PHOTO: Geraldine Solon, author of fifteen books, smiles warmly, embodying her commitment to storytelling and connecting deeply with readers.
An International Author’s Narrative Journey Across Genres
Geraldine Solon discusses blending genres, exploring human vulnerability and redemption, and crafting emotional realism in her novels, while sharing insights on storytelling, brand building, and her passion for literacy advocacy.
Geraldine Solon is a writer who approaches her craft with an abiding passion for exploring the human condition. Her works illuminate intricate moral dilemmas, emotional truths, and life’s quiet mysteries, often framed against vividly imagined backdrops that span genres from suspense to romance, and even metaphysical fiction. Whether delving into the depths of grief, redemption, or identity, Solon crafts narratives that leave her readers questioning, pondering, and ultimately, transformed.
With fifteen books to her name, her literary journey demonstrates an extraordinary versatility of voice and vision. From the Mediterranean allure in Thirty Days of Red to the celestial wonder of Indigo, Solon’s stories transcend boundaries, always seeking the delicate balance between the real and the transcendent. These are not just tales; they are immersions into lives shaped by circumstances beyond control, yet driven forward by resilience, growth, and discovery.
Her belief in the healing and connecting power of storytelling is evident not only in her fiction but also in her efforts beyond the page. A champion for literacy and creativity, Solon’s commitment to writing extends far beyond her own success. Whether teaching workshops, mentoring new writers, or establishing libraries in underserved communities, her work ripples meaningfully into the lives of others. Readers and aspiring authors alike will find inspiration in her devotion not just to writing but to using words as a tool for transformation.
Your novel Shadows of Darkness explores criminal redemption via virtual reality—what inspired you to blend psychological thriller with speculative technology, and how did you research this innovative crossover?
The idea was born from my fascination with the human psyche and whether true redemption is possible for those that society has given up on. I wanted to explore the gray areas of morality, guilt, and transformation, but through a lens that felt fresh and imaginative. That’s where the virtual reality element came in.
As I observed how technology is evolving and being used in therapy and rehabilitation, I began to wonder: What if VR could simulate the emotional consequences of a crime—forcing criminals to truly feel its impact? That question sparked the speculative angle of the story. Blending thriller with speculative tech allowed me to explore identity, justice, and the fragility of the human mind, all while keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
The Symphony of Souls delves into astral travel and grief—how did you balance spiritual themes with emotional realism when crafting Jake and Bobbie’s transcendent connection?
I wanted to explore how grief can open us up to extraordinary experiences—sometimes even spiritual ones. Jake’s pain after losing his son was the emotional core of the story, and I knew that any spiritual elements, like astral travel, had to feel like a natural extension of his inner journey, not just a fantastical escape.
Balancing the spiritual with emotional realism meant staying grounded in the characters’ feelings, especially their vulnerabilities, doubts, and desires. Jake and Bobbie’s connection may transcend the physical world, but it’s anchored in very human emotions—loss, loneliness, and the longing to be understood. The story transcends the mechanics of astral travel, focusing instead on the healing power of connection across time, space, and another dimension.
In Thirty Days of Red, Liv adopts a new identity aboard a cruise—how did the Mediterranean setting influence her reinvention, and why choose a cruise ship for that transformation?
I chose a Mediterranean cruise as the setting because it offers escape and suspense. The ship becomes an emotional limbo for Liv—an interim space where she’s free from her crumbling life, yet not fully in control of what’s next. It’s both a sanctuary and a stage for reinvention.
As Liv embraces her new identity—Red, she focuses on reclaiming her power. The Mediterranean, with its vibrant yet unpredictable energy, mirrors her internal struggle. Each stop offers beauty and reflection, but beneath the surface, there’s an undercurrent of uncertainty, just like her situation with David.
The cruise becomes the calm before a storm. She thinks she’s running from heartbreak, but she’s walking straight into danger. That contrast made the setting the perfect catalyst for transformation and suspense.
Indigo centres on a divine tunnel between heaven and Earth—what drew you to explore celestial souls discovering mortality, and how did you develop Grace’s emotional arc?
I was inspired by the story of the Garden of Eden—the idea of two innocent souls living in a state of divine perfection, only to be drawn toward a forbidden path by curiosity. I was drawn to the idea of exploring what it means to love someone beyond the limits of time, space—even memory. The concept of celestial souls discovering mortality allowed me to examine the fragility of human experience through the eyes of someone who has never known pain, loss, or choice.
Developing Grace’s emotional arc meant imagining how an innocent, otherworldly soul would respond to the complexity of human emotion. Grace starts out motivated by loyalty and longing, but as she faces Earth’s harsh realities—especially Michael not remembering her—she evolves. Her journey becomes one of surrender, not just to love, but to letting go.
Your background includes marketing guidebooks like Authorpreneur in Pajamas—how does your insight into author branding inform your storytelling in fiction?
My background in author branding taught me the power of clear messaging and emotional connection—both essential in fiction. When I write novels, I approach each story with an understanding of how characters, themes, and even titles shape the reader’s experience. Just like branding, storytelling is about resonance, authenticity, and lasting impact.
Many of your characters, like in The Portrait, confront past secrets—how do heritage and memory shape your interest in intergenerational mysteries?
I’m fascinated by how the past lingers in the present. Heritage and memory shape identity, and I love exploring how old secrets resurface to guide or challenge my characters.
Intergenerational mysteries reveal that some stories never truly end—they evolve through those who inherit them.
You’ve written across genres: romance, suspense, spiritual fiction—how do you adapt your voice and structure when shifting tone so markedly between books?
I start by grounding myself in the emotional core of the story—whether it’s love, fear, or transformation. Then I adapt my voice to match the tone, pacing, and atmosphere that the genre requires. The structure follows naturally once I understand what the story needs to deliver for that audience.
What advice would you offer aspiring authors hoping to build both their brand and storytelling craft, as you’ve done through your marketing guides and novels?
Art is raw talent; craft is a learned skill. Together, they create powerful storytelling. Pair that with a brand that’s consistent, visible, and authentic, and your voice will truly stand out.
