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I Gave Each An Essential Flaw
A Sinister Love follows a demon in Purgatory who is fired from her desk job and sent to Earth as a Sinister whose job is to make a human sin and condemn his soul to Hell. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had several inspirations which all hit at different times. One of the main ones came from a webcomic. I used to read them voraciously, and I once came across one where one of the main villains was essentially teddy-bear-Satan with two succubi at his sides at all times. Unfortunately, that’s about all I can now remember from it. But I do recall a single frame where one of the succubus girls stayed behind and looked at the main character with a blush on her face, which got my mind thinking.
A lot of the setup was influenced by C.S. Lewis, in particular “The Screwtape Letters” and “The Great Divorce.” The former was essentially written as a group of letters from a demon to his subordinate, directing him on how to properly tempt a human. When I put these two ideas together, a succubus in love and a demon rookie being shown the ropes, it led to more and more of the story forming around it.
Another inspiration was a line from a They Might Be Giants song about the singer being the “nicest of the damned.” This is where I came up with the idea of Scribble, the main character in my novel, being the demon that was closest to making it to Heaven.
I enjoyed the depth of the main character, Scribble. What was your process to bring that character to life?
I wanted all the characters to undertake a journey, to change. For the demons, I gave each an essential flaw that caused them to fall from grace, and Scribble’s flaw was cowardice. So I knew from the get-go that she had to overcome this throughout the course of the story. I also wanted her to be able to connect with both the reader and her love interest, Paul. The one thing that linked them all was reading itself, which opened up her past and helped guide her interactions with Paul. She had to know enough about humans to get by on Earth, but be ignorant of enough things that her naivety would be charming. Finally, she became a good tool for Rotworm (her mentor) and Surli (her digital assistant) to provide essential information to the reader without making it boring or expository. Beyond that, I wanted it to sound like my female lead was written the way she would want to be written.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
I’m definitely a plotter! I used a variety of methods while writing this novel before I found what really works best for me. It also underwent about a dozen revisions and has changed a lot since the first draft. I always knew, for instance, that I wanted to turn your typical romance on its head by making it so that the only way Scribble can truly love Paul is by giving up loving him, but it was only in the final draft that I realized how the story needed to end. That said, there were definitely times when the story or characters did things I hadn’t planned. But I like to say, “There are no such things as plot holes, only plot opportunities.” A lot of the fun was solving a plot hole in such a way that it ended up returning in a natural way to the plot.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
I have a second book, “Fate & Fortune,” with an editor right now. I am hoping to launch a Kickstarter for it in August and release it before the end of the year. It is about a young man named Alex who made a deal with Lady Luck and her sister Dame Destiny to change his fate and reverse his fortune. After years of success, though, he discovers that this means he will never be with his soul mate, Amanda, who is engaged to a malignant narcissist. So he is given the opportunity to go back and relive any point in his life in an attempt to undo this and win her back, but for every second he spends reliving life, he loses a second at the end of it. As he starts running out of time, he has to come to terms with the possibility that he can’t save her from an abusive relationship without giving her up himself.
I have a third book, “A Date with Destiny,” ready for revisions and I hope it will be out next year. It continues the story of Alex and Amanda. Alex goes missing and Amanda discovers he is in the world of Lady Luck and Destiny, being hunted by a monster. Now she has to fight to save him, but starts to learn secrets of his past that could cause Dame Destiny to be banished from their world.
However, the sequel to “A Sinister Love”, entitled, “A Sinister Hope,” has been plotted out and is currently being written. In it, we find out who Rotworm’s real master is and only Scribble and Paul can stop him from causing the end of the world, but Paul has forgotten her and Scribble is reunited with her old flame. It will lead into the third installment, “A Sinister Faith.” I hope to have them out in 2025 and 2026.
Author Interview: GoodReads | Amazon
With the help of her mentor, Rotworm, she borrows the body of a succubus to tempt him better; however, she soon starts falling in love with him instead. She must make a decision—give in to her desires and damn him to Hell, or surrender love for the sake of love.
But when she finds out what happened to Paul’s former Sinister, a mystery unfolds, pointing to a foul scheme that puts everyone in danger. On top of that, Scribble and Paul must deal with their dark pasts before they can move forward. With time running out and both Heaven and Hell after them, can Scribble stop a demon Prince before it’s too late… without losing Paul?
PULSE
In Pulse, J.Z. York presents an imaginative fusion of military precision, scientific intrigue, and fantasy. This debut novel introduces Staff Sergeant Grace Woods, a cryptographer who immerses herself in work to cope with her family’s loss. Her existence takes an unexpected turn when a cataclysmic electromagnetic pulse propels her into a parallel universe dominated by Fae. This new world, echoing the fantastical stories once told by her grandmother, captivates and challenges her in equal measure.
York excels in world-building, crafting a parallel realm with precision and flair. The environments are vivid, drawing readers into a universe where magic mirrors the functionality of electricity in our world—a clever twist that enhances the believability of the fantastical elements. The transition between worlds is handled with finesse, providing a seamless narrative experience. The plot advances at a measured pace, deftly balancing action, suspense, and character development. Grace’s evolution from a grief-stricken soldier to a pivotal figure in an unfamiliar world is depicted with depth and sincerity. Her interactions, particularly with the skeptical Fae authorities who see her as a potential threat, are portrayed with a realism that underscores the narrative’s emotional stakes. York not only spins a tale of adventure but also weaves in profound themes of humanity, fate, and destiny. As Grace confronts the pattern of loss that haunts her, the story probes philosophical questions, elevating it beyond mere escapism. The novel also reflects on contemporary societal challenges, using its fantasy elements to explore issues such as resilience and adaptation.
Pulse is a standout novel that deftly combines elements of science fiction and fantasy. It offers a fresh perspective within the genres, bolstered by York’s adept blend of detailed military knowledge and rich imaginative storytelling. This book will appeal to enthusiasts of both genres and marks J.Z. York as a promising new voice worth following. I look forward to her future works with great anticipation.
Pages: 332 | ASIN : B0BWR7FV6B
The Rise of the Raidin
Jennifer Monroe seems like an ordinary eighteen-year-old girl, living a typical, uneventful life with a small circle of friends. That is, until her world is upended by the arrival of two imposing men, a goofball, a werewolf, and two large four-legged creatures about a year ago. This encounter sets the stage for an extraordinary journey. Now, Jennifer leads a double life. By day, she is just a high school student. By night, she transforms into a dragon slayer and a fierce warrior in training. But her worlds collide in a spectacular way when a dragon crashes into her high school.
The Rise of the Raidin, by Susan L. Markoff, masterfully blends the realms of fantasy with the mundane, creating a captivating and thrilling narrative. The book is beautifully illustrated by Gabrielle Ragusi and Michaella Barnum, which enhances the immersive experience of this “not so average” teenager’s adventures. The story itself is engaging, exciting, and visually stimulating. Even without the illustrations, Markoff’s vivid descriptions allow readers to vividly imagine the world she has crafted.
The narration is consistently entertaining, ensuring that the reader’s interest never wanes. The fight scenes are particularly impressive. They are depicted with such realism and perfect pacing that it feels as though you are watching a movie unfold. Jennifer’s character introduction leaves a bit of mystery, sparking curiosity about her background and character development. This intriguing enigma adds depth to the story, making readers eager to learn more about the main character as the plot unfolds.
The Rise of the Raidin is an entertaining read with extraordinary world-building. The story stays with you long after you’ve finished it. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling fantasy adventure.
Pages: 369 | ASIN : B09GNVDWMS
Torn
Vizard: An Ember Files Side Story follows a courageous thirteen-year-old girl whose entire family has been murdered and who must now go into hiding to survive. What inspired the setup of your story?
Juniper Berry is a character that’s in every novel in The Ember Files series, although this isn’t immediately apparent to the reader because lives her life in various guises. She is a master of disguise—a vizard—and she’s secretive, which gives her an air of mystery. Her story formed in my mind while I was writing Chimera and Curses. As I was writing, I realized there were a lot of unknowns about her that readers would be curious about and that there was more to her character that I still wanted to create and share. So, I marked the idea of her story with a working title—Torn—to be written as a prequel toThe Ember Files.
Juniper is forced to grow up quickly when her family is killed. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I don’t consciously write with ideals and tropes in mind. With Vizard, I wanted to create a strong heroine whose strength came from deep inside her, giving her resilience and determination. Love, justice, and compassion are some ideals that Juniper Berry struggles with before they become an ingrained part of her personality.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Family, as a theme, runs through the entire Ember Files series. Juniper Berry’s experience of family is complicated: tangled with love, justice, and revenge. As a result, the paradigm of good versus evil is a theme that is built right into Juniper Berry’s internal struggles and growth; there is potential in her character to become either. The possibility for these extremes within her is part of what drives her and the story. I picked the working title, Torn, to write this story under because it described Juniper Berry and the struggles of her life. It represents being pulled apart, being uncertain, and the conflict between those uncertainties with the extreme being a woman who lives multiple lives wearing a disguise.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
Juniper Berry’s story leads into the first book in The Ember Files, The Ember Stone, which occurs forty years after Vizard. Although Juniper Berry is no longer the main character, bits of her story continue to be revealed in the next books—the last book in the series is scheduled for release in July. The events and characters throughout the series intertwine with her story.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
A brutal deed forever alters the rules of survival.
Few Spellbinders know of the kill list’s existence; a list that marks multiple families for death. In the wake of one savage attack, there’s a survivor. Juniper Berry, a thirteen-year-old girl, without options, enters a cloak-and-dagger life—forced to care for herself. She plots a course of retribution. Her plan lands her in a world of intrigues and hazards that threaten to overwhelm the already unstable facts of her identity. As Juniper Berry’s noose tightens around her enemies, fate continues to take swings. What begins as a relationship of necessity becomes so much more—an unfortunate pattern—and Juniper Berry finds herself torn between irreconcilable lives.
Vizard: An Ember Files Side Story (The Ember Files)
In Vizard: An Ember Files Side Story, author Shari Marshall crafts a suspenseful narrative around Juniper Berry, a young girl entangled in a web of vengeance and survival. The story begins in the aftermath of a harrowing attack, with Juniper emerging as the sole survivor. This tragedy propels her into a dangerous world where she must navigate a complex web of secrets and peril.
The book’s central theme of resilience against overwhelming odds resonates deeply. Juniper’s character is intricately portrayed, allowing readers to journey with her through challenges and triumphs. This emotional depth not only endears Juniper to the reader but also adds a layer of realism to her extraordinary circumstances. Marshall excels in creating a character who is not merely a passive participant in her story but an active pursuer of justice. Marshall’s narrative pacing is a standout feature, skillfully balancing suspenseful action with moments of introspection. This equilibrium keeps the storyline engaging, drawing readers into Juniper’s world and holding their attention until the final page. The vivid descriptions and imaginative setting further enhance the reading experience, crafting an intriguing and relatable world.
Vizard is a well-rounded novel offering a blend of intrigue, emotion, and adventure. It invites readers into a fantastical realm where themes of identity, determination, and the strength of the human spirit are explored. This book is a noteworthy addition to the fantasy genre, offering a compelling read for those who appreciate stories of adversity and triumph.
Pages: 198 | ASIN : B0CH5KYY44
Strong Line Between Good and Evil
In Joseph’s Coat, evil enters the home of a young couple when they adopt an orphan following the loss of their own baby. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had written the MC years ago, but I knew something was missing, untold. I finally, after about nine years, realized the MC’s story needed to begin with his childhood. And his situation just created itself, if that makes sense. LOL.
I felt this story was very well written. What’s your experience as a writer?
Thank you! I’m honored for you to say that. I’ve written since I was small. Sketching comic strip-style stories as a way to tell these stories. Then, during high school, I started to actually write them instead of sketching them. And have not been able to stop. I’ve had three novels/novellas that were published for which the contracts expired. Joseph’s Coat is my first novel since 2015.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I love this question. I’m not sure I ever had guidelines for emotions or morals. It all seemed to dictate itself. I did want to create a couple, though, who were deeply in love enough to withstand the pain of loss, and grief, and yet allow them high emotion that I hoped was real and relatable and, most of all, very human. As for morals, each character dictated their own if that makes sense. And, now that you mention it, maybe subconsciously incorporate a strong line between good and evil where, of course, the goodness of humanity would triumph.
Can you give readers a glimpse inside book 2? When can fans expect to see it released?
Oh, this has been a trial! I had planned to skip in years for the child in the story to be much older; however, I felt I was missing too much of his history that ought to be told. SO…Book Two will be the growth of the newly adopted child in his new environment and a new antagonist to be introduced, this time one who will be a highly trusted friend who will be a huge threat to the family. And I’m working on it now, hoping to finish by the end of this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Amazon
Brooklyn, New York. 1924.
Giovanni and Kate Di Paolo are a young, affluent couple. They are wildly in love, devoted to each other, but are mourning the death of their infant son.
When Kate volunteers at Saint Hyacinth’s Orphanage, she is especially drawn to one of the orphans.
Enrico.
He entered the orphanage with no last name, no history. A mysterious child, strange but gifted, teased by the other children with the Italian name, Jettatore—evil eye, one who brings bad luck.
With Enrico’s arrival into their world, the Di Paolos’ lives will be altered forever. Secrets will be exposed. Entities of evil and darkness will battle light. Love will be tested, especially when the biggest mystery of all is revealed.
The advent of this enigma could bring the curse of division and further loss, or it could be the force to bring healing, acceptance, answers to prayers which had never been spoken.
Something Magical Just Around the Corner
Precise Oaths follows a woman with paranormal abilities and part of the spider-kin who is questioned about the deaths of six soldiers from spider venom. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A lot of the series involves military folks from Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg, the oldest military base in the U.S. That long history becomes an integral part of the plot, and part of the love interest, Colonel Bennett’s, back story. Also, since special units like Delta Force are housed there, it seemed like a logical place for a unit of soldiers meant to fight genuinely “special” threats.
Being accused of murder was an impossible to ignore reason for Liliana to be forced from her comfortable near shut-in life, out into the wild world. Proving her innocence, solving a murder mystery, and saving a new friend from getting killed are all challenges that Liliana would never have imagined she could handle, until she does.
With so many unique and interesting characters in your story, what character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Liliana is always my favorite. I love seeing through her unique vision a world just slightly askew. She is also my chance to show how mysterious and difficult I have always found many things people take for granted. For instance, I have often wondered why it hurts less sometimes to break a bone than it does to stub your toe. Why do people sometimes say the opposite of what they mean, yet everyone understands them perfectly? Liliana is my chance to point out life’s absurdities, and the fact that the biggest challenges in life are often just getting through the day. For obvious reasons, I also get a big kick out of writing Siobhan, the tiny flower sprite who adores machine guns and has a “take no guff from anyone” attitude.
The Colonel is probably the hardest character to write. He’s very locked down in what he expresses. He rarely has only one motivation for anything, and even more rarely wants anyone to know what his motivations are. So I have to think a lot about what he’s trying to accomplish but put very little of that on the page while still dropping just enough hints that the reader can eventually figure out who he is and what he wants. He’s a mystery, but one that I want the reader to slowly solve, teasing away the layers of his personality. Writing that is as tricky as dropping clues in a murder mystery, without giving away the ending too soon.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
A lot of it came from North Carolina itself. I worked in North Carolina for a year, back when I was a consultant, and one of the things that struck me was how green and beautiful the whole state was. The dense forests could hide virtually anything so that if you didn’t have a map, something as big as a shopping mall a hundred yards away could be invisible. It felt like bits of civilization carved into faery land. Like there could be something magical just around the corner, out of sight.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes! Precise Oaths is the first book in the Liliana and the Fae of Fayetteville series. The second book, Explosive Chemistry, just came out in November. It takes place right after Precise Oaths. Liliana and her friend, Pete, thought they stopped the murderers in the first book, but her visions of the future are full of blood and death. Liliana has to figure out how to stop the tide before it sweeps away all the people she’s become attached to.
The third book should be out sometime this year, but I don’t have a publication date yet. It dives a lot more deeply into the burgeoning relationship between Colonel Bennett and Liliana since the Colonel is now the target of an assassin who never fails. Only Liliana has any chance of finding a way through to a future where her favorite Fae prince survives.
Watch any of my socials for an announcement on the timing, or sign up for the newsletter on the website. You’ll get a free little interlude story that takes place between book 2 and 3, and get notified right away when book 3 has a publication date.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Bluesky | Facbook | Website
Wolf-kin Peter Teague of Fort Bragg’s Criminal Investigation Division analyzes the venom in six dead soldiers. The victims were killed by a spider-kin, and Liliana is the only spider-kin in Fayetteville.
Pete’s handsome boss, the dangerous fae Colonel Bennet, watches Liliana with burning ember eyes, but refuses to call his investigator off.
It’s up to Liliana to keep Pete from executing her and convince the skeptical scientist she’s not the murderer, all while keeping her new friend from getting eaten by the real killers. And if that’s not enough, she might even have to socialize!
How will she survive the paranormal mystery that puts her as the prime suspect?
Precise Oaths is the first book in the Liliana and the Fae of Fayetteville series, urban fantasy Fae romance for adults containing a strong female lead, intense action, a diverse cast of charming characters, offbeat humor, Fae and shifters like you’ve never seen them before, and a touch of slow burn spider romance.
LITERARY TITAN 