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.
Fantasy author Kristin D. Jackson knows the power of a good story—not just to entertain, but to evoke real, visceral emotion. From late-night Stephen King marathons as a teenager to building rich, immersive worlds of her own, Kristin’s path to becoming a writer is one paved with curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for connection. In this interview, she opens up about her writing journey, the themes that guide her work, and the messy, magical process behind crafting stories that resonate. Whether you’re a fellow writer or an avid reader, Kristin’s thoughtful reflections are sure to inspire.
In Lost Souls: The Caves of Oriana, a mismatched group of outcasts—including a godless cleric, a shamed ranger, a haunted rogue, an elderly sorceress, and a nameless bard—unites to face the darkness stirring beneath a quiet village. As they descend into danger, they discover that the greatest quest may be finding a sense of belonging in one another.
Q: What’s a memory of a story or book that made you realize you wanted to be a writer? A: Over the summer of my sophomore to junior year of high school, I was up until about 2:30 AM most nights reading a Stephen King novel called, It. My twin sister and I had to share a room growing up, so it wasn’t unusual for one of us to be up when the other went to sleep. One specific night, though, I was so scared out of my mind, even with my reading light on, that I had to wake her up so I didn’t feel alone. (She was actually nice about it, too!) I was surprised by the visceral reactions and deep emotions I’ve experienced while reading a good story. I remember that night, just as a passing thought, wondering if I would ever be able to create something that evokes emotion the way I’ve experienced from other writers.
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.
Step into a world where Sherlock Holmes rubs elbows with Houdini, Nikola Tesla powers fantastical inventions, and characters from classic literature walk side by side in a richly imagined alternate universe. Author John Pirillo, creator of The Baker Street Universe, has spent a lifetime steeped in the stories of Verne, Wells, and Conan Doyle—tales that not only sparked his love for reading but also ignited a boundless creative drive. In this interview, Pirillo shares how childhood afternoons buried in books turned into a lifelong passion for storytelling, why human decency is the heartbeat of his fiction, and how a cluttered writing space and a cold Zevia Cola help him bring entire worlds to life.
John Pirillo’s Baker Street Universe series is a genre-blending tribute to the golden age of imagination, where anything is possible and no hero stands alone. Set in an alternate Victorian-era London, the stories blend mystery, adventure, and speculative science as Holmes, Watson, and a rotating cast—including Houdini, Tesla, and Verne—team up to face threats that span dimensions and defy logic. It’s a genre-blending tribute to the golden age of imagination, where anything is possible and no hero stands alone.
Q: What/who were your early literary influences, and how do you think their writing has shaped you as a storyteller today? A: My earliest literary influences were the class comics of the fifties…My parents would read to me War of the Worlds, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and then later Atom Age Combat, GI Joe, Superman, Spiderman, Challengers of the Unknown, then when I could read for myself from libraires…Edgar Rice Burroughs…everything. Robert Heinlein. Isaac Asimov, L. Sprague de Camp, A.E. Van Vogt, Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, Jules Verne, H.G. Wells…and pretty much any book I could get my hands on to read…from autobiographies to biographies, science, art and so on.
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.
If you love stories filled with bold characters, high-stakes action, and a dash of delightful chaos, you’ll want to meet Marissa Allen. A fiction author inspired by anime, pop culture, and everything in between, Marissa crafts genre-blending adventures that explore found family, inner strength, and twisty plots that keep readers on their toes. In this interview, we dig into her creative process, her love for fight scenes and playlist-building, and what fuels the thrilling worlds she builds—from magical shops to superpowered societies. Keep reading to discover the stories behind the storyteller—and what’s next in her ever-expanding multiverse.
What if the fairest of them all became the deadliest weapon? After years of captivity and cruel experimentation, Princess Genevieve “Vi” Astor escapes her stepmother’s grip—only to discover that the fight for freedom is far from over. Born Royal by Marissa Allen kicks off a pulse-pounding sci-fi fantasy trilogy where rebellion, revenge, and raw power collide.
Q: What/who were your early literary influences, and how do you think their writing has shaped you as a storyteller today? A: The first author I became obsessed with was Tamora Pierce. It was the first time I found myself needing to reorient to real life after putting a book down at three in the morning. Her female characters went on amazing adventures, unafraid to fight alongside the boys, with immersive worldbuilding that I’m still chasing in my own work.
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.
Meet Sara Elisabeth, a romance author whose passion for storytelling began when she was just six years old. Inspired by literary legends like Ursula K. LeGuin and S. E. Hinton, her work carries the emotional depth and vivid imagination of the stories she grew up loving. With roots in both Washington State and British Columbia, Sara weaves romance, nostalgia, and personal truth into every page. In today’s interview, she shares what drives her creativity, how music and video games fuel her worldbuilding, and what readers can expect from her upcoming novel, Someone Like Me.
In Sara Elisabeth’s first novel, Someday Away, college freshman Quinn is caught between two very different guys—Lincoln Evans, the broody bad boy, and Trey Walker, the charming playboy. Despite their differences, Quinn can’t seem to escape the tangled web they weave together, and the chemistry between them intensifies in unexpected and sometimes heartbreaking ways. But when her cheating ex reappears, Quinn is forced to confront the past she’s been trying to outrun, threatening everything she’s built with Lincoln and Trey.
Q: What/who were your early literary influences, and how do you think their writing has shaped you as a storyteller today? A: I was a huge reader as a kid, and I loved epic fantasy, so authors like Ursula K. LeGuin, Terry Brooks, and Raymond E. Feist were heavy influences when it came to my writing. I also loved reading The Outsiders. S.E. Hinton wrote that book when she was only fifteen, so I wanted to be just like her.
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.
Write on the World 