The balance of sub-genres in my Phi Athanatoi Series stems from a single lesser-known Greek myth that serves as the nexus. Everything else, the vampires, werewolves, magic and divine interference, grows from that central myth.
My rough outline is the skeleton of where I will go with it, but deep down, I always stick with the myth. No skewering it where it is watered down and only resembles that myth in passing, or like some fancy wallpaper. ☺ The myths I use are embedded in the world-building and drive the series’ thematic elements. I hope this doesn’t sound too complicated because, in all truth, it isn’t. Many authors think of it in layers, so what you are doing is layering your world with two or even three types of subgenres. You can have historical, dark, and erotic romance in one world or PNR with Sci-Fi and romance. There are so many variations out there today, and if it works, then it should be written.
Personally, after I have my rough sketch of what the myth and world would look like, I let the characters loose. Each character brings their brand of crazy personality to the table, and more often than not, they don’t stick to the plan. ☺ This is largely because the emotional stakes drive different reactions from each of them. They all have different personalities, and it’s nice to explore them and keep them real so readers can connect with them and cheer them on in both the good times and not-so-good times.
When writing, I am not conscious of the mechanics of subgenre layers; they sit in my preconscious somewhere. I am more invested in just telling the story and getting it out of my head because it’s all moving like a movie, and it’s acutely fast. Actually, it’s very much like I’m running after my shopping trolley downhill, trying to catch it before it hits something. ☺
Latest release
One Wolf Next Door
Book 1, The Willow Witch Chronicles
A Witch. A Wolf. And defective magic.
Samantha Willow is a defective witch. Her magical powers are useless, and her coven has turned its back on her. Her comfortable and serene lifestyle is short-lived when a new neighbor moves in next door. Romance was not on the agenda. To add to her problems, one of her customers ends up dead, and the police want answers.
Dex Lycophron, wolf, and immortal warrior has had enough of fighting for humanity. He wants to put his feet up and relax, but when he gets a whiff of his delectable witchy neighbor, he knows he's not going to rest until he claims her as his mate. But to do that he must return to the world and connections he left behind.
Will the Witch admit that they belong together?
Efthalia
Efthalia is an Australian author who writes fantasy-paranormal romance, inspired by her love of Greek mythology. Her love of storytelling began with the stories her mother shared as a child, sparking her fascination with fantasy worlds. She has a BA in Ancient History and Archaeology and an MA in Writing, which she draws from to craft her characters and rich myth-infused narratives.
Efthalia’s work is filled with supernatural intrigue, mythical adventure, and steamy romance. Gods meddle with humans, and vampires, werewolves, and witches work hard to stay hidden.
You can find Efthalia at her website.
