A lot of thrillers pretend to be gritty—Nowhere Burning by Catriona Ward actually earns it, dragging readers into the Colorado Rockies and refusing to let them look away. Releasing February 24, 2026, Nowhere Burning is a harrowing, genre-blurring novel that folds the dark myth of Peter Pan and the feral desperation of Lord of the Flies into something uniquely Ward: unsettling, intimate, and psychologically razor-sharp.
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Riley and her younger brother Oliver flee their troubled home in the middle of the night, chasing rumors of Nowhere—an abandoned ranch once owned by a reclusive movie star and now whispered about as a refuge for runaways. What they find is a scorched sanctuary with its own rules, its own hierarchy, and its own buried horrors. It promises freedom. It demands a price.
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.
From retelling Little Red Riding Hood in a childhood writing class to crafting fierce, magic-wielding heroines who defy the patriarchy, romantasy author Rebecca Parcha has always known the power of a good story. Inspired by literary icons like Virginia Woolf and modern romantasy trailblazers like Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca blends old-world symbolism with bold, emotionally rich narratives that champion strong female leads and challenge societal norms. In this interview, she opens up about her writing rituals, literary influences, and what it means to create work that not only entertains, but empowers.
In Fangs of Fate, Tate Aaralyn walks a dangerous line between predator and prey—an executioner of justice in the human realm and a conflicted vampire in the Glenn, where her hunger feels like a curse. When a disciplinary hearing forces her into service with the guara, Tate must confront dark truths, a mysterious bond with a powerful vampire named Aether, and her own evolving power. Meanwhile, Chance Dale, the president’s son and her former lover, uncovers a sinister threat rising within the vampire world. As their paths cross again, both must decide whether love is their salvation—or their undoing.
Q: What/who were your early literary influences, and how do you think their writing has shaped you as a storyteller today? A: I love Virginia Woolf. I’m a huge fan of A Room of One’s Own. Her short stories are also amazing. To me, getting to study her and her life in college was one of my favorite parts of various literature classes. Beyond her, I’d say Hemingway, Poe, and George Lillo would also be up there as far as influential favorites within cherished prose and plays. There’s also the Brothers Grimm and Anne Saxton who I also have a great appreciation for.
Young Adult fantasy author Debbie Manber Kupfer says that bullying, racism, addiction, and diversity run through her series as recurring themes. “I’m fond of morally grey characters and redemption stories. I don’t believe the world is ever black and white,” she says.
When Miri receives a silver cat charm from her omama, Celia, she discovers a hidden magic that pulls her into a world of shifters, werewolves, and dark secrets. At P.A.W.S., a magic school for shapeshifters, Miri must learn to survive both her new powers and a deadly werewolf bent on her destruction. The P.A.W.S. Saga by Debbie Manber Kupfer is a thrilling journey of magic, friendship, and finding courage when everything feels lost.
Q: What/who were your early literary influences, and how do you think their writing has shaped you as a storyteller today? A:Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. I was bullied as a child, and reading Alice’s story about escape into a magical world over and over again helped me and cemented my journey into fantasy.
Author C. Rae D’Arc is a lifelong book lover who has worked in nearly every corner of the literary world, from writing and editing to retail and reviewing. A university graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in English, she blends her love of storytelling with a deep appreciation for analysis and history. Though she lives in the desert, she finds inspiration in forests, fantastical creatures, and the beauty of nature.
When Princess Emerald of Somnus pricks her finger on a poisoned spindle, she falls into a deep sleep—and dreams of modern England. Caught between two worlds, Emer must navigate smartphones, new friendships, and a budding romance, all while racing against time to awaken before the poison claims her heart. The first installment of the Dreaming Princesses series, Dreaming Beauty is a whimsical and heartfelt retelling perfect for fans of Enchanted and reimagined fairy tales.
Q: What’s a memory of a story or book that made you realize you wanted to be a writer? A: I always wanted to be a writer. I remember reading Kevin Henkes’ books in kindergarten and learning he was the author and illustrator. Those became my dream jobs.
From escaping into fantasy as a young girl to building entire worlds that explore redemption, survival, and love, Monica Shantel has always turned to storytelling as her lifeline. With her debut Beauty of a Crimson Soul, she invites readers into shadowy realms where broken characters discover their strength—and maybe even a happy ending. In this interview, Monica shares the inspirations behind her work, her creative rituals, and the challenges she’s overcome to carve out her space in indie publishing. Whether you’re here for the romance, the monsters, or the magic, you’ll find plenty to love in her fierce and heartfelt journey.
In Beauty of a Crimson Soul, Angel is a newly appointed guardian angel tasked with saving Ayden Dyer, a reckless and self-destructive 23-year-old whose soul teeters on the edge of damnation. As Angel fights to guide him toward redemption, unexpected feelings complicate her mission—and when fallen angels drag them both to Hell, the stakes become eternal. With Ayden’s soul slipping away, Angel must defy fate to save him before it’s too late.
Q: What/who were your early literary influences, and how do you think their writing has shaped you as a storyteller today? A: The authors who i really loved to read when I was just starting to were Holly Black and Dan Greenburg. I was hugely into fantasy even at 7 years old. They shaped a ton of my love for fantasy in general, and it was later on that authors like Kelley Armstrong and Lauren Kate hooked me on the romance and darker side. But Neal Shusterman got me into the creepier and more horror side.
Morgan Reilly is the author of The Dark Library Series, a seven-book YA dark fantasy retelling of fairy tales.
In The Book of Water, the first book in The Dark Library series, mermaid Celine and human Owen form an unlikely alliance in the midst of a war between their peoples. But as they grow closer, they must navigate the treacherous waters of love and betrayal. In this dark fantasy retelling of The Little Mermaid, Celine and Owen will risk everything to seek their revenge-but their hearts may be the price they pay.
This story is described as, “The Little Mermaid + To Kill A Kingdom with Count of Monte Cristo vibes.”
Q: What/who were your early literary influences, and how do you think their writing has shaped you as a storyteller today? A: I love this question! I grew up loving mysteries and fantasies, essentially cutting my teeth on Nancy Drew and books about magic. I also adored the Baby Sitters Club (the Scholastic Book Fair was my favorite time of year). That’s when I started to write my own stories, centering around characters and the events that shaped them. I’ve loved character-driven stories ever since I could read, so those are the types of stories I love to tell.
Write on the World 