Seas of the Zovah by Tim McKay

Seas of the Zovah - Book Two of the Draemeir Chronicle 

Destiny calls from the ashes of Kartumol.

The battle for the fallen fortress is over.

But the war for every soul in the land of Naevoroth is about to begin.

Darkness hides in every heart, and no one is who they seem. Heroes become villains when the quest to vanquish evil comes at any cost.

In the sequel to Rise of Dresca, the last soldier of Ceremai disappears.

Those whose lives he forever changed will begin to piece together the mysteries of their world and the powers growing within. Hunted by the corrupt and malevolent alike, they’ll band together against the ultimate threat.

Or die trying for those who come after to find a better way. 

About the Author:

Tim McKay is an unrepentant indie author from Ottawa, Canada. He used to be a pastor, still cares about good and

evil, and still strives to create meaningful experiences for others. He has degrees in history, theology, and public policy, along with a diploma in professional writing, but likes nothing more than hiking in the woods, running along the Rideau Canal, and connecting with the people he loves. Oh, and reading a good book.

Glendall C. Jackson III - The IAN Interview

 Glendall C. Jackson III

Glendall C. Jackson III is an award-winning writer who has long specialized in deeply-reported non-fiction. Naked Came the Detective, a mystery that explores the hidden world of high-end sex work, is his first novel. He has previously published two non-fiction books, one of which was a national best seller, under a different name. Naked Came the Detective has earned many laudatory reviews and won a first-place prize in the Paris Book Festival.

IAN: Please tell us about your latest book.

Glendall C. Jackson: In many murder mysteries, the call girl gets killed. This novella turns that tired trope on its head. A skilled and versatile sex worker learns that one of her clients, a prominent businessman, was brutally murdered just hours after their last date. With her unique access to the upper echelon of Washington D.C. society, she embarks on an investigation that leads to a shocking discovery. The book is intended to provide a vivid portrait of high-end sex work.

IAN: Is Naked Came the Detective published in print, e-book or both?

Both.

IAN: Where can we go to buy Naked Came the Detective?

Glendall C. Jackson: Amazon.com.  Barnes & Noble.

IAN: What inspired you to write Naked Came the Detective?

Glendall C. Jackson: There is a lot of misinformation about sex work in the media and I thought using a literary format might get closer to the truth than a typical nonfiction account. I recalled that a U.S. government analyst had once written a detective novel set in North Korea because he wanted to portray the reality of that country without worrying about the typical negative judgements required in government intelligence reports. I decided the same concept could be applied to a novel about sex work. Many people do not realize that high-end sex workers learn a lot about their client’s lives and secrets. That gave me the idea that a sex worker could investigate a murder using her client list.

IAN: Did you use an outline or do you just wing the first draft?

Glendall C. Jackson: I just winged it. I had the general idea that each chapter should focus on a client or friend of the main character, with the names (as these were pseudonyms) in alphabetical order. So, I knew from the beginning there couldn’t be more than 26 chapters. I wrote the first draft very quickly, in about three weeks. Then I spent three months fixing and adjusting the plot and adding in descriptions and literary touches.

IAN: How did you come up with the title?

Glendall C. Jackson: My working title at first was simply Sex Worker Detective. Then I remembered there was a famous literary hoax in the 1960s called Naked Came the Stranger. A group of newspaper reporters joined to write a bad erotic novel and it became a best seller. It seemed natural to call my book Naked Came the Detective.

IAN: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Glendall C. Jackson: The mystery is all made up. But I worked hard to get the depiction of high-end sex work accurate. I interviewed several sex workers. In particular, a retired sex worker provided a great deal of insight into her experiences and clients and even provided some helpful documentation. Some of the scenes in the book come directly from stories told to me by sex workers. I also had various drafts reviewed by sex workers, including a prominent writer on sex work, to ensure accuracy. 

IAN: Do you see writing as a career?

Glendall C. Jackson: I have been a writer for many years, but it’s been strictly non-fiction. I decided to write this book under a pseudonym so it did not get confused with my non-fiction writing.

IAN: Who designed the cover?

Glendall C. Jackson: I did. I have some experience in graphic design and photography.

IAN: What was the hardest part of writing Naked Came the Detective?

Glendall C. Jackson: The hardest part was coming up with an interesting and compelling plot. As a nonfiction writer, I am used to writing about things that have already happened and finding out why. Now I had to invent a storyline — a part of my brain I had not used much before. I didn’t really know where the story was going until I started writing it and adding in the puzzle pieces.

IAN: Did you learn anything from writing Naked Came the Detective and what was it?

Glendall C. Jackson: I learned that I enjoyed writing fiction. I have been thrilled by the very positive response and perhaps I will continue on this path.

IAN: Tell us about your next book or a work in progress. Is it a sequel or a stand-alone?

Glendall C. Jackson: Undecided. This book was intended as a stand-alone but some reviewers have urged that the main character should return in a sequel.

Richard R. Becker – The IAN Interview

Richard R. Becker

Richard R. Becker is an award-winning, best-selling American author. His debut collection of literary fiction and psychological thrillers began as a project to write one story a week for 50 weeks. It broke into the top 100 literary short story collections on Amazon for three consecutive months. It also won first place in the ABR Book Excellence Awards, Spring 2022 BookFest Awards, 2023 Book Excellence Awards, and was a finalist in the IAN Book of the Year Awards.

His debut novel Third Wheel was released in August 2023 to positive reviews and is on track to become an Amazon best seller. It was named a finalist in the Global Book Awards.  

IAN: Please tell us about your latest book.

Richard R. Becker: Third Wheel is a powerful coming-of-age thriller about belonging, betrayal, and breaking away. It is the story of a boy trying to find his identity in the pre-boomtown hours of Las Vegas, 1982.

Brady Wilks, a 14-year-old transplant from the Midwest, forges a brotherly bond with an older teenage neighbor and inherits a friend group that accepts him more than his family at home. But everything begins to unravel when a small-time drug dealer joins the group and tempts them into making big money by selling cartel-supplied heroin.

Desolate and gritty, Third Wheel follows Brady as he navigates life, an improbable romantic interest, and a Mob connection in the dusty suburban outskirts of this infamous 24-hour desert town. Estranged from his family at home, Brady takes chances on random and fragile relationships until the stakes and consequences threaten the lives of those he cares about.

Third Wheel is a triumphant debut novel, and Brady Wilks is unforgettable as a transformative protagonist. Five-time award-winning author Richard R. Becker once again shares his unique insight into the human condition.

IAN: Where can we go to buy Third Wheel?

Amazon  Barnes & Noble  Apple  Walmart  

Google Play  Bookshop  Kobo

Everywhere books are sold

IAN: What inspired you to write Third Wheel?

Richard R. Becker: Third Wheel picked me more than I chose it. I was working on a short story collection as a follow-up to my debut collection, 50 States. The plan was to write 50 stories that followed up or intersected with those in 50 States.

When I wrote the short story Third Wheel, I immediately knew it needed to be my debut novel. I could see the second, third, and fourth chapters easily. So, I published my second short story collection as a 10-story Kindle exclusive and committed to writing my novel. Twenty-four weeks later, I had the draft in hand.

IAN: How much of the book is realistic?

Richard R. Becker: While Third Wheel is fiction, I gave Brady some of my childhood to serve as a framework. I’m sure this was one reason I was drawn into writing his story. We’re different in how we react to and handle circumstances, but we share many experiences.

This isn’t that unusual. Many writers use little bits of their lives in their work. I’m no exception. Some of the stories in 50 States are grounded in truth as well.

IAN: Do you have a specific writing style?

Richard R. Becker: My work is as eclectic as my reading. It fits best within the literary fiction spectrum but almost always with a genre-bending twist. For example, about half the stories in 50 States would be considered literary fiction while the balance would be considered psychological thrillers and speculative fiction, with paranormal undertones.

Third Wheel is a coming-of-age literary fiction, but with a crime thriller backbone. The stakes are considerably higher than most coming-of-age stories.

IAN: What do you hope your readers come away with after reading Third Wheel?

Richard R. Becker: I’ve always believed that we take out of books what we bring in with us. However, I did want Brady to come away with something. I wanted him to learn that it’s never too late to change direction.

No matter how hard life feels or how many bad things happen, it’s never too late until it is catastrophically too late. In the novel, the question is whether or not he can learn this lesson in time.

IAN: Do you see writing as a career?

Richard R. Becker: Writing literature may be new for me, but writing as a career isn’t new. While I didn’t initially set out to be a writer, I’ve enjoyed a successful career as one. I’ve been an advertising copywriter, journalist, and creative strategist for more than three decades. The primary difference is that I’m now writing my own stories instead of everybody else’s.

I still work with a handful of select clients and don’t see this changing anytime soon. Maybe I’ll feel differently by a fifth, a sixth, or a tenth novel.

IAN: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Richard R. Becker: Writing is a job. It’s best to treat it as such. I would have never finished 50 States had I not set Mondays aside to start a short story and then commit to completing it by the following week. That’s how my first project began. It was a challenge to write 50 stories in 50 weeks.

I followed the same process for Third Wheel, writing one chapter a week for 24 weeks. By setting a deadline, I could remind myself that these projects were just as important as any other job deadline I might have to meet during the week. And then, after I finished the draft, I invested even more time in making it right — maybe eight months of revisions, reviews, editors, beta readers, and production.

IAN: If you had to choose, which writers would you consider mentors?

Richard R. Becker: There are too many to include, really. Generally, I credit Earnest Hemingway and John Updike for writing straight, honest prose about people. It doesn’t matter what genre you are writing in or how far afield your plot might be; we tune in to characters we care about, whether or not we like them.

Aside from those writers, I must mention Joyce Carol Oates, Walter Mosley, and David Mamet. I’ve taken online master classes from all of them, and they helped me take my work to the next level.

IAN: Are there any new authors that have caught your interest?

Richard R. Becker: More than a few. I’m especially fond of S.A. Cosby, Murakami Haruki, Jandy Nelson, Joe R. Lansdale, and Pierce Brown. They are all very different writers, yet they enjoy exploring the human condition as much as I do.

There are dozens of other writers I could name. My list of favorite books has swelled to about 100 different titles by almost as many authors. I’m looking forward to discovering and adding more. I’ve even opened up a small online store to help promote them.

IAN: Tell us about your next book or a work in progress. Is it a sequel or a stand-alone?

Richard R. Becker: I’m currently writing a psychological thriller set in Maine. The story stands alone but exists within the 50 States universe as does most of my work.

IAN: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Richard R. Becker: Yes, thank you very much. This journey has been incredible for me—from commercial to literary writing. I am so grateful that thousands of people gave my first book a chance, and now it seems thousands more will do the same for Third Wheel.

The support has been inspiring and even overwhelming at times. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Tim McKay-The IAN Interview

TimMcKay

Hey there, I’m Tim McKay. I’m an author, editor, and marketer from Ottawa, Canada. I used to be a pastor. I like to say I still care about good and evil, and I still strive to create meaningful experiences for myself and others. Now I do it through writing.

I have degrees in history, theology, and public policy, along with a diploma in professional writing, so the journey to become an author has been a long one. But it’s a hunger I’ve always had, and nothing in my life has felt so right as when I put my stories to paper.

IAN: Please tell us about your latest book.

Tim McKay: Rise of Dresca is the opening chapter in what I hope to be a much longer series.

My goal was to create the sort of book I loved as a teen. The kind you can’t put down and you finish in one or two sittings, realizing with a start that you lost track of time and it’s 3am and you need to sleep so you can pass that math test tomorrow (or, now, today).

Rise of Dresca is like that. It’s dark, intense, action-packed and fast-paced. The fantasy world is rich and detailed, so you feel like you’re there, but I tried to focus more on the experience, letting readers feel the magic for themselves. The first encounters with “draemeir” magic in the book and the sword duel scenes suck you right in and feel every blow, every spark, every thrill.

All you really need to know beyond that is that this book has lots of monsters and dragons. Evil is everywhere, and no one is safe. It’s meant for older teens and young adults, but I also wrote it with busy adults in mind who still love fantasy but just don’t have the time for 800-page epics.

IAN: Is Rise of Dresca published in print, e-book or both?

Tim McKay: Both. You can find Rise of Dresca on Amazon in eBook (and Kindle Unlimited), paperback, and hardcover versions.

IAN: Where can we go to buy Rise of Dresca?

Tim McKay. Here are the Amazon (US) links for Rise of Dresca and universal links to your local Amazon store for those outside the US. Ebook: Amazon.com or Mybook Paperback: Amazon.com or  Mybook  Hardcover: Amazon.com or Mybook

IAN: Do you have a specific writing style?

Tim McKay: Oh, definitely. I try to keep a very fast pace to my writing. So I vary my sentence lengths but lean heavily on short, punchy sentences to drive the action.

I also spend much more time describing sensations than traits. You won’t find walls of text detailing the bark consistency of trees in forests, but you will find vivid descriptions of how my characters experience magic or the emotional (and physical) pains and upheavals they go through during the story. And partnered with the fast pace and sense of flow I try to create, those rich but action-driven descriptions really pull you into the scenes and make them feel real. It lets the reader relax their mind a bit and allow the story to take over.

And that’s another thing about my style. I aim for vivid but simple. You won’t have trouble reading the words and seeing the pictures as I describe them. I think a lot of authors, especially new authors, are so busy trying to impress readers with convoluted and flowery language that they rob their stories of imagination. Some readers are looking for something denser like that, sure, but I write very intentionally for those seeking intensity, entertainment, and a rich reading experience that hooks you and never lets up.

IAN: How did you come up with the title?

Tim McKay: Without giving too many spoilers, Dresca started out as my name for a dragon encountered early in the book. This dragon, along with the main character Valdaris Drascar, stays pivotal to the series going forward. But ultimately the name Dresca refers to Valdaris Drascar, alluding to the transformation he undergoes in the book and the direction his life will take over the course of the series. I can’t say more than that, except to hint that my book is one where you might have to pay attention to chapter titles if you really want answers ahead of what the story reveals.

IAN: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Tim McKay: I have a lot of fun answering this question, starting with my copyright disclaimer on the first page of the book. Only a few early readers have noticed it, and all have had a good laugh. Most fiction authors add a standard disclaimer about any resemblance to events or people in the book being purely coincidental, but I decided to go a step further. I added this line:

“If you believe you see yourself reflected in the pages that follow, try to remember: there’s no way the author likes you enough to incorporate you into his work.”

My friends and family got a kick out of that too.

But to give a better answer, I think any honest author would tell you it’s impossible for the events and people in your life not to seep into your books in some form or other. I’m very careful when writing not to slip into caricatures and to avoid depicting real individuals, but even my most outlandish characters have some basis in real traits or attitudes I’ve witnessed over the years. So the range of wild personalities you see should give some idea of the life I’ve lived – it’s been an adventure!

IAN: How is Rise of Dresca from others in your genre?

Tim McKay: I put a lot of thought and effort into making my book different from what’s become the norm in fantasy. For starters, my book is much shorter than your average epic (Rise of Dresca hits about 54,000 words), even though it’s just the first part of a longer series. I wanted my book (and the chapters inside) to feel bite-sized, something more digestible for those new to the genre or who love fantasy but just don’t have the time for egregiously long books. I went for longer than a novella, shorter than a King or Tolkien book.

I also wanted something more accessible, so I broke a few formatting norms. My book has larger print in a sans serif font, increased line spacing, a full space between paragraphs, and no indents. It looks and reads much more like a story you’d read online, and that’s by design. The printing industry just hasn’t caught up with online accessibility standards, and that was something I wanted to push back on.

IAN: Name someone outside of your family members who you feel supported you in the creation of your work.

Tim McKay: My best friend Greg, going back to when we were thirteen, has supported me more than anyone. He’s one of those impossibly kind people without a bad bone in his body, and he’s stuck by me through all the ups and downs of my life. He’s also an incredible web developer and single-handedly designed my author website, which has built some awesome traction for my book.

So, naturally, I gave him the first signed proof of my book, with a few choice expletives in the note that anyone who knows my story would find doubly entertaining.

IAN: Do you see writing as a career?

Tim McKay: Absolutely. I treat writing as both art and investment. I’m creating something of value, both entertaining and meaningful, and I want to share that with the world. But it’s also an investment in the opportunity to do more of what I love. Every book bought or downloaded lets me create more, and honestly, I’ve never felt so fulfilled in my life.

IAN: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

Tim McKay: I’ve wanted to be an author since the day I learned how to juggle. I was ten.

Our gym teacher brought in a friend who knew how to juggle and taught us some of the basic motions. None of my classmates took it any further than that, but over the next few weeks, I taught myself to juggle using marbles or rubber balls from among my little brother’s toys. I’ve been hooked ever since.

Juggling was always an escape for me. I would think better and my imagination would go wild. So whenever I was bored as a kid or stuck in “less-than-ideal” situations, I’d start juggling and fly away into worlds of fantasy. Most of my childhood was decent, but it took some darker turns if I’m being transparent here. And even as a kid, I knew those situations weren’t okay.

So fantasy became my way not just to escape, but to imagine a better world, refusing to believe that what I saw was “how it has to be.” I think that’s what makes fantasy fiction so powerful. Even when it delves into darker themes and conflict with terrible evils, it teaches us to push back and stand tall, fighting for the world as it could and should be.

IAN: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Tim McKay: Brace yourself. My book is one that will have you gripping your chair from start to finish. The intensity doesn’t let up and you’ll finish hungry for more. I loved books like that when I was younger (and still do), and I hope you will too.

IAN: Tell us about your next book or a work in progress. Is it a sequel or a stand-alone?

Tim McKay: I’m about 5 chapters into the sequel for Rise of Dresca. Minus a new prologue, it picks up right where the first book leaves off, and I’m hoping to publish sometime in February 2024. So readers won’t have to wait long for answers.

The Draemeir Chronicle will be at least 6 books.

Daniel Castlewrite - The IAN Interview

Daniel Castlewrite

I’ve enjoyed science-fiction and fantasy as far back as I can remember. I watched movies and played video games that became more enthralling as technology improved. Over time, I became inspired by the infinite possibilities. Despite this, I never imagined that someday I would be capable of creating a story that others would enjoy reading. My perspective on life was largely influenced by my service in the military, becoming a parent, and obtaining a degree in psychology. Those milestones broadened my outlook, shifted priorities, and raised complex questions - such as ‘What drives human behavior?’ I also sought out people with experiences and perspectives different from my own. Not to prove them wrong, but to expand my own understanding. It is this culmination of ideas and perspectives, that finally gave me the confidence to write a book. So, for better or worse, I can proudly say that the worlds and characters in my works are inspired not only by my own worldviews but also by those of the people who were kind enough to share their stories with me.

IAN: Please tell us about your latest book.

Daniel Castlewrite: Helix Mysteries: The First Change is inspired by the interplay between fantasy, mythology, and modern technology. It explores the idea of what could happen if the creatures that have only existed in myths and legends suddenly began manifesting in the 21^st century. Told from the perspective of the first human to evolve, the story touches on the fears, uncertainties, and frustrations of both those evolving and the ones closest to them. With an impending intergalactic invasion looming, Helix Mysteries also explores the societal and cultural impacts of a world that will never be the same. As science attempts to make sense of how everything fits, the truth about human history and even the origins of life are revealed… and they’re not what anyone would expect.

IAN: Is Helix Mysteries published in print, e-book or both?

Daniel Castlewrite: It is currently available in both print and e-book.

IAN: Where can we go to buy Helix Mysteries?

Daniel Castlewrite: Print and e-book are both available on Amazon. A print version can also be purchased from Barnes & Noble.

IAN: Did you use an outline or do you just wing the first draft?

Daniel Castlewrite: I definitely just wing it! This form of writing is unfortunately far more intensive when it comes to editing. However, it has spurred some of the most interesting concepts that I introduce throughout the book.

IAN: How long did it take to write Helix Mysteries?

Daniel Castlewrite: I began writing the story that eventually became HM: TFC in 2012. However, I did not commit to turning it into a book until around 2018. So, realistically, it took roughly four years.

IAN: How did you come up with the title?

Daniel Castlewrite: Since the story focuses on the mysteries locked away in human DNA, which is a double-helix – I thought Helix Mysteries would be an apt title for the series. “The First Change” clearly stemmed from the fact that most of the book is written from the perspective of the first human to evolve.

IAN: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Daniel Castlewrite: Absolutely! Many of the characters make jokes or refer to concepts relating to my service in the military. I have also included several “easter eggs” for people who know me, especially for my daughter.

IAN: How is Helix Mysteries different from others in your genre?

Daniel Castlewrite: Admittedly, I would not be considered an “avid reader.” However, based on feedback and reviews from fans of both science-fiction and fantasy, Helix Mysteries is unlike anything they have read. Thankfully, in a good way. One key difference, based on a reader’s comment, was that “The creation story and the purpose of humanity are really unique.”

IAN: Do you see writing as a career?

Daniel Castlewrite: Definitely! I love to write and create unique story arcs. If my book(s) could sustain my life and travel, it would be a dream come true!

IAN: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in Helix Mysteries?

Daniel Castlewrite: No, I am quite happy with how it turned out.

IAN: Did you learn anything from writing Helix Mysteries and what was it?

Daniel Castlewrite: Yes, it has given me a newfound appreciation and respect for editors and professional authors. As much as I love writing the story, establishing a flow which keeps the reader engaged throughout, is no easy task. I have had to rearrange numerous chapters, so that the story unfolds throughout the book. Rather than in spurts that would either leave the reader bored or overwhelmed.

IAN: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Daniel Castlewrite: Surround yourself with people who disagree with you and listen to their perspectives. Taking the time to genuinely understand perspectives that contrast your own ideas and beliefs enables you to create characters and engaging discussions. Plus, you never know what ideas will emerge.

IAN: Tell us about your next book or a work in progress. Is it a sequel or a stand-alone?

Daniel Castlewrite: I am currently working on Helix Mysteries: The Second Suns. It is sequel to HM: The First Change. Tying off and expanding on the story arcs of several characters the second book sets up the new world with limitless opportunities for short stories – Helix Mysteries: The New World.

IAN: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Daniel Castlewrite: Thank you!

Hayley Reese Chow: The IAN Interview

Hayley Reese Chow

Hayley Reese Chow is the author of Odriel's Heirs, the 2020 winner of the Florida Author Project, Wishing Shelf Book Award Finalist, and 5th place finalist in the 2021 Book Blogger Novel of the Year Awards. She is also the author of Into the Churn, a romantic YA sci-fi coming from Whimsical Publishing April 4^th, 2023. When not falling head over heels into fictional worlds, her hat collection includes mother, wife, engineer, USAF veteran, reservist, four-time All American fencer, 100-mile ultramarathoner, triathlete, world traveler, book inhaler, and super nerd. Hayley currently dodges hurricanes in Florida with two small wild boys, her long-suffering husband, and her miniature ragehound.

IAN: Please tell us about your latest book.

Hayley Reese Chow: My latest book is a dual-POV young adult science fiction adventure coming from Whimsical Publishing on April 4^th. Into the Churn tells the story of two young adults entering the Casolla system’s deadliest, and most lucrative, race in an attempt to save their stormy, backwater planet. As a string of mysterious accidents haunts the two racers and the bond between them grows, they’ll have to decide if their dreams are worth their lives. Walking in the footsteps of Hunger Games, Illuminae, and Skyward, Into the Churn features underdog heroes, slow burn romance, and high stakes sci-fi on a ruthless interplanetary stage where appearances are everything, speed means survival, and the only thing deadlier than the storms are the other racers.

IAN: Is your Into the Churn published in print, e-book or both?

Hayley Reese Chow: Into the Churn e-books are available on Amazon. Hardcovers are available on Amazon, B&N, and Whimsical Publishing. Paperbacks and special jacketed editions are also available on Whimsical Publishing’s website.

IAN: What inspired you to write Into the Churn?

Hayley Reese Chow: I spent my college years travelling nationally and internationally as a scholarship fencer and then my early twenties completing triathlons, ultramarathons, and adventure races, so I knew I wanted to write a book that centered on extreme sports and the culture that surrounds them. However, as a sci-fi junkie perpetually obsessed with Firefly, Star Trek Battlestar Galactica, and Star Wars, I also wanted to take that story to a new world full of exploration, gadgets, and new possibilities. Somewhere in that mix, Into the Churn was born.

IAN: Did you use an outline or do you just wing the first draft?

Hayley Reese Chow: With every book, I become more of a plotter. Now my outlines have grown to 10+ pages before I even start the first chapter. Even though… that doesn’t always mean I strictly follow them.

IAN: How long did it take to write Into the Churn?

Hayley Reese Chow: Writing Into the Churn took me roughly 3 months to write the first draft, and then roughly another 9 months to revise and edit.

IAN: Do you have a specific writing style?

Hayley Reese Chow: I love fast-paced action and dialogue, and those two things can definitely be found in spades in all of my books. In any kind of story, I might show up for the plot, but I stay for the interaction and growth between the characters, and it’s something I definitely pride myself on in my own writing.

IAN: How did you come up with the title?

Hayley Reese Chow: Okay, titles are tough for me. The working title for Into the Churn was actually The Belethea Race Royale… which was a bit of a mouthful. Into the Churn was a lot snappier and in this story it refers to the deadly storms that the teams of two have to survive in order to win the race, but it took me a few brainstorming sessions with my critique partners to come up with it. It’s always tough to come up with something both unique and descriptive!

IAN: What do you hope your readers come away with after reading your book?

Hayley Reese Chow: Into the Churn has big themes of spreading your wings, learning to trust and rely on your friends, chasing your dreams, and understanding that you are more capable of so much more than you ever thought possible. I hope my readers take all of this away with them, and I hope it gives them inspiration and strength in their own lives.

IAN: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Hayley Reese Chow: With each book, I think I put more and more of myself into these stories. In college, I was a scholarship athlete on the Notre Dame fencing team. My warm-ups were three sizes too big, the girl’s lockers were in the boiler room with a curtain of sheets hung around it, we had a string of student managers that took care of us like we were family, and my senior year, after three years of heartbreaking near misses, we managed to come together to win the national championship. All of those ups and downs, all the blood, sweat, and tears, definitely inspired Belethea’s Race Royale team, and it was so cool to really bring them to life with the touch of those personal experiences.

IAN: How is your book different from others in your genre?

Hayley Reese Chow: First of all, there isn’t a lot of young adult science fiction in the world, and that, in itself, is a travesty. Into the Churn is unique though because not only is it a sci-fi, but it’s also a sweet dual-POV romance, as well as an underdog sports hero story and even a pinch of a murder mystery. There’s a lot of elements layered in one epic, high-stakes adventure, so there’s a little something for everyone.

IAN: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Hayley Reese Chow: Big shout-out to Whimsical Publishing here! Honestly, I was really nervous about transitioning from self-publishing to a traditional small press, and entrusting my book-baby to someone else. But Whimsical Publishing has been so supportive and encouraging from day one. They took my vision for Into the Churn and made it indescribably beautiful—bringing it to life with character art, maps, book trailers, and more. The experience has totally blown me away, and I’m so grateful for all of their guidance and passion.

IAN: Did you learn anything from writing Into the Churn and what was it?

Hayley Reese Chow: I was really nervous when I started this book. It was an ambitious plotline, and I love sci-fi so much, I really wanted to do the genre justice. It was also my first dual-POV story, and honestly both of those elements were so much fun. I never realized how much more relationship depth I could dig into when we get the story from both love interests. And while I tend to genre hop at the moment, it definitely reminded me of how much I love sci-fi, and I can’t wait to write another!

IAN: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Hayley Reese Chow: I just want to say thank you so much for reading and giving my books a look. As a self-published/small press author, your support makes a huge difference to me! And please consider leaving a rating or review if you can—even just a sentence or two helps get indie books out into the world, and I love hearing your thoughts! I appreciate you all so much!

IAN: Tell us about your next book or a work in progress. Is it a sequel or a stand-alone?

Hayley Reese Chow: I juggle several works in progress at once. I’m currently working on a young adult paranormal horror and a young adult romance, both of which I’m hoping to query later this year. But although Into the Churn is a stand-alone, with preorders going really well so far, the chances are looking good I might get to write the sequel I’ve been waiting to start on!