A.R. Kaufer has been writing stories since she was thirteen, and in just a few short years, she’s built an impressive catalog of fantasy and romantasy novels that enchant readers around the world. Best known for The Courtship Saga and The Stolen Royalty Series—a collection of fairytale retellings with a paranormal twist—Kaufer blends emotion, adventure, and inclusivity into every tale.
In this interview, Kaufer shares her journey from her early influences like Stephen King and Poe to her love of found family tropes, her approach to representation, and her newest release, Tower of the Lost Princess, a “Rapunzel meets Robin Hood” story that’s sure to captivate fans of magical worlds and heartfelt storytelling.
Q: When did you first catch the writing bug? What drove you to persist?
A: I’ve been writing for as long as I remember. I wrote my first novel at 13, then writing became passion. I decided to dive in and publish my debut in 2022. In that time, I’ve published 12 books.
Q: What/who were your early literary influences, and how do you think their writing has shaped you as a storyteller today?
A: I grew up reading Stephen King, Poe, Shakespeare, and John Grisham. I’m not sure when I shifted from gothic/thrillers to fantasy/romance, but I know I wanted whatever I wrote to make my readers feel something, whether anger, joy, sadness, I know how much I loved reading a book that evoked so many emotions in me.
Q: Does writing energize or exhaust you?
A: It can do both, depending on what I’m writing.
Q: Do you try more for originality or to please your readers?
A: My most popular books so far are The Stolen Royalty Series, which are fairytale retellings with a paranormal twist. While fairytale retellings can be popular, I wrote these because I grew up with my Gran, who would tell me about Beauty and her cursed beast and other stories. So while it does appeal to the market, I wrote it because of my love for the stories themselves.
Q: Do you ever try to write to the latest trends? Why or why not?
A: I do, but not on purpose. When I sat down to write Courting Fate (the first book in my 8-book epic fantasy series) I hadn’t heard of ACOTAR or other popular romantasy books. It was only when I was nearly halfway through the series that I discovered romantasy as a genre. (I wasn’t on social media, except for Pinterest). Then when I decided to write my Beauty & the Beast retelling, I knew it was a popular subgenre, but I didn’t know just how big it was until I’d written the first draft and began to look for comp titles.
Q: What is your approach to incorporating elements of diversity and inclusion in your writing?
A: I am an autistic, bi woman with endometriosis who suffers from migraines and C-PTSD. So I try to include characters who are also dealing with issues, who aren’t seen as “less than” or looked down upon for being different.
Q: Do you prefer to write stand-alone novels or series? Do you make connections between non-connected books?
A: I write both. The Courtship Saga is a series that must be read in order, while The Stolen Royalty Series has standalone fairytale retellings. However, TSRS does have a few Easter eggs for readers of all the books.
Q: How many unpublished and/or half-finished books have you written?
A: I have four or five fully finished first drafts. Most of those will probably never see the light of day, but one is an urban paranormal romance that I plan to work on getting ready to publish, once both of my current series are finished.
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: Marketing is a daily job for me. I post across five social media networks. TikTok and Instagram seem to be my best sources for finding new readers. I post snippets, teasers, and character art to help bring attention to my books.
Q: What kind of research do you do as part of your planning process, and how much time do you spend researching before beginning a new book project?
A: For my fairytale retellings, I read all the different versions I can find, in addition to watching the movies. Ever After is one of my favorite versions of Cinderella.
Q: What kind of music or sounds do you like to listen to as you write, or do you prefer complete silence?
A: I prefer to write in silence. The only exception is when my husband is home, I enjoy writing while he plays guitar.
Q: What have you written that you found to be the most fun to write?
A: For me, any time I’m about to write the MC’s having their first kiss, is my favorite scene to look forward to.
Q: What is your favorite book from your childhood?
A: I read Cujo when I was 8. It’s still one of my favorite books.
Q: Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc. come from?
A: My Gran loved telling me stories, especially fairytales. And we would watch the Disney movies together.
Q: What is your favorite trope from the genre in which you write? How do you make that trope your own when incorporating it into your work?
A: I grew up with parents who didn’t support me as a writer. I went no-contact with most of my family a few years ago, while struggling with my C-PTSD. So my favorite trope to write is found family, because I know blood alone doesn’t make them your family. It’s the people who uplift you, who support you, and who want to see you succeed.
Q: What projects are you working on at the present?
A: I am editing and revising Book 7 of The Courtship Saga and writing the first draft of Book 4 of The Stolen Royalty Series.
Q: What do your plans for future projects include?
A: I have an outline for a standalone dark romantasy, an urban paranormal romance, and a contemporary romance with a bookstore owner suffering from chronic illnesses.
Q: What other books would you recommend to our readers in addition to your own?
A: I recommend anything by Kat Kinney, Shelby Elizabeth, and Donna Power.
Author Bio
A.R. Kaufer is an author, avid reader, video gamer, and proud dog mom who writes heartfelt fantasy and romantasy stories that blend adventure, emotion, and healing. Her works range from a standalone YA fantasy romance to The Courtship Saga, an epic romantic fantasy series, and The Stolen Royalty Series, a collection of fairytale retellings with a paranormal twist.
Kaufer’s latest release, Tower of the Lost Princess—a “Rapunzel meets Robin Hood” tale—continues her mission to craft stories that help readers feel every spark of joy, sorrow, and excitement her characters endure.
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Now available in print and on Kindle!
While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my latest suspense novel, It Had to Happen, now available in print and on Kindle!
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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