Frequently asked questions

Last updated: August 2024
  • Writing/Publishing/Craft

Did you always want to be an author/how did you start writing?

I've always been imaginative and telling stories, but the writing didn't happen until 2015. I accidentally fell into it while going through a severe depression. It saved me.

How long does it take you to write a book?

There is no fixed time. It depends on the story. Each story has a personality--some are easy and flowy, some take a few hits to crack, and some are stubborn. For instance, I've been writing the Sea Standalone for over 9 years while Gothikana took me 2 weeks to complete. So it varies.

Where do you get inspiration/ideas?

From literally everywhere—things I've experienced, music I've listened to, art I've witnessed, stories I've heard, books I've read, conversations I've had, movies I've seen, an object, an aesthetic, a photograph, a simple what-if... it's all inspiring.

Your advice for new writers?

  • Keep writing. As cliche as it sounds, it's the truest thing. Writing is the main thing, everything else is secondary. So write that story, first and foremost.
  • Trust your instincts. They won't lead you wrong.
  • Don't compare yourself. Everyone's brain is different. Everyone's lives and responsibilities taking their time are different. Comparison will be a waste of time.
  • Worry about marketing after you're done writing. Focus on the writing itself first. If your story connects, the readers will pass it forward for you through word-of-mouth.
  • Build a backlist and don't fetishize the debut release like the publishing industry tends to. That's incredibly important. When a reader falls in love with your story, give them more to sate their appetite with. Your backlist will be the foundation for your growth. Keep writing!
  • Research your method (self-publishing/traditional). Be informed but don't be overwhelmed.

Most importantly, remember why you started writing in the first place. Your story is going to be someone's favorite, so write it!

Best/worst writing advice you got?

Worst: Write what you know.

Best: Know what you write.

 

What software do you use to write?

I've tried a few but always end up coming back to MS Word.

How do you come up with unique names/titles?

I don't know how to explain it. My brain just files away interesting data in a mental drawer, only to take it out when a story comes to me. The names just pop up.

Favorite/least favorite parts of self-publishing?

Favorite: All the control it gives the authors.

Least favorite: All the things outside of writing that need attention.

Do you read book reviews? Advice to deal with negative reviews?

I used to in the beginning, but now I don't. I don't see it unless someone sends me a review or tags me.

As for dealing with negative reviews, not everyone will love your books and that's okay. Some will hate it, some will be indifferent, and some will be moved by it in the most beautiful ways. You can't determine how someone will connect with your story so don't make that a mark of your value. That begets an unhealthy cycle that is hard to break. Just focus on what you can control—your stories—and keep writing and improving your craft. Be happy.

Do you put trigger warnings in your books?

Yes. All my books have a content warning in the author's note. I advise all readers to check it out before proceeding.

What's your writing process like?

What is 'process'? I don't know that word. It doesn't exist in my vocabulary. All I know is chaos, tears, and the occasional sacrifices to the writing gods LOL.

I genuinely don't know how to answer this so I'm just rolling with it.

Before writing:

Story enters brain. Story screams to be written. We battle because I'm lazy. It wins.

During writing:

I have no idea where it's going except a general direction but the Story unravels as I write. 

After writing:

I oscillate between thinking it's shit and thinking it's sensational. Then I become a potato. 

Do you listen to music while writing?/ How do you make playlists?

It depends on my mood and what I'm writing.

I make my playlist even before I start writing a story, and then keep adding songs as the writing progresses. My playlists have songs that fit a character, a scene, or simply the vibe of the story.

What's your daily word count/do you write everyday?

I write when I want to. It can be daily, it can be once a week. Whatever suits. And when I do write, my word counter is hidden. That way, I write without pressure to meet a goal, only writing what comes naturally. It could be a thousand words or ten thousand, I wouldn't know and I love having that mindset.

Are you a full-time author?

Yes.

Why do you write in third person?

I love third person, simple as that. Third person pov is excellent to play around with—for the plot, perspectives, and narrative styles, especially if there is an element of suspense in the story like there's usually in mine.

What celebrities/face cast look like your characters?

My characters come to me as themselves in my imagination, even the secondary characters. This includes how they look, move, dress, smell, sound,  and think as well as their histories, personalities, and motivations.

They’re their own entities in my head. Because of this, I don’t think of celebrities when I write. In fact, even after I’m done, it is difficult for me to think of celebrities who fit!

However, I make mood boards that aesthetically match characters in vibes on my Pinterest page, so check that out!

  • BOOKS—DARK VERSE

When is The Syndicater releasing?

October 29th, 2024. PREORDER HERE.

Do I have to read the Dark Verse in order?

YES. These books are NOT standalones, and the plot throughout is connected. Reading them in order is recommended for best experience.

Reading order & which book is which couple?

Reading order for Dark Verse series:

  1. The Predator  (Tristan & Morana)
  2. The Reaper (Tristan & Morana)
  3. The Emperor (Dante & Amara)
  4. The Finisher (Alpha & Zephyr)
  5. The Annihilator (Shadow Man & Lyla)
  6. The Syndicater (All Couples)

Will Tristan and Morana have another book?

A full-length book? No. I'll see where they are at the end of the series, and I'm hoping their arcs are wrapped up. In case not, then maybe a novella someday for them.

Will Vin have his book?

No. He's a side character in the series.

Will you ever write a second generation series for Dark Verse?

Never say never. I know all the kids and who they end up with. But unless they scream at me to write their stories, I don't think I will be.

What's the zodiac signs of the couples?

Tristan—Sagittarius

Morana—Capricorn

Dante—Leo

Amara—Virgo

Alpha—Taurus

Zephyr—Gemini

Shadow Man—Scorpio

Lyla—Cancer

Will we ever see Tristan and Morana married/pregnant?

I can't say until the series is finished.

Will you ever rewrite The Predator/The Reaper from Tristan's POV?

He's not big on communication, so I doubt he'll talk to me for a whole book LOL. But also, rewriting the same thing doesn't excite me as a writer. There will be bonus scenes of some key moments from his POV but not the whole book.

Will Shadow Man and Tristan get along?

That's for me to know and you to find out 😉

Will this series be available in audio?

Yes. It is already available on Audible!

Will there be a Dark Verse Bonus Novella?

Yes, I have multiple scenes for all the couples and characters that will be compiled together in a Bonus Novella. It will be available after the series is completed.

These scenes were edited out of the main books because either they didn't fit or were out of place with POV. What type of scenes? Steamy scenes, fluffy scenes, flashback scenes, POV switch for a particular scene, and more.

Will Dark Verse be available in hardcover/special editions?

Yes to both. After the series is completed, I have a very special Dark Verse passion project I've been sitting on for years. More details to come in time.

Is Dark Verse translated in ___ language?

Yes, many foreign publishers have acquired translation rights for the Dark Verse series. A list page is under construction right now.

  • BOOKS—GOTHIKANA & ARKANA

When will Arkana release?

2025. Exact date to be announced.

Reading order?

Both Gothikana and Arkana are standalone books, but reading Gothikana first is recommended.

Will you ever write another gothic romance/book in Verenmore?

ARKANA is set in Verenmore in the late 1800s and is a dark historical gothic romance releasing 2025.

As for other gothic romances, who knows? If I get a good story, of course.

How did Gothikana/Verenmore come to you?

Gothikana was a culmination of my own experiences in boarding school, my own memories, questions I never found answers to, and my love for gothic fiction as a genre. I was in a cabin in the woods in January 2021 when it just came flooding and flowed. I wrote it all out in two weeks.

Vad & Corvina's zodiac?

Vad—Aries

Corvina—Aquarius

Is Gothikana paranormal or psychological?

That's for the reader to decide. There is evidence in the book supporting both a psychological explanation and a paranormal explanation, and the reader can decide which they feel is truer for them. That's the beauty of it.

Why are some things left unanswered in Gothikana?

Mainly because it felt right. Verenmore has been there for so many centuries, no one person can know all its secrets at one point in time. I just felt like it wouldn't fit the vibe of the story and the setting to have everything tied up. There will always be secrets and open ends in Verenmore.

Will Arkana answer all the questions left in Gothikana?

No, not all of them.

Verenmore is like a character itself. Was that deliberate?

Not really. It just happened naturally as I wrote Gothikana. Verenmore became an entity in itself.

Will Gothikana be available in audio?

Yes. It's already available on Audible!

Is Gothikana translated in ___ language?

You can find all published translations here.

There are more in the works. The page will be updated as they come.

  • UPCOMING BOOKS

Where can I find your works in progress?

On my UPCOMING page.

What are you currently writing?

I write multiple stories simultaneously but primarily, my focus right now is writing Enigma, and editing The Syndicater and the Fire Standalone at the moment.

What's your release schedule for 2024?

I'm releasing The Syndicater and Fire Standalone in 2024. Release information to come.

When is ___ book coming?

No tentative release dates for my self-published books right now. Enigma, my traditional published dark academia standalone, is coming April 29th 2025.

To be notified, make sure you're signed up for my newsletter or following me on Instagram.

How many standalones are coming?

With titles and cover:

- Enigma (dark academia romance)

- Arkana (dark historical gothic romance)

- Kinetik (dark heist biker romance)

Untitled and no covers:

- Sea Standalone (been writing this for 8+ years)

- Jungle Standalone (one of my most fun adventures)

- Snow Standalone (an absolute angst fest)

- Fire Standalone (wrote this back in 2016 and it's just... something else)

No tentative release dates for any yet except Enigma.

  • Marketing/Printing

Who designs your book covers?

Self-published books: My wonderful friend Nelly R. designs all my gorgeous regular covers.

Traditionally published books: The publisher chooses the designer/team.

Foreign editions: The foreign publisher chooses their designer.

Who formats your paperbacks?

I format all my indie paperbacks myself.

How can I get ARCs for your books?

I might not do ARCs for all books going forward but for the books that I do, there are three ways:

- Be a member of my personal ARC team. It is closed at the moment but I open it once a year and announce it on Instagram and in my reader group. My team is guaranteed ARCs for all books.

- Sign up for an individual book ARC. The sign-ups open a few weeks before release and ARCs are NOT guaranteed since they are limited.

- Join my Facebook reader group (RuNyx's Firebirds). I do a giveaway for a bunch of ARCs a week before release.

Do you have a Street team? How can I promote your books?

I don’t have a street team per se. I genuinely consider all my readers my support system, and it means the world to me that you share the love!

But if you were wondering how to help more? Here are some ways:

  • Tell family, friends and co-workers you enjoy my stories. I know this sounds basic but it isn’t. I’ve read countless books that people I know have recommended. Simply saying my name to others helps, even if they aren’t moved to rush out and buy one of my babies.
  • Write a review. I know this isn’t easy for some to do and if you’re not into that, please don’t worry about it. But even a single-line review on Goodreads and Amazon helps readers make decisions about whether or not to try a book.
  • Ask for my books at your local bookstore. Even if they don't stock it, every time you say my name, awareness increases and they might just look into it!
  • If you’ve hit one of those rare times in life you have spare cents to rub together, buy a book and donate it to your local library or hospital. Both struggle to keep stocked to provide for the needs of patrons. And many romance readers simply don’t have the funds to buy every book they read. Libraries are necessary resources for them. And for any author, it’s a privilege to be on a library shelf.

You could do one, you could do several, you could do all, or you could do none. I just hope you know that you just being here warms my heart. Thank you <3

Marketing advice for authors/how do you market your books?

There's no one-size-fits-all formula when it comes to marketing your book. You have to try multiple things and see what clicks for you as an author.

For me, it's word-of-mouth. I used to do ARC signups with a PR company before a book release and leave the rest to my readers. Aside from that, I was decently active on Instagram. Now, I'm mostly active in my reader group and have built a good newsletter list. That helps loads.

Other marketing options you can definitely look into are using Tiktok for marketing, using ads on Amazon and Facebook, etc. I have many wonderful author friends who have found immense success using different tools. So try and figure out what works for you.

If you're truly curious about marketing advice, I highly recommend checking out some Facebook reader groups like 20booksto50k and Smuthood Authors. The community of authors there have a variety of great tips you might find working for you.

Why is your paperback not available/expensive in my country?

Sadly, Amazon determines which markets they want to make which books available in and at what prices. The authors can only determine the price for certain marketplaces.

How can I get your books in my country?

You can talk to your local publishers and express interest in getting my books. I'm working on making the books available on other retailers globally as well but there are only limited countries I can reach.

When will your books be translated in ___ language?

I'm already working with some incredible publishers in a few countries to bring my books to you in their translated versions. The best thing you can do to help is contact publishers in your country and let them know you want my books translated. The more they realize people want it, the higher the chances of them contacting me.

  • About Me/Personal

Why do you write with a penname? How did you choose it?

I'm private so I always knew I'd write with a penname.  'RuNyx' is a word I made up, but it has some personal, special meaning to me.

What's your birthday/zodiac signs?

Feb 6th.

Aquarius Sun, Leo Moon, Scorpio Rising.

 

Do you have siblings/spouse/kids?

No to all.

Which character is most like you?

All my characters, especially female characters, have bits and pieces of myself.

Are you a full-time author?

Yes, I am.

What do you like to read?

Mostly paranormal romance, romantic suspense, fantasy romance, and horror. Sometimes, I intersperse it with contemporary or new-adult romance if the mood strikes.

What do you enjoy besides books?

Traveling. Watching crime shows and movies. Taking long walks. Yoga. So much stuff I can't even think of right now.

Do you have any tattoos/piercings?

Two tattoos. A phoenix on the nape of my neck, and a fish on the side of my wrist.

Nose and ear piercings.

What's something you're obsessed with?

Unsolved mysteries. Unexplained phenomenons. All the mythologies from all over the world. Urban legends and oral histories. Psychology. Parapsychology. The list is endless.

Favorite color?

Black.

  • Miscellaneous

How do I subscribe to your newsletter?

You can subscribe to my newsletter HERE.

 

How often do you send your newsletter?

Whenever I have some news to share, can be once a month or once in two months. Depends. I prefer sending longer newsletters with multiple updates instead of many to avoid flooding reader inboxes.

How do I contact you?

For all business inquiries, including foreign, film/TV, gaming, merchandising, and other subsidiary rights, please contact my agent Kimberly Brower at:

kimberly@browerliterary.com

For fanmail and other queries, email at: runyxwrites@gmail.com (though I am really bad at responding quickly to personal mail).