We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rowyn Adelaide a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rowyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

From a very early age, I’ve been drawn to books and poetry. I’ve always loved immersing myself in different worlds, especially those involving magic, mythical creatures, and the intricacies of the human experience. When I was around thirteen years old, I fell in love with romance novels after my mother accidentally gave me a romance novel. I’d already been in love with gothic romance, but this was different. From then on, I knew I wanted to be a romance author. To weave stories of love and angst and the journey through all of that is the ultimate reward. I want to write about people who have experienced trauma, but who also grow from their hardships while finding hope and love along the way. Of course, there has to be magic, spooky creatures, and villains you love to hate.

The idea behind my debut dark romantasy Of Withering Dreams came to me while I was spending time with my husband, and the characters wouldn’t leave me be. Their story was begging to be told. The idea that humans would have to go into a Dormancy—like plants do during the winter—was just so fascinating to me. Of course, I had to mix some loosely based Greek mythology, portals, dream realms, and a unique magic system in there as well.

Although I wish I would have started writing my debut earlier, I don’t regret waiting. This story wasn’t ready to be told earlier in my life, and I’m so grateful that it was now.

Rowyn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a romance author who weaves spicy, romantic stories that include magic, angst, lyrical world-building, and introspection. My hope is that my stories and characters invite readers to join them on their journey of discovery, hope, and love. Reading is one of those special things in life that can truly offer an escape to heal, to cope with whatever is plaguing someone, to relieve boredom, etc.

I am so proud that I’ve finally written a book, and plan on continuing long into the future. This debut will be part of my Fate of the Embered series! Book 2 and 3 are scheduled to release in 2025, and Of Withering Dreams releases on March 20th, 2025! This whole experience has been surreal, and I am so honored that my dark romantasy has resonated with so many readers.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Honestly, when I started this process as an indie author, I didn’t realize everything that it entailed. I work full-time as an MSW social worker as well, so I had to learn how to market, to publish, to build a social media presence, to actually write, to make my covers, etc. all after work hours and while still trying to spend quality time with those I love. Doing all of this without the help of a traditional publishing house has been so challenging, but I’m so determined and passionate about the stories I want to tell that it is all worth it. I also am so grateful for the bookish community and all of the wonderful humans I have met along the way. The friendships I’ve built through this process mean so much to me.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an indie romance author are the relationships and community I’ve built and am a part of. Seriously, my readers and fellow authors have been overwhelmingly supportive. The way that they’ve wrapped their arms around an unknown author and debut has been a beautiful and stunning thing to witness. I could not have come as far as I have without the readers and authors I’ve met and made bonds with.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/rowynadelaide
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorrowynadelaide
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRowynAdelaide/
• Other: Amazon: https://a.co/d/blCOq17

Image Credits

These are mock up images that my brand agency Tarantula Studio made when presenting me my branding font for my pen name, logos, etc. The book cover is the book cover for my book Of Withering Dreams that I made using Affinity programs and stock images.