 1) As an author, do you write neurodivergent characters?
I think so, but I’m not sure if I have directly mentioned any kind of neurodivergency in my writing, but I’ve written several characters that are at least partly me, and I’m AuDHD. 2) How does your neurodivergency impact your writing? Sometimes, I have a hard time sitting down to write because I feel like I have too many options to work on. I have a hard time motivating myself without hard deadlines. 3) What aspects of neurodivergency do you wish were more mainstream and that more people understood? ADHD; so many people think it’s just being easily distracted and that Adderall is a fix-all for it. 4) Do you have any other neurodivergent authors that you would recommend? M Leigh Morhaime 5) What are you working on next? A few anthology pieces, some poetry books, hopefully a collab with my best author friend, and a thousand other WIPs
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 1) As an author, do you write neurodivergent characters?
I have started writing neuro divergent characters recently as I only discovered I was AuDHD in the last few years. That being said, I think a lot of my characters had ADHD or Autistic traits without me realizing it. My most recent character has ADHD and she discovers she is the new Keeper for a magical library. That is under my pen name Addison Sinclair. 2) What types of neurodivergency have you included in your work? ADHD as I said, but I have also I included Autism in a character for a short story. I do plan on expanding that into a series at some point. 3) How does your neurodivergency impact your writing? It can be very chaotic with my ADHD. Especially with deadlines. I struggle some days to write anything, and then other days I go into hyper focus and I can write for hours. I do love my imagination and I know it is partly because of my AuDHD. I have hyperphantasia too which allows me to play out stories in my head like a movie. 4) What aspects of neurodivergency do you wish were more mainstream and that more people understood? That it doesn't have a specific look and everyone deserves understanding. Too many people assume that people must look or act a certain way if they are neuro divergent. They don't understand how it affects people and how distressing some situations can be. We have a world of knowledge at our fingertips and I would encourage everyone to read up on it. To listen to people's stories so they are aware of why someone may respond a certain way. 5) Do you have any other neurodivergent authors that you would recommend? S. L. Sinclair, Lily Luchesi, Sarina Langer, Brigitte Ann Thomas - to name a few but there are so many out there. 6) What are you working on next? I am working on a new story that is very loosely based on Alice in Wonderland. The main character is sent to another world where she has to fight to survive. I hope to release it later this year.  1) As an author, do you write neurodivergent characters? I do, but for the longest time, it was by accident. One of my current main characters, Esta (of A Dream of Death and Magic ‘fame’), had ADHD before I knew she got it from me! She was also queer before I realized she got that from me, too, but that’s another interview. I’m currently writing Book 16 (I think?). I’m sure if I went back over all previous characters, I’d find other examples, but there are a lot of them, and I didn’t pay any attention to neurodiversity representation at the time—I just figured I didn’t have the right since I totally wasn’t neurodiverse myself *ahem*. I was diagnosed with ADHD last year August and have since been put on the autism waiting list, so I haven’t known for long. Now that I do, I can represent with purpose. 2) What types of neurodivergency have you included in your work? I’m sure more of my main characters than Esta have ADHD, but I’d have go back over every character I’ve ever written to know for sure. I’m pretty sure several characters have anxiety. There’ll be more in the future, but plotting (and writing and worldbuilding and editing and—) takes time. 3) How does your neurodivergency impact your writing? Honestly, a lot, and it’s on both ends of the spectrum and everywhere in between. It took me years to figure out a balance and compromise with myself that works—something that has enough structure for me to know where I’m going but with enough flexibility that I can flail all over the place. Every writer has days where they feel like they can’t write. For me, it’s not a choice on those days, and it took me a long time to accept that I have no control over it. If my brain says no, it’s a non-negotiable no. Fighting it only makes the executive disfunction worse and makes me feel terrible (cue the ‘why can’t I just do it??’ guilt), so instead, I take the day off now so my brain can rest as it wants/needs to. I’m getting better at not feeling guilty about that, too, but it’s an ongoing journey. My actual writing works the same. I’ve always said that I’m neither a plotter nor a pantser, because I’m a bit of both. I need the structure and direction a plot and outline give me, but I need the freedom to explore and to leave the path that pantsing lets me have. It’s nice to know I can’t lose my way entirely when I write no matter how far I wander. My plot will still be there to guide me back if I get lost. I usually have more than one series on the go at once, because it’s crucial I switch projects between books. If I work on the same series book after book without a change of scenery, I burn out. Hard. I need the distraction of a different series between drafts and books so my brain can enjoy Shiny New Project syndrome or the process starts to feel too rigid and I move too far in the other direction, where I can’t do anything at all. I also need to know what I’m coming back to or there’s too much freedom. It might sound chaotic or non-sensical to some (though personally I really don’t think it is), but I’ve learned to trust the process over the years. My first book is 10 this year. I’ve had a lot of time to adjust how I work and lean into my neurodiversity rather than fight it, even before I knew what was going on. And I’m fairly confident I wouldn’t have written 16 books in 10 years without hyperfocus. That may not seem like a huge number compared to other authors, but I take a lot of time over each book, making sure the characters are heard, the story is told right, I understand the world correctly, etc—and all that is after the initial idea collecting, the figuring out, the plotting. I let every book rest for at least a month (preferably longer) before I start the First Big Edit. Then there are professional editing rounds, beta versions, sometimes I share the alpha version, final readthroughs… My cover designer and formatter need time, too. Don’t get me started on the research. I can’t knock out a new book every three months. It takes time for me to craft my books. So, 16 books in 10 years might not be a lot to some, but for me, it absolutely is, and hyperfocus made it possible. 4) What aspects of neurodivergency do you wish were more mainstream and that more people understood? I’ve seen the take that it’s trendy to have ADHD or autism right now. Sit down and listen. There’s nothing cute or instagrammable about literally being unable to do The Thing. There’s a reason both are categorized as disabilities – because for me, when executive disfunction kicks in (generally without warning and without my permission), it feels like the part of my brain I need has been shut off, and no, I can’t just turn it back on again. Having lost your keys once happens to everyone. Needing to put your own belongings in your own way, physically, so you have to step on them because you don’t remember they exist otherwise every time does not. It’s not ‘everyone seems to have ADHD and autism these days’. It’s ‘people are finally getting diagnosed correctly.’ I’m 36 now, and I was just as AuDHD-tastic 30 years ago, when no one cared to notice my symptoms – but if they had, it would have made a huge difference, if not to my schools then to myself. ‘I might know that I need to do my accounts, sort out my laundry, or catch up on emails, but sometimes, my brain just won’t let me. This isn’t me being lazy or difficult or trying to get out of something; it’s me struggling against my brain, trying to figure out how to do something I’m just not wired to do.’ (Unmasked, by Ellie Middleton) 5) Do you have any other neurodivergent authors that you would recommend? I will never not recommend Nicole Eigener’s books. If you love dark, romantic, gothic, queer vampires, her books are for you. Charlie Knight also deserves a shout-out for their incredibly readable queer romances and seafaring adventures. I’d also recommend SK Gregory’s books, but you’re already on her blog, so I probably don’t need to tell you. 6) What are you working on next? I can finally turn my attention to a series I’ve been desperate to write for a few years now. All other projects are now out of the way. I’m writing dark epic fantasy again, folks <3 The project has changed significantly to when I first had the idea several Christmases ago (it also has nothing at all to do with Christmas, but sometimes, when we give our brains a much-needed break, they come up with good stuff), and I’m excited to finally (not sorry for the repetition, by the way – finally finally finally) dive in properly, do all the world-building, really get to know my seven POV characters, figure out the plot. It’s been a lot of fun, and there’s so much left to do. Watch this space (well, not this space, that’s Sam’s; watch my space, on my website or my newsletter).  Sarina Langer is a dark fantasy author of both epic and urban paranormal novels. Her characters knew she's queer (demi and pan) and has ADHD before she did (and they didn't say *anything* to her!).
She’s as obsessed with books and stationery now as she was as a child, when she drowned her box of colour pencils in water so they wouldn’t die and scribbled her first stories on corridor walls. (‘A first sign of things to come’, according to her mother. ‘Normal toddler behaviour’, according to Sarina.) In her free time she usually reads one audiobook, one ebook, and one paperback (one for every occasion), plays video games, and obsesses over mythology. She has a weakness for books on writing and pretty words. (Specificity, anyone? Or perhaps nebulous?) Sarina lives with her partner in the south of England.  Everyone knows not to venture down Cooper Street... Ella has always been curious about the supernaturals who came out to the rest of the world eight years ago. Allocated areas in the city, humans stay away from Cooper Street, the edge of the Fae district. But a chance encounter with a hot werewolf, and dealing with a cheating boyfriend, push Ella to find out more. The Fae district is like nothing she has ever seen before. Feeling free and uninhibited, Ella finds she has more in common with the supernaturals than the humans. Unfortunately, her father plans on driving them out for good. Now Ella must choose - stick with her own kind, or start a new life with the supernaturals. Which side will she choose? A Paranormal Romance short story of 16k words. 18+ due to sexual scenes. REVIEW
A great short story wwithsome memorable characters. Highly recommended. 4.5 stars out of 5  A pulsating YA murder mystery set in an escape-room themed game show by Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, and Tamara Moss, acclaimed author of the Lintang series. Perfect for fans of One of Us is Lying and The Inheritance Games. It's all fun, puzzles and games until someone ends up dead... Six months ago, season four of the hugely popular reality TV show THE ESCAPE GAME ended in horror when contestant Alicia Angelos was found murdered in the escape room on set. Now season five is underway, and new contestants are ready to put their skills to the test solving the show's trickiest escape rooms. There's Adi, the cryptographer; Carter, the math whiz influencer; Beck, the escape room enthusiast and wannabe game master, and . . . Sierra Angelos, the girl who got away with her sister's murder. Or so everyone believes. But Sierra's not just here to win. She's here for justice . . . and revenge. As the contestants progress through the rounds, they begin uncovering clues that hint at the identity of Alicia's true killer: the stakes aren't just high in this competition, they're deadly. If these teens want to escape, win and survive, they must solve the biggest mystery of all: who killed Alicia Angelos? REVIEW
A twisty story with a great cast. This was an entertaining read that keeps you guessing. 4 out of 5 stars  After discovering she's an heiress to a billion-dollar corporation, seventeen-year-old Liliana finds herself at a new boarding school where she must navigate secret societies and a deadly competition. Not to mention two handsome boys. The Reappearance of Rachel Price meets The Inheritance Games series in this new YA thriller from bestselling author Kelley Armstrong. In the wake of her mother's death, Liliana Chamberlain's estranged (and very wealthy) grandparents swoop in. Or their lawyer does. Her grandparents aren't ready to meet her, but they want her to have the life her mother walked away from, starting with Westdale Academy, the elite boarding school her mother attended. It should be a Cinderella dream come true, but Lili has serious misgivings. Yet she doesn't have a choice, being under eighteen and dead broke. Westdale Academy is a school of secrets as well as intriguing classmates, including Hollywood golden boy Theo Dubois and the mysterious Maddox Moreno. As she gets to know them all, Lili realizes there's more to the school than elite-level networking. Something deadly. For the new girl at school, investigating the deaths of past students — including Maddox's own sister — is a very dangerous game. Do those deaths have something to do with why her mother fled Westdale at the cost of her inheritance? When a fun night out turns bloody, Theo is the prime suspect, and Liliana must race against time to connect the past with the present and discover the truth behind her inheritance. Review
A young woman is offered the chance to attend a prestigious academy, but it soon leads to danger as she gets in over her head. She is in a world she knows nothing about and disturbing the status quo is not something you want to be caught doing. This was a well written, page turner that i really enjoyed. 4.5 stars out of 5 
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Cemmy was an interesting character to follow. She has lost a lot and is struggling, but she has a gift that could change everything. The story moved at a good pace and there were a few twists along the way. Highly recommend. 4 out of 5 stars.  1) What Wiccan Sabbat are you writing about, and why were you drawn to it? We are featuring Ostara, and it is enticing because it represents a time of balance, renewal, and the awakening of nature after winter. While winter is beautiful (Sian certainly thinks so), spring brings new life and an energy where you feel like you can accomplish anything. 2) Tell us about your story. Our story is set in Saxonville and follows a novice witch and her accidental oopsie of a spell. Trying to bless her new endeavors, she accidentally magicks a love connection into the blessing. Recovering from a bad breakup, the last thing she needs is the attention of a super hot alpha werewolf, but with spring and her magick in the air, that’s exactly what she’s dealing with. 3) Did you learn anything interesting while researching your story? We learnt a lot about the various kinds of herbs used for Ostara blessings and the things they are associated with. We also researched an actual house that was listed as our setting, which was fun. Sian learnt a lot about fated mates, which was a first for her. 4) If you could cast a spell (and hopefully it didn’t go wrong!), what spell would you cast? Sian would cast an abundance spell. She gives in abundance, and it would be nice to receive in abundance. Toni would concentrate on health—many people need it. 5) What are you working on next? As Rebecca Quill, we’re toying with the idea of turning this into a series. In the meantime, Sian is working on a contemporary romance (the third book in her Edgestone Parlor series as J.E. Black), and Toni is working on a NA fantasy series, which is the follow-on series to the Elemental Trilogy.  Rebecca Quill is a writing team comprising international best-selling fantasy author Toni Cox and international best-selling horror author Sian B. Claven.
Best friends, they decided that joining writing journeys was just the next step in their ever-evolving friendship. When not on the phone with each other, Toni can be found lounging around with her husband, reading juicy paranormal stories, and crocheting while Sian is being held captive by her mad dog and two psycho cats, all while she tries to build Lego.  1) What Wiccan Sabbat are you writing about and why were you drawn to it? My story happens on the Wiccan Sabbat of Lammas/Lughnasadh. The fact that it’s celebrated in my birth month (August) makes this Sabbat special to me. And, as a fan of Patricia Briggs’ Mercedes Thompson series, I have a particular fondness for Lugh. 2) Tell us about your story Although Evie Zaytsev comes from a line of healers, she’s only been able to access healing magic for a few years. In this story, she has the opportunity to develop and stretch her healing ability, but the small issue of liability insurance keeps her from realizing her dream. Evie’s primary magic is Illusion, and knowing that Lugh is a trickster god, she creates an illusion spell on Lughnasadh, that she hopes will get her past the insurance hurdle. Unfortunately, Lugh gets the last laugh with her spell. 3) Did you learn anything interesting while researching your story? In addition to being a warrior and skilled craftsman—which I knew, I learned Lugh also has healing and sorcery skills. Which I thought aligned well with my story. 4) If you could cast a spell (and hopefully it didn't go wrong!) what spell would you cast? If there was a spell granting me patience I’d cast it in a heartbeat! 5) What are you working on next? I’m working on another Evie and Neviah story, which I hope to publish this fall.  When not daydreaming about plot lines and characters Andra practices yoga, reads voraciously, and drinks too much coffee. She loves road trips and going off on wild tangents. Andra writes in multiple genres—including but not limited to—urban fantasy, steamy romance, paranormal romance, and horror.
https://www.andradill.com 1) What Wiccan Sabbat are you writing about and why were you drawn to it? I’m part of the Beltane stories, and I’m happy I got to do this one, because spring is my favourite season, but Beltane also coincides with the German Walpurgis Night, which is when all the witches gather on the Brocken for a dance – it’s a very local celebration, but great fun! There’s actually a little twist in my story. Because I’m living in New Zealand and this story will be part of my New Zealand witch adventures, Beltane is actually taking place in October, NZ spring, so be prepared for some “reversed” months 😉 2) Tell us about your story Witching with Bunnies is the story of an Earth witch located in Christchurch, who’s trying to help the city heal after a devastating earthquake (real background by the way), but struggles with trauma. She’s joined by the good-looking neighbour, a matter-of-fact geologist, and her four (!) bunny familiars, who are the real stars of the story. Fun fact, all bunnies used to be or currently are our family’s pets. I included them for a way to honour their memory. 3) Did you learn anything interesting while researching your story? There wasn’t actually much research specifically for this novel. I am a trained geologist myself, and I’ve lived through the Christchurch earthquake and am an immigrant like my protagonist. Plus the bunnies are literally ours. So, this story pulls from several bits of my life that I’m already very familiar with, plus adding some magic that I’m not so familiar with (in real life, at least). 4) If you could cast a spell (and hopefully it didn't go wrong!) what spell would you cast? Oh, I’d probably cast some house cleaning spell, so I don’t have to bother with that on top of everything else. Or maybe a spell to make me a meal plan and associated grocery list each week. That’d be nice. 5) What are you working on next? Sooo much! I’ve just completed a big series, but I’m working on another long-running urban fantasy series and will start a new one soon. But I have two projects that I’m really excited about. One is a Kickstarter for another series, and the other is finally launching my Dark Fantasy penname. I decided to focus on urban fantasy first, but I’ve written a lot of dark fantasy books over the years that I can’t wait to publish at last. Oh, and hopefully, there’ll be two more “Witching with ..:” titles to complete the elemental set (P.S.: the first one is Witching with Dolphins and they’re all independently read)  Setting out from Europe, Janna Ruth loves filling her travels with supernatural adventures. Whether befriending ghosts in Paris, monster hunting in Germany, or discovering fire spirits in Italy, there's always some magic in the real world places of her urban fantasy. Her books are packed with supernatural action, local folklore, and European flavour.
When she's not planning her next trip or travelling via her stories, she enjoys hanging upside down in aerial silks, decorating (book) cakes, and finding new arts & craft hobbies to obsess about. Janna's travels eventually led her to the other side of the world, but she remains a European at heart. She currently lives in Wellington, New Zealand with her husband, three kids, and bunnies. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJannaRuth |
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About the Author:S. K. Gregory is an author, editor and blogger. She currently resides in Northern Ireland. “Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the reader’s.” 
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