Q&A with Phoenix Grimm – Author Interview

Phoenix Grimm is an author unafraid to explore the darker corners of storytelling, weaving emotion, tension, and atmosphere into every page. In this Q&A, we step into the world behind Though the Night May Be Dark, uncovering the inspirations and experiences that shaped such a haunting and thought-provoking narrative. Grimm’s voice is both powerful and introspective, drawing readers into stories that linger long after the final chapter.

Honest and reflective, Phoenix Grimm shares the realities of writing deeply emotive fiction, from confronting difficult themes to creating characters that feel raw and real. This conversation offers a genuine glimpse into the creative process, revealing the passion and purpose that drive Grimm’s work, and why their stories resonate so strongly with readers looking for something meaningful and memorable.

About The Author

Tell us more about you.

Fun facts: I was born in the Azores and grew up in Delaware. I have two classic Mustangs, a 68 and an 81. I’ve recently taken up designing covers for beginning indie authors, with the goal of helping deliver something affordable, but still eye-catching.

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

Wi-fi, my laptop, and my kindle. (I need some way to read and write)

Who is your biggest role model?

I don’t really have one. There are aspects of various people I admire, but no one that I strive to model myself after.

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

Le Morte d’Arthur. It was the origins of my Arthurian obsession. As for favorite author, there are several I admire, but I would say Ursula Le Guin is near the top of the list. 

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

Physical books are my go-to, but I also read quite a bit on my kindle and listen to audiobooks through the library. 

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

I wish it was my full-time job, but unfortunately it isn’t. At this time, my day job is librarian. 

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

I’m dreadful at social media. I’m most active on Facebook (I know I’m old.) But I’m also on Instagram and recently Threads. I also technically have a TikTok but I rarely use it, not a fan of the platform. Links to my socials:

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

Usually, I’m a plotter. I like knowing what I’m writing toward, even more so if I’m writing a series. Though the Night May Be Dark is unique as it’s one of only two novels I’ve entirely pantsed. 

Where do you like to write?

I take my laptop almost everywhere with me. Most often I write at home in bed. But I also write on my lunch break at work (when I’m not being interrupted), at restaurants while waiting on food, at car shows. 

What do you like most about writing?

It allows me to examine the world and myself critically and explore concepts and ideas that intrigue me. I love the chance to challenge others to think about society and themselves in a different way. Writing is also my escape, my refuge from the world, and my way of coping with life. 

What do you find stops you from writing more?

Exhaustion. I’m autistic and disabled. Combined with a full time job rife with ableism and queerphobia, and also going to school full-time, there are more days than not that my mind and body simply can’t. 

What genres do you like to write and why?

Any. I don’t really think too much about genre when I write. I write whatever story my mind needs to tell, which leads me to changing genres. Though, I do admit, most of my stories tend to lean into the speculative. 

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

Ignore the noise. Don’t worry about what sells or writing to this audience or that. If you have a story that demands to be told, tell it. 

Showcase Your Book!

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

Though the Night May Be Dark is my debut. I have a couple other things in the lineup, with the hope of having another ready for release sometime in the summer. It’s a queer, philosophical sci-fi that follows 26 characters as they leave Earth to start a new society on Janus, an Earth-like planet. The book focuses on what kind of society do we want to create? What does a kind society look like? Is it even possible? 

How long did Though the Night May Be Dark take you to write?

The first draft took me about 3-4 months. From first draft to finished product, it was almost exactly a year. 

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

Getting to connect with other writers and readers. 

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