The idea for The Fray didn’t just happen upon me. I, in fact, toyed with the idea for a year and a half. My inspiration was pulled from my relationship, of course, and wondering how to blend vampires and werewolves without copying off of anyone else.
I admire Dark Fantasy and Occult Horror…and History. So a lot of research went into this novel. From prior years, or right on the spot, insuring what I wrote as created was doable. Crafting this book was certainly work.
Stepping away from the usual rush to publish, I not only took seven months to finish writing it, I added another four months to finish barely a third draft.
During this time, the manuscript previews picked up traction, beyond my expectations. I am very happy about this.
Inspiration for character illustrations came from all over, but I wanted to stick with mixed genealogy, something that wouldn’t be too far off. Recording artist ThÄ-LØBÖ allowed me to use his likeness, and last name for Miguel Cervantez. He also spent time rehearsing a passage from the beginning of the novel, mimicking how he felt one of the major protagonists would sound.
After wielding the story a little more, and illustrating what I deemed important, I continued switching previews, but had to reel it back – Deeper resurfaced to no one’s surprise. The chapter was originally featured November of 2024, and was replaced right at the start of the new year. The stint Deeper was present drove in the most traffic for The Fray.
Monica Ramos, more of an anti-hero in the novel, almost sets the stage for the context of this manuscript, and gave me a lot more to play with. Instead of just a handsome hero and gorgeous damsel, we have an angry young wolf not ashamed of seeking revenge. Without giving too much away, she gives The Fray an even keel towards also being an occult horror mashup.
With research, obsessions and desires clashing together, I was able to write this piece by piece and stay true to the original desire – completely unearthed ideology, including a possible time period piece (as to be inducted.) This was no small feat, and required more research out of respect for sanctity and historical truths, even though it is a fiction novel.
There is no set publishing date, so in the meantime, please enjoy the previews available!
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The Heiress JCS 