Q&A with AC Merkel – Author Interview

AC Merkel is a captivating storyteller known for weaving intricate narratives that blend fantasy, science fiction, and LGBTQIA+ representation. In this exclusive Q&A, we dive deep into their creative process, inspirations, and the journey that has shaped their writing. From world-building to character development, AC Merkel shares behind-the-scenes insights into their work, offering fans and aspiring writers a unique glimpse into their literary mind.

Whether you’re already a fan or just discovering AC Merkel’s books, this interview is packed with engaging discussion, personal reflections, and exciting details about upcoming projects. We explore the themes that drive their stories, the challenges of writing diverse and inclusive fiction, and what the future holds. Get ready for an enlightening conversation with one of today’s most intriguing authors!

About The Author

Tell us more about you

I used to sing and write songs in bands locally. I still play my guitars regularly, including a 7 string and a hybrid guitar/bass, which plays like a guitar but with a long neck that is tuned an octave lower. I can talk about music gear all day long. 

What are the three items you’d take on a deserted island?

• Phone (has books in it and my writing apps) 
• One of the aforementioned guitars (or maybe an acoustic version.) Will I have electricity?
• Definitely a Transformer or the new Jem doll? (Can I sneak one?) 

Who is your biggest role model?

I find that as my life moves directions and people on pedestals rarely stay up there, my role models are constantly shifting and revolving. That said, I still want to write like Joss Whedon, play guitar like Stephen Carpenter. 

Currently I’m appreciating the trans community on threads. Many of them are such powerful representations and seem fearless even though I know it’s scary out there right now. 

What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?

I probably would have said Bradbury when I was a teen. I read an old copy of “Something Wicked This Way Comes” many times, but today my favourite is my friend Halo Scot. She has an incredible writing style and worlds that are entirely too dark to fall into my usual fare. But I Will Kill You and Edge of the Breach are my favourites of hers. 

Do you prefer e-books, physical books or audiobooks?

Paperbacks used to be my thing, but now I find that backlit, adjustable fonts and near unlimited storage mean ebooks are very needed. I have a commute, so I have consumed quite a few audiobooks, especially from indies needing reviews. 

My newest book “If You See Something (Say Something)” is with my highly capable narrator Jaimee Moore right now getting the final touches. 

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

Writing is not my full time profession (that’s the dream, right?) I also wouldn’t call it a hobby. The hours I have spent on it in the last 5 years add up to at least another part time job. I make some money and consider it my main job. Even if that’s just by how important it is to me to succeed. 

I keep most personal info off the internet these days. But I can say another passion of mine is cool cars. They tend to appear in my books and I am in the automotive field as a “day job.”

What social media platform do you like and use the most?

Before the change to X, I had a fairly large Twitter account and was accepted (to my surprise) to the verified program. That account has had a name change to @AdriaCalais which if you look it up, you’ll  find most of my socials. These days I mostly visit threads, but Meta’s recent changes mean it could be the next X so, who knows where I’ll end up?

My social channels are:

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

I plan some, jump in,  abandon the plan when my characters lead me on side quests. I have a goal for the end of book and page count. So I’m writing toward some goals and get to have some surprises along the way. I believe they call this a “plan-tser?”

Where do you like to write?

Everywhere. My favourite was sitting on location for my book Witch vs. Witch, which (witch puns. Love them.) is set locally and gave me an excuse to don a mask and sit on a bench away from people during the pandemic. Or sit in my car near a setting. Can’t write sitting at the computer, the guitars are there. 

What do you like most about writing?

Just getting lost in my alternate version of our world with my characters. 

What do you find stops you from writing more?

Probably the day job. Sometimes the various other activities. Like being a TV addict and a guitarist. 

What genres do you like to write and why?

I think they class it as speculative. But but real world based fanatasy and sci fi. Mostly it’s in a version of our world. 

Largely SFF is what I like to read and watch. With a side of horror and thriller type stuff. I write what I’m passionate about. 

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?

When I came into the idea of writing and publishing, I was overwhelmed with advice. My advice is to keep what will help you and throw out what will slow you down. Write with your heart and with pride and the rest will follow. 

Showcase your books!

How many books have you written and if more than one, what’s your favourite?

Dreamscapes books plus a novella and two short stories. 

2 stand alone novellas; Witch Vs. Witch and Atomic Fireflies.

How long did Her Name Is Murder take to write?

It was a novel writing challenge in 2019. I had a 46k word draft in 21 days. 

I wrote a song book (lyrics) to accompany that to hit the “required” 50k. During editing I added some scenes and got the book up to 52k? I think. The sequel, London Calling took more like 8 months. 

Lastly, what is your favourite thing about being an author?

I love the community, but maybe I like that review coming in better. The one that is not only a good review but also says something that lets me know the reader really “got it.” The in that shows a true connection to the work, and therefore, to me as an artist. Can’t beat that.  

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