Meet the Author: An Interview With S Frances
Join us as we talk with S Frances:
Author of The Hell Raiser’s Series, ahead of the release of Book 3!
Siân (pronounced Sharn) is 32 and I lives in the UK with her two dogs. She is half Welsh and half Trinidadia and has been writing since the age of 19. Siân started writing the Hell Raiser's MC series with the intention of it being a standalone novel but as she was was writing, the other characters spoke to her so much that Siân decided she had to give them their own stories too. Read the full interview below and find out more about the mind behind this incredible series.
Was there a specific moment when you realised you wanted to write professionally?
“I'd probably say when I was in the process of writing Hell Raiser-it was very much a passion project-but as I was about halfway through, when I started comparing it to my early work and realised how far my writing had come, I knew I wanted to pursue it in a professional capacity. I would even say my writing has improved even more between book 1 and book 3, just from the process”.
What inspired the story behind your latest book?
“I honestly don't know where the inspiration for Cairo and Isabella's story came from. I always knew I wanted him to have the protector trope because I felt that suited his character, and when I was thinking of how I could make that work with the wider plot, the arranged marriage idea just came to me”.
Which character do you feel most connected to personally, and why?
“This is a great question and one I haven't actually thought about. But if I had to choose, I'd probably say Bianca Fox (FMC from book 2). She's the kind of head strong gal who does what she believes is right and isn't afraid to make hard decisions. Even though I've never experienced any of the situations that I wrote for her character, I felt really strongly towards her. I definitely feel like we would be close friends if she was a real person”.
What does your writing process typically look like behind the scenes?
“I used to spend all my evenings after work and a good chunk of time at the weekends writing. But since reducing my hours in my corporate job, I have designated days so I can focus on writing. Sometimes if an idea comes to me when I'm in bed or walking my dogs, I send a text to myself so I can keep track of my thoughts. I do have written notes scattered about my house but I mostly use a software called Obsidian to keep all my ramblings and ideas in order”.
Are there any authors, books, or life experiences that have heavily influenced your writing style?
“I wouldn't say any of the following authors have influenced my writing style as such, but I definitely have some authors who I aspire to be on par with one day. Elsie Silver, Jennifer Hartmann, Meagan Brandy, Amber V. Nicole, Liz Tomforde are just a few whose work I really admire”.
What part of creating a story do you enjoy most the plotting, world-building, character development, or something else?
“Definitely plotting. It's my absolute favourite. When I start writing, I already have an idea of who I want the characters to be, but when the plot starts unfolding in my mind, that's what I truly enjoy. Mapping out that first timeline and then populating my draft chapters with what I want to happen and when. I love it!“.
What do you hope readers feel while reading your book?
“I hope readers will have read the first two books so they have an understanding of Cairo's character, because I feel that reading his story will have more of an emotional impact if they know the full story and context. I definitely want my readers to feel with this one. The back story I built for Cai is definitely a difficult one and I want it to have an impact, it's important for the growth of his character throughout the story”.
Without spoilers, what is one scene or theme in the book that means a lot to you personally?
“There's one scene I wrote where Cairo is overwhelmed by his feelings and the club president comforts him and it's the first time he feels like he has a father figure in his life. It was such a beautiful moment for his character, even though it wasn't a happy scene and it's really stuck with me, even though I'm the one who thought it up. I don't know if that's weird haha!“.
What has been the most rewarding part of your author journey so far?
“Honestly, probably reading the reviews from strangers. While it means the world to me when my friends and family give me positive feedback, in a way they're kind of obligated to like it. But strangers on the internet, they don't owe me anything. So seeing positive reviews on various platforms feels really rewarding for me”.
What’s something readers might be surprised to learn about you outside of writing?
“I'm also a professional singer, I used to sing at weddings and functions and I also have songs out on Spotify. That's why I use my middle name for my author surname because I want my actual name to be associated with my singing, not writing”.
If you could describe your book in just three words, what would they be…..
“Thrilling, tense, emotional”.
What can readers look forward to next from you?
“I have a standalone dark stalker romance that's available to read now, called Ashes to Obsession (on Amazon and KU). My current works in progress; I'm writing book 1 in a romantasy trilogy which is going to be an enemies to lovers between an angel and a demon; I'm also writing a heartbreaking love story about a girl who has given up on everything until she meets someone who helps her to find the beauty in the world again”.
The Hell Raiser’s Book 1 & 2 are out now on Amazon with Book 3 coming 26th June!
Pre Order via the link below
(Paperback also available from the 26th)
I’m sure you can agree it has been fantastic to find out more about the Hell Raiser’s series, particularly how the idea developed! If you’d like to keep up to date with the latest you can find Siân here:
TikTok
Images credit to Siân for providing these
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