QA with Anthony Scott – Author Interview

In this exclusive Q&A, we sit down with rising literary talent Anthony Scott to explore the creative forces behind his gripping novel Scorpio Rising. From his writing routines to the deeper themes woven into his characters, Anthony offers a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration and challenges that shaped his work. Whether you’re a fan of intense fiction or just love hearing what drives an author’s craft, this interview is packed with candid insights and surprises.

Anthony doesn’t hold back – sharing the real story behind Scorpio Rising, the moments that nearly broke him, and the triumphs that made it all worthwhile. We talk genre, motivation, and even what’s next on his writing journey. If you’re an aspiring author or a devoted reader, Anthony’s passion and honesty might just light a fire in you too.

About The Author

Tell us more about you.

I was born in Rockford, Illinois; I moved to Southern Wisconsin as a child, and then to Minneapolis as an adult. I love this city!

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

A pen that would never run out of ink, a journal that would never run out of pages, and water.

Who is your biggest role model?

Oofdah. That’s hard, but probably Lorde, one of my favourite musicians. I love how she balances her personal and professional life, her dedication to her creative pursuits, and her views on the world.

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

AH another hard question. I love so many books for so many reasons. For sentimental reasons, and because of how the book literally blew my mind (it was one of the few I couldn’t predict while reading), I’d say my favourite is Catching Fire, Book 2 of the Hunger Games trilogy. As for my favourite author, it may be cliche to some, but I absolutely LOVE Shakespeare. And Oscar Wilde. And Edgar Allen Poe. All classics.

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

A good audiobook is ideal, though nothing beats the aesthetic of physical books.

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

Expensive hobby as of now, one day I would love it to be my career. Right now, I’m a Communications Manager for a trade association. I’m in charge of the company’s branding, social media, email communications, graphic design, press relations, and more.

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

I love Instagram! You can find me on all of these socials:

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

I like to plan and then tear up the plan as I start writing, then plan again, and tear it up again. I let the characters and plots develop with some parameters, allowing enough flexibility to make it both an interesting read as well as an interesting write. 

Where do you like to write?

Almost always at home. I feel like it’s where I can focus best. I’d love to make enough book-wise, one day, to afford a full-out home writing den/library/office, as right now it’s just a corner of my living room in my one-bedroom condo.

What do you like most about writing?

Escapism, the grandeur of world building, the references I find I unintentionally pull from real life.

What do you find stops you from writing more?

My full-time job and other responsibilities, and the pesky need to sleep.

What genres do you like to write and why?

Queer fantasy, romance, and historical fiction. I feel my love for fantasy is rooted in my need to escape the real world from time to time. My love for romance, specifically queer romance, is rooted in healing my inner hopeless romantic from years of denial. Writing historical fiction tends to thrive as I do in asking ‘What If?’, so that’s probably why I love that genre as well.

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

Don’t think the first draft of anything you write needs to be perfect, or anything near perfection, even. Just get something on the paper. It’s much easier to make a rough draft into a diamond than it is to make an idea into reality. So just WRITE!

Showcase Your Book!

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

I have written around 15 I’d say between stage plays, musicals, and novels. Of those 15ish, I will have published 6 by the end of 2025. My favourite book I’ve ever written is probably the final book of the Age of Cain Saga out in October 2025 – Final Mutable – for how I feel I knocked the series out of the park with its plot and conclusion. I’ve never been prouder of something I’ve created!

How long did Scorpio Rising take you to write?

Scorpio Rising took about 1.5 years to write, while the rest of the series took no more than four or five months each to finish. I think that when writing a fantasy series, as long as your first book is solid, you can more efficiently write sequels, prequels, etc.

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

Knowing that my stories will outlive me and hopefully keep the zeitgeist of queer narratives moving forward. That’s all I ever want to accomplish – to build some sort of legacy for my nieces, nephews, partner, and extended family to benefit from when I’m gone. God willing, I’ll be able to enjoy the success of my stories too, while I’m still alive!  

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