A Deep Dive into the Mind of a Multifaceted Author
Dani Hoots discusses her diverse influences, creative process, and passion for mythology, revealing how her varied interests shape her captivating sci-fi and fantasy worlds.
Dani Hoots is a dynamic force in the world of young adult sci-fi and fantasy literature. With a rich background in anthropology, classical studies, urban planning, and herbal science, Dani brings a unique perspective to her storytelling, weaving together elements of history, mythology, and science. Her passion for learning and exploration is evident in her work, as she crafts intricate worlds and compelling characters that captivate readers. Dani’s diverse interests, from playing the bagpipes to running an online tea shop, further enrich her narratives, making her stories a delightful blend of imagination and authenticity. Her ability to reimagine ancient tales, as seen in her Daughter of Hades series, showcases her talent for balancing tradition with innovation, offering readers a fresh take on beloved myths.
In this exclusive interview with Reader’s House Magazine, Dani Hoots shares insights into her writing journey, the influences that shape her creative process, and how her varied interests contribute to her storytelling. From her early beginnings with “The Quest” to her exploration of Greek mythology in “Endangered,” Dani discusses the evolution of her writing style and the inspiration behind her captivating worlds. Join us as we delve into the mind of this talented author and discover the magic behind her enchanting tales.
Your passion for writing began early, with your first book THE QUEST completed in high school. How has your writing process evolved over the years, and what have been some of the key influences that have shaped your storytelling style?
I have learned a lot through the years—both in terms of writing and marketing. I ended up taking a non-credited program through Arizona State University to better my storytelling, and classes and workshops here and there. Taking those classes definitely influenced me.
Your background is incredibly diverse, with studies in anthropology, urban planning, herbal science, and now a BFA in Painting and Drawing with a minor in Ancient Greek. How do these varied fields of study influence your world-building and character development in your sci-fi and fantasy novels?
I love learning how the world works, and I feel that has helped me build different sci-fi and fantasy settings. I also get inspired from different myths and fairy tales, which have led to many different stories. In terms of my art degree, I am hoping one day to make my own comics.
In Endangered, the first book in your Daughter of Hades series, you explore the Underworld and Greek mythology. What drew you to reimagine these ancient tales, and how do you balance staying true to the original myths while adding your own unique twists?
I have always loved the tale of Hades and Persephone and, while learning about Greek mythology in school, I thought about what would happen if the two of them had a child. I tried to stay true to the tales, but Greek myth is full of many different tales that varied from town to town, so I felt I had a lot more freedom than one would expect. Since it is also set to modern day, I was able to play with what it would be like if they were here in the modern day.
You mention a love for history, astronomy, and plants, and you also run an online tea shop called Fox Craft Apothecary. How do these interests outside of writing contribute to the themes and settings in your stories, and do they ever inspire specific plot elements or characters?
My love for astronomy definitely inspired my sci-fi stories. I also like to sprinkle in some of my plant knowledge into books. One day I want to write a story about an apothecary, but I haven’t yet. I do get inspiration for my tea blends from things I love, such as books and favorite shows and movies, and tie some of the blends in with each of my own series.
As someone who enjoys various creative activities like playing musical instruments and drawing, how do you manage to balance all these interests with your writing? Do you find that engaging in other forms of art helps to fuel your creativity in writing, or do they serve as a way to relax and recharge?
I feel it fuels my creativity, inspires me, and helps me feel recharged. Sometimes I take too much on, though, and get a bit stressed out. I try to remember those things are just for fun and not to put too much pressure on myself about them.
Your work spans both young adult and adult genres, with your adult works published under the pen name Lyra Thorsson. What motivated you to separate your writing under different names, and how do you approach the different audiences and themes in each genre?
I wanted to make sure parents didn’t pick up my adult books for their teens, so I used the pen name to signal that. For my YA social media, I keep things clean and fun for all ages, but I like to share more spicy books and stuff like that on my Lyra Thorsson social media. Although they are different age groups, they are both fantasy and sci-fi so I am able to tie in a lot of the same themes.
