Ever wonder what would happen if the villain got the girl—and you rooted for it? Fantasy romance author Rosalyn Stirling has built a world where demons tempt, love defies the odds, and happily ever afters are anything but predictable. In this interview, she shares how fast-drafting helps her battle imposter syndrome, why she embraces all forms of storytelling, and what’s next for her wildly addictive Wild Shadows Series. Whether you’re already a fan or just discovering her work, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into Rosalyn’s writing world.
In Auctioned to the Vampire, barmaid Nemera risks everything to help a captive virgin vampire escape the underground pleasure market. What begins as an act of mercy turns into a steamy, intoxicating romance, fueled by desire—and venom. As danger closes in, she must choose between her own safety and the vampire who’s claimed her heart.
Q: Who are some of your favorite authors that you feel were influential in your work? What impact have they had on your writing?
A: At heart, I’m just a romantasy fangirl who loves prancing about in my imagination for longer than might be socially acceptable. That said, I have so many authors whose books I love. And I think the way these stories captured my imagination is something I try to emulate in my own writing. One of my favorite series is ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses) by Sarah J. Maas. I am and will always be a Rhys girl. I also love Fourth Wing, Nevernight, and all of Katee Robert’s books.
Outside of romantasy, I really enjoyed Lights Out and Pucking Around (on the contemporary/dark romance side of things), manga, and web comics. I don’t believe there’s a “superior” form of media, and I think any way a person can find joy in the media they consume is perfectly valid, whether that’s books, magazines, comics, manga, graphic novels, tv shows, or anything else. Do what you love. As for the impact these various forms of media have had on my work… They taught me to let myself to unabashedly gush about stories and write what I love to read.
Q: How do you nurture your creativity when life gets busy or overwhelming?
A: When life gets busy, I listen to audiobooks and read web comics. I often don’t have time to sit down and open a book. So, I try to get stories in whenever I can! And I’ve found that enjoying stories helps to make me feel creative and inspired.
Q: What’s one writing habit you can’t live without and one you wish you could break?
A: As someone who suffers from imposter syndrome, when I’m writing the first draft, I just need to plow through it. I can’t let myself go back and edit it—not until the whole draft is done. If I do, I’ll edit myself in circles and never finish the darn draft. But fast-drafting? Hell yeah.
Q: What themes do you find yourself returning to again and again in your work?
A: At present, I’m such a sucker for enemies to lovers and when the villain “gets the girl.” Forbidden love is another one I keep coming back to. Though I suppose these are more tropes than themes. In the Wild Shadows Series, specifically, one theme I stumbled into as I was writing was how deeply-ingrained beliefs (especially those instilled in childhood) aren’t always helpful to hold onto during adulthood. The main character, Arabella, was taught all demons were evil and needed to be struck down for the safety of mankind. However, when she falls in love with a demon, her previously held beliefs were challenged—and they continue to be challenged throughout the series.
Q: How do you approach writing characters with experiences different from your own?
A: Most of my characters have next to nothing in common with me. (I’m not a vampire, enchantress, demon, mermaid, etc.) So, I usually have an idea of each character’s tone of voice/personality and their goal for the story (i.e., what are they trying to achieve). I also utilize a series doc, where I write down what each group of people is like (their culture, traditions, etc.). Then as I write books, things tend to evolve naturally.
Q: Do you have any rituals or routines to help you transition into “writer mode”?
A: I need caffeine. Zero magic happens without it.
Q: What’s the most rewarding feedback you’ve ever received from a reader?
A: I’ve had a few readers tell me I’m their favorite author, and when that happened… It was like the world stilled for a moment as I sat there in awe. It was one of the most humbling and beautiful experiences as an author.
Q: What’s a challenge you’ve faced in your writing career, and how did you overcome it?
A: I’ve recently had to face some health issues that have slowed my writing pace, and that’s been really difficult for me. It’s been a process of accepting “new normals,” being patient with myself when I’m unwell, and also being willing to be vulnerable with readers.
Q: In your experience, what has been the best way to market your books? Where have you found the greatest return on your investment (whether it be time or money invested?)
A: Be a fangirl of your own characters and make content where you freely gush about the shit you wrote. It’s infectious. Also consider checking out what other authors in your genre are doing to market their books. People are so creative, and what they’re doing might inspire you to do something you hadn’t thought of before.
Q: What have you written that you found to be the most fun to write?
A: While I’ve loved writing all of my characters, I really enjoyed writing Jessamine’s character in The Wild Shadows Series. She’s the best friend to the FMC and plays a larger role in Devoured by Shadows (#2). She’s a badass who says what she thinks, and she’s fearless. And I found it so much fun to write her character.
Q: If you could live in the world of one of your books for a day, which would it be and why?
A: Pfffft. NO. My world isn’t for tourists. There are demons who suck out your soul on the other side of a ward that’s failing in a village at the edge of the world. No, thank you. It’s hella fun to write, but it’s not a place I’d go to on holiday.
Q: What projects are you working on at the present?
A: I’m currently writing Forged by Gilded Night, which is the third book in The Wild Shadows Series. The second book, Devoured by Shadows, came out in April (2025), and readers are eager for the next installment. So, I’m back in my writing cave!
Q: What do your plans for future projects include?
A: Honestly, I’m making shit up as I go. I’ve had good intentions for the books I want to write and their publishing timelines. Then a story kicks me in the ass, and I’ve had to pivot.
Kissed by a Demon (the first book in The Wild Shadows Series) was supposed to be a novella. It’s turned into a trilogy (three full-length books). So, I’m kind of just rolling with inspiration and seeing where these stories and characters take me. I have ideas for a few books rumbling in the back of my imagination, but I’ve started having readers request certain stories. So, I’m really excited to see where things go next!
Rosalyn Stirling is an author of fantasy romance novels that have been described as A Court of Thorns and Roses, meets The Witcher, meets A Soul to Keep. Currently, she has three books published: Auctioned to the Vampire (#0.5, prequel novella), Kissed by a Demon (#1, novel), and Devoured by Shadows (#2, novel).
The third book in the series, Forged by Gilded Night, will be available soon! In her free time, she enjoys stories where love wins against all odds and the lovers find their happily ever after. Though she especially loves it when villains get the girl. She can be found at your nearest bookstore, tea in hand, dreaming of other worlds.
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Book Summary
When Jack Utley loses his daughter just as his business is about to soar, it seems he’s traded financial gain for Callie’s life. After an encounter with a mysterious woman on the eve of Callie’s funeral, Jack wakes up to find that time has somehow rewound to the morning of Callie’s accident. Jack gets an opportunity that most grieving parents can only dream of – he saves his daughter’s life.
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