Writer Interview: Havana Wilder
Updated: Oct 18, 2022
This Writer Wednesday, the spotlight shines on fantasy author Havana Wilder!
Havana has always had a vivid imagination and is an avid dreamer. After discovering her love of fantasy romances, she decided to put her dreams into reality by becoming an author herself.
When she’s not working on her next novel or reading, she enjoys wakeboarding, chasing waterfalls, four-wheeling, and roasting s’mores around her pergola/firepit that her loving husband hand crafted for her for mother’s day.
Follow her on both TikTok and Instagram @havanawilder.
A quick note:
During this interview, you might note that many of the questions include the word “we” as if “we” asked them. Well, we did. This detail is meant to include you, my dear reader, and I do hope you enjoy each interview published to this blog!
Additionally, please note that each interview answer is the author's own words and the interviews in The Intuitive Storyteller blog are intended for informational and educational purposes only.
About Liberating Kaden
Fierce Loyalty… New Alliances… Defeating all Odds…
Captured for their unique abilities, a crazed King wants to use Kaden and Anya, plus all the others he’s had abducted with exceptional gifts, for his benefit.
Kaden doesn’t take too well to being abruptly taken away from the love of his life. He struggles with his hatred for this King and how he’s mistreated so many with rare skills. He’s constantly fighting the impulse to attack this menacing ruler at any given time.
But time isn’t on his side. This king has ulterior motives and when will it ever be the right time for an uprising? Plus, amongst those abducted, who’s friend and who’s foe? Can anyone be trusted?
While being put through rigorous training to go on a suicide mission for this King, Kaden will soon find…
All is not as it seems…
His mission to escape and help others getaway presents dangers no one saw coming. He must make a decision on when and where to try and overcome this vile King while putting as minimal people’s live at risk as possible.
In the midst of all the mayhem, will Kaden survive this undertaking and take out this evil King and be able to return to the love of his life?
Liberating Kaden is an adventure full of twists and turns defining an unknown future in a dystopian world inundated by threats, mysteries, and treachery.
***This is an adrenaline rush novel full of fantasy, romance, supernatural abilities. Perfect for fans of strong heroines, robust males, and steamy romance.***
Havana’s book Liberating Kaden is available now!
And now, the interview:
Havana, when did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
I got Covid and started having vivid dreams. When I told them to my friends and family, they told me to put [the dreams] on paper. So, I did. Hence, the Iron Mountain Series was born.
Tell us about the person(s) or event(s) that inspired you to write your latest work.
Gosh, the characters really. They had their own story as the series grew and I knew it needed to be told.
What is your favorite genre to write and why do these types of stories appeal to you?
Fantasy. I love being able to escape into an unknown world.
Tell us about your writing schedule and/or a ritual that is necessary for establishing and sustaining your writing mood and endurance.
I work full-time and a mom of three girls. One is already married and just had her first daughter. My other two are very much involved in extra-curricular activities with volleyball, horse jumping, piano, etc. So, I try to dedicate at least two hours 8-10 pm every night Monday through Thursday because weekends are slammed with activities.
Why do you write? How does the act of storytelling affect you?
I write because I’m compelled to. It’s an escape from the real world.
Think about yourself back when you first started writing. If you could travel back in time, what would you say to that version of you (about the writing process, publishing, the world, etc.) that might help prepare them for today?
Well, I’m still very new so I don’t know what I’d say just yet.
What are your recommendations for fueling your writing energy and promoting inspiration?
Just do it. Don’t procrastinate because we’re not promised tomorrow.
How intuitive are you and does your intuition affect your writing?
I’m extremely intuitive and it fuels each character's story.
Tell us about your long-term writing and publishing goals.
I’m about done with the Iron Mountain series. I have a medieval fantasy romance brewing in my mind, but I want to focus more on promoting and advertising the ones I’ve got out now. So, not sure when I’ll write it.
For what or whom are you most grateful right now and why?
First of all, I’m grateful to God for giving me the talent, gifts, and ability to write. Second, is my husband who’s my strong support system as well as my girls. My mom is fantastic for listening to all of my made-up stories growing up. And my sister who’s my biggest fan encouraged me to not just write one novel. She’s the real reason behind this series. She told me this story isn’t done. You must tell them all.
Besides writing, what activities bring you joy?
I love traveling. All of my girls are named after cities. We just got our passports and hope to travel as much as we can.
Which book are you reading right now?
A Light in the Sky by Shina Reynolds
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year?
Oh gosh, too many to list.
Fill in the blank: Magic is...
Magic is a necessity.
Stay connected with Havana! Here’s where you can find her:
Next up, I’m continuing my Tarot Stories series with the next card in the deck: Death. Don't miss Death to Fearful Writing.
In her more than thirty years as a storyteller and visual designer, Amanda “Mandy” Hughes has written and designed over a dozen works of upmarket, literary, and women’s fiction under pen names A. Lee Hughes and Mandy Lee.
Mandy is the founder of Haint Blue Creative, a space for readers and storytellers to explore, learn, and create. Although she earned a Bachelor and Master of Science in Psychology, she has yet to figure out her family, much less herself.
When she’s not writing, Mandy loves going to the movies, theater, traveling, nature walks, birdwatching, margarita-making, and binge-watching The Office. She is a tarot enthusiast who uses the cards to promote wellness and enhance creativity. She lives in Georgia with her husband and four boys, two of whom are furrier than the others (but not by much). Visit her website at haintbluecreative.com and follow her on Instagram @haintbluecreative or on Facebook at @haintbluebooks.
