Interview with author Arianna Del Gaudio

Hi everyone! Please enjoy this interview with the lovely Arianna Del Gaudio. As always I’ll drop a few links below.

Authors Amazon page:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DW7PXRSR

follow her on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/theadgauthor?igsh=MW44OGgyemRvbnlqZQ==

Enjoy the interview!

❤️ Carrie

What inspired you to create Ryleigh Karizma’s character and her lineage of witches and vampire hunters?

I've always been fascinated with witches and vampires, so I wanted to make a book where witches were also vampire hunters.

How do you approach blending elements of dark fantasy with steamy romance in your storytelling?

There's something pure and raw, in my opinion, of having creatures so strong they can kill their enemies without blinking, but they show love and compassion during the romance scenes and end up being accepted for who they are. These intimidating creatures find love in someone who accepts them completely. 

Can you share your process for world-building in The Karizma Chronicles?

It's an urban fantasy. I've always wondered what it would be like if supernatural creatures truly existed in our world, and we wouldn't know because they looked exactly like us. So I built a world that operated with the unsuspecting humans. A night club is run by a vampire, frequented by other vampires, and the witch is an employee, and all the while, the humans are drinking and dancing without a care in the world. 

What challenges did you face while writing The Hunt, and how did you overcome them?

The hardest challenge was actually the ending. I had a plan of how it was going to end, but then the story changed into what it is now. It was supposed to only be 1 book, and now it's 3 books. I knew when it changed and how I wanted it to be. It was a little risky and I'm sure some readers won't like it, but it further opened up the urban fantasy world and was able to build Ryleigh how she needed to be.

How do you balance character development with action and supernatural elements in your narrative?

As they embrace their elements, it shapes them into who they need to be. The witches are constantly growing because they need to be strong enough to protect themselves, and the vampire uses his strength as fuel for his compassion toward the witch. Their elements aren't just side parts of the story, their elements are who they are that make the story, and as action and conflict arise and their elements grow stronger, so do they. 

Are there any real-life experiences or influences that shaped the themes in your book?

No.

What do you hope readers take away from Ryleigh’s journey?

That no matter how hard or scary life can be, you're stronger than you think you are, and having people close to you isn't a weakness, but a strength. And even if you think you're a freak and will forever be alone, there is someone out there who will accept you completely for who you are. 

Can you give us a glimpse into what’s next for The Karizma Chronicles?

Without giving too much away, Ryleigh’s journey is fueled with even more conflict and strength. She finds herself in situations that don't make sense at first, but eventually click, and it only helps her grow to protect those around her.

How has reader feedback influenced your writing or future projects?

I've had books in the past where the general reader feedback was that there could have been more to the book, that the book ended too quickly, and they weren't wrong. I use that feedback daily because writing a book isn't a sprint, it's a stroll. There's nothing wrong with a book being too long, or creating a series. I don't want to rush through books and they're left truly unfinished. That's the best feedback I've ever gotten, and my best advice to any inspiring indie authors. Take your time. Make sure the book truly is how you want it.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors venturing into dark fantasy and romance genres?

It's not your traditional fantasy and romance. Sure, it's magic and creatures and love, but it's so much more than that. To me, dark fantasy romance is embracing the true dark side of the creatures, on top of their beauty. It won't always have a happy ending. You need to be okay with the gritty and the messy and the heartache to create your own world. But once you do, it's amazing how it comes to life. How beautiful your creatures are when they're terrifying and compassionate. Even the most terrifying and ruthless creatures have a soft side, they just need the right person to tell them they're perfect the way they are.