Monster Hunter - Rise of the Cryptids by DA Wysong

3/21/2026

MONSTER HUNTERS OF AMERICA Book 1

Multi-genre, multi-volume author, DA Wysong introduces us to the first volume in the Monster Hunters of America series, “Rise of the Cryptids:” When Deanna Schloss is commissioned as an architect by Adolf Hitler she finds herself deep within the world of Supernatural Horrors.

The story is wonderfully chilling and crosses over into very creepy a times! The author is adept at telling a story and I love the diary entries at the end of chapters.
The story gets five stars.
But, I struggled to read this at times because the mechanical stuff bumped me out of the author's magic over and over. I give three stars for writing mechanics.
Thus an average or composite score of four stars.

You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/MONSTER-HUNTER-RISE-OF-CRYPTIDS-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/-monster-hunter-rise-of-the-cryptids
The book is available on Kindle Unlimited also.

I reviewed the second book in this series also:
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/monster-hunters-of-america-unleashed
I have reviewed the third book in this series also.
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/mhoa-hunting-for-ufos-alaska

You can follow the author:
https://x.com/DAWysongWrites
https://www.facebook.com/D. A. Wysong
https://www.instagram.com/dawysong
https://www.youtube.com/@MonsterHunters22

Copyright © 2024 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction.

77 Comments

D A Wysong

3/23/2026 09:05:53 am

I am here

Mark

3/23/2026 12:55:59 pm

Glad you found the interview and thank you for hiring me again to promote one of your books.

Note to our visitors: This is the third interview we have done and we will pick up from where we left off.

First question.

Do you have a classical author or poet you admire?

DAWysong link

3/23/2026 03:38:19 pm

I have always admired Ray Bradbury & Philip K Dickey was a true visionary. I also admire from the master of horror the legendary Stephen King.

3/23/2026 03:42:47 pm

Included are my FB & IG accounts. Thanks D A

3/23/2026 05:50:11 pm

Ray Bradbury is a favorite sci-fi author of mine, along with Asimov, Herbert, and Zelazny, to mention a few.

Stephen King is so popular. He has sold more than 350 million copies of his books worldwide. But, the movie adaptation of Carrie was one of several movies that turned me off to gory horror. I am not a fan of blood and guts.

New question.

What popular modern authors have influenced you?

3/23/2026 10:33:33 pm

I was completely captivated by the series Mayfair Witches by Anne Rice. Innately I am a very visual person & therefore I gravitate more towards screenwriters such as Christopher Nolan Wes Craven & my favorite Mike Flannigan.
I especially have learned a lot from reading screenplays written by Nolan King & Flannigan because of their strong character development.

3/24/2026 10:42:14 am

Developing characters in a book and in the reader's mind is a critical skill. When people make a solid connection with characters, they are far more likely to buy more of the author's books.

I have recommended screenwriting and playwriting courses to authors for years. Each is a slightly different medium to tell a story. Writers can never have too many tools at their disposal. Showing instead of telling is still important.

New question.

Was there a particular moment when you knew you wanted to write for children?

3/24/2026 03:23:11 pm

I raised 11 children & constantly recognized memorable silly moments. So I decided to write about them with humor. So early on I started jotting down titles for each future book

Shubham Tripathi link

3/24/2026 12:49:04 pm

"I really appreciate DA Wysong's storytelling style. The diary entries at the end of the chapters add such a unique touch to the narrative. It’s a wonderfully creepy and immersive read!"

DAWYSONG

3/24/2026 03:24:03 pm

Much appreciated thanks for that & am glad you are enjoying the books!

3/24/2026 03:48:37 pm

Thanks for dropping in. Is there a question you would like to ask?

3/24/2026 03:56:50 pm

That is a cute story! I do not doubt that 11 kids produced a lot of silly moments. Those silly moments become part of family history. It's so nice that you wrote them down.

My wife and I raised 3 kids and now have 6 grandkids. We live with our daughter, her husband and their 3 girls. We see more silly moments. We love it.

New question.

Have you ever been asked for writing help or to mentor a fledgling writer?

3/24/2026 04:32:21 pm

Funny you ask that question because when I was writing my children’s stories I was asked by a first & second grade teacher to help students learn how to write their own books. I also read my own books. & it was very rewarding.

3/24/2026 05:32:22 pm

Very cool! So exciting to get them started at a young age. I bet that was a lot of fun.

New question.

What software do you use to write and publish your books, and why do you use those?

3/24/2026 05:46:26 pm

I simply use Microsoft Word

3/24/2026 08:34:56 pm

So many authors use MS Word to write their books. Honestly, I am not surprised because it has a worldwide user base. It is available in many languages, including several versions of English. English is not the official language of the United States, but English is the official language of many other countries, many of which are in Africa. So many other countries teach English as a second language.

New question.

Are you a plotter, a pantser, or a hybrid, which some call a plantser?

D A

3/24/2026 08:38:41 pm

Pantser all the way I start with the title & have never written an outline not even once. I never know how it’s going to begin or end.

3/25/2026 09:06:51 am

You are a certified pantser! Many authors are a blend or a hybrid. I read about one pantser author who outlined his book after writing each chapter. He said it made it easier to find things. It seemed like a good idea to me.

New question.

How do you keep track of all the characters and events in your books?

3/25/2026 09:12:52 am

With The Monster Hunters Series initially I wrote down birthdays & astrological signs for each of the characters. Also I write down the parents for each if the three Monster Hunters. Thats the only thing I have written down the rest is stored completely in my head. I have been writing a book each month & it stays fresh in my creative process. I write as though I am binge writing a series I am enthralled with.

3/25/2026 09:54:30 am

That is a great way to stay on top of everything in your books! A book a month is great output! Congratulations.

New question.

Do you go back to earlier books to keep your facts straight? There are readers who get joy when they find a mistake.

3/25/2026 09:59:04 am

There are times when I use a reference to one of their parents who are deceased as far as how many years ago or something similar. I know exactly which book they died & quickly have access which is never a problem. Thus far no bloopers!

3/25/2026 11:13:50 am

Congratulations! That is wonderful. So many authors struggle with details across a series. But most of them don't write a book a month. They write one to three books a year, sometimes less.

New question.

Who is the easiest character to write in this book?

3/25/2026 11:20:46 am

Actually all three of the Monster Hunters have been very easy to write. As far as character development Jase has gone through the biggest transformation in the books.

3/25/2026 12:39:55 pm

Jase grew in more ways than one, if I recall correctly, because he was Deanna's youngest child. Or was he the oldest? Now I might be getting the three books mixed up.

New question.

Let's flip the last question. Who was the hardest character to write in this book?

3/25/2026 02:31:00 pm

That’s the thing, the characters just seemed to come alive in this ongoing saga. I suppose Deanna Robertson, who was the initial protagonist, was the most difficult. Considering she was born in 1928 & grew up in Germany & lived through being commissioned by Adolf Hitler himself, it was quite a stretch.

3/25/2026 02:48:43 pm

Good on you for tackling that time period. It was difficult but necessary for your story. Death camps, systematic experimentation and torture killed millions. Hitler's interest in the occult was well documented. Thank you, Indiana Jones! ;-)

New question.

Do you have a defined space for writing at home, or do you prefer to write in a coffee-shop?

3/25/2026 02:55:00 pm

I write very long hours at home. I primarily write in my study at my desk but many times I switch it up & write at the table in my kitchen.
When I am researching sometimes I take notes on my computer in my bed. When the weather permits i love to write outside on the porch.

3/25/2026 04:18:36 pm

That sounds like a nice setup. It's nice to have choices and variety. A change of scenery can stimulate the muse.

I work in an unused bedroom upstairs, which is my office. I took the closet doors off and put my desk in there. I have an old flatscreen TV for occasional entertainment. I haven't turned it on since last year, because I find books more entertaining.

New question.

Do you listen to music or have the TV on when writing, or do you need quiet?

3/25/2026 04:22:41 pm

When I began writing I had to have complete silence and nobody in the house. Over the years I have adapted to writing through all the chaos including kids playing tvs blaring and baby shark music playing on Alexa. I have learned how to tune it all out.

3/25/2026 05:36:13 pm

That is a valuable skill and it improves your resilience.

I have that skill also. But it has proven to have a negative effect when I listen to an audiobook. If I don't speed the playback up to 1.4x or 1.5x the normal playback speed I tune out the book and lose my place within a minute or two. The higher playback speed forces me to focus on the audiobook.

New question.

Action, dialogue, or narration, which is easiest to write?

3/25/2026 05:41:14 pm

I really don’t have a preference to all of the above that you mentioned. However as far as dialogue goes when I started writing to be honest it was weak. After screenwriting writing dialogue became one of my favorites. I now realize that dialogue can really scary the story.

3/25/2026 07:06:12 pm

Many writers struggle with dialogue or dialogue tags and action beats. Some struggle with all of those. I am glad to hear that learning to be a screenwriter helped you to level up your dialogue skills.

New question.

Have you ever participated in theater in some way?

3/25/2026 08:11:45 pm

No, I have not but I did grow up in a very musical atmosphere as far as family goes. This includes my siblings attending The School For Performing Arts.

3/25/2026 08:17:08 pm

Talent runs deep in your family. Wonderful!

New question.

What kind of marketing, besides working with me this week, are you doing or planning on doing for your book?

3/25/2026 08:23:53 pm

I provide reels daily throughout social media predominantly on IG FB & stories as well as on Ticktock. Fortunately my books rank top new releases as well as bestselling ranking quickly so I utilize this in my reels. I have 2 more books to finish which will be completed by May 2026. I plan on sharing clips on IG FB Ticktock & My YouTube channel on various Cryptids & Topics that are in my Monster Hunters series.

3/26/2026 08:12:47 am

That is a great plan and I do not doubt that your social media presence is large. You have a big fan base, a lot of people are preordering or buying your books as soon as they come out. Congratulations!

New questions.

Have you bought any advertising on Amazon, Facebook or other platforms?

What were your results?

3/26/2026 08:42:42 am

No I have not I am just navigating through all of this intuitively.

3/26/2026 11:24:25 am

You are doing so well that you probably don't need to bother about advertising on those platforms. I hear it is quite difficult because you set a budget that determines how many clicks you're willing to pay for in a given time period. No guarantee of sales, only that your book will be given increased exposure. It feels like gambling to me because the house always wins, whether you get a sale or not. They change the algorithms frequently, which affects the exposure of your book. Many blogs have been written about how to win at the ad gamble.

New question.

Have you ever thought of adding music to your books, like what the characters listen to or they went to a concert as a plot point?

3/26/2026 11:27:05 am

Yes I listen to music sometimes when I write & have included the music into my writing. I began doing this when I first began screenwriting.

3/26/2026 02:24:29 pm

Many authors use music to get them into a proper frame of mind for writing certain scenes; some even include a playlist for chapters or characters in their book.

New questions.

Do you sing or play a musical instrument?

Any musical family members?

3/26/2026 04:50:47 pm

When I was younger, I played the accordion, piano & the drums. I am not much of a singer but love to listen to music as well as dance. My mother was very much a lover of all types of music & two of my sisters were accepted in School Of Performing Arts & my youngest sister was accepted into the Opera in Tennessee. Oh, also when I was younger, I wrote a few songs as well as jingles.

3/26/2026 05:07:52 pm

Musical talent runs in your family! The accordion is an interesting instrument. I love listening to its music. Much easier to pack around than a piano.

My musical talent is limited to playing the stereo at home and in the car.

My wife is quite good at playing the piano; her sister was a child prodigy. Her sister needed to hear a song played once on the piano and she could play it back perfectly.

New question.

Do you have a favorite musical genre, song or musical artist?

3/26/2026 06:20:15 pm

I love all music however rap is my least favorite & classic rock is my favorite with Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones at the top. I also especially love jazz & classical music.

3/26/2026 07:53:13 pm

When I was young, there was no such thing as classic rock! There was rock and everything else. I listened to a lot of rock, which was playing on many radio stations. There was nothing called rap playing on the radio either. I listened to jazz occasionally and classical music even less. Unless that was the only station I could get on my radio.

Growing up in the hills south of a very small town in the Pacific NW, I could catch Wolfman Jack on my little crystal radio with a long antenna attached to it, late at night.

New question.

How do you know when a book is complete, and you should stop working on it?

3/26/2026 08:21:56 pm

I remember Wolf Man Jack quite well. My mother listened to the greats such as Hendrix Joplin Stones Santana Floyd & Fleetwood Mac. My father was more into Neil Diamond quite a difference.
As far as when I know a book is finished is when the characters no longer have anything else to say.

3/27/2026 10:48:17 am

Those are a few of the greats!

That is a good place to stop when you are a pantser. A lot of writers would agree with you.

New questions.

How much research did you have to do for this book?

What were the major topics?

3/27/2026 10:54:08 am

I research deeply with each book I write. With MHOA I research both the Cryptid the phenomenon that surrounds it as well as personal & historical & geographical research. I begin with research & facts then I get lost in the story.

3/27/2026 12:58:33 pm

I am not a writer partly because I don't have that itch; there isn't a story trying to claw its way out of my chest. Research is another reason! I love research and can easily get lost following a rabbit trail of research, forgetting what I was looking for originally.
Growing up on an isolated farm in a small town, the unabridged dictionary kept me entertained for an hour or more every time I picked it up.

New question.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of this book?

3/27/2026 01:03:02 pm

My creative process is quite unique from other writers I know. I don’t really write a first draft however I go back throughout writing the book & recalibrate. Also depending on the book I don’t write chapters in order its very sporadic.

3/27/2026 03:20:13 pm

That is interesting.

I have heard of non-linear writing, and I have recommended it to writers for a long time. Write the easy parts first, then the middle parts will get clearer. I think it's easier for a plotter in general and it's a good way to beat writer's block. For our visitors, here is a guest post elswhere on my website, copy and paste or hit the search block below: http://www.wordrefiner.com/guest-blogs/non-linear-writing.

New question.

Going back in time, did you do any kind of creative writing, even back in grade school?

3/27/2026 03:30:02 pm

Yes ever since I was a child, I first wanted to become a journalist and tell the truth to the world. In the 3rd grade I wrote my first limerick then I started writing poems & songs and eventually short stories.

ace

3/27/2026 04:15:42 pm

That's a really nice review! 😊

3/27/2026 05:32:56 pm

Thank you

3/27/2026 06:25:33 pm

Thanks for dropping by, Ace. I am glad you enjoyed the review. I hope you read the book. I have reviewed the first three books in this series, this review is of book one.

3/27/2026 06:31:50 pm

I recall writing limericks, poems and short stories in elementary school. I don't recall wanting to be a writer.

New question.

Was there a specific person or event that propelled you into writing?

3/27/2026 06:35:40 pm

No not at all I just always wanted to be a writer!

3/27/2026 07:28:15 pm

Okay. That's very cool. Not many have the urge to write so early in their life.

New question.

You've written 55 books. At which book did you decide to write a book a month?

3/27/2026 08:27:18 pm

It wasn’t like it was intentional it is the way the series is flowing. Four years ago I had twenty five completed covers for MHOA staring back at me. The first book over four months to write as did the second book. After that the stories just started flowing at an accelerated pace. Honestly I think writing the first two books enabled my vision more clearly for the series.

3/28/2026 09:25:02 am

Interesting. I am glad I asked. The muse or the source of inspiration is mysterious and varies with each author.

New question.

How many books are you planning for this series?

3/28/2026 09:32:08 am

Monster Hunters Of America will be completed May 2026. After that I don’t have any more series’s planned. Over the summer I have several projects planned. I will be writing my first paranormal romance Darkness Brewing due to be released December 2026. I will also be working on a collection of short stories Anthology of Madness due to be released October 2026. I also will be collaborating on a novel with my friend & fellow author John Vandaventer entitled Jinn which will be released sometime in 2027.

3/28/2026 12:20:16 pm

You are staying busy and that's good! A variety of projects will keep the creative juices flowing. Collaborations are always interesting.

New questions.

A lot of new authors struggle with finding beta readers. Because after the first draft is done, fresh eyes and feedback become very important.
Do you have alpha-readers and/or beta-readers to help you smooth out a lot of wrinkles before publishing?

If you don’t, why?

3/28/2026 12:22:59 pm

I have never used a beta or alpha reader but sounds interesting.

3/28/2026 03:16:51 pm

Many writers use alpha and beta readers. Alpha readers are frequently a spouse or sibling who can be trusted to give an honest opinion about the manuscript. Alpha readers are used mostly after the second draft. Beta readers are friends or other writers who can be trusted as alpha readers. In either case, they are useful for finding rough spots and obvious inconsistencies. Many writers thank their pre-publication readers with a small, personal gift or a signed copy of the published book. The readers are frequently thanked in a preface to the story.

New question.

Do you have other writers you connect with, such as a critique group or a support group?

3/28/2026 06:47:26 pm

Nothing formal as far as a writers group etc. I am very solitary in my craft as an author. However I have established a close connection with a few fellow authors who I have done podcasts with & phone calls.

3/28/2026 07:38:04 pm

Writing is a solo act in the beginning, no doubt about that. But it is nice to have fellow authors to hobnob with and share ideas. Who else is going to understand the trials and tribulations of writing best, besides another writer?

New question.

What is the most important thing you learned from publishing your latest book?

3/28/2026 10:05:33 pm

Other than the research about the geography of Puerto Rico as well as the sightings of the Chupacabra I learnt that perseverance pays off.

3/29/2026 08:33:39 am

I think every writer learns the value of perseverance. Without it, they won't write for long. Part of perseverance is believing in yourself and your writing when few people do. A thick skin is needed because some people will try to cut you down to their size. Misery loves company.

New question.

What are three things that you wish you had known before you wrote your first book?

3/29/2026 04:40:01 pm

I have been pleased overall with all of my published books. I am actually glad that I decided to become an Independent Author versus Traditional. In one regard, overall, I wish I could understand marketing better. Better yet just be able to hire someone to handle my marketing as well as SM accounts.

3/29/2026 04:58:44 pm

Marketing is perhaps the hardest nut for authors, whether independently or traditionally published. The truth is, traditional publishers represent the slowest train wreck in history. Most of them are gone, either bought by another publisher or simply gone, the doors shut. There are only 5 big publishers left in the US; there used to be more than a dozen. Traditional publishers are struggling to keep their doors open. They don't pay substantial advances anymore and they seldom take chances on an unknown author. The author is mostly responsible for marketing their book, unless the author's last name is King, Rowland or Patterson.

Marketing is so tough and placing ads on the major platforms is very similar to gambling. The house always wins in the long run, regardless of what happens to the gambler.

New question.

Do you have a hero, real or fictional?

3/29/2026 05:15:35 pm

Not one particular person rather I look to the Divine Feminine as a model for myself

3/29/2026 08:19:10 pm

Okay. I don't recall anyone mentioning that before. It works. I have had a large variety of answers over the years, with the top two being a family member then a teacher.

New question.

What are three things that you love about writing?

3/29/2026 08:35:51 pm

The number one thing is I learn something about myself as well as the world around me. The second is that I have found my purpose & it’s extremely rewarding. The third is seeing that I have a following and that people enjoy & are intrigued with my work.

3/30/2026 12:13:47 pm

That's a great list! I think anyone would be pleased to be able to say something like that. Many have no idea what their purpose in life is.

New question.

When you are researching something for a book, do you write notes by hand or on the computer?

3/30/2026 12:19:54 pm

Yes, I write the facts down roughly on computer most of the time.

3/30/2026 01:33:37 pm

I think most authors do that also. If they are not at their computer they might dictate a note or an email on their phone to themselves.

Last question.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you have ever received from another writer?

3/30/2026 01:38:04 pm

To write for yourself and the right audience will find you.

3/30/2026 06:20:59 pm

That's good advice. Many try to write for the trend, hoping for a quick buck and easy fame. The problem many writers encounter is that the trends change rapidly and by the time their book is done that trend is over and replaced with a new trend.

Thank you for hiring me to promote your book. You have been a fabulous guest and patient with my questions. We know you better now. We have had a lot of visitors.

Until next time, keep on writing.

Monster Hunter - Rise of the Cryptids by DA Wysong

MONSTER HUNTERS OF AMERICA Book 1

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