A.D. Vancise Explores Dark Realities and Human Resilience

PHOTO: A.D. Vancise, an award-winning author, captures the essence of storytelling, blending rich narratives with personal experiences to create unforgettable tales.

Exploring Grief, Resilience, And The Art Of Storytelling

A.D. Vancise discusses her inspirations, writing process, and the emotional depth of her novels, highlighting themes of trauma and resilience.

A.D. Vancise captivates readers with her extraordinary storytelling prowess, seamlessly weaving together elements of mystery, trauma, and resilience. Hailing from a quaint Canadian town, she draws upon the stark beauty of her upbringing to infuse her narratives with authenticity and depth. Vancise’s debut novel, Cry of an Osprey, not only achieved Amazon bestseller status but also garnered the prestigious Beverly Hills Book Award, showcasing her ability to resonate with audiences on a profound level. Her subsequent work, Hidden in the Shadows, further cemented her reputation, earning accolades such as the Gold Award from Literary Titan and rave reviews from critics.

What sets Vancise apart is her unique blend of gripping plotlines and emotional exploration. Through the lens of her compelling characters, she navigates the complexities of human experience, compelling readers to confront uncomfortable truths while remaining thoroughly engaged. As she prepares to unveil sequels to her acclaimed works, anticipation builds for the next chapters in Evie Day’s gripping journey and the chilling tales surrounding Memoirs from a Killer.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into Vancise’s creative process, the inspirations behind her narratives, and the personal experiences that shape her writing. Join us as we explore the mind of a truly talented author whose works not only entertain but also enlighten, offering a glimpse into the shadows of the human psyche.

A.D. Vancise’s exceptional talent and poignant storytelling engage readers, inviting them into profound narratives filled with emotion and complexity.

What initially inspired you to write Hidden in the Shadows, and how did the idea for the mysterious photo come about?

When I was nine, I was rummaging through my grandfather’s shoebox of family photos when I came across an image of a woman standing next to a tiny box. It intrigued me—guess I had a thing for mysteries even back then. I asked my papa (that’s what I called him) about it, and he promptly stormed out of the room like I’d just asked him to explain the meaning of life. Years later, after he passed, I found the photo again and realized the tiny box was actually a coffin. Turns out, this was his first case as a police officer. My curiosity led me down a research rabbit hole—one that somehow landed me in the dark world of child trafficking. The deeper I dug, the more I couldn’t look away. And just like that, Hidden in the Shadows was born.

“Turns out, this was his first case as a police officer.” – A. D. Vancise

Cry of an Osprey is deeply personal and rooted in grief. How did writing it help you navigate your own loss?

Great question. Writing Cry of an Osprey was cathartic in ways I didn’t expect. Oddly, revisiting the hospital scenes wasn’t the hardest part—I’d already lived those moments. What really gutted me was writing about my brother and his first love, knowing they’d never get their second chance. I don’t think grief is something you fully navigate; it’s more like you learn how to carry it. But writing helped me put some of that weight onto paper, and for that, I’m grateful.

Your books explore heavy themes such as trauma, love, and resilience. How do you balance these intense subjects while keeping readers engaged?

I think weaving in humor—when appropriate—helps, along with using dual POVs. In Cry of an Osprey, Amelia’s heavy moments are balanced with Ben’s more lighthearted or reflective ones. In Hidden in the Shadows, Evie’s mystery-driven journey provides relief from the darker, more disturbing scenes surrounding Charlie Baker. It’s all about pacing, ending a chapter on an unfinished thought or scene, and knowing when the reader needs a breath. I want them to feel deeply, but I also want them to keep turning the pages.

“Grief is more like you learn how to carry.” – A. D. Vancise

Evie Day is a compelling protagonist in Hidden in the Shadows. What aspects of her character do you relate to the most?

Her naivety, for sure. Her tenacity for truth. And her unwavering belief that people—especially the ones we love—are inherently good. That last one can be a strength or a flaw, depending on the situation.

You are currently working on sequels to Hidden in the Shadows and Memoirs from a Killer. Can you give us any hints about what readers can expect?

Absolutely. The next book in the series, Behind the Shadows, follows Evie as she fights against an untouchable trafficking network after her nine-year-old son, L.J., is kidnapped. But L.J. isn’t just a victim—he’s outsmarting them from the inside. Just as Evie gets close to rescuing him, betrayal strikes, and she’s killed… or so it seems. A shadowy figure from her past has been watching, and he’s not ready to let her die just yet.

Memoirs from a Killer is a prequel to Hidden in the Shadows, narrated by Roman, a character from the first book. And here’s where things get wild—I’m working with a medium from California who is channeling a man with a story to tell. Sounds crazy, right? But here’s a teaser:

“History is written by the victors. But the real story is buried in the dead—etched in skin like aged leather, in bones brittle as a boiled carcass, and in eyes that have witnessed centuries of horror. This is my story, the one they never wanted you to hear.”

As a visual artist as well as a writer, do you find that your artistic background influences your storytelling or the way you visualise scenes?

One hundred percent! When I write, I don’t just see the scene—I feel it, like a movie unfolding in my mind. I think that’s the artist in me, helping to shape the atmosphere with details that bring the world to life. My writing has been described as cinematic and atmospheric, and I definitely credit my artistic background for that.

Having grown up in a small town, how has your upbringing and connection to place shaped your writing?

Growing up on a farm in the middle of nowhere gave me plenty of time to read (and no Wi-Fi, so books were my escape). But more than that, being surrounded by nature, animals, and quiet moments allowed my imagination to run wild. I’d take myself on mysterious journeys through the wheat fields, forests, and into the barn, inventing stories as I went. That ability to lose myself in another world? It stuck with me.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are struggling to share their personal stories or take the first step in writing their book?

Read—a lot. And not just in your favorite genre. Read everything to understand different writing styles, pacing, and storytelling techniques. Pay attention to reader reviews; they’re gold when it comes to learning what resonates and what doesn’t. Take writing courses, and most importantly, be open to criticism. It’s not the enemy—it’s the catalyst for better writing. And forget about the pressure of publishing. Write because you love to write. Your story matters.