in this instalment of Getting to Know an Author we chat with Indieverse Award Winner Ryan J Hamshaw author of the Keepers of the Crossing series.
Q) Tell us about your latest project. What inspired you to create it?
My latest project has been The Handsel Witches, released in September 2025. It’s the second book in Keepers of the Crossing, a YA urban fantasy series. The story follows a group of young heroes known as the Keepers, who must protect their city, Sarumborune, and the wider world from any evil that escapes (or is drawn to) the Crossing. The series blends action, horror, humour, and romance, and I often describe it as a British Buffy with plenty of late-90s/00s cult-TV nostalgia and queer representation.
Like the series as a whole, The Handsel Witches is heavily inspired by my love of local history and folklore. This book, in particular, draws from the story of four local women accused of witchcraft in the 1700s after a smallpox outbreak. They were put to death, and many believe the accusations were unfounded. My story asks the question: What if they weren’t?
Q) Do you know what your next project is going to be? Can you give us a preview?
My next project is the third instalment in the series, currently untitled. It’s still in the early stages — I’ve only just begun drafting it — but I’m already hugely excited about where it’s heading. The characters are starting to grow up and face the tougher choices that come with approaching adulthood. And, of course, a new threat is stirring in Sarumborune, something readers got a small taste of in The Handsel Witches. I’m aiming for a late 2026 release.
I’m also developing several other projects that I hope to start properly next year, but for now, my main focus is continuing the Keepers of the Crossing series.
Q) What was the first story you wrote down?
The first story I remember writing was back in primary school. Our teacher had set us homework to write a short story. I knew instantly that I wanted to write something scary. I ended up writing about two children alone in a house, hearing strange noises and being stalked by a monstrous creature.
I’ll never forget my classmates’ reactions when the teacher read it aloud… they were horrified! But my teacher was impressed, and I even received an award in our weekly assembly.
Q) What do you feel is the most important things a person should take from a work of fiction?
I think the most important thing fiction can offer is a moment away from real life, a chance to step into another world for a little while. For me, that sense of escapism has always been the magic of stories. When I was growing up, books, films, and TV shows gave me somewhere else to be when life felt a bit ordinary or a bit overwhelming.
Fiction doesn’t have to change your life. If a story lets you imagine, or simply enjoy being somewhere else for a chapter or two, then it’s already done something special.
Q) Do you have a set writing schedule or practice that helps you produce pages consistently.
I’d love to say I do, but I don’t! I work a day job Monday to Thursday, so I try to make Fridays and Saturdays my writing days, and keep Sunday free to actually relax. I’m not the sort of author who sets strict word-count targets, because if I miss them, I just end up feeling discouraged.
Instead, I take it as it comes. Sometimes I’ll hit a great flow and write all weekend (and even squeeze in a few evenings), and other times I might only manage a paragraph. And that’s okay! The important thing is keeping the joy in it.
Q) What are your biggest dreams and fears around being an author?
My biggest dream is simply to share all the stories I have floating around in my head. And my biggest fear is not having the time to get them all out. I’m only in my mid-30s, and hopefully I’ve got plenty of years ahead of me, but you never really know what’s around the corner. There’s still so much more I want to write.
Q) What do you do to stay inspired, what other authors do you like to keep up with?
Lots of things inspire me: local walks, nature, history, conversation, cinema, and, of course, other books. I’m constantly finding new sparks of inspiration.
In terms of authors, I try to keep up with anything by Cassandra Clare, and I’ve been enjoying stories by William Hussey and Phil Stamper. Many who know me will know I’m a big Anthony Horowitz fan, and I absolutely love the Atticus Priest series by Mark Dawson. I also make a point of supporting new and queer authors, and I’m always on the lookout for something fresh to read.
Q) When you are starting out on a novel which comes first the characters or the plot? Are you a pantser or an outliner?
For me, plot usually comes first. I’m more inspired by a situation or setting, and the characters tend to come along later.
These days, I’d say I’m a mix of both pantser and outliner. I roughly outline my books and break down chapters, but I keep the details minimal because I love writing freely and seeing what emerges as I go. Sometimes it doesn’t work, but the moments when something unexpected and special appears on the page are too good to pass up. So yes, I plan, but not in a restrictive way. I don’t think I could ever write like that!
Q) If people want more information about your or your books, where should they go?
You can visit my website: ryanjhamshaw.co.uk
They can follow me on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Threads – @ryanjhamshaw
My books are available from Amazon, The Great British Bookshop, or you can request it through your local independent bookshop!
Final four questions – we ask everybody.
Q) When the zombies take over the world where will you be?
In a treehouse in some forest, with my husband, my dog, and all the books we can manage to fit in there!
Q ) What is your favorite Fandom (could be sports, pop culture, favorite director or author)
Oh, too many to mention! The Buffyverse is my obvious first choice. The Britney Army. Upside Downers. Spielbergers. I could on…
Q) What book, do you think people must experience before they die?
I read The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller this year. That’s a must read!
Q) Give one fact that most people would not believe about you?
I think when people picture an author, they imagine a world-class wordsmith, someone for whom language and poetry flow effortlessly. That’s not the case for me. I’m dyslexic and really struggled at school, especially with writing, spelling, and grammar. I failed English Language the first time around, and had to retake it in college.
Despite those struggles, I’m still doing what I love most: telling stories. That’s something I hope encourages anyone who’s ever felt held back by challenges. Do what you love.
Paper Phoenix ink 