Behind every magical world is an author with a story just as compelling. Today, we’re diving into the imagination of Sloane Noir, the creative force behind Mystical Enchantment and Mystical Wildfire. Known for weaving captivating fantasy with rich emotion and unforgettable characters, Sloane invites readers into worlds where mystery and magic collide. In this interview, we explore the inspiration behind the Mystical series, the creative process that brings these stories to life, and the journey that shaped her as a writer—along with a few fun insights along the way.

Sloane Noir

Intro and background

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

I’m an indie author based in South Africa, writing paranormal romance with a growing appetite for darker, more dangerous corners of the genre, because, frankly, one love story is never enough. My debut novel landed in July 2025, followed by a companion novella in November, and I’ve been spiralling (productively, I promise) ever since.

At heart, I’m an old-school romantic with a bit of a bite. I believe in happily ever afters, but I’m not above putting my characters through absolute chaos to earn them.

When I’m not writing, I run almost exclusively on coffee and coexist with what can only be described as a feral, slightly unhinged pack of dachshunds. I have a deep love for horror movies and all things paranormal, which explains both my creative choices and possibly my life choices.

My “delulu but determined” long-term goal is finishing the 250+ works-in-progress I’ve already bought covers for. My toxic trait is plotting entire novels - complete with intricate character arcs and all - while my current manuscript quietly gathers dust in the corner. And editing? Let’s just say… we’re not the best of friends.

I’m proudly a no-drama llama who loves championing fellow authors, and thrives in spaces that feel supportive, creative, and just a little bit chaotic in the best way. Also, I can probably be bribed into doing almost anything for an iced coffee frappé with cream.

My love for storytelling started early when I used to write short stories and then fully act them out for my mom, which in hindsight feels like a pretty accurate preview of where I’d end up.

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

At 19, I began building a fantasy world - one story arc and idea at a time - until the characters stopped feeling fictional and started feeling like people I genuinely knew (and, occasionally, argued with).

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

As a teenager, I was introduced to paranormal romance by legends like Sherrilyn Kenyon and Christine Feehan, and I was instantly swept up in the magic of their worlds. It didn’t take long before I knew I wanted to create a little bit of that enchantment of my own.

About your books

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

Book 2 in the Mystical Series follows a werewolf Alpha who finds himself fate-bound to a human woman with a destiny she doesn’t yet understand, and one that’s far more powerful than it seems.

This story is part of a much bigger vision I started mapping out over twenty years ago: a collection of standalone love stories, all woven together within an interconnected world filled with mystical creatures, hidden legacies, old-school love stories and a little bit of spice.

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

I would say I relate to Tamara the most because she has a "tough act" exterior and pushes people away to avoid getting hurt, but deep down she wants that happy ending.

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

Oh, absolutely - there’s a lot woven in there. I first mapped out the Mystical Series when I was a teenager, deep in a long-term relationship with my high school sweetheart. His mix of sweetness, edge, quiet mystery, and fierce protectiveness definitely left its mark on my male characters. And the kind of love we shared - soft, romantic, a little intense, shaped how I write relationships to this day.

On a more serious note, Mystical Enchantment does touch on a heavier theme: one of the characters experiences a miscarriage. It’s something I’ve personally gone through, as have so many women, and that experience gave me a deeper, more honest understanding of her journey.

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

My process is a little old-school meets anarchy gremlin. I start by mapping out all the major plot points and building character “bibles” using a full-on spider diagram and from there, I draft around each plot point, keeping a clear vision of who the characters are, what role they play, and exactly what emotional or narrative payoff I want from that moment. Once I’ve got those pieces down, I go back in, refine, tweak, and edit each section until it feels just right.

And then comes the fun part - stitching all those carefully crafted pieces together into a story that actually flows, and I can sit back and say that I’m happy with the end result.

Writing Process

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

A little of both, but I’m definitely a plot-first kind of writer. I map out everything in advance: how each character looks, how they behave, and exactly what their story arc is. It helps me write with clarity when I can see them so vividly in my head, like I’m just translating their story onto the page.

That said… my characters don’t always stick to the plan. Every now and then, one of them decides to go rogue and flip the plot on me mid-chapter. At that point, I just accept my fate and follow their lead, because somehow, they usually know what they’re doing.

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

Editing and I have a… complicated relationship. I love the idea of a polished final product, but the process of getting there? Not my favorite. I get so excited to have the finished book in my hands that going back and uncovering errors, plot holes, and “what was I even trying to do here?” moments can be wildly frustrating.

And sometimes, painfully, it means rewriting entire sections because those early drafts just aren’t holding up. Necessary? Absolutely. Enjoyable? Not even a little.

Advice and Perspective

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

I started out as a reader in a completely different era - pre-social media, back when it was just books, vibes, and zero online discourse. So when I stepped into publishing and marketing my first book, the biggest curveball wasn’t writing… it was navigating the politics and drama that come with social platforms.

If I could give one solid piece of advice, it would be this: find your readers. The ones who match your energy, your voice, and the kind of stories you genuinely love to tell. Don’t try to please everyone - it’s a fast track to burnout and bland storytelling.

And don’t be afraid to show up as yourself. Putting your work (and a bit of your personality) out there can feel intimidating, but there are so many genuinely supportive readers out there who want to connect and be part of your journey. You just have to give them the chance to find you.

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

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned? Stay in your own lane. It’s so easy to get caught up in what other authors are achieving, but their journey isn’t yours, and trying to measure yourself against it will only mess with your focus (and your sanity, honestly).

What is worth paying attention to, though, is your readers. Reviews and feedback matter - these are people investing their time in your work, and that deserves respect. Of course, filter out anything that’s unnecessarily harsh or unrealistic, but when there’s consistent, thoughtful feedback? That’s gold.

In fact, I shifted my entire writing POV style between my first and second book because of reader input, and it made a huge difference. Readers understand what resonates in the current market, so let them help guide you… just without losing the voice that makes your writing yours.

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

This one’s tricky, because as a writer, you’re constantly trying to translate the vivid, cinematic version of the story in your head into words on a page, and let’s be honest, it never quite comes out the same. Then your readers step in, bringing their own life experiences, emotions, and perspectives, and suddenly the story takes on meanings you never even intended.

That’s the magic of storytelling, but it also makes feedback a delicate thing.

So if I could say one thing, it’s this: be kind. There’s a real person behind every book title, someone who poured time, energy, and a piece of themselves into that story. It’s completely okay to not love every aspect, but there’s a world of difference between thoughtful, constructive criticism and tearing someone down. Well aimed feedback can help a writer grow and develop better stories.

Looking Ahead

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

I am currently branching out into different genres of romance. I have a Dark Romance and Taboo Romance in the works, plus Book 2 in the PNR series.

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

My goal is actually to write and publish a book in every romance genre.

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

I have a page on Instagram @author_sloanenoir.
I am also a SAIAA member - it's the South African Indie Author Association

Rapid Fire

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee

Morning person or night owl?Night Owl

Fiction or non-fiction

Fiction

Paperback, Hardcover or e-book?

Paperback

Beach or Mountains?

Mountains

A big thank you to Sloane Noir for taking the time to share her story and insights with us. It was a pleasure learning more about her writing journey and the inspiration behind the Mystical series. Be sure to check out Mystical Enchantment and Mystical Wildfire, and follow Sloane to stay updated on her upcoming releases and future projects.

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