Every author has a story behind their stories. Today, we’re sitting down with Sevannah Storm, the creative mind behind The Gifting series The Blood of Legends series and so much more, to learn more about their inspiration, writing process, and the journey that led them to become a published author. From thoughtful insights to a few fun rapid-fire questions, this interview offers a closer look at the person behind the pages.

Sevannah Storm

1.Can you tell us a little about yourself and what first inspired you to become a writer?

I've been writing since I was a teenager. Heard that before? Like a thousand times? But I put it aside as a wife and mother. So, in Dec 2017, when I was plagued by a recurring dream where every night a new chapter would be added, I opted to write the dream down just for a little peace. Hubs took one for the team and read it. He told me to pursue this. Eight years later, here I am. Scary thing is, I used to write historical romance. Undeniably Yours (my first novel) will never see the light of day. Now I write romance (sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal) with a book or two in epic fantasy and sci-fi mystery. I've been married for 24 years to a super-supportive man, and I have two adult kids, one pug, and three cats. Oh, and a ball python named Biscuit.

Intro and Background

2.Was there a particular moment or experience when you realized writing was something you wanted to pursue seriously?

In the first five months, I wrote five books. Good times. I can't say when exactly I started to look into agents, queries, pitches, social media accounts, editors... I will say, landing a small press for Soul Forged spurred me on. Soon after, The Huntress and Xiaxan Fox were nabbed by another small press.

3.Who were some of your early literary influences, and how did they shape your writing style?

OMW, I've been reading since I was twelve, stealing my gran's Mills & Boons. But who blew my mind was Johanna Lindsey, especially when she introduced me to Sci-Fi Romance. Writing anything in that genre wasn't a consideration until Dec 2017, yeah, so that was a surprise.

About your books

4.What is your latest book about, and what inspired the idea behind it?

Phew, Stealing the Star Stone is my latest. It's The Lost City meets Freaky Friday but in outer space. If you've seen the movies, you'll get the appeal. I had such fun writing it, especially when the FMC and MMC swap bodies due to an alien stone exploding. Kinda an enemies-to-lovers. So much fun.

5.Which character from your books do you relate to the most, and why?

Well, they do say parts of the author are in all their characters. I wouldn't be able to pick one character, though. I'm not a know-it-all (Oriana), nor am I a magical seductress (Thugari), nor am I an excellent detective with a distrust of all things non-human (Callie), or a kick-ass fighter (Quin). But I don't like unnecessary drama, which I think comes across. I'm also too practical for my own good.

6.Were any parts of your books influenced by your real-life experiences?

Yeah, I did Krav Maga for a few years; that governed my fight scenes. And I have a younger brother. His friends were always around. I hope I channel what it truly means to be a man, especially when I write from their POV.

7.What does your typical writing process look like from idea to finished manuscript?

It can be an image, a wouldn't-that-be-cool thought, then I leave it to fester. If it persists, I jot it down in my Story Ideas document for later. I try not to write two books at once, so when an idea strikes, I'm usually busy on another WIP. Once I commit, though, I start with a cover. Then I have the document prepped with blurb, copyright, chapter headings, etc. If it's part of a series, I'll add the glossary and blurbs from the previous books. I write (electronically or by hand). To finish a book, it's sometimes quick, like a month or two, sometimes it takes ages. When the first draft is done, I shove it aside for at least two weeks to a month. I then read it electronically, make final tweaks, before I get it printed for a hands-on edit. After that, it's off to beta readers, then my editor.

Writing Process

8.Do you plan your stories in detail beforehand, or do you prefer to discover the story as you write?

I'm a plantser. I need a general direction but never stick to a detailed outline. Characters have minds of their own and do what they want.

9.What part of the writing process do you find the most challenging?

The saggy middle. Sometimes I feel like I'd rather have my toenails removed without anesthetic. Harsh, I know.

Advice and Perspective

10.What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting their journey?

I plan to give a few talks at the next Comic Con on this subject. All writers are different in their approach, but write, write, write seems to be the consistent advice. Some spend too long on one book, and I'm talking years. Some get stuck in the plotting phase and never get to the writing part. Sure, you wrote a book. That's amazing. But now, write the next one, and the next. When you finally land an agent/small press/self-pub, you have books lined up for release. Readers are voracious, so have more ready for them before they lose interest.

11.What habits or practices have helped you improve your writing over time?

Sprints work. They're amazing for getting a quick batch of words down. I also like to sit at a coffee shop for a few hours. It forces me to write and not doomscroll.

12.What is one thing you wish more readers understood about the work that goes into writing a book?

How much of our soul we put on paper, how much of our time it takes, how much money it costs to have a book edited. They might better understand why pirating our novels hurts us. Most of us never get back what we put in.

Looking Ahead

13.What projects are you currently working on or planning for the future?

Oh boy, I just finished book 11 of the Gifting Series. I'm halfway through a sci-fi romance (My Fair Lady in outer space), then I'm tackling an urban fantasy romance mystery. I can't wait. And yes, I have the covers for all these ready. After this, I need to write another two books for the Gifting series, another two for The Blood of Legends... Needless to say, I have a spreadsheet charting this.

14.Are there any genres or types of stories you would like to explore that you haven’t yet?

Not at the moment.

15.Where can readers follow you or learn more about your work?

I'm on Loot, have an eBook shop via my website, and am on Amazon, Apple, Kobo, and Nook and now Bookish Delights as well.

Rapid Fire

Coffee or Tea?

Tea

Morning person or night owl?

Night Owl

Fiction or non-fiction

Fiction

Paperback, Hardcover or e-book?

e-book

Beach or Mountains?

Mountains

You can find all the books listed under Local Authors-click here

A big thank you to Sevannah Storm for taking the time to share their story and insights with us. It was wonderful learning more about their writing journey and the inspiration behind their work. Be sure to check out all her books available and follow Sevannah to stay updated on their future projects.