Intimate Interviews

Wickedly fun time with @QuinceArchFortes

Hello Darklings,

Today, we sit with the one and only author of FALLEN, QuinceArchFortes. We ask the questions, she gives us the titillating answers, and you, our readers and her fans, get to enjoy! 

Welcome to Intimate Interviews QuinceArchFortes! Can you tell us more about yourself?

I'm a New England mom of two young girls and aspiring homesteader, thanks to my husband! What started out as raising chickens and soap making has led to pigs and mead. I'm very much looking forward to starting our own beehive this year. Our favorite thing to do is sit on the porch swing with a coffee and daydream about our future <3

What made you pick up the pen and start writing?

I started writing in high school, fueled by unrequited love. I remember reaching 150 pages on my first real attempt at a novel. It was only last year that I finally beat that length. At the time I was so present on Storywrite.com that they invited me to be a moderator. The fact that I had an encouraging start kept me going until my young adult hiatus.

What inspires you as an author?

Honestly, so many different places. I went through a fanfiction phase (don't we all?) which is what really got me back into the flow after taking so many years off. It was really helpful to already have the bones of a story and just bend the details to my will. I was able to quickly complete longer and longer pieces instead of drowning in an original full-length novel. Worldbuilding is something I've been actively working on developing further.

What inspired you to write your first steamy scene? Could you tell us more about that experience? Was it a slow buildup to a not-so-innocent kiss, or did your characters' jump right into the action?

As a hopeless romantic, I feel like I've always had a passion for writing passion and the steam just progressed with me as I matured. I'm sure my bookshelf (along with the piles on the floor that remain pitifully shelfless) will nod to the authors who introduced me to spicy stories.

Was writing "after dark" material something that occurred naturally to you, or was it a craft that you practiced till you perfected?

My very first story (that will not be posted unless given a complete overhaul) was a vampire romance, so I've always had focus on the supernatural and macabre. Honestly, I'm not sure I know how to write anything but AfterDark material!

Do you have any challenges that you face during writing, especially spicy or mature topics? And how do you overcome them?

When to write them! My house is small and with two littles and a husband who works from home, I'm always sharing my space. I wish I was someone who loved to write in the middle of the night but I'm a sleepy kind of gal.

What is one thing about writing that no one told you about, or what is one piece of advice you would like to share with other writers especially when it comes to writing AfterDark material?

Get over the embarrassment! I was really unsure whether others were going to enjoy reading what I was writing - especially the spicy bits. Is this too generic or not generic enough? Whoa, maybe that last scene crosses the line for readers and will ruin the story? Too many variables. The intent is never to 'please everyone' but instead to offer material that is genuine and let the audience decide if it is for them.

What's the most scandalous thing you've ever written? (could be posted or deleted material)

AFTER THE LAST PETAL is my fanfiction novella that really got me writing again. It is based on the otome game 'Ikimen Prince.' After getting impatient for real spice, I decided to write my own. Amazingly, it is a Round 3 qualifier for the Ambys! I consider it extra risqué because of (plot driven) unsafe sex practices and slight dubcon.

Do you have a favorite novel from the titles you've written and why is it your chosen one?

FALLEN is my first complete original works. To me, it is a great example of my writing style and makes for an entertaining read. It has been well received, but while I often contemplate reworking certain areas, I'd rather focus my energy on upcoming projects.

Are you a panster, or plotter, or both? How does that work for you?

FALLEN is a fluke. I love it nonetheless, but I had the loosest outline and I kind of stuck to it? On the other hand, I am a researcher. My passion project, BORN TO DIE has required delving into the rabbit holes of alchemy, demonology, witchcraft, folklore, and spiritualism.

Do you have a mentor or someone you look up to when it comes to writing?

Charlaine Harris has been an inspiration to me. I found DEAD TO THE WORLD at an overstock store and didn't realize it was the fourth book in the series. Regardless, I was enthralled with the balance of a fun, dark, sexy mystery.

Do you have any writing projects you're currently working on? Any future titles your readers should look forward to?

BORN TO DIE is a story I started in 2011 and have been thinking about ever since. The first chapter is posted but I've been holding onto the rest until I am ready to dive back in with the intent to complete it.

The plot outlined is intended for a trilogy, which has been overwhelming while still thrilling. I've let 2024 be a year of short projects to keep the habit up while my home-life evens out, but I have very big (very optimistic) plans for 2025. I hope you all can join me!

Do you have a favorite author? (On or off Wattpad)

Brandon Sanderson, Charlaine Harris // Big props to @philouwrites - my fav WP author!

What is the most captivating novel you've read? Bonus points if it has spice.

WARBREAKER by Brandon Sanderson is my favorite book- it has an (intentionally) awkward attempt at spice. Something many fans of Brando-Sando have noted is that he has superb perspective as a man who has many female leads.

Do you have any hobbies?

I'm a gamer and a creative. My husband and I met through cosplay, and he introduced me to D&D. I DM'd a quasi-homebrew campaign for a short stint and have even gotten into 3D printing and painting my own minis. I also throw an elaborate Halloween party every year where I make up some sort of game or activity- so that is my current focus.

What's your favorite movie or TV series?

Ink (2009), Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and anything by Mike Flanagan. I'm a sucker for haunted dramas.

If you could, what is one thing you would tell your younger self today?

I would definitely tell myself to get on Wattpad sooner! I've had a blast engaging with the vast community here and found more motivation and praise than I ever expected.

Before we wrap it up, do you have any message for your readers and possible future readers?

I am the biggest advocate of constructive criticism. Please feel free to question my characters or narrative. I will always see it as an opportunity for growth!

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Thank you, QuinceArchFortes. It was a pleasure to interview you. Your insights and experiences as an author are truly inspiring, and we appreciate you sharing your journey with us. Your passion for writing and your dedication to creating relatable characters and stories shine through in every answer. We're sure your readers will be excited to see what you create next!