Q I saw that you been very involved in fanfiction, what did that teach you and how did you make the jump to publishing your original materials?
Oh, fanfiction pulled me back into writing. It gave me the spark of inspiration I was needing for so long. I accidentally stumbled into the fanfiction world in 2013, and I spent several years writing over 3 million words in fanfiction. Many of those stories were precursors to stories I am not working on as original versions with similar plot points. I always considered fanfiction a safe playground to practice in without focusing on the character-building aspect as much at first, and then growing into new personality aspects of each character.
Q Do you outline your stories before writing, or do you prefer to let them develop organically?
I usually know in my head where I want to end up, but I consider myself a guide as the story develops more than an outliner. Some stories I know the beginning and the end, and just grow the interior, while others I start out not knowing where they are going, and I just let the characters speak to me. I feel like when I do this, my stories are more organic. I find I naturally tend to structure around three major acts as is pretty standard, but sometimes there are other ways they turn out. I use what fits the story.
Q How important do you think it is to ensure that readers know the topics covered in your novels?
I think content notes and trigger warnings are super important in the world today. So many people have experienced trauma, and I don’t want them encountering something that could be harmful to their mental health. I’m a counselor in my day job, and work with PTSD clients, and to me, they are useless or detrimental. I think that people who are also looking for a particular book can find them useful as well to dictate what they will enjoy reading.
Q You have a large number of self-published works have you ever thought about going with a traditional publisher?
Well actually, I’ve signed on with a publisher recently, and all my self-published works are being re-released starting October 1st! If you want to include the publisher’s name, it’s Phoenix Voices Publishing.
Q What is the next project on which you are working?
I’m working on a rapid release of the Chains of Blood Trilogy and finishing the Doctor’s Training Trilogy.
Q if people want more information about you or your projects where should they go?
You can find me on any social media at phoenixreal, or at my website phoenixreal.net. I try to update the website frequently with new upcoming projects, and blurbs of coming books.
Final four questions –we ask everybody.
Q) When the zombies take over the world where will you be?
Hmm. I think I’ll be in a boarded up house defending my area.
Q ) What is your favorite Fandom
Bleach! I love anime, but Bleach is the first one I fell in love with and the one I started writing fanfiction about.
Q) What piece of art, be it in the form of music, a book, a film or picture, do you think people must experience before they die?
I think everyone should experience visiting Stonehenge.
Q) Give one fact that most people would not believe about you?
Hmm. I’m pretty open about myself, but one think people might find interesting is that even though I love to write, love being a counselor, I’m AuDHD. I have ADHD and am Autistic.
Paper Phoenix ink 