What does it take to bring a story from an idea to a published book? Seraph Rossmoor joins us today to share her experience writing Ashes of the Beloved. From the first flicker of an idea to sorting out the challenges of indie publishing, Seraph shares the joys, surprises, and hard-earned lessons.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer or simply curious about the path from draft to debut, her story offers insight, encouragement, and a candid look at what it really means to bring a book to life.

Let’s dive in!

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am an author who writes contemporary stories interwoven with supernatural, mythic, and extraordinary elements. Romance lies at the heart of my work, but I explore it through a speculative lens…where emotion, tension, and imagination converge to create narratives that feel both intimate and otherworldly.

I approach my craft as a hybrid writer. I outline the essential framework of each narrative, yet allow the characters and story world to develop organically. Often, my characters take the lead, and I trust the authenticity that emerges when the story follows their voice.

Ashes of the Beloved is my latest book. When I’m not writing, I gather inspiration from music, film, and quiet reflective moments that spark new ideas and visual atmospheres. I love observing human behaviour, collecting cinematic moments, and exploring bits of mythology and oddities. These little interests (and more) shape the emotional tone and atmospheric feel of my romance stories.

2. Beautiful… Pitch your book in one or two sentences.

Ismara Luhat thought she married an ordinary man until she uncovered the chilling truth about Caelum’s past. He isn’t just a vampire… he was a long-dead corpse resurrected by a dark cult. Now, caught between the man she loves and the supernatural forces determined to reclaim him, Ismara must face a truth that could shatter everything she believes.

3. And what kind of readers would love this book?

Ashes of the Beloved is ideal for readers who enjoy forbidden romance, vampire-tinged urban fantasy, haunted family legacies, and stories where love battles the supernatural.

4. Now, let’s get a little personal. What’s the story behind your story?

The story of Ashes of the Beloved began with a single haunting question: What if the person you love isn’t truly alive?

That thought appeared to me in a quiet moment and refused to leave. I kept seeing the image of a woman who loves deeply, unaware that her husband was a resurrected body tied to a dark cult. From that spark, the world of Ismara grew, filled with supernatural danger, ancestral guardians, and a love powerful enough to battle fear, destiny, and the unknown.

5. I’ve been wondering how fantasy writers pick names for their characters. How did you do it?

Honestly, the names came to me on their own. I didn’t follow any strict system… sometimes a name just arrives with the character, as if they introduce themselves. When it feels right and matches the soul of the story, I keep it.

6. Ohkay, and what character or scene stuck out for you in this book?

The scene that stays with me most is the moment Ismara discovers the truth about her husband, when love and terror collide in the same heartbeat. Writing that moment broke me a little. It forced me to step into her fear, her denial, and her stubborn devotion. That emotional contradiction shaped the entire tone of the story, and it’s the scene that reminds me why I created her world in the first place.

7. What part of this book gave you the hardest time?

The hardest part was balancing the romance and the horror, the tenderness of Ismara’s love against the terrifying truth behind her husband. I struggled to keep both emotions alive in the same scene without letting one overpower the other. I pushed through by slowing down, revisiting the characters’ motivations, and letting their emotional truth guide the direction of every chapter. Once I trusted their voices, the story finally fell into place.

8. Do you feel emotionally attached to your characters, like readers often do?

I’m absolutely emotionally attached to my characters. They don’t feel like ‘work’ to me…once they appear, they become real in my mind, with their own fears, desires, and flaws. I walk with them through every heartbreak and every moment of hope. By the time the book is finished, they feel less like creations and more like people I’ve lived with.

9. So good to know… And what’s one weird or unexpected thing you Googled while writing this book?

Probably the weirdest thing I Googled was “how to bring a corpse back to life, mythologically speaking.” One minute I was researching folklore… the next thing I knew, I was knee-deep in ancient rituals, spooky superstitions, and very questionable articles. At some point, even Google seemed concerned. My search history looked so suspicious that I wouldn’t blame anyone for thinking I was planning something illegal.

10. Is it safe to assume you know plenty about black magic now?

Honestly, none of the ‘black magic’ in my book is real. Everything is fictional. I just research bits of folklore, legends, and old rituals, then blend them with my imagination to create my own world. So no actual dark magic skills… just the writer's skill of turning random research into chaos.

11. Mhmm… how has the indie publishing journey been for you?

For me, the biggest challenge in indie publishing has been finding my readers and building my own market. Without the support of a traditional publishing team, I had to learn how to reach the right audience, promote my work, and grow my visibility from the ground up. It’s demanding, but it has taught me resilience, creativity, and the importance of connecting genuinely with readers who truly love the kind of stories I create.

12. Now, for all the aspiring indie authors out there. What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you?

I wish someone had told me that you don’t need to have everything figured out to start. As an indie author, you learn as you go… writing, publishing, marketing, all of it. The most important thing is to keep showing up for your story, even on the hard days. Don’t wait for perfection. Don’t fear slow progress. And remember: the right readers will find you, as long as you keep going.

13. How long was your book in the making?

This book took shape over many months. I started with a rough idea…just a few scenes and emotions I wanted to explore, and slowly expanded it into a full story. There were countless rewrites, late-night revisions, and moments where I had to step back and let the characters guide me.

I knew it was finally ready when the world, the emotions, and the characters felt complete, when their journey no longer needed me to ‘fix’ anything, only to let it go and be read.

14. It’s lot of work. Where can readers find you and your book now?

Readers can find me on Instagram at @writtenbyrossmoor, where I share story updates, creative insights, and glimpses into my writing world. I’m always excited to connect with readers and fellow authors. Feel free to drop by and say hello.

Ashes of the Beloved is available to buy on Amazon.

If the book sounds like your kind of read, be sure to check it out! Support indie authors by grabbing a copy and leaving a review!

PS… What’s your go-to writing snack or ritual?

I usually need a cup of coffee before I start writing.  It’s my little creative ritual.

And that’s a wrap.

Want to see more indie author stories? Stay tuned for more interviews…