Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background as an author?
My name is Autumn. I grew up devouring books, reading everything from Stephen King to Shakespeare, John Grisham, Poe, and more. I worked in retail for nearly 20 years while writing my books.
What inspired you to start writing books, and how did you first get into the world of storytelling?
I wrote my first book when I was 14. I grew up loving to read, plus my Gran would tell me stories when I stayed the weekend with her and my Papaw.
It's fascinating that you're an author and also enjoy playing video games. Do you find any connections or influences between your gaming experiences and your writing?
I do write fantasy and prefer to play fantasy games.
You also mentioned your love for reading. Are there any authors or books that have had a significant impact on your writing style or storytelling?
I love JRR Tolkien, and Courting Fate is sort of an homage to him, writing fantasy but in the modern world.
Your books are part of two series: The Courtship Saga and The Stolen Royalty. Could you give us a brief overview of each series and what readers can expect from them?
The Courtship Saga is an 8-book epic fantasy series that needs to be read in order. It starts with Courting Fate, where our protagonist, Ana, is mugged and left for dead. Rafe finds her and saves her life, gets to know her, then reveals the truth that will change her life forever. The Stolen Royalty Series is a series of standalone fairytale retellings. They can be read in any order. Kingdom of Forgotten Curses is the first book in that series, and it is a gothic Beauty & the Beast retelling with a dash of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Writing a book is a significant undertaking. How do you balance your personal life, including your happy marriage, with your writing career?
My husband is my biggest supporter, and I write during the day while he is at his job. I work some in the evenings and weekends, but I make time to spend with him. We enjoy playing video games together and watching movies.
Many authors draw inspiration from their own experiences and relationships. Have elements of your marriage or personal life found their way into your books?
Ana in Courting Fate is based on me, with her battles with anxiety and C-PTSD. Writing her story and her healing literally saved my own life.
What is your writing process like? Do you have any particular routines or rituals that help you get into the creative mindset?
I have a routine. I take care of my dogs and have breakfast, knock out any housework that needs done, then I sit down to write.
Your first book in The Stolen Royalty series is coming out this October. Can you provide a sneak peek or teaser about what readers can anticipate in this new series?
Kingdom of Forgotten Curses released last month, and it has received amazing feedback. It is a story with enemies-to-lovers, fated mates, forced proximity, magic, and more!
How do you come up with the ideas for your books and series? Is there a specific source of inspiration that you can pinpoint?
Courting Fate started as a short story I was going to write for my 40th birthday. Six month later, I had over a million words and an 8-book series. Kingdom of Forgotten Curses started because of a tweet. A literary press asked: If you could add horror to an existing literary work, what would it be? I said, Beauty & the Beast meets Dracula. KoFC ended up more paranormal romance than horror, but it is a beautiful, gothic story.
As both a writer and a reader, what genres do you enjoy the most, and do you incorporate elements from these genres into your own work?
I love reading romantic fantasy and stories with HEAs. I try to ensure that in my own work.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are looking to balance their personal life and writing ambitions?
Finding that balance can be tricky, but the main thing is not to put too much pressure on yourself.
Can you share any anecdotes or memorable moments from your writing journey that have left a lasting impression on you?
While I was writing Courting Eternity, I ended up sick with a head cold and asked my husband to get milk on his way home from work. He ran into our local Walgreens, and they had a plush red dragon on the shelf. He bought it for me, because he knew the book I was writing had a small, red dragon in it.
Are there any upcoming projects or books beyond The Stolen Royalty series that you're excited about and can give us a glimpse of?
Courting Eternity (book 3) comes out next month. I am so excited to continue with Ana and Rafe’s story, and my readers keep asking for more. I am currently writing the first draft of Book 2 of The Stolen Royalty Series, and it will be published in Oct 2024. Beyond that, I do have an urban paranormal romance in the works, but it probably won’t be out until 2025.
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?
I’ve really enjoyed working with AllAuthor. They are so supportive and have great features, like making review gifs and promos. I can’t recommend them enough!
