Tell us about yourself.
I’m a lifelong lover of all things fantasy, finding inspiration in stories that captivate with unforgettable characters and powerful redemption arcs. Influenced by works like Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games, and Harry Potter, I’m also drawn to the cinematic genius of Christopher Nolan and will watch anything with his name on it. I believe the heart of every story lies in its characters—their struggles, growth, and triumphs—and I strive to craft protagonists who feel as real as they are extraordinary. When I’m not weaving tales of legendary guardians, supernatural realms, and the complexities of human connection, you’ll likely find me curled up with my dog, a good book, and a steaming cup of coffee—immersed in a movie marathon or enjoying video game adventures with my family.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in New York, surrounded by a diverse and wonderfully intricate mix of people and personalities. From an early age, I found myself observing how individuals make decisions and adapt to the challenges thrown their way. This exposure to different perspectives and resilience deeply influenced my writing, shaping the way I craft characters who feel authentic, layered, and dynamic in their struggles and growth.
What was your journey to getting published like?
Not easy! The journey to getting published was definitely challenging, especially when it came to marketing. Writing the book was one thing, but getting it into readers' hands is a whole different battle. That said, I’m learning something new every day and doing my best to go with the flow, embracing the ups and downs of the process.
What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?
It wasn’t really direct feedback, but a quote that I’ve heard in many different ways from different people—originally from Terry Pratchett: “The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.” This quote carried me through not only my first book but into the next two as well. It reminded me to embrace the messy, imperfect process of drafting and trust that refinement comes later.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Keep going. Don’t stop. Remember why you started this journey in the first place—hold onto that passion, even when it gets tough. One day, you’ll look back and realize that the journey itself was the best part. And most importantly, just breathe. It’ll be okay.
What’s a fun fact about you that your readers might not know?
Well, my readers may not know much about me yet since I’m still pretty new to the scene, but I do have a one-eyed dog named Opie! He’s been a huge inspiration for Mac, the dog in my book. Opie’s resilience and personality definitely found their way into my writing, and I love that a piece of him lives on in my story.
What’s your guilty pleasure book or genre?
Lately, I’ve been curious about dark romance. I read Navessa Allen’s "Lights Out" recently, and I’m pretty sure it changed me—so I’m definitely looking to explore more in that genre. As for my guilty pleasure? Creature horror or slasher. I absolutely love those! There’s just something about the tension, the atmosphere, and the sheer fun of it that keeps me coming back.
What’s your favorite quote about writing?
Oops, got ahead of myself here, but I'll put it again!
Terry Pratchett: “The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.”
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
You’ll most likely find me curled up with my dog, a good book, and a steaming cup of coffee—lost in a movie marathon or diving into video games with my family.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I may not remember the very first story I ever read, but the one that has stayed with me is "Bony-Legs" by Joanna Cole. It left a lasting impression, and as you may or may not know, it features animal companions and a villain who is simply a villain. No tragic backstory, no justifications—just pure, classic wickedness. "Bony-Legs" shaped me in many ways, fueling my love for folklore, adventure, and the battle between good and evil.
What has inspired you and your writing style? How did you choose the Fantasy genre?
I wanted to write realistic characters making real decisions in fantastical situations—characters whose choices feel authentic and relatable. My goal was for readers to nod along and think, 'Yes, I could see myself making that decision' or 'That’s exactly what I would do in that situation!'
As for why fantasy? I’ve always been drawn to the genre, but a big inspiration was my desire to write about the Four Horsemen. There’s so much to explore within that mythology—so many layers of power, morality, and destiny—and I knew from the start that I wanted to bring my own spin to it.
How do you deal with negative reviews?
Well, I haven’t received any negative reviews just yet, but I figure if I survived asking a boy out three times in high school and getting rejected all three times, I’ve got pretty thick skin! Criticism is part of putting your work out into the world, and while it might sting, I know it’s all part of the journey.
How do you connect with your readers?
In any way possible! I’m incredibly grateful to have readers, and I want to do my best to connect with them in as many ways as I can. Whether it’s through social media, events, or just chatting about books, I love hearing from people who have experienced my stories.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have two more books lined up to complete this trilogy, so that’s keeping me busy! I’m deep in the world of my characters, continuing their journey, and I can’t wait for readers to see how it all unfolds.
Are there any Easter eggs or hidden messages in your work?
Yes, but that’s all I’ll say about that. 😉
How do you approach writing dialogue for your characters?
I want the dialogue to feel as authentic as possible, so I read my work out loud—which can definitely get embarrassing, but it’s essential for me to hear if the conversation flows naturally. If it sounds awkward or forced when spoken, I know it needs tweaking.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
Just that I’m incredibly grateful for them. I hope they enjoy reading the book and taking this journey with me just as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. Their support means everything, and I’m so excited to share this world and these characters with them.
J.F. Monroe’s Author Websites and Profiles
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All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.”
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