Tag: Inspiration

How Maria Jane Found Her Voice Through Fiction

Published on by B Sudharsan4 Comments

Maria Jane speaks to Literary Harbinger about creative freedom, emotional storytelling, vampire lore, and finding inspiration in everyday life

INTERVIEW

Maria Jane began her fiction career under the pen name Tricia Copeland. A confessed hater of writing until graduate school, she initially entered the world of publishing through scientific papers. ‘It was not until I penned my experience with, and recovery from, an eating disorder that I came to love creative writing,’ says the award-winning author of Perfect Office Pact, beginning her interaction with Literary Harbinger. Fast-forward fifteen years, and Maria has authored more than twenty novels.

Reinventing the Romance Formula

Never one to adhere strictly to convention, Maria conceived her Perfect Romance series with the idea of creating a different kind of romance novel. ‘I challenged myself to create a new format and wrote an alternate-ending story about a co-ed named Chloe traversing her life, choosing different paths along the way,’ she reveals. ‘Each of these decisions leads the main character to a different happily-ever-after.’

While the first instalment experimented with form, the second book, Perfect Always, along with the other standalone entries in the series, follows a more traditional romantic arc. ‘In Perfect Always, we learn Chloe’s final path to happiness as she chooses her perfect landing spot and partner,’ shares the Denver-based author, who holds a Master’s degree in Microbiology.

Crafting Characters and Worlds

The latest addition to the series, Perfect Secrets, introduces readers to Elle, a woman attempting to rebuild her life with a new job in a new city. Enter Tanner, her co-worker and co-owner of the company, for whom she feels an immediate attraction. ‘Their connection grows fast and bright until Elle meets Tanner’s mother. Accusations fly. Old wounds split open. Suddenly, Elle is tumbling through a flood of hidden ties and painful truths, each one cracking the fragile trust between them,’ the author explains.

When it comes to her writing process, Maria, who also does a full-time job as a technical writer, enjoys allowing creativity to unfold organically while still maintaining a structured foundation. She maps out major plot points, develops characters and their backstories, and builds the world before diving into the manuscript. ‘Once these components are in place, I am ready to fill in the blanks between the plot points and generate scenes that create drama between the characters and their worlds,’ she tells us.

ALSO READ | Writing Beyond Retirement

Literary Influences and Vampire Lore

Among contemporary authors, Maria counts Emily Henry as a favourite, with A Million Junes standing out as one of her most memorable reads of the decade. Much like Maria’s own literary tastes, the novel seamlessly blends romance, fantasy, and historical fiction while exploring a Romeo-and-Juliet-style love story haunted by generational curses. She also admits to being fascinated by vampire lore and enjoys exploring the many interpretations of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

As for her writing schedule, Maria says inspiration tends to strike outside regular working hours. ‘My fiction side comes alive in the evenings and on weekends,’ declares the former research scientist. ‘But my characters are always in my head, waiting to create their next lines and speak to me while I am driving, walking the dog, or doing all those mundane chores that round out our days,’ she adds.

Falling Into an Authorial Career

Asked whether becoming an author was a conscious career decision, Maria says she largely ‘fell into’ writing professionally after receiving enthusiastic encouragement from friends and family who had read her first manuscript. ‘I quickly jumped into the realm of fantasy fiction and now intersperse my romances with YA fantasies,’ she says.

When she is not writing, Maria can often be found trail running, hiking, or walking her dog. She also nurtures a love for flowers, gardening, and drying bouquets. Currently, she is immersed in writing the next novel in the Perfect Romance series, tentatively titled My, Not-so-Perfect, Cop. ‘With a backstory created and the beginning chapters already written, I am weaving a love story for Dani and Gareth,’ she shares. ‘I am also percolating ideas for the next book in the series, which will follow an enemies-to-lovers trope. I hope to make writing my next full-time career.’

ALSO READ | Finding Meaning in the Current

‘Do Not Let a Single Opinion Discourage You’

A firm believer in pursuing one’s passion, Maria offers thoughtful advice to aspiring authors. She believes that refining one’s craft and creating work that resonates emotionally with readers can help even niche fan-fiction stories reach broader audiences.

‘Getting feedback from peers, assistance from cover designers and editors, as well as learning marketing and publicity best practices, can help establish a base of readers,’ she stresses. ‘One can get fixated on that one negative review within the hundreds of good ones, so do not let a single opinion discourage you,’ she says, signing off with a smile.

Getting feedback from peers, assistance from cover designers and editors, as well as learning marketing and publicity best practices, can help establish a base of readers.

~ MARIA JANE

ENGAGE WITH LH | Click on the cover image of the book you wish to read and buy yourself a copy right off the bat!

From Comedy Sketches to Creative Pursuits

Published on by B SudharsanLeave a comment

Drawing inspiration from history and personal experience, the Cyprus-based writer continues to pursue storytelling with unwavering dedication

INTERVIEW

Myron Edwards’ first real excursion into writing came during his twenties when he and a close friend began submitting comedy material to the BBC. ‘One of our comedy lines got picked up by The Two Ronnies, the most successful comedy duo on television at the time,’ the author tells Literary Harbinger. Encouraged by this breakthrough, the pair went on to write for radio and television programmes, an experience Myron describes as the true beginning of his creative journey.

An Epiphany in Cyprus

Now residing on the island of Cyprus, Myron traces his journey into book writing to a life-changing moment at Aphrodite’s Rock. ‘That began my journey; my books focus on the ancient and contemporary worlds,’ he explains, reflecting on how the historic landscape inspired his imagination. While the septuagenarian confirms that he is currently working on something new, he remains intentionally tight-lipped about the project, preferring to keep details under wraps for now.

Writing Through Discipline and Adversity

Myron reveals that his first book originally began as a screenplay before eventually evolving into a novel. ‘I used to write when inspiration was at its peak,’ he says. ‘But now I write four hours three times a week because of my dialysis treatment,’ he adds. Despite the physical challenges, the author continues to maintain a disciplined writing routine, explaining that his technique is to ‘think in pictures’, allowing scenes and ideas to unfold naturally as he writes.

ALSO READ | Controlling the Controllables

Literary Influences and Storytelling

Among the writers who have left a lasting impression on Myron are the great literary classics, particularly Charles Dickens. However, he singles out George MacDonald Fraser, creator of Flashman from Tom Brown’s School Days, as one of his greatest influences. ‘What is so unique about his books is the way he takes real facts and history and moulds them into each story,’ Myron remarks, praising Fraser’s seamless blending of historical truth and fiction.

From Copywriting to Authorship

For Myron, becoming an author was less a conscious decision and more a gradual progression from earlier creative pursuits. ‘After I had my comedy adventure, I continued writing, but in a different field, namely copywriting,’ he explains. While working for JWT in London as a travel manager, Myron was encouraged to apply for a copywriter’s position because of his BBC background, and within ten days of securing the role, he had already created his first television commercial.

Reflections on Retirement and Writing

Being retired and undergoing dialysis treatment three times a week, Myron admits that he currently has few hobbies beyond watching football. Still, he describes himself as an ‘unrecognised full-time writer’, a phrase that captures both his humour and enduring dedication to literature. Although he remains secretive about his current work, the author continues to approach writing with the same passion that has shaped his life for decades.

ALSO READ | ‘Don’t Think Literary Success Is Defined by Sales’

Advice for Aspiring Writers

Myron also offers candid advice to aspiring authors, emphasising the importance of commitment and perseverance. ‘Be prepared to sacrifice your private life, and once you start, make sure you finish it,’ he says, noting that too many writers abandon their manuscripts midway through the process. He further advises writers to seek agents who specialise in their chosen subject once a book is completed, stressing that determination and endurance are essential qualities for anyone serious about writing.

A Final Word on Sacrifice

Before signing off, Myron leaves aspiring writers with a final reflection on the realities of the creative life. ‘If you want to write, do it, but if you start, make sure you finish it because along the way you will have to make many sacrifices,’ he says. Pausing on the thought, he adds one final piece of wisdom: ‘So ask yourself whether it will be worth it.’

ENGAGE WITH LH | Click on the cover image of the book you wish to read and buy yourself a copy right off the bat!

Inside the Imaginative Worlds of Drema Deòraich

Published on by B SudharsanLeave a comment

The Virginia-based author discusses science fiction, ethical dilemmas, independent publishing, and why compassion matters more than ever

INTERVIEW

Drema Deòraich has been writing for as long as she can remember, but it was only in 2014 that she decided to pursue the craft with renewed seriousness. Speaking with Literary Harbinger in an exclusive interview, the Virginia-based author, who holds an Associate’s Degree in Education, recalls how attending a writers’ conference in her city transformed her understanding of storytelling. Over the following years, she learnt how to make her writing ‘tighter, more focused, and more dynamic.’

Her breakthrough came in 2018, when her first published short story, Last Call, appeared in Silver Blade Magazine. The moment remains unforgettable for the writer. ‘I remember being so excited that I danced around my apartment for a solid ten minutes,’ she says with a laugh. More published short stories soon followed, and in 2022, she released her first novel. Soon afterwards came her ambitious science fiction trilogy, a project she had nurtured for years.

A Pandemic Novel Written Before the 2020 Pandemic

Drema’s debut novel, Entheóphage, arrived in 2022 and immediately stood apart for its chilling premise. Though centred on a pandemic, it was not inspired by the global crisis that gripped the world in the early 2020s. In fact, Drema completed the first draft in November 2019 — mere months before reality mirrored fiction in unsettling ways.

‘It was weird,’ she admits. ‘For a few months after the real pandemic began, I could not work on this book, or even look at it.’ The story’s emotional and thematic weight suddenly felt far too close to reality. Yet Drema eventually returned to the manuscript with renewed determination.

She later submitted the novel to the prestigious Pitch Wars competition in hopes of refining it further. Published UK author Anna Kaling selected the manuscript as her Pitch Wars project, and together they strengthened the tension, pacing, and overall marketability of the work.

However, when Drema began pitching the novel to agents and publishers in 2021, the publishing world was reluctant to embrace pandemic narratives. ‘No one was willing to take on a pandemic story,’ she explains. Undeterred, she decided to publish the work independently. ‘The climate message felt too important to put off until agents and publishers would be interested again,’ she says firmly.

Building The Founder’s Seed Trilogy

Drema’s second published novel, Fallen, marked the beginning of The Founder’s Seed, an expansive science fiction trilogy she had spent years developing. The workshops she attended at writing conferences, coupled with the lessons she learnt during Pitch Wars, proved instrumental in shaping the trilogy into publishable form.

The subsequent instalments, Broken and Driven, followed soon after, further cementing her place as a distinctive voice in speculative fiction. Drema later published two novelettes — Jane Doe #7 and Deer in Headlights — both of which are currently available through Kindle Unlimited.

Her latest publication, meanwhile, is a compelling short-story collection titled Murder of Crows and Other Consequential Tales. The anthology gathers stories centred on the idea of ‘consequences,’ ranging from full-length short fiction to flash fiction pieces. ‘I have had a lot of fun with these stories,’ Drema says enthusiastically. ‘They do not encompass all my published short works, but they are all focused on the theme of consequences.’

For readers interested in multiple formats, Drema notes that all her works are available as ebooks. Murder of Crows and her four full-length novels are also available in paperback, while the novels themselves have been adapted into audiobooks narrated by the award-winning Stacey Lind.

Planning, Structure, and the Unexpected

When asked whether she outlines meticulously or writes instinctively, Drema answers without hesitation: she is fundamentally a planner. ‘Writing by the seat of my pants results in stories that wander far and wide from the story’s focus,’ she explains. ‘I prefer to outline and use that as a roadmap.’

Having an ending in mind, she says, gives her a destination towards which the narrative can steadily progress. Yet she is not rigidly attached to structure. If her characters begin steering the story in a different direction during the writing process, she is more than willing to abandon the original outline and begin anew.

Balancing writing with a day job at a local attorney’s office is not always easy, and she often writes whenever time permits. Still, storytelling remains the centre around which her life revolves.

Literary Influences and Ethical Questions

Among the writers who have profoundly influenced her work are Frank Herbert and Ursula K. Le Guin. Drema greatly admires Herbert’s storytelling and praises his son’s continuation of the legendary Dune saga.

What draws her most strongly to Herbert and Le Guin, however, is their willingness to confront ethical dilemmas and philosophical questions through fiction. ‘They wrote stories that asked questions and posed ethical quandaries for their characters to resolve and for their readers to ponder,’ she explains. ‘This is what I try to do in my own work.’

From Private Passion to Published Purpose

For Drema, writing itself was never really a choice. ‘It was always a given that I would write,’ she says.

Publishing, nonetheless, was a deliberate and conscious step. She acknowledges the immense labour involved in independently producing books that are professionally edited, polished, and well-presented.

Be that as it may, she ultimately felt her stories carried themes and emotional truths worth sharing with readers. ‘I decided to stop writing stories just for myself and share them with others,’ she reflects.

Finding Joy in Nature

Outside literature, Drema finds peace and inspiration in the natural world. She enjoys observing birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife in their native habitats, often gravitating towards ponds and streams in hopes of spotting turtles and water birds.

She also maintains a small garden focused primarily on native plants, hoping to create sustainable habitats for local wildlife. Watching caterpillars thrive on the plants she has cultivated gives her immense satisfaction.

‘It is quite rewarding when I see caterpillars from the butterflies growing and thriving on plants I placed in our yard as an offering!’ she says warmly. Daily walks and spending time with her two cats also remain among her favourite pursuits.

New Worlds Still to Come

Drema is currently working on a new trilogy tentatively titled The Nexus, which will serve as a continuation of The Founder’s Seed universe. Characters who once occupied secondary roles in the earlier trilogy will now take centre stage. Where the previous books explored acceptance, survival, and the meaning of humanity, this new series will focus more deeply on trafficking and the complicated bonds of family — both biological and chosen.

Book One has largely been written and now awaits revision, while the remaining instalments are already mapped out. Alongside this trilogy, Drema is also developing a novella titled Cleanup Crew. The story follows a protagonist who is unknowingly immortal, gradually uncovering truths about systems of power and control that silence dissenters and eliminate challengers.

Advice for Indie Writers

Having navigated the unpredictable terrain of independent publishing herself, Drema deeply understands the discouragement many writers face when their work struggles to gain visibility. ‘You are not alone,’ she says reassuringly. ‘Most of us are in the same boat at one time or another.’

She strongly encourages aspiring and independent writers to seek out supportive writing communities, whether online or in person. Such groups, she believes, can provide not only emotional encouragement but also practical assistance — from beta readers and ARC reviewers to marketing advice and creative guidance during difficult periods. ‘Sometimes all you need is someone who can listen and understand,’ she says. ‘Author groups can fill that space.’

A Final Reflection on Compassion

As the interview draws to a close, Drema is asked what one thing she would change about the world if she could. Her answer is thoughtful and measured. ‘It is not easy to pick just one thing,’ she says, acknowledging how difficult it can be to predict the long-term consequences of even the best intentions. Yet if forced to choose, her answer becomes beautifully simple: ‘I would change hate to compassion. We need more of that in this world.’

Before signing off, she leaves readers with one final appeal — a reminder of how vital reviews and ratings are for independent authors, particularly on platforms like Amazon. Even a brief review or star rating, she explains, can dramatically improve a book’s visibility and help connect writers with potential readers. And for lower ratings, she urges readers to explain their criticisms constructively. ‘We writers can usually take constructive criticism,’ she says with sincerity. ‘And so, we appreciate it!’

With her profound love for storytelling and her unwavering faith in compassion, Drema Deòraich continues to create worlds that challenge the mind, stir the conscience, and linger in the reader’s imagination long after the story ends.

Sometimes all you need is someone who can listen and understand. Author groups can fill that space.

~ DREMA DEÒRAICH

ENGAGE WITH LH | Click on the cover image of the book you wish to read and buy yourself a copy right off the bat!

‘The Biggest Crime a Writer Can Commit Is to Give Up or Take Criticism Personally’

Published on by B SudharsanLeave a comment

Having discovered his love for storytelling early in life, Emilio Iasiello has since carved out an impressive literary journey

INTERVIEW

Author Emilio Iasiello always liked creating stories from an early age. ‘My Grade IV teacher in school was instrumental in encouraging creative writing, and I took to it immediately,’ he says, speaking with Literary Harbinger in an exclusive interaction. ‘She was my first big inspiration,’ he states, adding that later, he used to write for the school paper, which was more like a five-page stapled mimeograph that came out every Friday.

‘In Grades VII and VIII, I wrote a serial story that would go four weeks before it concluded, and another story would begin. I used to have parents come up to me in the parking lot on Fridays when they picked up their kids and pump me for information on what was going to happen. They were reading my stories and genuinely seemed to like them! After that, I was hooked,’ the Virginia-based author, who is also a strategic cyber intelligence analyst, lets us know.

Telling Tales, Telling Truths 

Fortunate enough to publish several books, Emilio shares that his first one, Chasing the Green, was based on a true story and that he worked with the person about whom it was written. ‘My next publication was a book of short stories entitled Why People Do What They Do, which had started when I was getting my MFA at George Mason University,’ he says. ‘I followed that up with my literary fiction novel, The Girl Behind the Glass, a middle-grade fiction book called The Web Paige Chronicles, and a thriller entitled Attrition,’ he adds.

Emilio also launched a book in October 2022 called The Dark. He tells us that it is his homage to a ghost story he heard as a camper when he went away to summer camp during the summer. Speaking about its plot, Emilio shares, ‘A dysfunctional family retreats into a secluded cabin in the woods where a mysterious person tries to steal their ten-year-old son. What first starts playfully increasingly turns more malevolent until he is finally taken, and his parents must scramble to save him.’

Excitement in the Making

On being asked if he usually plans out his stories well in advance or flies by the seat of his pants, Emilio, who is almost always with a small notepad and pen wherever he goes lest he forget the ideas that come to his mind while he is not writing, tells us categorically that each story comes differently. ‘Sometimes, it is a scenario that I cannot get out of my mind. I think of something that interests me and try to figure out what happens next,’ he explains. ‘Sometimes, a character might come to mind, and I try to put him or her into situations and figure out what they would do. These are general springboards for me, and the more I think about them, the more excited I become,’ he adds.

The writer, who happens to be a huge fan of getting up early in the morning and writing, nonetheless clarifies that he usually has a general outline but never knows the ending before he writes. ‘I prefer to let the story unfold organically and let my characters dictate how the story ends,’ he lets on. ‘When I have tried to write a story around an ending, it never seems to work for me.’

ALSO READ | ‘Music Is Important to My Writing’

Filling the Void

An avid reader, Emilio has many favourite authors. On being asked who those favourite authors are, we are told that, having written novels, short stories, poetry, and stage plays produced in the theatre, and having written five screenplays for low-budget films that have been produced, it is hard for Emilio to narrow down a favourite author list because they cross over all disciplines of writing. ‘But if I had to pin down a few favourites, they would include, but are certainly not limited to, F Scott Fitzgerald, Raymond Carver, Sam Shepard, David Mamet, Anne Sexton, Stephen King, and William Goldman,’ he shares, stressing that he loves these authors for how they write, the subject matters they cover, and how well they craft stories that just suck him into them.

So, was becoming an author a conscious decision Emilio made? Says the author, who feels his degree in Fine Arts was vital for preparing him for future criticism and how to use the criticism he faces to make him a better writer, ‘It has been a conscious decision to want to become a writer, but I believe I was already headed there anyway. I liked to make up stories and liked to have people read them. I tried to fill what I thought was a void of the types of stories that I would like to read and that no one was writing. So, from that perspective, I would say that it was a conscious decision to want to be a writer.’

The idea of becoming a published author gradually developed over time. ‘But it was the desire to be a writer first that was the key stepping stone,’ he explains.

Maximizing Awake Time

Conceding that juggling writing and other tasks is no child’s play, Emilio, whose hobbies extend to family activities, especially watching his kids play sports or watching them explore and pursue their interests, tells us that he feels there is never enough time for writing, working a full-time job in a non-creative field, and managing a family. ‘But what it has taught me is to be a better time manager and to really maximize the time I am awake. I have found that if I can invest at least some time during the day in writing, I keep the creative wolf at the door,’ he explains, adding that he also wants to be supportive of all his children wish to do.

Be that as it may, Emilio’s goal has always been to be a full-fledged author who can earn enough money to contribute to the financial stability of the household. ‘I am not there yet, but I am happy with how that is progressing,’ the writer shares with us. His first goal has nevertheless been to publish work that he has written. Success was secondary to that.

ALSO READ | Ten Idioms Used in Daily Conversations

Generating Ideas, One at a Time

As someone who feels empathy is a powerful equaliser that, if adopted and practised, might go far in reducing some of the problems we see in the world today in everything from politics and geography to economics and social interaction, Emilio is clearly not bereft of ideas.

He says that after The Dark, his next books have focused on things that he has experienced. ‘I really want to mine things from my own life and tell stories that I think are accessible to everyone,’ he lets on. ‘The ages 10–14 were important years in my own development, and I think I have interesting things to share with readers. Growing up in a diverse neighbourhood, summer camp experiences, and influential role models who were not my immediate family are some of the subjects of my works.’

‘Always Keep Writing’

And is there anything he wishes to tell budding authors, especially those who lose motivation if their works are not received well? ‘Keep writing! The thing that makes a person a writer is writing. As long as you put words on the page, you are a writer,’ declares Emilio, who has also studied Spanish for several years in high school and college. 

‘There is a reason you walk into a bookstore and see so many books there – there is something for everyone!’ he exclaims. ‘So if someone does not like your book, that is only one person’s opinion. Maybe they were not the right audience for that particular story, but maybe the next one will be. Finding audiences may take a while, may require word of mouth or more aggressive marketing, but it will come. The biggest crime a writer can commit is to give up or take criticism personally. Learn from it and move on from it, but always keep writing,’ he says with certainty before signing off.

Keep writing! The thing that makes a person a writer is writing. As long as you put words on the page, you are a writer.

~ EMILIO IASIELLO

ENGAGE WITH LH | Click on the cover image of the book you wish to read and buy yourself a copy right off the bat!

PS: Emilio Iasiello is fairly active on Facebook and would appreciate anyone reaching out to connect or start a conversation. You can follow his page here. The writer’s X handle is @iasiello_e.

Controlling the Controllables

Published on by B Sudharsan2 Comments

ESSAY | PHILOSOPHY

I have two quotes that I live by, or at least try to live by. As someone deeply interested in philosophy, I have read many of the ancient Stoic philosophers, and two quotes have stayed with me like a child clinging to its mother’s umbilical cord. One, attributed to Seneca, goes: ‘We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.’ The other, ‘A man who suffers before it is necessary suffers more than is necessary,’ is also attributed to him.

Don’t Brood Over Problems

There is another quote that I came across as a child in a book titled Krishna Suktas. I am fairly certain many of you may have encountered it somewhere: ‘If a problem can be solved, there is no need to worry about it, and if a problem cannot be solved, there is no use worrying about it.’

Image by lukasbieri from Pixabay | Image for representational purposes only

I call these quotes to mind whenever I grow anxious. I remind myself that I am merely to witness what unfolds around me and that I can only control the controllables. We oftentimes worry about things beyond our control, and that is what leads to mental suffering. The only way for us to lead a mentally peaceful life is to remind ourselves that brooding over problems is not going to solve them.

A Simple Example

I can explain this further with an example. I must admit here that I am scared of dogs, or perhaps, more specifically, rabid animals. A few years ago, I came across a news report about a college student and animal lover who passed away after contracting rabies. Ever since then, I have avoided dogs. Dogs are aplenty where I live, and even though they usually do not bite, my mind immediately tells me to stay away lest I be bitten.

The point is simply this: if I do not get bitten, I have nothing to worry about, and if I do get bitten, I already know the next course of action: taking anti-rabies vaccines. Worrying over something that has not happened is foolishness, to say the least. But boy, our minds do play games, do they not?

Image for representational purposes only

Worry Not

I would like to write an etheree today to drive home the point:

Why
do you
worry when
you know you can’t
solve what’s oft called a
plight or predicament?
Dwell on what can be controlled,
dear you, for uncontrollables
should not be pondered now or ever;
and let this thought sink well into your mind.

PS: This post was initially published on bsudharsan.net. It has been republished here with the author’s permission.

‘If You Want to Write, Do It; Push Through’

Published on by B SudharsanLeave a comment

INTERVIEW

Tony DiGerolamo has been writing since childhood, although not quite in the way most literary careers begin. ‘When I was in first grade, the school had a short story contest for a McDonald’s hamburger,’ he says, beginning his interaction with Literary Harbinger. ‘I kept winning until the school asked me to stop entering so one of the other kids could win,’ he adds.

It is the kind of origin story that feels strangely perfect for a writer whose work thrives on absurdity and chaos. Beneath the punchlines, however, lies something more enduring: decades of commitment to storytelling and relentless creative output.

Thirty Years in the Pine Barrens

For more than three decades, Tony has immersed himself in the folklore of South Jersey, particularly the mythology surrounding the Jersey Devil. That fascination eventually evolved into The Pineys, a comedy-horror novella series centered on a family of hunters tracking the monstrous kin of the Jersey Devil through the wilds of New Jersey.

‘The Pineys books are kind of the culmination of that,’ he explains. Through the series he introduces readers not only to monsters and mayhem but also to the folktales and strange cultural textures of South Jersey itself.

The premise is deliberately outrageous. He describes the series as ‘Ghostbusters only with drunken hillbillies and guns in South Jersey.’ Yet behind the irreverence lies careful worldbuilding and long-term planning.

Building Stories Backwards

Unlike writers who discover stories entirely as they write, Tony often begins with endings. ‘Normally, I come up with an ending, then start at the beginning and work my way there,’ he lets on.

With The Pineys series specifically, the process has become increasingly interconnected. While finishing one book, he is already considering the next so he can plant clues and narrative threads ahead of time.

Other projects operate differently. His Wokeistan series, for example, remained dormant until he recently discovered what the third installment should become. ‘Now I have to make time to write it,’ he remarks.

The Writers Who Lit the Fuse

Among the authors who shaped him most are Kurt Vonnegut, Hunter S Thompson, William Goldman, Frank Miller, and several others whose work blends sharp storytelling with distinctive voice.

‘I guess they inspire me because I feel good after a reading and then I want to create something kinda like that,’ Tony tells us.

These days, however, time for reading has become increasingly scarce. Writing, promotion, and production consume most of his hours.

The Night Shift

Tony writes late at night when distractions finally disappear. ‘At night, when the phone and the emails stop,’ he says, adding, ‘Very late with iced tea.’

The image feels almost cinematic: a writer hunched over scripts and manuscripts while the world sleeps around him.

Currently residing in Laurel Springs, the 58-year-old author holds a bachelor of science degree in communications. Unlike many writers who stumble unexpectedly into publication, he speaks with certainty when asked whether becoming an author was a conscious decision.

‘Yes.’

Writing, Politics, and Monk-Like Discipline

Outside fiction, his interests orbit around politics, which he follows ‘like sports.’ He also creates YouTube videos, both as a creative outlet and a promotional tool.

‘I live like a monk and mostly spend time writing and selling my books,’ he says.

That discipline is perhaps unsurprising considering the sheer variety of projects attached to his name. Long before The Pineys, Tony built an eclectic writing career spanning comics, television comedy, websites, and games.

Among his most recognizable credits are writing for The Simpsons Comics published by Bongo Comics, contributing jokes to Politically Incorrect hosted by Bill Maher, and scripting material connected to Space Ghost Coast to Coast.

He has also written for comic books, games, Comedy Central, and Cracked.com.

No Patience for Half-Hearted Writers

When asked what advice he would give aspiring writers struggling with rejection or poor sales, Tony responds with ruthless humor.

‘Quit. I do not need the competition.’

What follows is less comforting pep talk and more verbal provocation. He dismisses the fantasy of literary glamour and argues that genuine writers persist because they cannot imagine doing otherwise.

‘Many people would rather not be writers. What they want is a room full of people asking for their autograph and calling them clever,’ he says. ‘If you want to write, do it; push through.’

Then comes the line that perhaps encapsulates his entire philosophy: ‘WHY AREN’T YOU WRITING RIGHT NOW?!’

Life in Repetition and Controlled Chaos

His daily routine unfolds with relentless repetition. Writing scripts for The Webcomic Factory, organizing signings at libraries and breweries, making YouTube videos, responding to freelance opportunities, and continuing work on The Pineys series all compete for space within a single day.

Somewhere in between come walks with the dog, dinners with his parents, and attempts to sleep before beginning the next morning again.

Four to six times a month he also conducts live signings to support himself financially.

Folklore, Humour, and South Jersey Madness

If there is one thing Tony wants readers to understand, it is that The Pineys was designed to be fun. Fast-paced, comedic, and unapologetically strange, the books function almost like episodic television while remaining steeped in regional folklore.

Readers unfamiliar with South Jersey need not worry, he insists. The stories are accessible to everyone while still preserving the flavor of the place that inspired them.

For a writer who once dominated elementary school hamburger contests, relentless productivity appears to have been the point all along.

Many people would rather not be writers. What they want is a room full of people asking for their autograph and calling them clever. If you want to write, do it; push through.

~ TONY DIGEROLAMO

ENGAGE WITH LH | Click on the cover image of the book you wish to read and buy yourself a copy right off the bat!

C R Helix on Writing, Worldbuilding, and Survival

Published on by B SudharsanLeave a comment

INTERVIEW

Author C R Helix knows well the distance between an idea and a finished novel. ‘It took me twelve years to get Sanguine from an idea into a publishable form,’ they tell Literary Harbinger, reflecting on a writing journey shaped as much by persistence as by imagination. Before stepping into the world of sprawling fantasy epics, they mostly wrote flash fiction, stories compressed into only a few thousand words. Expanding from brevity into the architecture of a full-length novel required an entirely new discipline.

‘You do not realize just how much organization is necessary to keep a story angling straight over the course of a hundred thousand words,’ they remark. The solution came in the form of notebooks. ‘A lot of notebooks.’

From Flash Fiction to Fantasy Worlds

Their debut long-form work, Sanguine: The City of Spires, was released only a few years ago after, as they put it, ‘sitting on the shelf a bit too long.’ Set in the dangerous city of Vesper, the novel follows Zahra, a young woman forced to survive after the murder of her brother throws her into the brutality of the streets.

Though the novel embraces classic fantasy elements such as magic, monsters, and sword fights, C R Helix deliberately shifts focus away from the genre’s usual obsession with royalty and prophecy. ‘I try to keep the story focused on more average folks instead of the usual focus on kings and princes, chosen ones, and heirs to the throne,’ they explain.

The book forms the opening chapter of The Long Shadow of Jera series, a larger world populated not by legendary heroes but by ordinary people attempting to survive amid political intrigue and chaos.

Writing Between Structure and Discovery

When asked whether they begin with fully formed plots or discover the story while writing, the answer is somewhere in between. Some stories arrive almost complete before the first word is written, while others emerge unexpectedly and demand attention before explanations can catch up.

Their work, The Phoenix King, began exactly that way. ‘I knew basically nothing about it before it demanded to be written,’ they say. The first scene came through a dream, becoming the spark for an entirely new narrative.

This spontaneity makes writing feel ‘more lively and spontaneous,’ but it also creates complications. ‘You tend to write yourself into corners,’ they admit. To balance freedom and coherence, they rely on what they call ‘waypoints’—loose narrative landmarks that guide the story without suffocating it.

Inspired by Vast Worlds and Strange Horrors

Among the writers who have influenced them most is Peter F. Hamilton, whose science fiction novels they admire for their immense scale, worldbuilding, and terrifying alien concepts.

More recently, they have developed a fascination with horror short fiction, especially works connected to the SCP Foundation universe. One particular favorite is There Is No Antimemetics Division by qntm. ‘It is mind-bending stuff,’ they say. ‘Conceptually amazing.’

Their admiration lies not only in the ideas themselves but also in the intricate way such stories are constructed. ‘I wish I could weave my writing together like that.’

On Unfinished Drafts and NaNoWriMo

There was once a time when writing happened every single day. Though that routine has slipped somewhat recently, publishing Sanguine represents an attempt to return fully to the craft. ‘I have too many unfinished drafts just sitting there, waiting for someone to pummel them into something readable,’ they joke.

For years they participated in National Novel Writing Month, commonly known as NaNoWriMo, where writers attempt to draft an entire novel during November. Much of their unfinished work originated there. Beyond productivity, the event provided something equally important: community. ‘It is a really supportive community,’ they say.

Life in Scotland, Law, and… Chickens

Currently based somewhere among the old mining towns of Scotland, C. R. Helix describes village life with a mixture of humor and affection. Winters may be bleak, but they also provide space for observation and storytelling. ‘You hear a lot of stories from people that can end up being the basis of something.’

Though they describe themselves as having ‘not much schooling,’ they are currently pursuing a law degree on a part-time basis. Having already obtained a diploma, they are now working toward a bachelor’s degree. ‘The closer I approach the end of it, the further away it seems,’ they remark.

Beyond writing, animals occupy a major place in their life, especially chickens. Fancy breeds with feathers atop their heads are a particular favorite. At one point, they owned twenty-three of them. ‘You can teach them some pretty neat tricks,’ they say enthusiastically before describing the peculiar joy of ordering fertilized eggs through the post and hatching them at home.

There is also a cat, occasional oil paintings, and a love for traveling through natural landscapes and historical ruins. ‘Nothing better than wandering the winding streets of an ancient city or leaving your footprints on a desolate beach.’

Building Worlds Beyond Sanguine

At present, they are editing the second volume of The Longshadow of Jera, continuing Zahra’s story beyond The City of Spires. Alongside it sits The Phoenix King, a radically different project involving tyrannical angels, stubborn turtle people, and a post-apocalyptic desert world.

Though becoming a full-time author remains uncertain, they continue pushing their stories outward in the hope that readers will discover them. ‘I can only imagine!’ they say when asked about becoming a full-fledged author.

Success, they believe, should not be measured solely by recognition or sales. ‘As long as you have someone reading your books, you are successful,’ they insist. Writing for fame alone, they feel, is a mistake.

Average Village Life, Extraordinary Imagination

Asked about their daily routine, they laugh at how ordinary it sounds. ‘Writing, not the fun kind either. Then I will be reading tomes of law where I can barely pronounce the words.’ Somewhere in between, there is usually the matter of tripping over the cat and trying to make progress on their fiction.

When asked if there is one thing they would change about the world, however, the answer turns serious. Humanity’s continued dependence on fossil fuels and the destruction of habitats deeply troubles them. ‘Honestly, you have got to wonder whether it is not already too late for us,’ they reflect, before linking the issue to wider economic inequality.

They speak English, though when asked about other languages, they reply with dry humour: ‘Do you count Scots?’

Before signing off, C R Helix mentions having a partial map of the world of Sanguine, a detail that feels fitting for a writer so invested in journeys and the architecture of imagined worlds.

As long as you have someone reading your books, you are successful.

~ C.R. HELIX

ENGAGE WITH LH | Click on the cover image of the book you wish to read and buy yourself a copy right off the bat!

‘Fulfil Your Dream, For Your Time Is Shorter Than You Realise’

Published on by B Sudharsan1 Comment

INTERVIEW

Author Gavin Prinsloo did not begin writing with publication in mind. Writing emerged instead from a deeply personal struggle during one of the most uncertain periods in recent memory. ‘I started writing in 2020 with the pandemic after suffering a mental health challenge,’ the South African poet tells Literary Harbinger. What began as an emotional outlet gradually transformed into a prolific literary journey rooted in imagination and introspection.

From Emotional Catharsis to Published Poetry

Since beginning his writing journey, Gavin has authored four books, all centered primarily on poetry and free verse. The series, Pieces of My Mind, is available on Amazon and spans an eclectic range of themes and moods. Volume One explores a mixed-genre approach, while Volume Two delves into gods, myths, and legends. Volume Three, Eros Awakened, ventures into more sensual and adult territory. A fourth volume, Philosophy & Sharp Stones, is nearing release.

Alongside these collections, he has also recently published Souls Desire, a collaborative hardcover project that combines original color photographic art with descriptive poetry. The work stands apart for its visual-literary fusion and high-end presentation, reflecting an ambition to create poetry not merely as text, but as immersive experience.

Writing Without Maps or Blueprints

Unlike authors who meticulously outline plots and characters before writing, Gavin’s process is instinctive and immediate. ‘No, I publish what comes to mind,’ he says simply. There are no elaborate frameworks or carefully engineered structures behind the work. Emotion leads, and the writing follows.

This spontaneity is perhaps what gives his poetry its rawness and immediacy. Rather than constructing stories from a distance, he allows thought and feeling to arrive unfiltered onto the page.

Influenced by the Masters of Melancholy

Among the writers who have left a lasting impression on him are Edgar Allan Poe and Robert Frost. ‘The pinnacle of poetic skills,’ he calls them.

The admiration is unsurprising. Both poets are remembered for their emotional intensity, rhythmic command, and ability to confront darkness without losing lyrical beauty—qualities echoed subtly in Gavin’s own outlook toward writing.

An Emotional Writer Without a Schedule

For Gavin, writing is not something confined to a timetable. ‘I write all the time. I am an emotional writer,’ he explains. Inspiration is not summoned artificially but emerges organically from lived experience and emotional states.

This refusal to compartmentalize creativity has allowed writing to become inseparable from daily existence rather than merely another task to complete.

Life in Cape Town and Beyond Literature

Currently residing in Cape Town, the 56-year-old writer describes himself as ‘56 years young.’ Outside literature, much of his emotional energy is devoted to helping others. He spends time on TikTok and speaks warmly about his affection for his dogs.

Becoming an author, however, was never part of a carefully designed plan. ‘Not actually,’ he says when asked whether it was a conscious decision. Encouragement from poetry groups gradually persuaded him to take his work seriously and move toward publication.

Between Poetry and Fiction

Even now, Gavin’s literary ambitions continue expanding. He is currently completing a fifth poetry collection while simultaneously working on two novels. Though unemployed at present, he remains open to wherever writing may lead him. ‘Let’s see what happens?’ he remarks with characteristic openness.

For aspiring writers discouraged by poor sales or lack of recognition, his advice is both practical and philosophical. ‘You don’t publish a book for sales; you publish to realize a dream,’ he says. ‘After that, book sales are a bonus.’

The Purpose of Writing

Gavin believes authenticity is what ultimately connects writers and readers. ‘Write for YOU, then readers will find you in the characters.’ His reflections on life itself carry the same contemplative weight.

If there is one thing he would change about the world, it would be humanity’s relationship with time and legacy. ‘Life is hazardously short,’ he says, adding that leaving something meaningful behind matters far more than accumulating wealth.

Final Thought

As for routine, he laughs at the very notion of it. ‘Lol… what routine? The bonus of trying to be a writer is that your time is your own,’ Gavin, who also speaks Afrikaans and ‘a smattering of Xhosa,’ says, reflecting the multilingual texture of South African life.

He leaves readers with a final thought that encapsulates both his philosophy and his journey as a writer: ‘If you have a dream, don’t let anyone wake you up to ‘reality’. Fulfil your dream, for your time is shorter than you realise.’

You don’t publish a book for sales; you publish to realize a dream. After that, book sales are a bonus.

~ GAVIN PRINSLOO

ENGAGE WITH LH | Click on the cover image of the book you wish to read and buy yourself a copy right off the bat!

‘I Follow My Dopamine With Writing’

Published on by B SudharsanLeave a comment

INTERVIEW

Author Randi-Lee Bowslaugh began writing long before the idea of publication took hold. ‘I have been writing for as long as I can remember,’ she says, opening up in an exclusive interaction with Literary Harbinger. Childhood for her was filled with writing plays and getting cousins to perform them. But writing took on a deeper role during adolescence. ‘As a teenager, I used writing as a coping strategy to deal with my depression,’ she shares, hinting at the emotional roots that continue to inform her work.

From Basement Pages to Published Books

Her journey into publishing began unexpectedly in 2017. While cleaning out a basement, she found poems written during her teenage years. ‘I thought they were pretty good,’ she recalls. Rather than letting them sit again, she decided to publish them, resulting in her first book, Thoughts of a Wanderer. The experience proved transformative. ‘After that first book came out, I was so excited and wanted to keep going,’ she tells us.

Her work, Good-bye Too Soon, released in May 2023, takes a deeply personal turn. The book deals with the death of her brother due to a drug overdose. It marks a shift toward non-fiction while retaining the emotional intensity that defines her voice.

Letting the Work Find Its Own Shape

When it comes to writing process, Randi-Lee does not adhere to rigid structures from the outset. ‘I usually start with the concept and let the book take me where it is meant to go,’ she explains. Once the direction becomes clearer, she develops a more defined structure.

She recalls working on Embracing Me, a book centred on mental health stigma. ‘I wasn’t 100% sure where it was going,’ she admits. ‘But halfway through, I knew exactly where it was heading.’ That moment of clarity led to outlining chapters and refining earlier sections to align with the emerging direction.

Writing on Impulse, Not Obligation

Unlike many writers who follow strict schedules, she prefers a more instinctive approach. ‘I follow my dopamine with writing,’ she says candidly. Writing happens when inspiration strikes. ‘When I force the writing, it always needs more edits than when I wait for the right time.’

This approach allows her to maintain a genuine connection with her work, even if it means moving through periods of writer’s block.

Life, Work and Everything In Between

Currently based in Ontario, Canada, Randi-Lee holds diplomas in Pre-Community Services and Community and Justice Services from Niagara College, along with further studies in psychology. Now 37, she describes herself as ‘loving life.’ Balancing writing with daily responsibilities comes naturally. She works part time, supports her child’s education, hosts interviews for her YouTube venture the ‘Write or Die Show’ and still finds time to write. Her hobbies include reading, spending time with family and animals and, until recently, kickboxing.

A typical day begins early. ‘I wake up around 7am when my puppy bugs me to go outside,’ she says. From breakfast and dog walks to conversations over coffee with her child, the day unfolds in a rhythm that dovetails domestic life with creative work.

On Becoming an Author and Staying One

Becoming an author was not initially a conscious ambition for Randi-Lee. ‘I always loved writing but never thought it would be my career,’ she admits. Yet looking back, she expresses no regrets about the path she has taken.

She continues to expand her body of work. Alongside Good-bye Too Soon, she is working on another children’s book in the ‘Woofie’ series, awaiting artwork before publication. With many ideas lined up, she remains hopeful about eventually becoming a full time author.

Advice, Perspective, Purpose

For aspiring writers struggling with motivation, her advice is simple and direct. ‘The more you do, the better you get. Not everything you write will grow huge but giving up means you will never do well.’

If given the power to change one thing in the world, her answer is immediate. The perception of mental health. Through both her writing and her YouTube platform, she aims to foster openness and dialogue. ‘The more we talk about it, the more impact we can make.’

She signs off with a message that reflects both her journey and her purpose. ‘Just remember to speak openly and honestly.’

The more you do, the better you get. Not everything you write will grow huge but giving up means you will never do well.

~ RANDI-LEE BOWSLAUGH

ENGAGE WITH LH | Click on the cover image of the book you wish to read and buy yourself a copy right off the bat!

Bygone

Published on by B Sudharsan2 Comments

POEM

Right here where tough deodars burgeoned for years
With blooming flower beds and brazened beasts,
I now behold concrete blocks with my peers
And swirls of dust rising upon tarred streets;
Devouring canned foods, wolfing salted beets,
We think about the time that has flown by
During which woods that proffered meaty sweets
Have got replaced by stores that sell baked pies.

The green carpet that graced our eyes back then
Is gone to a place I might not know of;
All we gaze upon is large crowds of men
That go about felling trembling trees off.
The grazing cattle are grazed, their skin’s doffed;
My soul yearns to inhale the air I’d known.
But frenzied fumes surround me, polluting the troughs
That back then abounded on each land mown.

Oh, yesterdays astounded, made our days
While the now makes us ponder bygone times.
I wish we’d soon discover brand new ways
To get back and live lives lived betimes.