By Caylah Coffeen

You have a packed release schedule through January! Will you tell us about your upcoming books?

I am very excited for this year’s publication schedule. I set a personal, fun goal of launching nine books, and that number allowed for any anthology acceptances.

So far, I’ve had five releases this year, and the upcoming launches are, in no particular order of actual release:

War of the Fallen, Rogue Survivors #1 (space opera)

Icarus is Burning, Rogue Survivors #2 (space opera)

Of Fallen Gods, Rogue Survivors #3 (space opera)

Up From the Ashes, Glory Epoch Books #1 (post-apocalyptic, a series continuation from my bestselling and award-nominated series, The Infidel Books)

How to Campaign Your Book: A Simple Guide for Authors (nonfiction)

I might have more releases this year, but we’ll see. I also have a very solid launch schedule for 2024, too! Next year, I have multiple middle grade and adult titles set for release.

What do you love most about your new stories that you’re excited to share with readers?

Hope.

Hope, hope, hope.

I write fiction that shows hardships, trials, pain, sorrow, etc, but throughout the insanity, there is hope. My stories are intended to encourage. Inspire. And I pray that they offer readers a good story, with a lot of comfort.

I’ve gone through a great deal in my life. I could have given up. I could have turned away from the light. I could have, I could have…

I try to write stories with characters that face absolute chaos, but still, in the end, overcome. They live. They love. They hope. They do not stop or give up. These are themes in my stories that I cannot stop sharing… because the world is bleak, and tired, and wicked, but we do not have to be.

“They live. They love. They hope. They do not stop or give up.”

I hope my readers are inspired to live, and love, and hope, and dream, after reading these stories.

Can you share a moment when you felt being an author was incredibly satisfying?

I’m not sure if I can pick one. I find immense joy in writing, and I also am grateful for every step of the process. I find satisfaction and joy when I write, when I finish a draft, when I edit, when I format, and so forth. There’s also satisfaction, even if a bit wearisome, when a story releases into the world.

I think the one part of being an author that is always incredibly satisfying is getting a box (or two) of my own books. The feeling has not gotten old yet!

Many people have heard that being an author is difficult. What has your mental health journey been like as you stepped into this role?

I’ve never been able to relate to that perspective, so I’ll answer, but hopefully, my answer is not perceived as frivolous.

I have written since I was too young to even write: I told stories, illustrated them, and my family actually wrote the words down. Since then, I’ve never stopped writing stories. I wrote a lot of short stories and poems as a little kid.

When I was a preteen and such, one of my older sisters began to abuse me more often. During this time, I turned to fiction as a true escape. I gobbled up books, discovered anime, and of course, continued to write my own stories. I wrote some original things, and a lot of fanfiction. Writing, during this time of pain and fear, was therapy for me. I finished my first novella at age twelve, and shortly after this, the abuse stopped when the sister left.

From there, I quickly discovered the world of self-publishing. I kept writing novels, publishing them, and the like. Over the years, I’ve found my own routine, and my own pacing that works for me. I understand my routine isn’t for everyone, but writing is like breathing to me, and I write pretty much nonstop. I usually write daily, in whatever capacity, and a steady pace helps me complete stories and enjoy myself.

I do not view writing as a stressful act. I do not suffer or complain my way through the author life. It’s simply a part of me. When trials come, I conquer them the best I can, etc. I think the most difficult parts of the journey have been 1) marketing and publications do put a lot of stress on me physically, so I’ve also found a pattern and routine for this, so it isn’t too overwhelming for me and 2) many topics I research and write about are heavy, and difficult to ponder for too long, so usually, when I finish one of those scenes, I’ll give myself time to step away to mentally rest.

Overall, above everything, I keep a very close relationship with God, and pray throughout every story, every draft, every launch, and the like. God gives me these stories to watch and write out. Without His guidance, I would not be here.

How has your relationship with God shaped your career as an author and vice versa?

I’ve been a Believer since I was very, very young, and I’ve never strayed from the Lord. I do not say this to brag, but as a very simple fact, because many Believers have boat-rocking testimonies, and I’ve never had any grand “come to Jesus meeting”. My life has been difficult, yes, with multiple family issues, abuse, health diagnosis, and more, but I have clung to God throughout it all.

As I mentioned, writing is a sort of therapy, and I work alongside the Lord through every story. So I would say my relationship with Christ has strengthened throughout my author journey. Through writing, I can tackle themes, questions, situations, etc, that I might not be able to handle, or even consider, without using fiction as the catalyst. God helps me work through questions, ideas, and much more, and in the end, not only have I drawn closer to Him in the process, but that story is also able to minister to another.

I’ve had suicidal readers tell me that my stories helped them hold on. I’ve had Believers tell me that my books opened their eyes, helped them with their mental health struggles, and strengthened their faith. I’ve also had people tell me that my books have helped them through their grieving process… Or that some of my books have made them laugh and see joy again.

I remember every message my readers send me, because it’s why I publish these books. I would write whether I published or not. But when I publish, it becomes about how the story can minister to others, and it is always encouraging to hear when my books help someone. To me, publishing is a way to minister, and serve, others, and give glory to the Lord.

Is there anything else you want to share with readers or aspiring authors (perhaps something you haven’t had a chance to share in interviews before, or a recent impactful moment)?

Recently, I’ve been discussing the hypocrisy of the author community with a dear friend.

I have seen many new authors chastened for writing a story “incorrectly”. I have seen many new authors shunned for newbie “mistakes”, or for differing opinions than the “in crowd”.

Authors insist that community is important… But we must remember, there is such a thing as the wrong community.

If you are a new, or seasoned, author, and are surrounding yourself with people, whether authors or readers, that do nothing but berate you — even when they insist it is to “help you” — step back.

The creative process should not be a true community effort. If voices are engulfing you, and throttling the story inside of you, step back. Do not let anyone change your soul, do not let anyone force you into a box.

Write, and create, at your own pace, with your own soul, and do not accept abuse in the name of “community.” The right, healthy, supportive community will come, but don’t accept any less beforehand. Your voice matters. Don’t let anyone stifle it. 

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