[Today, we sit down for a quick interview with paranormal romance, epic fantasy, and alternate history author, HL Hines. Here, she discusses her two ongoing series and her upcoming projects.]

Forests Haunted By Holiness: You have published several paranormal romance and epic fantasy series, and you have new books coming out in April and July 2024. First, congratulations! Second, why paranormal romance and epic fantasy? What draws you to those genres?

HL Hines: Writing about magic and different worlds helps us see ourselves in others, fostering empathy. Monsters in literature often symbolize our fears, such as the fear of death, losing control, or tapping into something greater than ourselves. My writing aims to empower readers.

FHBH: Seasons of Treason has reached four books. How did you first come up with the idea for this series? And how do you keep all of the story elements straight for such a complicated story (post-it notes? binders? mood boards?)?

HLH: I was inspired by a History Channel documentary on the Knights Templar, imagining their impact if history had unfolded differently. I wondered what would have happened if the Knights Templar never left for their Jerusalem campaign or if Philip IV of France hadn’t turned on them.

To keep my ideas organized, I use notebooks and flowcharts, including a Venn diagram of major religions and a timeline tool like World Anvil.

FHBH: The Mayhem Unleashed series is now up to two books. How many do you have planned? And what outside influences impacted the creation of your protagonist, Cordelia Delaine?

HLH: The Mayhem Unleashed series is currently planned as a five-book series with a spin-off exploring more of the supernatural world. I have story ideas about ancient warriors, vampires, portal-protecting demons, and a ghost-assisted medium.

Cordie’s character was shaped by reader input; many expressed a desire for a character they could relate to, leading to Cordie’s development as a chameleon shifter. She is not physically strong or quick, but her strength lies in her adaptability.

FHBH: Many of your books come with trigger warnings. How do you decide which warnings to include? And what prompted you to include them?

HLH: I’m still feeling my way with trigger warnings. While I don’t believe all my books need them, I try to include them as a precaution. In general, I think it’s important that people face what makes them uncomfortable and work through it. However, empowerment is important to me, and that’s a journey that everyone has to navigate at their own pace.

FHBH: What sort of research goes into your books? Big stacks of texts on mythology and folklore? Long conversations with experts on different topics?

HLH: I draw inspiration from documentaries and let ideas naturally resonate with me. When it comes to magic, I follow my instincts and write what makes sense to me.

FHBH: Where can readers find your books?

HLH: You can find my books on Amazon, Kindle Unlimited, Barnes and Noble (online), and my website. I’m also open to donating books to local libraries!

FHBH: You self-publish your books through Keystroke Imaginings. What advise can you offer to other authors who are considering self-publishing? Things they absolutely must do? Mistakes to avoid?

HLH: One of the worst pieces of advice I received was to not invest in my book. However, I believe in professional cover art and thorough editing, even if it requires a significant investment. I’ve worked with a lot of new writers who didn’t take the time to know their magic system. It’s crucial to understand the rules of your world to maintain consistency and reader trust.

FHBH: Which book fairs, conventions, or other events do you hope to attend this year?

HLH: My favorite event is Just Write Ohio, a tournament for aspiring authors. This year, I’ll be lecturing on intimacy and romance. I also have a book release party planned at the Sandusky Book Bar on 4/20 at noon, although this year I’m focusing more on finishing book four, The Forever Fall.

FHBH: What other projects are you working on?

HLH: I am eager to complete the Mayhem Unleashed series. Additionally, I’m working on short, spicy stories and a standalone novel. I’m also advocating for a tax allocation bill that would allow taxpayers to allocate their tax money to specific government departments based on their values. I’m all about empowering the individual, and I think this is a really great way to circumvent some of the political grandstanding that really slows down progress.