Reviewed: November 7th, 2025 Released: October 1st, 2025 Genre: Fairy Tale retelling
Rumpelstiltskin meets The Serpent and the Wings of Night in this spicy, fairy tale retelling.
Never make a deal with a demon—especially the demon arch king.
Aryana, the vampire princess, has spent her life as a weapon in her uncle’s cruel kingdom. But when the demon arch king, Zarathos, steals her away, she is thrust into a world more treacherous than anything she could have imagined.
Zarathos’s presence is suffocating, his dark power intoxicating. He claims she has the ability to turn straw into gold—a lie. But the real truth is far more terrifying. He needs her for the deadly demon trials, and he’ll stop at nothing to bend her to his will.
Bound together by a bargain neither can escape, Aryana must fight for Zarathos in the trials, even while the magnetic pull between them grows with each passing moment. The more time they spend together, the deeper she’s pulled into a world of lust, power, and ruthless peril.
Zarathos will never let her survive the trials. She’s nothing more than a pawn in his plans. But as the fire between them burns hotter, Aryana wonders if the demon king has claimed more than her life—has he taken her heart as well? Read My Thoughts…
Reviewed: July 26th, 2024 Released: April 4th, 2024 Genre: Fairytale Retelling
Natalia doesn’t believe in fairytales. Until she’s thrown headfirst into one. Now she has to trust a big bad wolf with both her life and her heart.
Natalia is done with men. Her cheating scumbag of an ex-boyfriend just the latest in a line of disappointments. She’s definitely not going to be taken in by a sexy Scotsman with an honest-to-God castle, a disturbing affect on her libido, and a shit-ton of secrets.
Damian knows she’s his fated mate. He’s waited his whole life for her after all. But Natalia doesn’t believe in destiny, or wolf shifters, and she sure as hell won’t trust him to keep her safe. But if she doesn’t then her life and his whole pack are in danger.
Scarlett Legacy is the first in the Highland Wolves series, a set of stand-alone but interconnected paranormal romance stories. If you like fairytale retellings and sexy Scotsmen in kilts, then you’ll love this fast-paced shifter romance. Read My Thoughts…
Reviewed: June 7th, 2024 Released: December 15th, 2023 Genre: Fairytale Retelling
A beastly prince. A cursed land. One last hope.
Breaking his bargain with another fae has earned Revi, Prince of the Winter Court, a terrible curse: he lives as a beast and must watch his people suffer under a withering blight. The only cure? A heart freely given.
When a human patrol steals one of Revi’s magical roses, a sliver of opportunity strikes. He agrees to spare their lives in return for a woman who must live in his castle for a year and a day. But could such a beauty learn to love a beast like him?
Although Kienna was warned of conniving fae before her arrival at the Winter Court, the Winter Prince, while beastly, is not the monster she expected. Her dreams plague her—or more specifically, the enigmatic silvery man who walks them does. She’s determined to find him in the waking world and free him from his imprisonment.
Her dream prince begs her not to trust her eyes. But… can she trust her heart?
The Winter Prince, a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, is book 12 of Once Upon A Prince, a multi-author series of clean fairy tale retellings. Each standalone story features a swoony prince fighting for his happily ever after. Read My Thoughts…
Reviewed: September 22nd, 2023 Released: September 19th, 2023 Genre: Humourous Fantasy Format: Paperback
It was all going so well… But I might have guessed a dark side sequel was on the horizon.
No sooner had this Menopausal Madam nabbed her Mangy Wolf, and the jumbled pack of wolves, bears, snakes and an eagle howled their way to a Happy Ever After, than up pops the Messenger of the Alpha of Alphas, announcing the imminent arrival of the stinky Southern Pack.
A shed load of furry trouble descends, chief of whom being Curt’s Auntie Yelena, known as Yellfire to her enemies. I’m one of them, apparently. Before you can say ruffle my fur, we’re paw deep in backstabbing, arson, poison and attempted murder. Everyone’s heart is in danger, especially mine.
Reviewed: September 3rd, 2023 Released: September 20th, 2022 Genre: Humourous Fantasy Format: Paperback
A Land of Darkness drowns in despair. It’s called My Office.
When I’m not typing manifests, I churn out fantasy books no-one reads. Less Young Adult, more MAD: Middle Aged Disappointment. So, when I’m gifted a magic book for Secret Santa, I can’t believe my luck.
One miserable ‘Once Upon a Time’ later and I’m marooned on a frozen mountain, heaving with weirdos, biting each other’s throats.
The Snake’s oily, The Eagle’s bald, The Bear’s accident prone, My ‘Handsome Prince’ is more cheesed off Wolf, busy scratching, and I’ve no idea who the Villain is (unless it’s me).
Worst of all… I’ve no way home and the Mangy Wolf’s got the hots for me.
I’m very happy to be chatting to fantasy author, E.E. Hornburg, about her fairytale retelling Cursed Queen series, the latest book of which is The Forest’s Keeper.
Helen: Welcome Emily, and thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. Tell us a little about your latest book, The Forest’s Keeper.
Emily: The Forest’s Keeper is the third book in my Cursed Queens series. We follow Rose who has been stuck playing ruler while her older sister – who should be on the throne – is off in the mountains warding off a curse and gaining allies to take back her throne. But being queen is the last thing Rose wants, and is eager to jump at the chance to have a sword in her hand and avenge the wrongdoing of her stepmother, the former Queen Amelia. Her moment arrives when she’s summoned to the enchanted and ailing Eral Forest. But, there is more happening in Eral than she realises, and her fate is larger than she could ever imagine. It’s a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and features a friends to lovers romance.
Helen: The premise sounds great, and I am loving the cover. Tell us your thoughts about the design.
Emily: I am so obsessed with this cover! We knew it would have a forest background and feature Rose in her red cloak so it coordinated with the other two books, The Night’s Chosen and The Shadow’s Heir. What I really wanted for Rose though was to feature a cane or a crutch of some sort while still showing off what a bad-ass she is. Rose’s character has had a deformed ankle her whole life, and uses a crutch to walk around. I knew it would be a challenge, as stock images don’t have much when it comes to disability representation, but I think it turned out amazing! I love seeing the cane in one hand and sword in the other to show off these two sides of her character.
Helen: I think its great that you have incorporated disability representation and yet your character is still strong and determined. What made you write this particular book?
Emily: Rose’s story has been stuck in my head for years! My debut novel, The Night’s Chosen, originally was a dual point of view between the characters of Eira and Rose who are sisters, and take on the roles of Snow White and Rose Red, while also being Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Red Riding Hood. However, I had to cut Rose’s chapters because the book was too unfocused. Thankfully, I saved those chapters, and I was able to turn them into something new and even better for Rose where she could truly shine! When readers fell in love with her in the first book, even only being there for a few chapters, I was so happy because I love her too!
Helen: I always have an ‘ideas don’t fit’ folder. You never know when something you cut from one story will work in a different story. It is always best to save it. Now that you have released The Forest’s Keeper, what are you working on next?
Emily: I feel like I’m working on a million things right now! Most importantly is the fourth and (most likely) final book in The Cursed Queens series which will feature everyone’s favorite pirate, Finley, who you meet in both The Shadow’s Heir and The Forest’s Keeper. Her book will be a retelling of Sleeping Beauty and will wrap up the tale of Amelia trying to take over the kingdoms.
Helen: That is a bittersweet moment when you reach the final book in a series. The characters are like family and you don’t want to stop writing about them! When did you realise you had a passion for writing?
Emily: I’ve been writing my whole life, even before I knew how to write! I have memories of being a kid and making little doodles that told whole stories when I didn’t know how to write the words, and I’d enact long dramas with my toys for my family to watch. Storytelling has always been a part of me.
Helen: I’m so glad your early storytelling evolved into writing books. Let’s talk about your writing process. How do you fit writing into your daily life?
Emily: Wherever I can! I bring my laptop with me to work almost every day so I can squeeze some words in on my lunch break, and I keep the Scrivener app on my phone so I can write down lines and ideas on the go. When I can, I get up early before I leave for my 9-5 and get something done before my day starts, and weekends are when I can get my longer sessions in.
Helen: It’s a shame full time jobs get in the way, but they are necessary. lol! As you have to squeeze in time to write, do you find you plan what you are going to write or are you more of a pantser?
Emily: I’m a plantser. When I’m starting a new book, I do a lot of scribbling and brainstorming in a notebook, then make a rough outline in Scrivener. I tend to start with your basic three act structure you can find in Save the Cat or Romancing the Beat, etc. and have a general idea of how it’ll end in mind, because otherwise, I’ll lose focus and go all over the place and get stuck! But, I also allow my characters to lead the way. I don’t stay married to my outline and let it ebb and flow and adjust as needed according to where the writing and characters are going. I love discovering new things about the plot and characters as I draft!
Helen: Most writers are great readers. What have you been reading lately?
Emily: I’m currently reading the Elements of Cadance duology by Rebecca Ross which is a Scottish inspired fantasy. These books are so beautiful! I love all of the points of view and the way they use music to summon the spirits. The relationships between all of the characters are simultaneously compelling and heart wrenching.
Helen: And what is your favourite book?
Emily: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. I adore how atmospheric it is and the way the Circus is like one of the characters. Every time I read that book (usually about once a year) I uncover new layers to it, and she somehow is able to find everything beautiful and magical in the world and weave it into this beautiful story.
Helen: The Night Circus has been on my book shelf for a while, maybe it’s time I read it! Thank you so much for spending time with me today. Just to finish, could you share how you overcome the dreaded self-doubt.
Emily: Imposter syndrome is so real! Almost every day I wonder “can I actually do this?” But I’ve been keeping reminders all around me that say “You are a great writer.” Because even if I don’t believe it right in this moment, if I keep telling myself that I am, it’s going to motivate me to become the writer I want to be. Or I go back to the comments and messages I’ve gotten from readers. My “Royal Readers” are the most encouraging people, and their love and support means everything and gives me the confidence to keep going when I feel like I can’t continue on.
All newsletter subscribers receive a free short story and prequel to The Cursed Queens called The Solstice’s Bride. It is a retelling of The Princess and the Pea and features Rose & Eira’s parents when they first met. And signing up for my newsletter, you’ll be the first to know about any new releases, hear stories about what inspire me, what I’m thinking about, book recommendations, and giveaways.
About the Author
EE Hornburg
EE Hornburg is a fantasy author in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. She’s a dog mom, theatre addict, Hufflepuff, and lover of all things cozy.
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you enjoy fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather, or my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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Today, I am pleased to welcome author Geoff Gudgion to talk to us about the Hammer of Fate, the first book in his new epic fantasy Rune Song trilogy which released on June 1st, 2023.
Helen: Welcome Geoff. I am so excited to chat about your new epic fantasy book today!! Congratulations on the release. I am currently reading Hammer of Fate, and I am loving it. Tell us a little about it.
Geoff: Hammer of Fate is the first in the Rune Song epic fantasy trilogy, which was released on 1 June. The publishers (Second Sky, an imprint of Bookouture/Hachette) are positioning the series alongside George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones and Robin Hobb’s Farseer series, but I’d like to add a nod to Guy Gavriel Kay’s The Lions of Al-Rassan.
The heroine, Adelais, was raised in the far north, learning stories of the old gods and the skill of weaving runes into magic. Now she’s locked in a convent far from home and forced to kneel to a foreign god. Adelais falls foul of the Inquisition, escapes dressed as a boy, and finds herself caught up in much larger conflict between faiths and nations. She must summon all her courage and her memories of the old gods’ magic as the noose tightens around her and a thunderous final reckoning approaches.
Some will adore her as an angel. Most will hunt her as a witch. She may be both.
You’ll find more details at https://geni.us/B0BT8BH85Dcover Two other titles in the series, Runes of Battle and Blood of Wolves, will be released in July and October respectively.
Helen: I love the nod to the Knights Templar and the renaissance feel of the world, reinforced by the naming. And I am so happy this is a trilogy, more books to enjoy! I am assuming that is Adelais on the cover?
Geoff: The fantastic cover art was commissioned from the talented Lance Buckley ( https://www.lancebuckley.com/ ) by Second Sky. I can see elements of my suggestions in the design, though I pictured Adelais as being a little more vulnerable and feminine in the first book; more like Daenarys Targarian in Season 1 of Game of Thrones than Brienne of Tarth in Season 2. By Book 3, Blood of Wolves, her character has evolved through adversity and this image would definitely fit.
Helen: I love the character of Adelais, you have written her so beautifully. She is still feminine under her disguise, so I do agree that the cover does portray her more as boy, which loses the sense of her vulnerability and naivete at the start. But the cover does still suggests an underdog against the powers that be.
Geoff: Adelais is all my agent’s fault. Ian encouraged me to focus on historical fiction ‘with a female protagonist’. I was researching the 14th century at the time, an era when the only empowered women were queens or nuns, but writing a ‘nun on the run’ seemed like a fun idea. ‘What about a kick-ass, cross-dressing nun?’ I asked, and was rewarded with a literary air-punch.
Sadly, publishers did not buy the manuscript as historical fiction, much to Ian’s frustration, so he suggested I keep the characters and the essence of the plot but rewrite it as fantasy. That worked.
I had reservations, at first, being a man writing a female protagonist, but Adelais became very real to me faster than any character before. Sometimes it feels as if we wrote her adventures together. Fortunately I had an excellent lady copy editor who could ensure that masculine thinking did not intrude into a feminine point of view, but she had to make very few changes in that regard.
Helen: You mentioned researching. How much research did you have to do for Hammer of Fate?
Geoff: Masses! Research for the Rune Song series has taken me into the Old Norse language, arcane aspects of Nordic rune lore, the trials of the Knights Templar, the mindset of chivalry, and medieval sword fighting techniques. I could add a few minor diversions such as medieval medicines. (Hot tip; wash wounds with wine and pack them with sphagnum moss; it contains a form of penicillin.)
Helen: Researching can be quite consuming, but these subjects sound really interesting. Let’s talk about your writing process. Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Geoff: A bit of both. I’ll always have a premise; the key characters, needs, jeopardies, and resolution. Then I’ll start crafting craft words but stray off track, and write the premise again because I’ve improved on the original idea. That could happen three or four times in the course of a novel.
Helen: How does your writing fit into your daily life?
Geoff: At the moment the difficulty is fitting everyday life around my writing! I’m a keen amateur horse rider but deadlines mean even my lovely mare is neglected. When Blood of Wolves is out & running I will heave a massive sigh of relief and book a holiday.
Helen: Hammer of Fate is a new genre for you. How easy was it to write in a different genre to your previous books?
Geoff: Remarkably easily. In fact it was liberating. In historical fiction the plot has to fit within the framework of known facts, but a fantasy author can let their imagination rip. Rune Song would only have run for two books as HF, but in fantasy I could give Adelais a character arc that would have put her into the history books. If I want dragons, ‘here be dragons’. There aren’t, by the way. Dragons, that is. Just a little magic that’s based on pre-Christian, Nordic rune lore.
Helen: It was good job you clarified that, otherwise we’d all be asking where are the dragons! Do you have a favorite tool or software that helps your writing?
Geoff: I’m a fan of Scrivener. It keeps all my research in one file, allows me to ‘cork board’ plots, and keep side notes to remind me what to change. I’d be lost without it.
Helen: I have Scrivener, I’ve just never had to time to figure it out! Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Geoff: Don’t give up, just learn to fail better.
Write for yourself, but if you want to reach a wider audience recognise the realities of the market, particularly genre structures. These days, you can have a brilliant manuscript but if you don’t fit into a neat Amazon tick-box, mainstream publishers don’t want to know because they can’t position the book into their primary means of distribution. There can be a huge gap between what people like to read and what the market is prepared to sell them.
Helen: It’s been a pleasure chatting with you, Geoff. I wish you all the best of luck with Hammer of Fate. Any last words you’d like to share?
Geoff: Fifteen years ago I left corporate life and went freelance to release time to write. My mother-in-law was not impressed. When, eventually, my wife rang her and said ‘wonderful news, Mummy – Geoff’s got a publishing deal! He’s going to be a published author,’ the response was ‘that’s nice, dear, but has he got work?’
Helen, thank you so much for inviting me onto your blog. It’s a privilege to be here and in such good company.
About the Author
G.N Gudgion
G.N. Gudgion (‘Geoff’) grew up with his nose in a book, often one featuring knights in armour. These days he prefers tales where women don’t have to be either beautiful damsels or witches. He likes to craft stories with complex, conflicted characters that a reader can bleed with, cry for, and perhaps fall in love with. They live in worlds where you can smell the sweat and the sewers, as well as the roses.
Geoff lives in a leafy corner of England, where he’s a keen amateur equestrian and a very bad pianist. He spends much of his time crafting words in a shed, fifty yards and five hundred years from his house.
He is also the author, as Geoffrey Gudgion, of supernatural thrillers Saxon’s Bane (Solaris, 2020) and Draca (Unbound, 2020)
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you enjoy fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather, or my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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Today, I am pleased to welcome Maltese author Rowena Grech to talk to us about her collection of dark fairytale retellings Ktieb Tas-Shahar.
Helen: Welcome Rowena. I am so excited to meeet you and that we get to chat about your book today!! Tell us about your collection of adult fairytale retellings. I understand they are quite dark and thought provoking.
Rowena: This book features 19 stories. It is a re-telling of different fairy tales for an adult audience in contemporary settings. Not all stories consist of immersive fantasy. Some tales are solely used for their titles and the repertoire that they carry in order to create another story. I also used photography in order to accompany further story telling with symbolism found in the photos.
Helen: That is quite an accomplishment, pulling together 19 stories into one book. And I love the twist your photos suggest you have incorporated into your version of the fairytales. How did you decide on the cover for you retellings?
Rowena: The cover is showing a broken castle and red-riding hood staring in front it. I chose it since it represents the dark attributes that adulthood brings with it upon us humans.
Helen: It is a beautiful cover, drawing you in, much like Little red riding hood and very atmospheric. How about the title? You published this collection in Maltese with a Maltese tilte, I believe?
Rowena: The title in English means A book of Fairy / Witch Tales.
Helen: What made you decide to write fairytale retellings? What made you write this particular book?
Rowena: It was a therapeutic way for me to pour my disappointments and bitterness that life had in store for me. I finished during the pandemic, where the first 3 months in Winter were an introvert’s paradise. I could just write and read without any social obligations imposed on me.
Helen: I think Covid stirred many inner creatives, and gave many people the chance to express their ideas. When did you realise you had a passion for writing?
Rowena: Since I was a child I used to invent stories and then I started writing them in narrative essays at schools. My stories were often read in the classroom due to being original and I guess that encouraged me to keep on writing. Then I totally stopped during my teenage years and got back to writing when I was around 30 years and older.
Helen: Well, I’m glad you returned to writing. Which genre do you prefer to write?
Rowena: Dark fantasy. The pleasure of building allegories in between the lines of what seems a simple story for pleasure.
Helen: Turning to the writing process for a moment, which element of the writing process do you find most challenging?
Rowena: When I need to write dialogue I tend to get a bit stuck. The reason is because the way we speak is very different from the way dialogue is written in a book. And also because I am not the most talkative person on earth thus it gets a bit hard to imagine what other people would say.
Helen: Every writer experiences self-doubt. How do you overcome the fear and the little voice in your head to keep writing?
Rowena: Even though I have been published, the little voices still torment me when it comes to writing out my new stuff. I guess you have to keep on pushing and ignoring these little voices till they are nothing more than whispers.
Helen: Great advice. What is one of the most useful resources you have found to help you write?
Rowena: Music. It is a must. And other good books that inspire my imagination.
Helen: Authors are typically great readers. What are some of you favourite reads. What would you recommend?
Rowena: The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly. It is my favourite book for re-telling of fairy-tale characters. Also, Haruki Murakami Kafka on the Shore, John Boyne All The Broken Places, Lord of The Rings, Stephen Fry Mythos, Verity by Colleen Hoover.
Helen: If you didn’t write Dark Fantasy, what genre would you love to try?
Rowena: Science fiction since I’m a laboratory analyst and I find science very amusing.
Helen: Thnk you so much for joining me today, it was lovey chatting with you. Final question, what is the best piece of advice you’ve recieved?
Rowena: Jan Carson. The use of past and present verbs make a huge difference. She also emphasized on the importance and how to create credible characters.
If you enjoy fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather, or my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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Reviewed: March 29th, 2023 Released: April 20th, 2023 Genre: Fairytales
Double the name and double the magic, mystery, and mayhem
Once upon a time, a fairy tale name generator issued a challenge to a group of authors. Volume Two of these quirky stories brings double trouble.
In this clean YA anthology, spy on thieves discovering their princely identities, accompany villains seeking redemption along with accident-prone geese, and rejoice in the reunion of siblings separated at birth. Side with twins split between good and evil, giggle over mistaken identities, and discover the secrets of royal doppelgängers. When fates are intertwined by a namesake, mayhem and mischief are sure to follow.
Venture into this collection of adventurous stories by award-winning and up-and-coming authors and see if what happens once . . . happens twice!
Pssst…some characters from Once Upon A Name might make a comeback, but the two sets and all stories in them can be read as standalones.
All proceeds donated to charity in support of reading and literacy.
Today I have the pleasure of talking to Indie Fantasy author and podcaster, Maxx Victor, who is the author of the paranormal romance The Anchor and the Moon series which also has a fairytale twist.
Helen: Welcome Maxx, I am so happy we get to chat about your books today. I was fortunate enough to be interviewed by Maxx on his Indie Author podcast, but today I get to turn the tables and find more about his books. Let’s start with your latest release. Tell us about Hearts and Diamonds.
Maxx: Hearts and diamonds, is part two of my Anchor and the Moon paranormal romance series. It is the continuing story of my two main protagonists Cinder and her love interest Angus (also known as Black because of his black hair and dark features). The series is mainly set in a small beach town called Heathcote which is reminiscent of the beach towns I spent my summers in as a kid with my family. Angus is a dairy farmer who lives on one side of Heathcote and Cinder lives in an old mansion the overlooks the town. While the Anchor and Moon series centres around Cinder and Angus’s relationship, there is also the mystery of the strange creatures that roam the forests around the small beach town. Book one, Cinder and black was inspired by the Cinderella fairy-tale. This book, Hearts and Diamonds, is based on Snow White.
Helen: It’s nice when you can blend locations you know into your story, and have fun with known fairytales which you can give a fantastical twist. Tell us about your cover, the heart shaped tree must have an importance in your story?
Maxx: My good friend Paul Mah designed the cover. The large moon at the centre will appear on all three books of the trilogy. Red is a theme of the book and I’ll explain that more in the next question. I picked the Gold-shadowed text because that seems to be a feature of other books in my genre at the moment. I wanted the forest around the border to look dark and mysterious but the heart silhouette is also a follow on from the cover of book one. (Book one has a surfboard in front of the moon to make an eye shape).
Helen: How did you come up with the title?
Maxx: This book is inspired by Snow white. Both the mother and the daughter in the story are referred to as Red-Queens because of their red hair. The mother is more concerned with power and riches (the Queen of Diamonds) whereas the daughter is driven by love, friendship and compassion (the Queen of Hearts).
Helen: What made you write this particular story?
Maxx: This is the second book in what will be a trilogy. Most of the reading time I have is over the summer. Many years ago while I was reading Twilight at the beach, I begun to imagine what it would be like for there to be a something like that set in one of the small Australian beach towns that I had been vacationing in since I was a child. At the same time, I watched a documentary about Star Wars (My all-time favourite movies). The documentary explained how George Lucas reinvented old tales to create a “Space Opera”. I decided to use fairy tales as the inspiration for my trilogy. Book one was based on Cinderella, as I said this book has Snow White as its inspiration, and book three will have themes from Rumpelstiltskin. From my early teens, I had also been interested in Nephilim, strange superhuman characters mentioned in the bible and wanted to include them in my books. I didn’t realise until after I had published book one that Nephilim are the Shadow Hunters from Cassandra Clare’s books.
Helen: The ‘What if’ scenario is so useful for sparking new ideas. And seeing as most stories have already been written, it’s all about taking what is a known trope and putting your own orignal spin on it. When did you first realise you had a passion for writing?
Maxx: I loved writing stories even as a small child, I still have some of the funny things I wrote. As most writers, I have always enjoyed reading and read an eclectic variety of books. In my teens and early adult life, I wrote a lot of poetry and song lyrics but my passion for story telling returned when my two sons were little. To get them to sleep at night, I would make up funny stories with them as the main characters and they would go on all kinds of adventures. I wrote down some of these stories and others and begun entering local writing competitions. When I won some of these competitions, I decided to try my hand at writing a novel.
Helen: And we are so glad you did! Which element of the writing process do you find most challenging and why?
Maxx: The element I find most challenging is time. I have never been a fast writer and I just don’t have enough time to get all my ideas down.
Helen: There are never enough hours in the day. Which genre do you prefer to write?
Maxx: I guess you could call me a fantasy writer. My short stories are sci-fi/ time travel. I have always imagined what it would be like to go back and change the past or to be in the past with knowledge of the future.
My trilogy is paranormal romance. I didn’t know what paranormal romance was when I started writing them, that is just the genre that fits with my ideas. I also still have some of the children’s stories that I wrote for my kids that I would like to publish in the future.
Helen: I started by writing what I enjoyed reading, which was epic fantasy, but I didn’t write specific tropes, I was writing what I thought should be in the book. I retroactively fitted the tropes to my story, once I realised what I had written! Who first inspired you write?
Maxx: My mother and father. As a child I struggled with dyslexia and found reading and writing a challenge. To help, my father would read to my brother most nights. My mother encouraged me to write journals and ideas. My mother passed away just before I published my first book, but I dedicated it to her. My older sister should also get some of the credit, she gave me the first book in the Narnia chronicles when I was about 10 years old, sparking my love for reading.
Helen: What is the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing?
Maxx: The best thing is seeing that my books appeal to a wide range of people. One of my friends who is in his forties enjoys reading my books, but his 11 year old daughter loves them and is always asking when the next one is out.
Helen: That is so great, reaching across generations. It’s been great chatting with you today, just to close us out, is there a tool you have found useful when writing?
Maxx: I Love Pro-Writing-Aid. I have never been great at punctuation and because of my dyslexia, I am bound to misspell words or put the wrong word in place of another. As for a resource for anyone thinking of self-publishing I am a big fan of Joanna Penn and all the work she does for Indie Authors.
Helen: Oh yes, Joanna Penn and her Creative Pen podcast is a great resource for all Indie authors. Thank you Maxx for joining me today. Wishing you all the best with your books and don’t forget to check out Maxx’s Indie Author podcast for more writing advice and great indie author interviews.
About the Author:
Maxx Victor is an Australian author, musician, and secondary school science teacher, who has achieved award winning success with his short stories. A dedicated husband and proud father of two, he is also highly involved in his local arts community; performing in bands and producing and directing amateur films.
Maxx’s author journey began at a very young age. As a child with dyslexia, reading and writing were a constant struggle. To help, his father implemented the nightly routine of reading Titin and Asterix comics and Biggles books to Maxx and his brother; installing a lifelong passion for reading. Maxx’s mother also encouraged him to write stories (some which he has kept to this day).
During his secondary school years, Maxx unearthed a love for music. He regularly wrote poetry and song lyrics, as well as scripts for plays and short films. Something again sparked the curiosity for writing stories when Maxx’s children were toddlers. He frequently created impromptu, twisted fairy-tale bedtime stories, with his family members as the main characters. Maxx now writes teen fiction and hopes that his writing can inspire young people to be defined by their passions and talents, not by the things that the world will tell them are impairments.
Social Media: Find Maxx’s scocial media links here.
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If you enjoy fantasy romance books then you will love my new release SoulBreather, book one of the SoulMist series, and my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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Helen Garraway 