An Interview with Siren’s Song

ǷES HĀL! I’m a creative millennial and NG Veteran with a BA in Art (double major in creative writing and graphic design) who loves to sing, cosplay, read a variety of mediums, and swim like the mermaid I wish to wake up as one day. When I’m not writing song lyrics for my band, doing graphic design projects, or working on a book, I’m probably geeking out with my friends over anime (or Baldur’s Gate 3).

(The author image is my closet cosplay of the main character for SUPERNOVA—Elias Nacht!)

What inspired you to start writing this book?

Music. Music is my lifeblood, and it is what keeps me going whenever I fall into a writing rut. I fear I wouldn’t be very creative without it! For this specific book, I’d say it was a cross between both “Supernova” by Within Temptation, and “THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND” by Bad Omens. And the Netflix adaptation of the comic The Umbrella Academy became my main narrative inspiration (I loved mixing random pregnancy chaos with a Gotham-esque city setting taking place in the near future).

Describe your dream book cover.

The main character, Elias, standing in front of the supervillain, Waves, who is lifting Elias’ arms up by invisible strings and looking down at him with a cocky grin. The space helmet-like mask is floating in the dark water they’re knee-deep into, and the background is pitch black, with only a small purple glow sparkling off the water’s surface for light.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

Definitely “Supernova” by Within Temptation, and “THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND” by Bad Omens. I would also include various others that provided significant inspiration, however, such as: “Left on Mars,” Marko Hietala, “Jericho,” Iniko, “Secrets and Lies,” Ruelle, “Keeps Getting Better,” Christina Aguilera, “Monster,” STARSET, “Alkaline,” Sleep token, and “My Secret Friend,” IAMX.

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

THE PROX TRANSMISSIONS, the band STARSET’s commissioned first novel, and I’ve returned to reading Circe, by Madeline Miller, so some light inspiration for my own book set in the mythological universe of Ancient Greece in the golden age.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I’m a woman of many talents: I write lyrics and sing them in a local symphonic metal band (The Last Alliance), I was in the National Guard as a mechanic for six active years, I manage a dental office, I worked for a McDonald’s as both a team leader and a manager for over a decade, I create my own marketing content, I edit others’ stories when I can help it, I sometimes take art commissions (traditional only), I code websites and I take on graphic design freelance work when applicable.

Where is your favorite place to write?

The Metroparks. I love walking down a certain bridge to a dirt path through the woods, only stopping when I reach one particular bench overlooking a running creek from up high. This place is where I find true inspiration, and one of the only times I’m able to write thousands of words in one sitting, in a single notebook. Stepping back from the computer screen really helps!

Do you have any writing rituals?

If one counts writing at either the black before dawn—or the deep night—in a dark room, with nothing but the LED light of a diffuser, then sure!

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

Enjoyment. I write to gift freedom to the stories in my head, but also to bring others joy. I want readers to feel something when they read my fiction, and to maybe be moved enough to share their literature adventure with their friends and family, so they may also find enjoyment!

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.