Loving the story you’re writing matters—especially when you're living with it for months (or years!). AJ’s debut was inspired by the fun of zodiac signs, which she knew would translate perfectly into a rich, character-driven story.

We chat about why more authors are leaning toward standalones and duologies, and AJ walks us through her decision to debut with a standalone. She shares her approach to handling conflicting feedback, identifying your ideal reader, and asking for what you need as an author.

Her worldbuilding? Deep and immersive. Her love for X-Men and superheroes? A shared obsession that led us both into the urban fantasy space.

We also dig into the power of comps—why they matter in marketing, and how inspiration can come from anywhere.

Content Warning: We discuss dark romance and romantasy themes that may be sensitive for some listeners. AJ emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for your reading choices while still pushing to explore the deeper layers of the human psyche.

You can follow AJ here.