How Diverse Interests and Unique Characters Shape Her Spicy Sci-Fi and Dark Romantasy Stories
AK Nevermore discusses her genre-blending novels, eclectic interests, and the inspiration behind her captivating characters and dark, thrilling narratives.
Prepare to be enthralled as we delve into the world of AK Nevermore, a dynamic author known for her spicy sci-fi and dark romantasy tales. Nevermore’s unique blend of genres, from urban fantasy to paranormal intrigue, crafts narratives that are as provocative as they are captivating. Her stories, featuring complex characters like Envy Starr, invite readers into dark, perilous worlds where the stakes are high and the emotions run deep.
Beyond her literary pursuits, Nevermore is a true Renaissance woman. Whether she’s operating heavy machinery, restoring antiques, or beekeeping, her eclectic interests seep into her writing, enriching her stories with authenticity and depth. Her voracious reading habits and hands-on experiences shape the vivid, textured worlds she creates.
In this interview, Nevermore offers insight into her creative process, the inspiration behind her multifaceted characters, and the personal adventures that color her storytelling. From her humorous approach to balancing dark themes to her exploration of the motorcycle club subculture in the Maw of Mayhem MC series, Nevermore’s reflections are as engaging as her novels. Join us as we uncover the mind behind the magic and discover what makes AK Nevermore’s work a must-read for fans of dark, thrilling fiction.
Your books blend elements of urban fantasy, dark romance, and paranormal intrigue. What inspired you to delve into these genres, and how do you approach weaving together such diverse themes in your storytelling?
I think it was more of writing what I like to read than a conscious choice. I love the snark of urban fantasy, the taboo situations of dark romance, and the fantastical elements you find in paranormal. It all kind of came together organically, and I really enjoy how one aspect can act as a foil for another.
Your protagonist, Envy Starr, is a complex and rebellious character navigating dark worlds and dangerous situations. Can you tell us more about the development of Envy’s character and what aspects of her personality you find most compelling?
I set out to make Envy really shallow but she got deep fast. She’s got this incredibly hard but brittle shell, but beneath she’s struggling to hold herself together. I think that’s super relatable for a lot of people (raises hand).
Envy’s books are about her growing into the person she’s meant to be, despite herself. When I was writing Flame & Shadow, I was tired of the “hero/heroine discovers they have incredible powers, trains, and are suddenly amazing” story arc. Envy’s is not that, and it’s a lot of fun to figure out how she’s going to make a situation a million times worse before it gets better.
Your bio mentions your involvement in various activities like operating heavy machinery, restoring antiques, and beekeeping. How do these diverse interests influence your writing process and the worlds you create in your books?
LOL! Some of them are the direct result of what I have created in my books. My search history is…eclectic. On any given day I could be researching cleaning a carburetor on a motorcycle or weaving clam beards. (Yep, byssus thread is a thing.) I won’t be diving off the coast of Sardinia anytime soon, but I have been looking at getting a bike. I think a wide myriad of interests definitely helps you to write from a place of authenticity.
The titles of your books, like “Flame & Shadow” and “Air & Darkness,” evoke imagery of contrasting elements and intense emotions. How do you use symbolism and thematic contrasts to enrich the narratives in your series?
Accidentally. But those titles sound really cool, don’t they? I don’t set out to write a theme or to inject symbolism into anything. It’s usually not until I’m reading through the manuscript that I’m like, huh. That’s what it’s about.
I think people take different things away from the same book, depending on the lens of their experience. One of my peeves is when an author beats you over the head with what they want you to see. As long as people are enjoying what I write, I’m happy. No decoder ring necessary.
The Maw of Mayhem MC series introduces readers to a world of motorcycle clubs and paranormal intrigue. What drew you to explore this particular subculture, and how do you incorporate supernatural elements into the dynamics of motorcycle club life?
I would be lying if I said Sons of Anarchy didn’t have anything to do with it. Yep, biting my knuckle and fanning myself. Anywho… part of my family rides, so I’d been around motorcycles growing up and think they’re cool.
I had an idea kicking around for something, but was on other projects. Then, when I was approached by a publisher wanting to work with me, I kind of pulled the idea out of…um…a hat. That it was going to be a paranormal MC was a foregone conclusion. I think the pride/pack aspect of shifters really lends itself to the brotherhood of a motorcycle club.
Your bio humorously mentions giving up sarcasm for Lent every year. How does humour play a role in your writing, particularly in balancing the darker themes and intense situations present in your stories?
It plays a huge role. When you’re writing in dark worlds, you need to have something to lighten your reader’s experience. Whether that’s intimacy, humor, whatever. Otherwise things get super bleak.
I also think when people are put in stressful situations it’s our natural inclination to try and find the humour in it or have knee-jerk reactions. I mean, are you kidding me right now? Or, blow it up, because you know what? I can’t even.
I love that element of unexpectedness that brings to a novel. When people read my books, I want them to laugh, to be shocked, because they hadn’t seen that coming. And I definitely want them to root for the main character, with all of their flaws, because those are what made them interesting enough to take center stage.
