Fantasy Writer Lucy A. McLaren +

Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?

Lucy: Hi! I’m Lucy A. McLaren, a fantasy writer and professional counsellor. I’ve adored fantasy stories for as long as I can remember, and consume them in their various forms—from books to films, video games to TV shows. Besides these, I love spending time with my husband and young son. I also like taking photos of old castles or ruins, as these are really inspiring to me.

My debut book, Awakening: The Commune’s Curse Book 1, released in May 2022 from Santa Fe Writers Project. It’s a multi-POV, character-focused YA dark fantasy, including found family, an authoritarian government, mental health rep, a realistic toxic relationship, and animal companions. I’m currently working on book 2 in that series alongside another YA fantasy book, and several short stories!

Alexis: Wow! I love looking at pictures of old castles or ruins, and your book sounds interesting.

What book or books have most influenced you as a writer?

Lucy: His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman is my favourite series of all time and has certainly influenced me as a writer. I admire Pullman’s worldbuilding and the compelling way in which he tells stories. 

Robin Hobb is my favourite writer; I haven’t read all of her books (yet), but I love everything I have read (Rainwild Chronicles and Liveship Traders trilogy are my favourites). I admire Hobb’s character work in particular, and the way she makes the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of her characters so understandable, even when they’re abominable. 

Alexis: I love His Dark Materials as well, though I’ve read never any Robin Hobb.

 What TV shows/Movies do you like to watch or stream?

Lucy: My husband and I will watch anything Marvel. I really enjoyed Loki (I mean, Tom Hiddleston is awesome) and Daredevil (so pleased that’s coming back). The Witcher and His Dark Materials are both fantastic and I can’t wait for series 3 of both this year (roll on December)! I also like to watch crime dramas, or real life crime and police documentaries. I find them all incredibly fascinating from a psychological point of view. 

In terms of films, again Marvel will always be a winner in our house. Other than that, I love Lord of the Rings and have done since it came out when I was a child. I can’t wait to share it with my son when he’s older! My favorite film, however, is Gladiator. Just… ugh, gets me every time. Amazing. 

Alexis: Awesome! I’m a huge Marvel fan as well, and I really enjoyed the Loki TV series. I’m excited to see where they take his character. I’ve also enjoy The Witcher series (I even learned to play “Toss a Coin to Your Witcher” on ukulele:).

Do you like playing video games? What’s your favorite game right now? Has a video game ever influenced you as a writer?

Lucy: Oh yes, I love gaming. I haven’t had as much chance to do it as I would like since having my son, but it will always be a part of my life. At the moment, I’m playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons because it’s easy to dip into when my son is asleep and doesn’t take much brain power. However, I am *on hold* in Horizon: Forbidden West and I really want to get back to it. Just need to find the time and mental energy! It’s a brilliant game. 

I’d say the games I’ve played over the years have certainly influenced me as a writer. The ones that spring to mind as being the strongest influences are Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, and Final Fantasy VIII through X. There are multiple characters and intertwining storylines in these games. That is something I aim to emulate in my stories. 

 Do you like playing board games or role playing games like D&D? If so, which games do you like best?

Lucy: I don’t play any at the moment, but I discovered D&D for the first time about 5 years ago and loved it. Creating my character, Evelyn, and her backstory were a big part in my going on to write Awakening—Evelyn is one of the four main characters, and the one whose perspective we follow the most. Playing D&D really brought her to life for me. I wish I’d discovered it when I was younger. It’s so much fun, and really encourages imagination and creativity. I hope to be able to find a campaign to join in future! 

 Do you have a pet or pets? If so, share a picture of your pet!

 Lucy: Sadly I don’t have my own dog at the moment, although always appreciate cuddles with my family dogs Cosmo, Arya and Beth when I go to my parents’ house.

However, this is a photo of Evie. She was my dog; I bought her when I was 18 and we had 13 and a half wonderful years together. She was by my side for so much of the writing of Awakening, snoring away contentedly. She was the inspiration for Dog, the animal companion to young Rose in my book. She loved tea and going for walks in the woods. She was very special. 

Evie, Lucy A. McLaren’s adorable doggie!

 What advice do you have for other writers or people just getting started in writing?

 Lucy: Don’t worry about getting your story perfect straight away. Get it written, editing and rewrites will come later. I made the mistake of trying to tweak as I was writing the first draft. Looking back, that was a massive waste of time. The book went through numerous rewrites and edits since that first draft, and changed loads. 

Basically, get your first draft written. Get the ideas on paper. Refine later.

 How do you choose what books you want to read?

 Lucy: I’m very much a mood reader. I love the feeling of being able to choose my next book. My TBR pile is huge, so I’ll scan through that and just… get a feeling about a certain book. I’ve learned to go with my gut, because when I try to read a book I’m not “feeling” I end up not enjoying it as much. 

I’m currently reading: Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons; Tabula Smaragdina: The Destiny Thief by Natalia Wawrzynczak; and Fate and Resolve by Amy Lee. 

If you write horror or dark fantasy, what are some of your fears, and how did they influence your story?

Lucy: I write dark fantasy, though it’s not grimdark. My worlds tend to be grim, inspired by real life events I have seen or experienced. I do try to weave in some element of hope, though—whether that be the spark of friendship, or the animal companions that are part of Awakening. 

For me, my fears do come from real life scenarios: oppression, trauma, mental health issues, sexual assault, victim blaming, toxic relationships. These awful things happen in our world, and they’re scary. I hope that exploring them in a realistic, respectful way in my stories will help people to understand these issues or to process their own experiences. 

Lucy A McLaren, the author of Awakening: The Commune’s Curse

Share your links!

You can buy Awakening: The Commune’s Curse Book 1 now from your favourite bookshop or retailer.

Find Awakening: The Commune’s Curse on Amazon!

Check out my linktree: https://linktr.ee/lucyamclaren

Keep up to date with my dark fantasy trilogy, The Commune’s Curse, as well as my other fantasy stories by signing up to my newsletter (bottom of my website): https://lucyamclarenauthor.wordpress.com

I also share mental health theory every month on my newsletter, which can help you better understand your own characters, or your favorite characters in the stories you read—so do sign up if that sounds of interest.

You can follow me on Twitter (@lucyamclaren), Instagram (lucy_a_mclaren), Facebook (Lucy A. McLaren Author) and TikTok (@lucyamclarenauthor). I love connecting with fellow fantasy readers and writers!

• author interview
• book review
• book spotlight
• fantasy
• science fiction