I’m of a certain age. Of course today’s blog post is going to reference 90s pop. 
 
Moving right along…
 
I had hoped to begin this blog post with awesome news about my progress on Book Three, but alas. 2024 has thrown a few curveballs at me which has made it nearly impossible for my brain to be able to focus on The Four. 
 
I am in the process of re-reading Gathering of the Four and Test of the Four, however, in the hopes of jump starting my brain. 
 
A reminder that Hollow Cry is now available to pre-order. Also, there might be ARC info coming in May’s newsletter… but you’ll have to subscribe in order to find out. (grin)
 
Oh, if you (like me) have recently read any of my books, would you mind leaving a rating or review? It would mean the absolute world to me! Thanks, lovely readers!
 
Bennett’s Indie Book Reviews – April Wrap-Up
 
…with links to my Goodreads reviews:
 
The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher – E.M. Anderson
The Crown and the Collar (Kingdom of Claws, #1) – Dominic N. Ashen
A Fire In Her Bones (A Feral Spark Book 2) – JD Cadmon
His Forevermore (Unexpected, #3) – Bailey Elizabeth
The Truth About Hollowood: A MM Shifter Romance Novella (Hollowood Falls Book 4) – Will Forrest (ARC)
Sentence for Life – Maxime Jaz (ARC)
Into That Darkness Peering – A.A. Rubin
 
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Welcome to 7 Questions from the Serrulata Saga Desk, my blog feature that boosts fellow indie authors! This week, I chat with Willo Glenn.

Introduce your current favorite character – who are they and why do you prefer them above all others at the moment?

Oh gosh, this is hard. I’m currently in the middle of revising Tempered in Ash, so it’s definitely going to be one of my girls from that. If I had to choose, it would probably be my favorite himbo lady, Joyanna. She’s been a ton of fun to write and flesh out. She’s big and strong, loyal to a fault, and rarely serious. Tempered in Ash is a rough story, especially towards the end, and Joyanna brings a lot of brevity to the situation (even though she probably shouldn’t). She has so much capacity for love, and she’s not afraid to show it. All of my beta readers have completely fallen in love with her, and that’s really validating because I’m honestly in love with her, too.

Who is harder to write – an interesting hero or an interesting villain? 

I think they’re both hard, but I would lean more towards villains being more difficult. Crazy is fun, but I think villains that challenge my view of the setting or plot are really exciting. I like being forced to question whether they’re really the bad guy or not. It’s difficult to do, but when it’s done right?  *chef’s kiss*

You’re trapped in an elevator with your main character. What are you discussing?

If I were trapped in an elevator with Ilde, she’d probably kill me on the spot, considering everything I’ve put her through. Trauma aside, the conversation would probably be about mental health. I think both of us would benefit from a pragmatic discussion about our poor coping skills.

What is the most challenging aspect of writing for you? How do you conquer it?

Definitely maintaining momentum and motivation. I’ve had to work really hard to overcome my habit of waiting to write until I’m in the mood to do so. I do a lot of staring at a blank word doc, but I made sitting down to write part of my routine. I try to sit at my desk for at least a few hours a day to crank something out, and if I don’t manage to get any words down, I will take time to do some social media work or outlining—that way, I’ve at least contributed to my overall success every day. It’s not always super fruitful, but it keeps me in the mindset of consistently thinking about my novels, and that helps keep the ideas simmering in my brain.

If you could write a cross-over with another book/series, what would it be and why? (Or, if cross-overs don’t interest you, why?)

Not sure if it counts, but I’d love to write a module or campaign setting based in The Terrain for D&D. I have plans to run a homebrew campaign for some friends, and if it goes well (and there’s enough interest in my books overall), it might be something I dip my toes into one of these days. Tempered in Ash is inspired by D&D, so it only seems fitting that I give people a way to experience The Terrain for themselves.

In your opinion, what is the purpose of storytelling?

For me, the purpose of storytelling has always been joy and escapism. I’ve read fantasy my entire life, and it has gotten me through some really tough times. Writing does the same thing, only it allows me to hopefully share that joy with other people. Storytelling is all about helping people persevere.

Ok, last but not least… Tell us a bit about what made you want to become a writer and why you write what you write.

I’ve always been super imaginative, especially as a child. I wrote a lot of little stories in notebooks as a kid. I didn’t even consider that I could make it a true hobby until I was a teenager when I started writing fanfiction. I slowly transitioned from fanfiction to original works and have been writing ever since. I’ve just always really loved making things up and being creative—writing fantasy was a way I could continue to play pretend as an adult  :)

Here's where to find Willo:

Website: http://www.willoglenn.com/
Twitter: @willoglenn
Instagram: @willo_glenn
TikTok: @willoglenn

​Are you an indie author who wants to be featured on 7 Questions? Send me an email!

Hello and happy April!
 
—which I can’t believe I’m saying. The first three months of this year absolutely flew by.
 
My annual Peak Bloom sale wrapped up a few days ago, and to all of the wonderful folks who snagged Test of the Fourfor only $0.99 – thank you! Every sale makes me super happy!
 
(And – psssst – if you like my books, please leave a rating or a review. Obligatory reminder, haha.)
 
If you haven’t already seen my social posts, Hollow Cry is now available to pre-order. This is a companion novella to Test of the Four, so while I suppose you could read it as a stand-alone, it will make much more sense if you read it after Book Two.
 
In other news…I’ve finished the outline for Book Three. It took me six hours to figure out where everyone was and where they’re going to be, and y’all I was sweating by the end—but it is complete and now I’m ready to get started on the first draft. 
 
Lots to do. Gotta just find the time to do it. 
 
Much more to come, including another installment of 7 Questions from The Serrulata Saga Desk! 
 
Have a great week!
 
Bennett’s Indie Book Reviews – March Wrap-Up
 
…with links to my Goodreads reviews:

Double Zero: An Anthology (The Zero Anthologies) – Daniel Aegan
The Devil Walks in Blood – David Green
The Modern Mythos Anomaly – Juniper Lake Fitzgerald
Gay Love and Other Fairy Tales (Jordan and Benjamin Forever #1) – Dylan James 
Mr Warren's Profession (Aubrey & Lindsey, #1) – Sebastian Nothwell
The Gentleman's Gentleman (His Lordship's Realm Book 1) – Samantha SoRelle
Among Thorns and Stardust – Various Authors (ARC copy)
Blooms at Midnight: An Anthology on Grief and Motherhood – Olivia Kay Washington
 
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