Patchwork by Mary Ainihi

8/23/2026

An Ozian Tale of Dark Fantasy

Multi-volume, fantasy and horror author Mary Ainihi introduces us to her contribution to the ever-growing body of work about the land of Oz, “Patchwork: An Ozian Tale of Dark Fantasy”:
With Ozma gone, the marvelous Land of Oz had begun to fade, its wonders turning strange and wild. Into that shadowed country came a girl from our world, and there she found blue forests in decay, bread trees bent under their own curious burden, and a land scarred by its own enchantments.
In this unraveling realm, magic tempts with wholeness, but every seam frays, every memory fades. Here, even beautiful makings leave their mark, and some creations are meant only to come undone.
One fraying stitch at a time.

An amazing story! I love how it dovetails with Frank Baum's classic tale. The descriptions set the stage perfectly, and the action fits!
Not a story for young children, but then the original work wasn't either. The flying monkeys were so scary for me as a little boy!
So many favorite characters show up in this story.

You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Patchwork-Ozian-Tale-Dark-Fantasy-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/Patchwork-by-M-Ainihi

You can follow the author:
https://twitter.com/m_ainihi
https://mainihi.wordpress.com
https://ConcealedRealms.com
https://bsky.app/profile/m-ainihi.bsky.social

I have reviewed the four books in a series and collections of short stories in the horror genre, here are the links:
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/rise-a-blood-inheritance-novel-by-m-ainihi
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/lost-a-blood-inheritance-novel-by-m-ainihi
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/endow-a-blood-inheritance-novel-the-blood-inheritance-quartet-book-3-by-m-ainihi
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/resist

Collections of her short stories I have reviewed:
www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-warning-signs-by-m-ainihi
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/be-wary-of-wishes-gone-awry-by-m-ainihi

Tags: Teen, Young Adult, Sword and Sorcery, Fantasy, dark, Horror
Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction.

65 Comments

Mary link

8/24/2026 08:14:26 am

Thank you so much for having me back for another interview! I always look forward to our chats and connecting with your audience.
Returning to the world of Oz for Patchwork was an incredibly fascinating process. Immersing myself in L. Frank Baum’s early works allowed me to weave in subtle nods to some of his original characters, but it also gave me space to build out new lore. I particularly enjoyed weaving in my own original dragon mythology and creating its connection to the emeralds of Oz. Blending Baum's classic roots with my own darker, atmospheric concepts was a wonderful creative challenge.
I am excited to dive into your questions and talk shop!

Mark

8/24/2026 11:45:31 am

I am honored to have you back for another weeklong chat.

Your subtle nods to the main characters were so effective for me that the original characters came alive in my imagination! The dark atmosphere even brought the flying monkeys back for me. The memory of seeing them the first time had more impact on a little boy than I realized.

A NOTE TO OUR VISITORS: This interview is resuming from the previous promotion, "Beware of Wishes Gone Awry" the link for it and the other promotions are just above.

First questions.

Have you encountered a troll reviewing one of your books?

How did you handle it?

Mary link

8/24/2026 12:37:18 pm

Thank you so much, Mark!
I love how dark fantasy can tap into those vivid, classic memories we carry from childhood!
To answer your question, I have been very fortunate in my publishing journey. I have not really run into many genuine trolls or malicious reviews! My readers have been incredibly supportive and welcoming.
What I find most fascinating about publishing is how every reader brings their own imagination, background, and personal memories to a story. Dark fantasy especially relies on mood, so seeing how different people interpret atmosphere or connect it to their own favorite tropes is just part of the fun. Since reviews are spaces for readers to express how a book made them feel, I just appreciate that people take the time to read and share their thoughts while I stay focused on writing the next story!

Mark

8/24/2026 02:07:31 pm

Trolls were a much bigger problem 6-8 years ago. They would say terrible things about a book or an author, sometimes admitting they hadn't read the book. Most prospective readers knew that the review was fake. Some authors spun out of control, replying to trolls or begging Amazon customer service to remove the offending review. The trolls must have had a lot of fun because they kept doing it. One day, Amazon clamped down. They required that a person have an account and spend a minimum of $50.00 annually before they could leave a review.

New questions.

What was the first paying job you worked as a kid?

How old were you?

Mary L Schmidt link

8/30/2026 08:39:33 am

Trolls were so huge at one time. Leaving a review that states "Pity Party" on a true memoir is mean and evil.

Glad you have not experienced much.

Mary link

8/30/2026 10:05:38 am

Reducing an author's honest, vulnerable memoir to a dismissive comment like that is just plain cruel. Putting a true life story out into the world takes so much courage, so seeing someone targeted by mean-spirited trolling like that is really heartbreaking.

Mary link

8/24/2026 02:16:13 pm

It is fascinating how online review culture has evolved over the years, Mark.
My first paid job was babysitting for local families. I actually took it very seriously and completed an American Red Cross youth safety and first-aid course to get a training certificate before taking on any gigs.
It was a great experience that taught me a lot about responsibility and organization at an early age. Writing full-time requires that same kind of self-discipline, so it was a good foundation to start on!

Mark

8/24/2026 03:46:23 pm

Negative reviews are not always bad. I used to tell authors that a bad review proved the good ones weren't only coming from family members. Several bad reviews along with good reviews can generate controversy. Some will buy the book to decide for themselves.

I took that course in the sixth or seventh grade also. I babysat for a neighbor down the gravel road from us. I scrubbed her kitchen floor a few times as well.

Later, I picked berries and beans for commercial grow operations in the area during the summer break.

New questions.

Have you done any public speaking?

If so, will you be doing more in the future?

Mary link

8/24/2026 04:13:36 pm

That is such a great point about negative reviews adding credibility and sparking curiosity, Mark! Also, picking berries and beans for commercial farms sounds like hard work, but what a classic summer job.

To answer your question: public speaking is definitely not my natural comfort zone! Presenting or speaking in front of crowds gives me a lot of anxiety, so I tend to avoid formal public speaking engagements whenever possible.

That said, I love connecting with readers face-to-face at book events, author tables, and convention halls. Chatting one-on-one with folks about dark fantasy and writing is so much more my speed than standing behind a podium!

Mark

8/24/2026 07:12:41 pm

The first hour or so of picking strawberries saw the best berries going in my mouth. After that, I filled the dozen hallocks in each flat pretty quickly. Unless I got hungry again, I was a hungry boy.

You are normal. Nearly everyone fears speaking in public. I did also for the first three decades of my life. I had a severe stammering problem all through my school years. It was very hard to talk to another person, much less speak to a group.

I learned the secret to speaking in public, and that task was no longer a lion I was facing; it was a housecat. The secret is simple. Speak only about something you know a lot about. You are the expert. As an author, no one knows more about your books than you do. People who love to read thrill at the opportunity to hear an author speak. They will hang on every word as if you were speaking to them alone at a book fair. Will you be nervous? Yes, but that energy is easily channeled into passion for your books and it will be easier to connect with the audience. If the podium is an issue, ask that it be moved and sit in a chair or stand and talk with the audience. I have discovered it to be exciting and rewarding for the audience and me.

New question.

Have you entered any writing contests?

Mary link

8/24/2026 08:53:35 pm

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and that encouraging advice. It is truly inspiring how you conquered your stammering! Strangely enough for me, public speaking was actually much easier when I was younger, but as I have gotten older, the stress triggers a complete mind-blank. The moment I am pressed on stage, every thought just vanishes! So for now, written chats and small table conversations are definitely my safest bet.

As for writing contests, yes, I have entered them! They can be a bit nerve-wracking while waiting for results, but putting your work up against competition is a fantastic way to sharpen your craft and see how your stories hold up.

Mark

8/25/2026 09:50:47 am

Thank you. I am familiar with that blank-mind feeling. I tried my hand at door-to-door encyclopedia sales and had to memorize the sales pitch. It was hard, very hard at first. After a few houses, it got easier and I relaxed some. I don't recall making a sale in the first two weeks. I quit and looked for a different job. I did learn a valuable tip, people listened more closely to me because of my stammer.

I have recommended to writers that short-story writing contests, especially those that provide feedback from the judges, can help a writer improve their writing skills. I do have a warning: there are a lot of shady contests out there. Some want to extract as much as they can from your wallet, others want to steal your intellectual property. Here is a copy-and-paste link about those things: Beware Bogus Writing Contests! Look for These 8 Red Flags. https://annerallen.com/2019/05/beware-bogus-writing-contests. You can also use the search box below to find the link. There are other blogs I have links to on my Highly Regarded Blogs page.

New questions.

Have you won awards of any kind for your writing?

Among present or past family members and friends, how many are or have been writers or authors?

Mary link

8/25/2026 10:20:24 am

Selling encyclopedias door-to-door sounds like intense sales training, Mark! Kudos to you for braving that, and thank you for passing along that great article on contest red flags.
I am happy to say I have been fortunate enough to receive some wonderful recognition for my writing! A few of the accolades include awards from Literary Titan, Readers' Favorite, and the New Apple Book Awards.
Regarding family and friends, I do have a couple of published authors in my family! It is always a treat to talk shop with relatives who understand what it takes to bring a book from an initial concept to a finished print copy.

Mark

8/25/2026 12:05:41 pm

Congratulations on those awards for your stories. That has to be quite gratifying.

It's always fun to talk shop with other writers, especially when they are members of your own family.

I am glad that blog about red flags in some short story contests was useful for you. That Blogger is one of my favorites, and she has written many, many blogs over the years, sharing her knowledge about writing and publishing.

New question.

Is there anyone you know who might claim you as their inspiration for writing?

Mary link

8/25/2026 01:50:08 pm

I am not aware of anyone claiming me as their primary writing inspiration, Mark!

Writing is such an interconnected journey, though. I am just happy to be part of the community, share insights about the craft, and hopefully leave a positive mark for anyone coming up behind me.

Mark

8/25/2026 03:46:39 pm

You may never know that you inspired people to pick up a pen and start writing. I would be surprised if it hasn't already happened.

New questions.

I noticed that some of your books are in Kindle Unlimited. How is that working out for you?

Mary link

8/25/2026 04:48:03 pm

That is a great perspective to keep in mind, Mark!

Kindle Unlimited is a handy tool, though it definitely moves in small ripples rather than huge waves for me. I usually notice a gentle spike in page reads whenever I run a promo or wrap up an in-person event. It seems to work best as a secondary catch-all for folks who browse KU after seeing my table or reading about a sale!

Mark

8/25/2026 06:32:30 pm

You see a slight surge in the number of pages read in Kindle Unlimited.

For those who don't know, authors receive a fraction of a penny for each page a reader consumes in KU. In July, Amazon paid out globally more than $67 million to authors with books in KU. Less than 1/2 cent per page read.

New questions.

Why did you choose that exclusive venue?

How many books have you put in KU?

Mary link

8/25/2026 08:22:13 pm

Every page count helps, even in fractions of a cent.

I currently have four titles enrolled in Kindle Unlimited: my dark fantasy novella Patchwork, my short story collection The Warning Signs (an edition featuring bonus content), and my Blood Inheritance series, which I specially formatted into two books for KU that include bonus features.

I chose to put them in KU primarily for accessibility. For indie authors, discoverability is everything. Many readers rely exclusively on their subscription to try new writers, so having those titles formatted specifically for the program removes the financial risk for them. It serves as a great gateway for new readers to test out my world-building, which often leads them to check out the rest of my catalogue.

Mark

8/26/2026 10:03:58 am

That is a good reason to use Kindle Unlimited.

I wonder if those KU readers leave reviews. I hope so.

New question.

Some of your books are not in Kindle Unlimited. Why is that?

Mary link

8/26/2026 10:21:59 am

KU readers do occasionally leave reviews! It always feels like a great bonus when a reader takes the time to leave feedback after flying through a book.

As for why some of my titles aren't in Kindle Unlimited, it usually comes down to timing, strategy, and the specific requirements of the program.

Kindle Unlimited requires strict exclusivity for digital editions. For some books, such as specific short story collections, limited releases like Screaming Under the Floorboards, or titles I am distributing widely across multiple platforms, the exclusivity trade-off doesn't always fit the project's goals right away. Other times, it's just a matter of timing. In fact, I am currently prepping a version of Be Wary of Wishes Gone Awry with bonus content for KU!

Every release has its own path, so it really comes down to weighing whether platform exclusivity makes sense for that specific book at that specific time.

Mark

8/26/2026 11:31:51 am

That is good information. Thank you. I didn't realize the exclusive contract was only for digital editions. That lets an author go wide with physical copies as long as the ISBN has been purchased and included.

New questions.

What is your favorite food and beverage?

Has that changed much since you were a child?

Mary link

8/26/2026 01:02:31 pm

When it comes to favorites, seafood is my absolute top pick. For drinks, lemonade is a favorite, alongside coffee and tea to keep the writing momentum going.

Interestingly, my core preferences haven't shifted as dramatically as most people's do. Even as a kid, I was never really big on sweets or ice cream, for whatever reason. Savory food has always been my preference, so seafood fits right in. Adding coffee and tea into the mix as an adult is really the biggest change! That said, I am never opposed to trying new foods and trying different flavors whenever the opportunity comes along.

Mark

8/26/2026 02:31:53 pm

I love seafood also. Wild-caught salmon is one of my favorite seafoods! I can't think of any fish or shellfish that I don't like. I am quite an adventurous eater and I love trying something new. Besides my one cup of coffee in the morning I drink mostly water. I do like lemonade quite a bit. Chipotle has a nice watermelon-limeade that I love!

New questions.

What is your least favorite food and beverage? Has that changed much since you were a child?

Mary link

8/26/2026 03:10:46 pm

It is hard to go wrong with fresh salmon!

My absolute least favorite food has always been pork, especially things like traditional pork chops. Interestingly enough, crisp bacon is the one exception, but only when it is in something like a sandwich where it adds crunch and flavor! For beverages, I really dislike heavily artificial, sugary drinks or anything with a harsh, medicinal bitterness.

This is another area where my tastes have stayed consistent since childhood. I hated pork as a kid and still do today, and my distaste for overly sweet or artificial drinks has held true through the years!

Mark

8/26/2026 04:16:11 pm

As a child, liver was my nightmare! My mom overcooked it. I used a lot of ketchup to choke down a few bites. As an adult, I can eat liver that is juicy and flavorful. However, it is low on my list of favorite foods. Grilled onions are nice also.

I drank soda pop for a long time. I could not get used to the funny aftertaste in beverages with artificial sweeteners. I avoid the artificial sweeteners in all foods now. I don't think they are good for me.

New question.

Have you or your publisher purchased an ISBN for your book? It is a unique number and barcode assigned to a book. It is not the same as an Amazon stock number, ASIN.

Mary link

8/26/2026 05:53:40 pm

I definitely agree about artificial sweeteners, that aftertaste can be tough to get past!

As for the ISBNs, yes, I generally purchase them directly from Bowker for my books.

Buying my own ISBNs is an essential part of managing my catalog as an independent author. It lets me maintain full ownership of the metadata, control the imprint name, and seamlessly manage distribution across both print and digital editions.

Mark

8/26/2026 07:46:44 pm

I am glad you are buying your own ISBNs. That helps you maintain control of your books, your intellectual property. Having your own ISBNs also frees you from the Amazon trap. You can sell your books on any platform. Bookstores and libraries require books with ISBNs.

New questions.

Have you ever gone through the query process?

Were you seeking an agent or submitting directly to publishers and why did you choose that path?

mary link

8/26/2026 08:11:50 pm

I completely agree about the benefits of owning your ISBNs for bookstore and library reach!

Regarding the query process, I have experienced it mainly on the short story and flash fiction side. I have submitted short stories and flash fiction directly to editors for various publications, journals, and anthologies.

Because the short story and flash fiction markets operate through direct submissions rather than agent representation, pitching directly to publishers and editors felt very natural. That experience reinforced my preference for having a direct hand in my publishing decisions. When it came to my novellas and novels, going the indie route was a clear choice because it allowed me to build my own imprint and manage my own rights from day one.

Mark

8/27/2026 09:08:09 am

Querying a novel is different than short stories. Some traditional publishers don't want to be bothered with finding their next best seller. They use agents as the first gate to keep poorly written material from clogging their systems. Trad. publisher or agent, most of them publish specific requirements for submissions. If those requirements are not followed precisely, that helps them to winnow the chaff from the grain.

Having your own imprint is wise. Controlling your intellectual property is even wiser. When an author signs a contract with a publisher, the author has given a license to publish the book. An author should never sign the contract without having an attorney experienced in IP check the contract. The publisher now has control of the author's IP. The publisher can require the author to make whatever changes the publisher deems necessary in the book including delaying publication so the publisher can make the most money.

New question.

After rejecting traditional publishing, did you consider an independent or hybrid publisher?

Mary link

8/27/2026 09:31:44 am

That gatekeeping aspect of traditional publishing is definitely a major factor for many writers! Though for me, it wasn't so much a hard rejection of traditional publishing as it was a choice about story integrity.

During developmental edits for Rise, my editor laid out two paths for me. He pointed out that targeting a traditional publisher would mean adjusting the story to fit specific genre expectations, including adding more romance elements. I realized I preferred keeping the narrative true to my initial vision over shaping it to fit a specific commercial mold.

Once I decided to go indie so I could preserve the story as intended, I didn't look into hybrid or small press models. Creating my own imprint gave me complete authority over my cover art, release timeline, and rights, which has been incredibly fulfilling.

Mark

8/27/2026 11:30:53 am

Congratulations! You kept complete control of your books, your intellectual property. That will become more important in the future. The more you publish, the more books you will sell.

New question.

How do you think your book compares to a book published by a major publisher?

Mary link

8/27/2026 12:43:33 pm

When it comes to comparing my books to traditionally published titles, I like to think they hold their own side by side on a shelf, both in appearance and reading experience.

From the very beginning, my goal has been to produce work that matches traditional standards. I invest in professional developmental and copy editing, hire experienced cover designers, and take great care with interior formatting and typography. I like to think that the primary difference isn't the quality of the final product, it is the freedom behind it. A major publisher shapes a book to fit current commercial trends or corporate parameters, whereas independent publishing allows me to deliver a fully polished, high-quality book that stays entirely true to my original vision.

Mark

8/27/2026 01:15:12 pm

Well put. Your books match well with anything put out by a major publishing house. Traditional publishers operate on the thinnest of profit margins and are always seeking to mimic last year's blockbuster. They cannot afford to take a chance on an unknown author most of the time.

New question.

There are many unethical practices in publishing; which one is the most unbearable in your mind?

Mary link

8/27/2026 04:55:32 pm

When it comes to unethical practices, what troubles me most is predatory behavior that targets new or inexperienced writers. Paid publishing services and hybrid models can certainly be legitimate options for authors who want production support, provided the company operates with complete transparency.
The line is crossed when predatory presses use deceptive tactics: posing as selective traditional publishers, inflating production costs, promising unrealistic sales, or locking authors into contracts that strip them of their rights.

Writing a book requires an enormous investment of time and heart. Seeing predatory operations take advantage of a writer's passion by exploiting their lack of legal or industry experience is always frustrating to witness. Authors deserve full clarity regarding their costs, ownership, and expectations from day one.

Mark

8/27/2026 06:47:47 pm

I completely agree with you. The scam publishers want to empty your wallet with inflated prices or bogus charges. If they suspect you might have money still, they might require you to buy a pallet of books, again at inflated prices. Those are the "nice" scammers. The serious scammers will do all of that and lock up your intellectual property rights forever. Every author needs to have a contract checked by an experienced IP or entertainment attorney.

New questions.

Is there a book that causes strong emotions to come up, no matter how many times you read it?

Do you ever read a book more than once?

If so, which one?

Mary link

8/27/2026 07:02:42 pm

Re-reading books isn't something I normally do, unless I am editing or proofreading. There are only a handful of titles I have ever gone back to purely for enjoyment, but Stephen King's The Stand is the primary exception.

I read it for the first time around age thirteen and returned to it years later in my twenties. While I spent years as a big Stephen King fan, his newer work doesn't quite resonate with me in the same way his earlier books did. But The Stand held up completely on a second read.

Experiencing that narrative as an adult was a fascinating shift. The atmosphere of loss, human vulnerability, and resilience hit on a much deeper level than it did when I was younger. It proved to be one of those few stories capable of stirring up strong emotions even when you already know where the road leads.

Mark

8/27/2026 07:48:55 pm

The test of time is an interesting comment. It speaks to a quality of writing that is lacking in much of what is written recently. Writing that endures speaks to us on a level that, for me, is more felt than intellectually comprehended.

The Lord of the Rings was my introduction to high fantasy when I was in the eighth grade. The very scope of the series boggled my mind and the existential crisis touched me in ways that surprised me. I read the trilogy three times before graduating from high school in 1971. If and when I retire again, I would like to reread Tolkien's masterpiece.

I have not read any of King's work. Seeing "Carrie" on the big screen convinced me that I am not a fan of gory horror. But I might take a look at The Stand.

New questions.

Which of your books is your favorite?

Did you have a favorite book as a child?

Mary link

8/27/2026 09:11:45 pm

Regarding my own work, I don't have a single favorite. Every book reflects a specific time in my writing life, and each narrative brings its own set of rewards. I appreciate all of them for different reasons.

I took a similar approach to reading as a kid. I didn't anchor onto one specific book, but rather loved reading everything I could get my hands on. Authors like Edgar Allan Poe, Stephen King, and Patricia Briggs were huge early inspirations for me. Diving into their work at a young age helped fuel my love for dark fantasy, mystery, and rich storytelling.

Mark

8/28/2026 09:07:48 am

I recall reading a number of Edgar Allan Poe's works. I enjoyed his writing and immersed myself in his world. A few years later, I discovered HP Lovecraft. I read quite a few of his stories. I think I read too many too soon. At one point, I felt overwhelmed. I haven't been able to read any of his work for many years. I don't recall titles after all this time, but the feeling is fresh and distinct.

New question.

If you could ask every person who has read one of your books only one question, what would you ask them?

Mary link

8/28/2026 09:39:57 am

That heavy, claustrophobic weight in Lovecraft's stories can definitely be overwhelming! It is fascinating how a specific reading experience can leave such a vivid emotional imprint long after the actual titles fade.

If I could ask every reader one question, I’d ask: "At what point in the story did you feel like you were standing in the room right beside the characters?"

I write with a strong focus on an immersive, character-led narrative, so knowing the exact moment a reader felt completely pulled out of their world and dropped into mine is the ultimate feedback for me as an author.

Mark

8/28/2026 11:49:45 am

I like that question! It's quite specific. I will try to keep it in the back of my mind when reading. I admit, it's crowded back there. ;-)

New questions.

Does writing have a spiritual or healing component for you?

Does writing energize you or make you feel tired?

Mary link

8/28/2026 12:04:11 pm

I think writing definitely carries a therapeutic component for me. Finding the right words to capture the exact images and atmosphere in my mind can be incredibly healing, especially when exploring heavy themes like grief, guilt, or identity through dark fantasy. Giving those internal feelings a physical form on the page brings a real sense of release.

Because of that process, writing almost always energizes me rather than leaves me tired. There is a specific kind of exhilarating excitement that comes from finishing a session where the characters led the way and the scene clicked into place. Even on days when the drafting is challenging, wrapping up for the day leaves me feeling recharged and eager to see where the story goes next.

Mark

8/28/2026 02:17:07 pm

Accomplishing a goal or a step toward a large goal is very satisfying. I have experienced that in my life many times.

Your description of exploring deep spiritual themes resonates within me in an unexpected way. Not being a writer has limited my understanding. Thank you for opening my eyes.

New question.

Since a copyright in America lasts for 75 years after the author's passing, do you have a plan for all of your books and the royalties in your will?

Mary link

8/28/2026 04:18:36 pm

I am really glad that perspective on the creative process resonated with you.

As for the legal side of things, I don't currently have a formal royalty plan or legacy strategy set up in my will for after I pass away. Because so much of my energy goes into the immediate work of drafting, publishing, and managing current projects, the long-term estate planning side of copyright is something I haven't fully tackled yet. It is definitely an important consideration for independent authors, though, and something that will likely need attention as my catalog continues to grow over time.

Mark

8/28/2026 05:49:51 pm

Yes, specifying who controls your IP after you pass is very important. It's not something you want to leave for the last minute. You have a nice backlog of books that can be licensed in many different ways.

Here is a blog that might be helpful. Copy and paste the link or hit the search box below.
You Are A Writer.
You Create And License Intellectual Property Assets. https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2021/10/27/you-are-a-writer-you-create-and-license-intellectual-property-assets @thecreativepenn
More great blogs are available on my "Highly Regarded Blogs" page on https://www.wordrefiner.com

New questions.

Why is it important for writers to tap into the emotions of the characters?

Is there more than one way to do that?

Mary link

8/28/2026 10:13:54 pm

Thank you for sharing that resource!

It is important for writers to tap into the emotions of their characters because that is what makes the situation believable and their individual reactions understandable. If you can't get to know them on an emotional level, they end up seeming flat and boring, no matter how exciting or dark the plot might be. Readers connect with human vulnerability, so the emotional stakes have to feel real for the physical stakes to matter.

There are definitely multiple ways to approach it. Some writers map out extensive character backstories or use psychological profiles before drafting. For me, it happens organically through character-led drafting. I put my characters into high-tension, uncertain situations and pay close attention to how they physically and mentally react in the moment. Letting their choices and flaws reveal themselves naturally during the draft is how I get to know their true emotional core.

Mark

8/29/2026 09:10:21 am

You are right. Emotionless characters are boring. We all have emotions and that connection is very important!

Using psychological inventories is a good way to get a handle on what drives characters. Here is a copy-and-paste link for a guest blog elsewhere on my website or you can hit the search box below. https://www.wordrefiner.com/guest-blogs/character-creation Rick is also a client. In this blog he describes a website he created to help authors create psychologically congruent characters. He uses multiple scales and offers examples from literature and movies. Authors might find it useful.

New question.

What reality show, current or not, would you like to be on?

Mary link

8/29/2026 09:31:33 am

I have to admit, standard reality TV isn't usually my thing! The drama-heavy competition shows don't capture my interest, so you won't see me signing up for anything like Survivor or The Bachelor.

However, if we are talking about high-concept baking or sugar-sculpting competitions like Is It Cake? or Chocolate Meltdown: Hershey's After Dark, that is a completely different story. Even though I am not a big sweets person myself, there is something endlessly fascinating about watching talented artists transform food into hyper-realistic illusions or massive, atmospheric dark fantasy sculptures. I certainly don't have the master pastry skills to compete on a show like that, but stepping in as a guest judge to admire the craftsmanship and inspect those elaborate, spooky creations would be a fantastic experience!

Mark

8/29/2026 12:21:11 pm

I completely agree with you. The standard reality shows are contrived to keep people tuning in. They come across as fake. Big Sibling, I am talking about you and your relatives. I don't know about those particular cooking shows. I will tell my wife. The Great British Bake-off is one of her favorite reality shows. They are quite interesting. I enjoy watching them with her.

Forged in Fire was my favorite reality show. Top Shot was my second favorite. Both shows demanded above-average skills.

New questions.

Are you an under-writer or an over-writer?

When the first draft is done, do you need to add more to flesh it out or do you have to cut material because there is too much?

Mary link

8/29/2026 05:54:26 pm

Craft-focused shows like Forged in Fire are definitely in a league of their own.

I actually do a bit of both depending on the project. When drafting Lost, for example, I overwrote by exploring key scenes from multiple girls' perspectives so I could choose the most compelling angle later. Other times, an initial draft is much leaner, and I have to go back in to flesh out the world and deepen the tension.

Because every story develops differently, my post-draft process usually involves a mix of both trimming and expanding. Sometimes I am pruning away exploratory scenes that didn't make the final cut, while other times I am building up sensory details and grounding the characters more deeply in the setting.

Mark

8/30/2026 09:08:05 am

Writing a scene from different characters' points of view is a wise choice and a sign of excellence in writing.

There is always a balance to be found in every scene and chapter to maintain tension and the reader's interest. Have to keep those pages turning.

New question.

What type of material seems to need the most massaging in your stories: descriptions, dialogue or action?

Mary link

8/30/2026 10:10:22 am

Dialogue is definitely the area that requires the most massaging for me. Getting descriptions down and building the atmospheric tension often flows fairly smoothly during the drafting phase, but crafting dialogue that feels authentic, natural, and sharp is a challenge.

Because my writing relies heavily on character-led narratives and high-tension scenarios, every line of dialogue needs to work on multiple levels. It has to sound like a real person talking while simultaneously revealing character traits, holding back secrets, and driving the scene forward. Finding that exact balance and trimming away anything that sounds overly written or stiff is usually where I spend a big chunk of my editing time.

Mark

8/30/2026 12:08:51 pm

You explained that process well. Thank you. Dialogue is critical. So much information can be delivered in a variety of ways, not just in dialogue but also in dialogue tags and action beats.

New questions.

Have you ever used yourself as a starting point for a character in a story?

Would family or friends recognize you in the story?

Mary link

8/30/2026 12:37:44 pm

I have a rough project saved in my notes that came from a real situation I was in, but generally speaking, I do not use myself as a starting point.

My drafting process is far more focused on building unique characters tailored to the specific demands of the story. Family and friends might occasionally notice a minor detail, like a familiar habit or a piece of phrasing, but they would not recognize me standing in the shoes of any of my characters.

Mark

8/30/2026 02:26:43 pm

I think that not putting too much of yourself into a character is a good idea. Some people have trouble separating reality and fiction.

New question.

Have you ever used other acquaintances as the basis for a character, to the point that they have recognized themselves in your book?

Mary link

8/30/2026 05:11:17 pm

I have definitely drawn inspiration from acquaintances when building characters. While I do not map a real person onto the page wholesale, I often borrow specific mannerisms, distinct speech patterns, or unique outlooks from people I have known and weave them into a character's foundation.

If those acquaintances were to read my work, there is a good chance they might spot pieces of themselves in those details or recognize a familiar trait. So far, no one has come forward to confront me about it, but the resemblance is certainly there for anyone paying close attention.

Mark

8/30/2026 05:47:07 pm

I think many authors do that consciously or not. When an author has a large circle of family or friends, there can't help but be bits and pieces of those in some stories.

Many years ago, I heard of a new author who announced to his extended family that he was writing a book and patterning the characters after the family members. They were thrilled to be in a book. He gave weekly writing progress updates to the family. After one particular update, an aunt informed him that she would never do what the character did and was greatly offended. There was nothing he could say that would mollify her. Things were frosty for some time whenever the family had a get-together.

You are wise to avoid that trap.

New question.

What do you do to flesh out the characters for your stories?

Mary link

8/30/2026 06:23:23 pm

That is definitely a cautionary story for any writer.

For my writing, I let characters reveal themselves naturally on the page rather than mapping out every detail in advance. I find that trying to force a pre-set personality onto a character can make them feel stiff.

Instead, I drop them into the scene and pay attention to how they respond under stress. Their choices, dialogue, and secrets come to light organically through the drafting process, and then I refine those traits during edits to make sure their voice feels consistent and grounded.

Mark

8/30/2026 07:37:04 pm

You make that sound so easy. One thing I know for sure is that an easy-to-read book is the result of a lot of writing and rewriting.

New question.

Which is more fun to write, the protagonist or the antagonist, and why?

Mary link

8/30/2026 10:31:59 pm

For the most part, I enjoy writing both roles. In dark fantasy, classic roles tend to blur, so neither side is presented in simple black and white.

Writing the protagonist lets you anchor the reader in deep internal conflict, while writing the antagonist gives you freedom to drive tension and stir up chaos. For me, finding the humanity in the villain and the flaws in the hero makes exploring both sides equally fun

Mark

8/31/2026 09:53:05 am

That's a great perspective! As I recall, most authors land on one side of the fence or the other. Internal conflict and external chaos make a lot of sense.

Last question.

What is one thing you hate about your protagonist and one thing you love about the antagonist?

Mary link

8/31/2026 11:10:01 am

As far as Patchwork goes, I dislike how Patricia lets doubt control her at times, allowing her sense of self to be defined by what she lacks rather than who she is becoming.

However, I like the antagonist's creative obsession and complete lack of shame. He doesn't just want to destroy, he’s driven to build and control life with guiltless clarity, which I think makes the encounters between them hit harder.

Mark

8/31/2026 01:58:24 pm

Patricia is so much like many of us. We compare our first draft with someone's published book. That comparison always leaves us feeling shortchanged at the least.

Thank you, Mary, for hiring me to help promote your book. I enjoyed the story. I am still chuckling that I thought the flying monkeys were flitting about in your story. They were certainly not in the plot. I have enjoyed our chat this week and hope you sell lots of books.

Until next time, keep on writing.

Mary link

8/31/2026 02:13:04 pm

Thank you so much for having me!
I really enjoyed diving in and talking shop with you. To everyone reading, thanks for coming along for the ride!

Patchwork by Mary Ainihi

An Ozian Tale of Dark Fantasy

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