The Reading Palette

Vanessa Kramer is an imaginative author whose works traverse the shadowed realms of dark fantasy, paranormal romance, and mystery. Her books include ‘My Mother’s Spirit’, ‘Temporarily Forever’, ‘Great Divide’, and ‘Great Desolation.’ She weaves stories that blend human emotion with supernatural depth, exploring themes of love, loss, redemption, and the fragile balance between good and evil.

Based in Missouri, Vanessa brings a cinematic quality to her writing—her worlds feel vast yet intimate, her characters flawed yet profoundly real. Her fascination with dreams, faith, and the unseen shapes narratives that linger long after the final page. Thoughtful and down-to-earth, Vanessa offers an insightful glimpse into her creative process and inspirations, revealing the quiet persistence behind the haunting worlds she builds.

Read this Q&A to find out more about her:

Amisha: Tell us about your journey as a writer? What made you choose writing as a career?

Vanessa: My second-grade teacher was the first person who ever told me that I’d make a good writer. Up until that point, the only thing I ever wanted to be was Cindy Crawford. But then I became obsessed with reading, writing, and storytelling. I wish I could say it was my only job. I’d love to just write full time. But I’m not quite to the point where it helps pay the bills so I still work a full time, “normal people job.” I run an in-home daycare business during the week and write whenever I get a free moment to do so. But hopefully someday writing will be my only career.

Amisha: I have always believed that good teachers have the power to influence you in a way no one can. I am glad your teacher said that to you because you made the right call in choosing to pursue writing. And I hope someday you make it as a full-time writer.

Your books draw heavily from biblical mythology, religious themes, and epic sagas. Where do you think this inspiration comes from? What draws you into this world?

Vanessa: I grew up Catholic and even went to a private elementary school. I didn’t get many opportunities to learn about other religions or beliefs so when I got older and did start learning, I was fascinated by different cultures and mythologies. I have some religious trauma and I truly believe that writing is therapeutic and healing. I’ve put a lot of my own trauma into all of my books in various ways. But I still love learning and researching, which made world-building in the Great Series fun.

Amisha: What are your thoughts on afterlife? Do you believe in life after death and how have you incorporated your beliefs in your works?

Vanessa: I do believe there’s something. What, I don’t know for sure. But I struggle with the idea that we’re given spouses and children and other people who show us incredible love, and then it all just goes away? When I was a kid, I was told that when we die, if we’re good, we go to Heaven. In Heaven, we pretty much just worship God at His feet nonstop for eternity. I was told that Heaven was church all the time. That scared me. I didn’t want to die and then worship God forever and ever. Now, as an adult, I’d like to believe that when we die, we get to experience all the best parts of our lives without any of the bad. I use this in the Great Series.

Amisha: Yeah, I think for me, the idea is pretty much close. I do believe there has to be something after it all. What baffles me is that it could be as simple as nothing or it could be something so complex that it would be beyond all comprehension. That idea really fascinates me.

But first, I want to say Congratulations to you, your last book of the ‘Great’ trilogy is coming out. Tell us how are you feeling right now and how has the journey been of writing these books? Was it challenging or did you always know what you were doing?

Vanessa: I have VERY mixed emotions about it. Something that was never supposed to be more than one book turned into three somehow. “Great Divide” was supposed to be a standalone. And then “Great Desolation” was going to be the end. But I had so many readers demand more of the story, so I wrote “Great Devotion.” At first, I had no clue how I was going to fill another book. And then the idea just hit me out of nowhere to bring back a fan favorite in an unexpected way. People have asked if I would ever consider writing a fourth book but there was a definitive end, so the answer is no. This is it. I’ve grown so attached to these characters that they’ve almost become like family to me. It’s hard saying goodbye. Then, on the other hand, I have a lot of standalone books that I’m really looking forward to. Also, I am planning on writing a short “Why choose?” story (involving three characters from the Great Series) that will be available for free at some point. But for now, I’m just enjoying wrapping up the series and working on my creature feature a little bit at a time.

Amisha: I would very much like to read the third instalment because the second book ended on such an unpredictable note. I am looking forward to see how you wrap the series.

Tell us about some of your favourite books? Are there any works which inspired you? Who would you say is an author you respect and admire the most?

Vanessa: Stephen King is my favorite author. I think he’s the only famous person I’d actually be star-struck around. I read “Salem’s Lot” in middle school and became hooked on his work. My favorite book is “Desperation.” I also love “The Long Walk,” which was just recently adapted into a movie (haven’t seen yet but want to). You can say a lot of older literature has inspired me, such as “Paradise Lost,” “The Divine Comedy,” and works by Edgar Allan Poe. I like reading anything dark and unsettling. More recently, works like “Good Omens” and the graphic novel series, “American Jesus,” have also been inspirations. Honestly, I respect anyone who can sit and write an entire book. It’s not easy, especially if you work on putting out a higher quality book. “Great Divide” took me four years to write, but “Temporarily, Forever” only took me three months. And I think they’re both equally good. But I also know there are authors who publish books that aren’t good but they think if they write a book in a genre that’s popular, it’s an automatic moneymaker. I don’t respect anyone who does that. Write because you want to, not because you think it’ll make you money. Also, authors who blatantly copy something that’s been done a bunch of times…don’t do that. It’s okay to be inspired but I can’t stand it when I’m reading a book and think, “I’ve read/seen this before. I know exactly where this is going.”

Amisha: I love Edgar Allan Poe’s works. His mind worked in such a twisted way that I don’t think any writer after him has been able to match. You are right, finishing a book that you actually care about is no cakewalk. And I think many can start writing a book but few actually finish it. I completely agree with this.

How have you evolved as writer? You have almost five books under your name? Do you think your writing style has changed since you wrote your first book?

Vanessa: I think I’ve definitely evolved. “My Mother’s Spirit” was technically my first book that I published at 19. When I gained the rights back to it last year and rewrote a lot of it, it was amazing to see how far I’ve come. Not just as a writer, but as a person. I’ve matured a lot and I think that’s helped with my writing. I don’t know if I necessarily have a writing style (although readers would probably say otherwise), but I do feel like I take my time with my stories more now. I used to think, “I write the book and that’s it.” Now I realize how important it is to write the first draft, edit, edit, edit, edit, and edit. And then have someone else read through it and help you edit more. I like my group of beta readers because they’re used to the way I write (I’m notorious for forgetting quotations) and they’re not afraid to be honest with me. If a scene doesn’t make sense, tell me. If a character said something that doesn’t sound like them, tell me. I’d rather have my drafts absolutely torn apart so I can fix them and turn them into the best book possible.

Amisha: Was there a specific reason you chose the dark fantasy genre? What are the challenges you have faced when writing the dark fantasy novels?

Vanessa: I’m a mood reader, so I’ll read pretty much anything as long as it sounds interesting to me, but I love fantasy. There’s something about being in a world different from ours that is very healing for me. I need to escape sometimes. I read “Lord of the Rings” in high school and now every high fantasy just feels like a copy of that. So I knew I definitely didn’t want to write high fantasy. And since I’m a fan of horror, I wanted to incorporate elements of that into my work. A lot of people unfortunately don’t understand what the dark fantasy genre is. A lot of times when I say it, they think dark romance fantasy, which…no. Or readers will say, “I like dark fantasy” and then proceed to list ‘ACOTAR’ or ‘Fourth Wing’ and I have to fight urge to give them a brief lesson in subgenres.

Amisha: Does writing fantasy energize you or exhaust you?

Vanessa: Yes hahaha. It’s exciting to create characters and build these worlds and hierarchies, but it is exhausting. I’ll go on a major writing streak and get like three chapters done in a week. But then I’ll be absolutely exhausted and need a break because I’ve just had to come up with a whole system of how Hell works and how it’s run. But it is very rewarding.

Amisha: Of course, writing fantasy or genre for that matter can do that to you. What are some of your other interests besides writing?

Vanessa: Reading, gardening, spending time with my family, anime, football, and vacationing to either Colorado or Universal Studios. I’d like to start doing book events outside of Missouri so I can travel more. So far, I have three big events for 2026 that I’m looking forward to, but I’d like to add a few more.

Amisha: What advice you want to give to new authors entering the world of publishing?  Is there anything you wish you had known before you published your works?

Vanessa: Take your time with everything. Enjoy the journey and don’t compare yourself to others. There are always going to be authors at different levels in their own journeys. It doesn’t make you better than them, and it doesn’t make them better than you. Also, keep in mind that readers will buy all the books. It’s not a you vs them with other authors. If a reader tells you they like historical fiction and you write cozy mysteries, point them in the direction of an author who writes historical fiction. Community over competition, always.

Amisha: That is really awesome. I think writers can benefit a lot working together and supporting each other because there are some things about being a writer that only another writer can understand. So I think being a part of a community can actually help you be successful.

And lastly, what message or advice do you want to give our readers. Something that helped you in life or in writing?

Vanessa: Support indie authors. It’s okay to read the popular books, but familiarize yourself with indie authors who write genres you like and hype them up. Trad published authors have whole teams of people helping them out. We are a one-person team though. Marketing is probably, or at least in my opinion, the hardest thing about being an indie author. Spending hours on a graphic to post and practically beg strangers on the internet to buy your book, and then in return only get three likes, is disheartening. Buy, read, and most importantly review indie books. If you like the book, post about it and tell your friends. Word of mouth is powerful and best of all, free.

Lastly, I’d like to end with this. The world feels scary and unsure for a lot of people around the world. I think times like these are when art is most impactful. Don’t doomscroll. Go read a book. It’ll give you the escape you need, it’ll comfort you, and most of all, it’ll inspire you.

Thank you Vanessa, for doing the interview. I think your readers and fellow authors would find your words truly uplifting.

Once again, your presence on The Reading Palette is greatly appreciated.

Go follow Vanessa on Instagram , Goodreads , and Facebook and if you have any questions, please put them in the comment section.