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See the Light Again

All I See Are Dark Clouds follows a vampire filled with guilt over the death of her best friend who now dedicates her life to helping other nonhumans adapt to life in the human world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I always had 3 stories in mind. All I See Are Dark Clouds was different as I knew exactly what I wanted to portray, grief. Not only did I want to portray grief, but also how one can eventually overcome a dark time and be able to see the light again even if they don’t think they deserve it.

Cammie struggles with her past and how to live her life now as a vampire. Is your main character someone you would get along with usually?

Back in The Darkest Side of the Moon when Camille is introduced, she is a typical teenage girl full of drama that at times can be a turnoff. Now in All I See Are Dark Clouds, Camille, or Cammie, is a shell of herself who generally pushes others away, but has matured beyond her years. Her maturity would be someone I would get along with, if she would let me in.

How do you balance the demands of writing with other responsibilities?

Determination and commitment. I’ve started many writing projects in the past that I never finished. COVID-19 helped me get back in the writing seat when there weren’t many places to go, and I found myself working from home which is why I incorporated the true event into All I See Are Dark Clouds. Learned a lot about myself and writing style in the process as well as gained the confidence to share my stories.

What would you advise young writers trying to build a publishing history or an author platform?

It takes a lot of patience and time. There are many lessons to learn along the way. It’s not about the end goal, selling an abundance of books, it’s about the journey and the steps one takes outside of their comfort zone that allows one to learn and grow.

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I used to tell my best friend, through thick and thin, I’d always have her six and then I was the one who stabbed her in the back. I have to live with that regret every day, which is why I chose to drink animal blood. Chose to be weak against my nature. I am a vampire. A creature of the dark. A shadow in the night. Dark clouds surround me everywhere I go as I try to find my place in this eternal world. I’m supposed to find forgiveness in myself. I don’t think I can ever forgive myself even if my best friend dared me to. The only thing I can do with this curse is use it for something good. Try to help others. Try to view it as a gift. I’m trying, but I can’t stop living in the past. Can’t stop seeing that moment when life changed for me forever. Can’t get untangled from that punishing part I try hard to forget, but it’s always there haunting me.

Posted in Interviews

All I See Are Dark Clouds

Oct 3

Posted by Literary Titan

In M.C. Ryder’s riveting novel, All I See Are Dark Clouds, readers delve deep into Cammie’s world, a once-human now-turned-vampire grappling with a traumatic past that included her transformation against her will, horrifying tortures, and the agonizing guilt of inadvertently killing her best friend, Nadine. In an endeavor to find some semblance of peace, Cammie follows a poignant personal mantra, “What Would Nadine Do?” while juggling two jobs and aiding fellow vampires as they introduce their werewolf counterparts to human life.

A striking feature of this novel is its take on werewolves. Deviating from the typical narrative of humans grappling with a beastly transformation, here we find beasts learning the art of becoming human. This nuanced role reversal facilitates intriguing scenarios where the werewolves embark on a journey of understanding and adopting human nuances.

Ryder’s portrayal of trauma, particularly as a result of the assault, is done with sensitivity and depth, illuminating the resilience of a character like Cammie, who, despite her strength, continues to grapple with her haunting past. The interweaving of the real-life horror of the COVID pandemic into a fantastical setting is both innovative and heartrending, emphasizing the powerlessness even immortals feel in the face of such widespread human suffering. Amid the tumultuous emotions and epic battles, there are moments of tenderness, such as the supernatural beings rallying to celebrate a human’s birthday and impending childbirth.

A particularly evocative touch is how the ever-changing sky and its clouds mirror the unfolding events, seamlessly binding the book’s title to its narrative. While I enjoyed the story, I felt there was an initial ambiguity regarding Cammie’s identity that might momentarily puzzle readers. Additionally, I felt the transitions between tranquillity and high drama can be pronounced at times throughout the story.

If narratives infused with the fantastical elements reminiscent of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Twilight, or The Mortal Instruments captivate you, this book is poised to be a delight. With raw depictions of trauma, innovative creature dynamics, and moments both heartwarming and heartbreaking, All I See Are Dark Clouds offers a compelling read.

Pages: 516 | ASIN : B0CD41GY5Q