D.A. Willows

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Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I have a variety of hobbies and interests that keep me busy. I'm an avid reader, especially of fantasy novels, and I enjoy exploring new worlds and characters through books. Writing is another passion of mine, and I often create my own stories, ranging from emotional dramas to thrilling mysteries. I'm also into fitness, and I’ve been working on a weight-loss journey that includes running, yoga, and red light therapy.

When and why did you start writing books?

I started writing books as a way to explore and express my thoughts and emotions. Growing up, I always had a vivid imagination, and writing became a way for me to process complex feelings and experiences. It was an outlet for my creativity and a way to escape into different worlds where I could shape characters and narratives. Over the years, my interest in writing deepened, especially as I found myself drawn to fantasy and emotional drama. Writing allows me to explore intricate character dynamics, conflict, and themes of love, betrayal, and personal growth. It’s a way for me to connect with others through storytelling and to bring my inner world to life. While it started as a personal hobby, it eventually became a larger part of my life as I began working on more intricate plots and stories. The stories I create are often influenced by my own experiences, emotions, and the people I’ve encountered along the way.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

Writing has always been something I’ve felt deeply connected to, and as I started developing more complex ideas and stories, I realized how much I wanted to share them with others. The decision to pursue writing as a career came after recognizing that it wasn’t just a hobby or a way to pass the time—it was something I was genuinely passionate about. I had always found storytelling to be a form of personal expression, but as I honed my craft, I began to see the potential for writing to reach and inspire others. The stories I was creating felt meaningful, and I wanted to see where they could go. It became clear to me that writing wasn’t just something I did on the side; it was a calling. So, I decided to take the leap and embrace it more seriously as a career path. It’s not just about telling stories; it’s about creating worlds and characters that others can connect with, explore, and experience alongside me. Though it’s been a journey of growth, challenges, and learning, writing has become an essential part of who I am, and now I’m dedicated to making it a lifelong pursuit.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Gwen Osiris

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

The hardest book I've written so far has been I Have Risen. It truly stretched me as a writer because it dealt with some deeply emotional and complex themes, exploring betrayal, revenge, and personal growth. The characters went through a lot of turmoil, and it required me to tap into a range of emotions and experiences that were difficult to express. Balancing the intense conflict and the raw vulnerability of the characters challenged me to find new depths in my writing. The narrative demanded a lot of emotional investment, not just from the characters, but from me as the writer. I had to push through some tough moments to ensure the story felt authentic, while still keeping it engaging and impactful for readers. It was a process of self-reflection as much as it was a creative challenge, but ultimately, it helped me grow as a writer. The emotional weight of the story was taxing, but it also allowed me to explore new dimensions of storytelling that I hadn’t ventured into before.

Who is your favourite author and book?

One of my favorite authors is Sarah J. Maas. Her Throne of Glass series and A Court of Thorns and Roses series have left a lasting impact on me. I love her ability to create complex, multi-layered characters and intricate, magical worlds. Her stories often blend action, romance, and intense emotional arcs, which I find captivating. The depth of her world-building and character development are things I deeply admire as a writer. As for my favorite book, it’s hard to choose just one, but A Court of Thorns and Roses stands out to me. It combines everything I love—fantasy, strong characters, and an intricate plot. It’s a story that pulls you in with its twists and turns, and the emotional stakes are high, which makes it incredibly powerful. The way Maas weaves romance with darker, more complex themes is something I strive to emulate in my own writing.

What book are you reading right now?

Lady of Ashes by Melissa K. Roehrich

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Inspiration for my books comes from a variety of sources, both internal and external. A lot of it stems from my own emotions and experiences. Writing allows me to process complex feelings and explore situations I’ve faced or imagined in a safe space. Personal relationships, like those with family, friends, and my husband also play a big role in shaping my characters and their dynamics. Their emotions, struggles, and triumphs often spark ideas for character arcs or conflict within my stories. Beyond that, I draw inspiration from other works of art, such as books, movies, and music. I’m especially drawn to stories that explore deep emotional connections, the balance between good and evil, and how characters evolve through hardship. Nature and travel also inspire me, as new places and experiences can open up a world of possibilities for settings, plotlines, and character development. Lastly, I sometimes take inspiration from the people around me—whether it’s the complexities of human nature, observations of how people interact, or the different ways individuals cope with adversity. All of these elements come together to spark new ideas and push me to keep writing and exploring fresh angles in my work.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

like to stay up-to-date with the latest trends or news, especially in areas like writing, fitness, and personal development, which inspire and motivate me in both my personal and professional life.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Quite a few