Aislinn Archer

Writing is at the center of my life, whether it's writing steamy rockstar romantasy or thrilling contemporary fantasy, or my work as an award-winning journalist for the last 20+ years. I'm nearly always listening to music, which is why music (and the inspiration behind it) is such a core element of my stories.

I'm also a semi-retired live sound engineer, an Irish language learner, a persistently advanced-beginner guitar and bass guitar player, and devoted Disney fan, as well as a priestess of Brighid.

I live at the beach in coastal Delaware, where my books are set, along with my amazing spawn (How is this kid an adult already?) and a quirky extended family of my pro musician bestie, his wife (also an indie author) and their autistic drummer son, who's the model for a character in my books.

“Welcome Aislinn, Let’s jump right in! How much research do you do for your books?”

I deeply research anything of significance in my books, and many things that are trivial, too. Researching for my selkie characters, I ended up in a rabbit hole of looking at the mating habits of grey seals (the stuff of nightmares!) that ended with me dividing my selkies into different species-type clans with different characteristics and gave us a great bad-guy.

When one of my characters decides to try to get past his girlfriend’s security detail, he uses his skydiving hobby and the local advertising banner planes, so I had to research skydiving, along with rock climbing and more. I check so many facts, from how long it takes to get from the airport in Donegal to a spot on the coast, to whether you can bring a dog with you on that trip from the U.S. I did a lot of mental-health research for some of these stories, too.

On the other hand, I’ve accumulated a lot of knowledge through my work as a journalist and my hobbies. My brain retains all kinds of (formerly) useless facts. It makes me a great teammate on Trivia Night! At least now I’m putting it to use! But it’s come in handy with my characters — a journalist, a weaver, a chef (I’m a big foodie), a tattoo artist, a music teacher and poet, a jewelsmith and glass artist, an Irish speaker (I’m an Irish language learner), a couple geeky types, and all my musicians, who are informed by my experience as a live sound engineer. My witches and other magical folk are all informed by my personal practice and research into mythology — mostly Celtic cultures.

“Sounds like your brain is a treasure trove of story fuel! What’s your favorite genre to write and why?”

Well, I ended up blending contemporary fantasy (urban fantasy, but not set in a city) with steamy rockstar romance because those are my two favorite genres to read and there wasn’t much out there that combined the two. And I do love that combination.

But I love writing in both genres on their own. My rockstar romantasy series has a contemporary-fantasy sister-series that’s set in the same world, with some overlapping plot and characters. It has a romantic subplot, but it has a more traditional urban-fantasy story arc and main-character focus (for now), and there’s less focus on the amazing power of music, which is the core of the rockstar series.

“In one word, how would you describe yourself?”

Passionate.

“Love that. What’s one of the most surprising things you learned while creating your books?”

There’s that grey seal mating research. 😳

But I love all of the things I learn in my research. My brain is like a sponge. I’m loving the Irish culture research I’ve been doing for my next release.

🤣 “Fair enough! So, does writing energize or exhaust you?”

When the words are flowing, it’s incredibly energizing. I can write for 18 hours straight.

When the words aren’t coming, it’s exhausting and anxiety-inducing.

“How do you handle writer’s block?”

I’ve never really had a problem with writer’s block, per se. I’ve had times when the words don’t come as easily, but I’m a big believer in inspiration given by the muses, and when it comes, it’s meant to be, so I try not to force it.

What often refills the well for me is reading other authors’ work. I don’t take elements from what I read and use them — I more often get an idea from how my characters would handle things differently, and that sparks story ideas.

“I love that approach! Now, tough one: favorite 90’s or early 00’s song?”

Ooh. That’s an impossible ask, especially for me.

Music is my life, but the ‘70s and ‘80s are my sweet spot.

Off the top of my head, one of my favorites from that era is “Crave and Wonder” by Arc Angels — a great blues-rock song with amazing harmonies and some of the best musicians ever.

“Okay, you’re definitely a music soul. Where else do you draw inspiration from?”

Music, always.

My own life, to some degree. Mythology. And a little divine inspiration.

“How do you handle criticism? Be honest!”

Ugh. Not very easily.

I have rejection-sensitive dysphoria, so it’s hard. I remind myself that not everyone who picks up one of my books is “my reader.”

Most of the people who read them love these stories, but you’re never going to be everyone’s cup of tea.

However, even the people who don’t like the books have praised my writing, and I find that heartening.

“Now the important question — you’re on death row, what’s your last meal?”

Mushroom risotto with dayboat scallops and asparagus, crab bisque to start, a wonderful crusty bread with Irish butter and a gourmet salt, and Key lime pie or strawberry cream cake for dessert.

🤤 “That sounds divine. Switching gears — how do you prioritize your tasks?”

I try to knock out small, brief tasks first, then work on more intensive ones that require more focus or a deeper headspace.

“What inspired you to start writing?”

I’ve always been a writer. I’ve always created stories.

I started writing this world more than a decade ago with the contemporary fantasy plot, but it got lost in a tech glitch and set on the back burner. I was inspired to pick it back up again after my dad died in 2021.

“That’s powerful. How important are book reviews to you?”

Vital.

Even a single sentence or a few words can help a fellow reader find a book they’ll love, and words of support from readers are the things that keep writers going.

“Walk us through your writing routine.”

I write whenever I get an idea.

I have a writing app that syncs across my devices, so if I’m sitting in a bar, listening to my best friend’s band, and I get an idea, I’ll start writing on my phone.

I’ll make voice notes if I think of something while driving down the road.

When it’s time to write, I usually sit in my recliner in my living room, put Leverage on streaming or some great music, and work on my laptop, weaving all those ideas and notes I wrote down into a cohesive story.

“Sounds like pure creative chaos! If you could be any animal, what would you choose and why?”

I’d say a polar bear, because they’re big and strong and no one wants to try to stand up against one — especially a mama bear with her cubs.

But I get cold just thinking about living in that habitat.

So, a tiger, for many of the same reasons.

“Good call — warmth and power! What’s your favorite motivational phrase?”

“Just keep swimming.”

I’m a Disney fan, and that often pops into my head when I’m feeling overwhelmed.

I also often tell myself, “You can do anything for five minutes,” or whatever length of time seems a stretch but achievable. That’s my treadmill mantra, but it works any time I’ve got something I need to do that makes me uncomfortable.

“What advice would you give to aspiring writers?”

Just start writing.

I’m a big believer in people having a natural gift for things like writing, but if that gift is in you, the only way to find it, to refine it, is to write and keep writing.

You can’t worry about editing or whether it’s any good — not until you have the basics of the story down.

That rough draft is where you begin, and you have nothing until you’ve gotten it out of your head and somewhere you can re-read it, edit it and let others see it.

You’ll only get better.

And if you’re looking to be published or to self-publish, find a great online group and learn before you even start that process.

There are so many mistakes people make, from vanity publishers to not picking a cover that appeals to readers in your genre.

And there are amazing resources and generous peers out there to offer really useful advice.

“That’s gold. Last one: what have been the most rewarding and most challenging aspects of self-publishing for you?”

The most challenging part has been trying to get my work out to a larger audience.

I’m unique that I’m starting out cross-genre, so I don’t quite fit in either the standard romance category or in the urban fantasy category.

My urban fantasy writer friends can boost me with their audiences but it’s going to be a subset of them who are also readers for me.

The same goes with the romance and romantasy writers who love my work — not all of their readers are rockstar romance fans, nor are the rockstar romance fans necessarily up for the fantasy elements.

The only way to get past that is advertising, which requires money. And that’s a challenge for most independent authors.

The most rewarding aspect is definitely hearing from readers who loved these stories, these characters, who identified with them or found their stories cathartic.

I often see people use that word, “cathartic.”

I put so much of myself into these stories that it’s amazing to see people connect with them and take away something valuable to their own lives.

The emails I get, the direct messages — those mean the world to me.

It means I’m doing more than just creating entertainment — I’m touching lives.

And those people have really started building a community — I love that!

“And that's the magic right there. Thank you so much, Aislinn — this has been incredible!

To our readers:

If Aislinn's story moved you, don’t stop here—download her books, leave a review, and follow her on social media to stay connected with her journey. Every review, follow, and share helps amplify her voice and support independent authors.

Loved this interview? Share it with your friends and fellow readers.

Until next time!