FANTASY Author Interview

Author:

In 2007, I finished the first draft of Blood Oath—though back then, it was titled Warrior of Blood—during my second year of college. The story originally began as a writing project with my father, something we both enjoyed working on together. At the time, the novel didn’t open in a prison labor camp. That element came later, after I spent twelve years teaching high school history and eventually took a job teaching GED at an adult prison.

While I appreciate the comparison—Sarah J. Maas is a wildly successful author, and any parallels drawn are likely a reflection of the shared fantasy genre—the concept of a prison labor camp isn’t exclusive to her or any single writer. It’s a narrative deeply rooted in real-world history. If you look back at medieval times—and even earlier—prison labor, forced servitude, torture, and executions were common punishments, especially for those who dared to challenge a monarch or ruling power.

Fantasy often mirrors historical realities to build immersive and believable worlds. In my case, the prison labor system isn’t just a trope—it’s a historically inspired element that reflects how authoritarian regimes have operated for centuries. If anything, it adds realism and depth to the world I’ve created.

As a history teacher, I think it’s important to reflect on that history. The prison system in my book isn’t just there for shock value—it reflects a world where survival is harsh, and power is deeply entrenched. It’s a brutal reminder of what happens when people defy the crown in a kingdom ruled by fear. And more importantly, it sets the stage for the strength of my protagonist. Her journey doesn’t begin in comfort or convenience—it begins with injustice, with chains on her wrists, and a choice: submit or resist.

What makes a story original isn’t just the setting—it’s the voice, the characters, the emotional arc, and the choices they make. The concept of prison labor camps, forced servitude, and brutal punishments for those who oppose the ruling power isn’t exclusive to any one book or author—it’s deeply rooted in history across cultures and eras.

Kings and emperors across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa maintained power not just through lineage, but through fear, force, and punishment. The Tower of London is a famous example—it was a place where political prisoners were tortured, executed, or left to rot. Ancient Rome had prisoners laboring in salt mines, gladiators fighting to the death, and enemies of the state exiled or enslaved. In Imperial China, dissidents were sent to work on massive construction projects like the Great Wall, often until they died from the grueling conditions. Russia exiled its political opponents to the frozen hell of Siberian labor camps as early as the 1500s. These aren’t fantasy inventions—they’re historical fact.

1. Medieval Europe:
    
   • Kings and rulers frequently exiled, imprisoned, or enslaved those who opposed them.
      
   • Prisoners, particularly political dissenters, were often sentenced to hard labor in mines, quarries, or other grueling conditions.
      
   • The Tower of London, for example, housed many political prisoners, many of whom faced executions or torturous conditions.
      

1. Ancient Rome & Greece:
    
   • Rome used forced labor camps extensively, particularly for prisoners of war, criminals, and political dissidents.
      
   • Gladiators, many of whom were enslaved, were forced into brutal combat for entertainment.
      
   • The Roman Empire sent prisoners to labor in salt mines, a death sentence due to the harsh conditions.
      

1. Feudal Japan & China:
    
   • Japan’s Edo period saw criminals and political prisoners exiled to remote islands or forced into servitude.
      
   • Imperial China used convict labor for massive projects like the Great Wall, often sentencing dissidents and criminals to labor until death.
      

1. Middle Eastern & Islamic Empires:
    
   • Prisoners of war and criminals were frequently enslaved or forced into servitude.
      
   • The Ottoman Empire used penal labor and enslaved prisoners from conquered regions.
      

1. Medieval and Colonial Russia:
    
   • The Russian Tsars exiled political dissidents to Siberian labor camps as early as the 16th century.
      
   • These camps, precursors to later systems like the Soviet gulags, were designed to suppress opposition through brutal conditions.
      

1. The Transatlantic Slave Trade & Penal Colonies:
    
   • Many prisoners, including political rebels, were sentenced to penal colonies such as Australia.
      
   • Enslavement and forced labor were tools of oppression used to control populations.
      

Fantasy often draws from real-world history to build immersive and believable worlds. A prison labor system in your book isn’t just a trope—it’s an authentic reflection of how authoritarian regimes have functioned throughout history. If anything, it makes your world more realistic and historically grounded, adding weight to your characters’ struggles.

Sarah J. Maas did not invent this concept, and countless books have used variations of it. What makes a story unique isn’t the existence of a labor camp but how it functions, who is affected, and why it plays a role in the broader plot. The execution, characters, and worldbuilding are what set stories apart. History is my inspiration, and it’s on my side!

If I was to give advice to other writers, I would say remember your book’s originality comes from how you develop your world/system, its rules, its impact on your characters, and how it plays into the broader worldbuilding and themes of your story. Keep writing your vision—historical accuracy is on your side!

1. Author:

It’s a fair question, and I totally understand why some readers might draw that connection at first glance. But I think it’s important to take a step back and look at the broader context—because women hunting for survival didn’t start with Katniss or Feyre. That trope didn’t appear out of thin air. It’s not just a literary device; it’s rooted in history and reality.

Long before modern YA fantasy existed, women were hunting. In indigenous cultures around the world, women were skilled archers, trappers, and trackers. Viking sagas speak of shieldmaidens who rode into battle and hunted with precision. In many medieval peasant communities, especially during times of war or famine, women had no choice but to hunt or starve—especially when the men were conscripted or killed. Even ancient mythology gave us Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, as a symbol of strength and independence. So when people say a female hunter isn’t “original,” I honestly think we’re forgetting that it’s one of the most natural things a woman could do in a survival-based world.

In fantasy especially, if your character grows up in a harsh, rural, or impoverished environment, it makes sense for her to hunt. It’s not about copying—it’s about survival. In my book, hunting is a necessity, not a hobby or an aesthetic. My protagonist doesn’t hunt to show off skill or prove something to anyone—she hunts because it’s how she feeds her family. It’s how she keeps herself alive. It’s how she stays one step ahead in a brutal world that’s constantly trying to crush her.

1. Historical Basis:
    
   • Throughout history, women have hunted for survival, especially in societies where food was scarce or men were absent due to war or other duties.
      
   • Indigenous cultures, Viking societies, and even medieval peasant communities had women who learned archery, trapping, and tracking.
      

1. Realism in a Fantasy Setting:
    
   • If a character grows up in a harsh environment, hunting is a logical skill for them to have.
      
   • A strong, survival-oriented protagonist doesn’t automatically make a story derivative—it's about how the world, character, and plot shape that skill.
      

1. Countless Literary & Mythological Precedents:
    
   • Artemis (Greek Mythology): A legendary female hunter long before modern books.
      
   • Eowyn (The Lord of the Rings): A skilled warrior who defied expectations.
      
   • Aysha (The Snow Queen by Joan D. Vinge): A hunter in a dystopian sci-fi setting.
      
   • Jane from Tarzan: A survivalist with a deep knowledge of the jungle.
      
   • Historical female hunters & warriors: Boudica, Tomoe Gozen, and many others.
      

1. Katniss and ACOTAR Did Not Invent Female Hunters:
    
   • "The Hunger Games" and "A Court of Thorns and Roses" are just two modern examples in a long tradition of warrior women in fiction.
      
   • Their hunting skills serve different purposes in their stories. Just because your character hunts doesn’t mean they are a copy of these protagonists.

The comparison to Katniss or Feyre makes sense at surface level because they’re both recognizable names—but their journeys, personalities, and emotional stakes are completely different. Katniss is a reluctant symbol of rebellion. Feyre is thrust into a fae world where survival means adapting to power structures she doesn’t understand. My protagonist’s relationship to hunting is uniquely shaped by her world’s politics, her personal trauma, and her responsibility to those she loves. Her skill isn’t glorified—it’s gritty, painful, and necessary. And it ties into deeper themes of agency, sacrifice, and resilience.

At the end of the day, originality isn’t about reinventing basic human behavior—it’s about how you layer emotion, stakes, and purpose into it. 

• As a writer, ask yourself:  Why does your character hunt? Is it for survival, revenge, tradition, or as a rite of passage?
   
• How does the world react to her skills? Is she praised, feared, underestimated?
   
• What are the emotional stakes? Does she hate hunting but have no choice? Does it tie into a larger conflict?
   
• What makes her different from Katniss or Feyre? Their personalities, circumstances, and challenges make them unique.

Hunting is a skill. It’s a tool. What matters is how you use it to shape the character and the story. And in that sense, I stand by my choice fully. It’s authentic to the world I’ve built, and it reflects the strength of a girl who’s had to do hard things to survive.

A female protagonist who hunts is not unoriginal—it's practical, realistic, and historically grounded. Your world, characters, and story make it your own. Critics who make these claims ignore the vast history of women hunters in real life and fiction. Write your book the way it needs to be written!

Author:

I started writing this story back in 2007 with my dad. We always loved Harry Potter together—it was our thing—so writing a fantasy book side by side felt magical in its own way. It was something we dreamed up together, a project that let us escape into a world we could build from scratch. But unfortunately, life got busy. The first final draft was completed in 2009. 

Unfortunately, my dad had work and responsibilities, and eventually, we had to put the writing on pause. I kept hoping that one day he’d have the time to come back to it with me, the way we originally planned. Years later I  picked it back up and finished the story without him. His influence is still woven into every chapter, and writing it became a way to keep that connection alive.

Author:

Storm Breaker is actually the first book in a five-part series. From the very beginning, I knew this story was too big to fit into just one book. The world, the magic system, the political tensions, and especially Allyria’s journey—it all unfolds over the course of five interconnected books. Each one dives deeper into the lore, the characters’ pasts, and the choices that shape their futures. While Storm Breaker sets the stage, it’s really just the beginning of an epic journey filled with ancient prophecies, shifting alliances, romance, betrayal, and war. I can’t wait for readers to experience the full arc as it all builds toward the final book.

Author:

Absolutely! The second book will focus on the Elder Tournaments, which play a major role in Allyria’s journey. These aren't just your typical contests—they’re ancient, dangerous trials meant to push every competitor to their limit. For Allyria, they’re a chance at freedom, but also a test of everything she’s learned—and everything she’s afraid to face. You’ll get to explore new parts of the world, meet fierce new allies and enemies, and watch the stakes rise as tensions between the human and immortal realms grow.

And for anyone eager to get a glimpse of what’s coming, the map of the second book is already posted on my website as a sneak peek! It gives a look at some of the new locations readers will be traveling to in Book Two, and I can’t wait for everyone to start piecing together where the story is headed.

“Fated to Love” was born out of a tumultuous time in our world’s history. When the pandemic swept across the globe and schools closed their doors, I found myself teaching from home and working on my YA fantasy novel, “Storm Breaker.” However, with everything happening in the world, I needed a break from fantasy. It was during this time that I stumbled upon an old journal from my high school creative writing class and rediscovered a nineteen-page short story I had written as a junior called “Broken Dreams.” The story was about a college-aged male who found out he had cancer.

As someone in my thirties, I was fascinated to come across a handwritten story that was twenty years old. It was a window to the past, a reminder of simpler times before the pandemic had upended our world. My aunt was battling cancer at the time, and as I read the handwritten story from my high school journal, I reflected on the struggles that people like my aunt had to endure during the pandemic. It was truly heart-wrenching to imagine the added challenges they faced, including the sudden requirement of masks, restrictions on visitations, and constantly changing mandates in hospitals, treatment centers, and doctors’ offices. The thought of battling cancer during such unprecedented times was unimaginable, and yet so many people had to do just that. This novel is a testament to the power of love and resilience, as it follows the journey of a relatable and complex character who faces her own challenges and triumphs in the midst of real-life events.

From the very first word to the final page, “Fated to Love You” became more than a love story between a biracial couple. It’s the journey of Cassandra “Cassie” Temperance Steel, a multifaceted character who escapes to Colombia to mend a broken heart. The novel’s setting is interwoven with real-life events that occurred between 2016-2019 (Book 1) and 2020-2023 (Book 2-3), crossing borders and cultures, and showcasing the diversity of our world. The first book, “Fated to Love You,” is set before the pandemic, while the second book, “Threads of Fate,” chronicles the main characters navigating through the pandemic and other significant events, much like Forest Gump.

I never imagined that my old high school story would evolve into a trilogy, but as I wrote, the events of the time profoundly impacted the characters’ lives, ultimately shaping the novel’s direction. 

“Fated to Love” is a story about overcoming adversity and racism to find true love. It explores themes of grief, loss, hope, and healing. My sincerest wish is for readers to be transported by the characters’ journey and encouraged to embrace diversity and love in their own lives.

Some of the minor characters in the story, like Cassie and Xuan’s friends, Roxy, Amanda, Sky, Beom, and Nick, were inspired by people I know. Nevertheless, these characters were created to serve the story, and I made sure to give them unique personalities and traits that would make them stand out as individuals. That being said, I did incorporate certain traits and quirks into the characters that reminded me of people I’ve met in my life. For example, Zhang Xuan’s gentlemanly demeanor and impressive salsa dancing skills were inspired by my husband, who is the epitome of chivalry and always puts others before himself. I also drew inspiration from the people I’ve met from China, Taiwan, and Korea to create Zhang Xuan’s character. I wanted to capture the nuances of their cultures and blend them with his personality to create a unique and relatable character.

I want to make it absolutely clear that the parents I imagined (Richard and Stella) were completely fictitious and bore no resemblance to anyone in my life. They were the product of pure imagination, created with no other inspiration. To put it bluntly, they’re the complete antithesis of my own parents. My father is the quintessential 1970’s California beach boy and hippie. He’s always been the epitome of coolness, exuding an effortless charm that could make even the most jaded person crack a smile. His presence lights up a room, and his charisma is infectious. He has a way of making people feel at ease around him like he’s an old friend you’ve known your whole life. And his intellect is just as impressive as his coolness, shining like a beacon of hope in a dark sky. My dad has always worked hard and made sacrifices to provide for our family, and for that, I’m eternally grateful. Honestly, everybody needs a dad like mine.

Unfortunately, the narrow-minded, hateful personalities of Ashley and Brett were based on real people I’ve met, unlike the character of Raylan, who is entirely fictional. I drew on my own experiences and relationships to create authentic and relatable characters and infused my travels to different parts of the world into the story to create a vivid and immersive setting.

I did not write Cassandra, the protagonist, to be a thinly veiled version of my own life, but I’ve infused her with some similar interests and traits, such as my passion for volunteering and love of basketball. Growing up, I dreamed of being an ethnobiologist and studying cures for cancer and other diseases in the Amazon Rainforest, inspired by the movie Medicine Man, as Cassie states in the story. By drawing on my own experiences and passions, I aimed to create a character that readers could connect with on a personal level.

When it comes to the characters in my book, each one is an original creation. As for the places in the books, the locations in Colombia, and California — the hospitals, the restaurants, the beaches and other locations, actually exist.

I’ve always dreamed of publishing a book, and my mother has been a huge supporter of that dream. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease around the time COVID first hit the United States. As her disease has progressed to the mid-late stages, I began to realize that my time was running out to publish a story traditionally. Ultimately, my decision to publish “Fated to Love You" was driven by a sense of urgency. I knew that if I waited too long, it might be too late for her to see me accomplish my dream. I gave myself a deadline to secure a publishing deal with a traditional publisher, knowing that if that didn’t happen in time, I would turn to self-publishing. It was a risk, but I couldn’t bear the thought of my mother missing out on this milestone in my life.

I wanted to publish my first novel while she can still remember. To me, it was crucial that my mother could physically hold my book in her hands, even if she can no longer read or write. The joy and pride I would feel seeing her hold it, knowing that I accomplished my dream as a romance author, is something that cannot be expressed in words.

Overall, publishing my book now was not just about achieving my own goals – it was about sharing that achievement with my mother and giving her a tangible reminder of my love and appreciation for all she has done for me. I just hope I’m not too late.

The decision to write “Fated to Love” was inspired by a deeply personal experience that touched my heart and soul. As a teacher and basketball coach, I had the honor of hosting six boys from Asian countries who quickly became like brothers to me. Growing up as an only child, their presence meant a great deal to me. My parents welcomed them into our family, and we celebrated holidays, birthdays, and special events together. Some of them are still attending college in the United States, while others have returned to their home countries. I have had the privilege of visiting a few of them in China and Taiwan, and our bond has only grown stronger with time. One of the boys, Jimmy, from China, lived with me for over six years. He completed his degree at an American university and has since returned to China, where he is now married and has a beautiful daughter.

The rise in Asian racism during the pandemic years deeply affected me. I saw firsthand the horrific things that were said to my “brothers” because of their nationality. I felt ashamed and guilty for not doing enough to promote change. I realized that I had a responsibility to use my voice and platform to bring attention to this issue.  That’s when I decided to write “Fated to Love,” a novel that not only explores the intricacies of contemporary romance but also delves into deeper themes such as cultural identity, family dynamics, and overcoming adversity. I wanted to take readers on a journey through different countries and cultures, providing a window into the diversity of our world.  Through my writing, I hope to honor and celebrate the beauty of these diverse cultures and to share the story of Cassie and Xuan with the world.

The "Chasing the Comet" series will consist of three books. "Fated to Love" serves as the first book in the trilogy, and I'm delighted to announce that I have already finished writing Books II and III. The second book is titled "Threads of Fate," while the third book is titled "The Invisible Thread." I am eagerly looking forward to sharing the remaining chapters of the story with my readers as the characters delve deeper into the intricacies of fate and the profound strength of love. 

In this author interview, I'd also like to announce that I am also working on the publication of my first YA fantasy novel, Blood Oath (Storm Breaker #1), which is set to release in 2025. I've always dreamed of writing fantasy. I feel pretty lucky to be able to call myself a fantasy author and romance author! It's a dream come true!

Oh, I am so excited to share some details about the upcoming second book! Get ready to buckle up for an emotional rollercoaster ride as readers are taken on a heart-wrenching journey through the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world changes around our characters, they must navigate new challenges that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

Just like the first book, "Threads of Fate” is a contemporary romance full of unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. Despite the odds against them, Cassie and Xuan remain steadfast in their epic love story, willing to do whatever it takes to find their way back to each other – even if it means braving the very forces of the universe that conspire to keep them apart.

Oh, boy, the most challenging parts of writing this novel were definitely the sex scenes. I’m still blushing just thinking about them! I never expected to write a romance novel, especially one with some steamy bits. To be honest, I hope my family just skips over those parts. Can you imagine the awkwardness if they brought it up over our next big family gathering or during Thanksgiving dinner as we are passing around the turkey?

Another challenge was creating authentic characters from a culture that’s not my own. Crafting a story around Cassandra Steel and Zhang Xuan presented a unique set of challenges because I wanted to represent them and their experiences in a way that readers could genuinely connect with. I realized that Asians have been underrepresented in literature and media for decades, and it was important to me to create characters that broke that trend.

I had the most fun writing when I was researching and immersing myself in the Mandarin Chinese and Latin cultures. It was important for me to ensure that every detail was accurate and authentic, which is why I spent two years traveling to the locations mentioned in the novel. I indulged myself in foreign television, read folklore, and listened to music and comedy shows featuring artists from the region. It was honestly a blast to explore different neighborhoods and try locally inspired recipes where my characters exist in the setting of this novel. Through this experience, I felt more connected to my characters and the story, and I hope that my love for their culture shines through in the pages of the novel.

As I embarked on the journey of writing my novel, I was deeply aware of the cultural and religious experiences that had shaped me. I knew that it was important to stay true to these influences and incorporate them into my writing. Growing up in Santa Cruz, California, attending Twin Lakes Baptist Church in Aptos was an essential part of my childhood. The church’s Fall Festival and candlelit Christmas Eve service were cherished memories that I wanted to reflect on in my story. I felt a strong connection to Baptist beliefs, which is why Cassandra’s character shares similar beliefs.

In contrast, Xuan’s character is based on my experiences with my host kids from China, who were Buddhist. Traveling to Taiwan and China and visiting Buddhist temples also influenced my writing. I wanted to incorporate cultural and religious elements into my story to showcase the beauty and diversity of our world. As a history teacher, I’ve always loved studying civilizations and learning about people and culture, so it was important for me to incorporate cultural and religious elements into my writing in order to pay tribute to the beauty and diversity of our world.

In my opinion, it is okay to be in a relationship where two people have opposite religions, and I wanted to portray this through Cassandra and Xuan’s love story. With love, all things are possible and my character’s relationship is based on acceptance of their differences, and respect. They do not try to change each other. This aspect of their relationship is my favorite, as I have seen many relationships where people try to change their partners, which is not right. When you love someone, you love them for who they are. All of them. That includes their religious beliefs. 

If I could have the chance to meet the characters I created in person, I would be overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to bring them to life on the pages of my book. I would apologize for the hardships and obstacles I made them endure throughout their journey, but I would also express my admiration for their strength and resilience. Their love story and struggles touched my heart deeply (as I hope it does others), anhttps://sanfranciscobookreview.com/kayla-cunningham-interview/d I would want them to know that despite everything they faced, their love was beautiful, and their story mattered.

Lastly, I would thank them for entrusting me with their tale and for allowing me to share it with the world.

As the romance author of "Fated to Love You," my connection to the #StopAsianHate movement is rooted in my advocacy for addressing issues of racism and promoting understanding. The rise in anti-Asian hate crimes caused by the pandemic deeply affects me, and I feel a responsibility to shed light on this issue through my writing. While "Fated to Love You" is a contemporary romance novel, it is important for me to address and raise awareness about social issues within my storytelling. By incorporating themes of love, acceptance, and unity, I aim to contribute to the larger conversation and support the efforts of the #StopAsianHate movement.

So what brought about my inspiration to write this story? There is a great quote in the movie 42, about Jackie Robinson. The quote was, “Maybe tomorrow we’ll all wear 42, that way they won’t tell us apart.” Growing up in a baseball-loving household, today I want to wear the #42. I do so with ink. My pen is the most powerful tool God has given me, and it’s time to use it to make a difference. This series is my form of advocacy, and I believe in writing for change #WriteForChange. I hope that my dedication to authenticity and accuracy shines through in every page of “Fated to Love” and “Threads of Fate.”

When I was brainstorming title ideas for my novel, I pondered on the themes that were prominent in the story. As a romance novel, the book highlights the story of two people from distinct backgrounds who, despite the obstacles that lay ahead, were irresistibly drawn to one another. The concept of destiny and fate was a crucial factor in their love story, where the power of love was depicted as an unyielding force that unites people. The book’s subtitle, “Chasing the Comet,” alludes to a comet that appears in all three novels and is meant to be a symbolic representation of the characters’ journey toward each other.