Author Interview: Jenn Morales

Hello, everyone! Welcome back to Friday Night Writes! As always, our goal is to shine a spotlight on members of the book community and introduce readers to awesome authors, narrators, event hosts, influencers, and more.

This week, we'd like to introduce our featured guest, author Jenn Morales!

Jenn Morales

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who are you?

I am a bisexual goth Indie author, freelance digital artist, gamer, and dog mom

What are a few of your favorite things/least favorite things?

Favorites:

~ Star Wars: The Old Republic (Video Game)

~ My husband

~ My Emotional Support Australian (ESA)

~ Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter by Laurell K Hamilton (book series)

~ Dresden Files by Jim Butcher (book series)

~ Coffins

~ Pentacles

~ The smell of rain

~ Thunderstorms

~ A good night sleep

Least Favorite:

~ When your body wakes you up 10 minutes before your alarm, and your brain won’t let you go back to sleep.

~ Intolerant Bigots.

~ The way people do not understand that some of us are nocturnal and therefore it is inconvenient to schedule things in the late morning.

Did you always want to be an author?

Not really… I don’t even recall when I decided “Hey, I want to be an author…” I just started writing one day and didn’t stop.

What did you want to be when you were a child?

At first I wanted to be a Veterinarian, but then I heard about having to put animals down and decided I couldn’t do that. Also thought about being an OBGYN, but didn’t want to go through THAT much school… Writing and art just came naturally.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I don’t even recall when I decided “Hey, I want to be an author…” I just started writing what I wanted to read and people who read it said I should publish it. So, I’ve been trying to make a career out of it.

Besides writing, do you have any hobbies? Do any of your characters share the same interests as you?

1) Gaming: Yes, quite a few characters share this hobby. I even have a professional game tester and game developer in the mix, too. The latter is also a writer. ;)

2) Reading: favorite genre is Urban Fantasy, but I’ll read mostly anything except for horror…

Again, yes, most (if not all) of my characters like to read.

3) Drawing/digital creation. I have two characters who draw. One as a way to get images out of her head, the other is a wedding dress designer.

4) Crafting (mostly sewing projects, some beading, I made one scrapbook, and I’ve done a few cross-stitch projects.) I don’t think anyone in my repertoire of characters is a crafter… I need to rectify this.

Do you have anything that you’re truly passionate about outside of writing? (Could be a cause, a project, etc.)

I’m very passionate about Star Wars and hate what some people have done to it, especially the legends and cannons split, plus the current president of Lucas Films. She’s an ignorant bigot disguised as a feminist. ANYWAY!

I try not to talk about politics because I can also get extremely passionate about things out of my control, and I work myself up to a migraine that could lead to unconsciousness, but I am passionate about equality, the LGBTQIA community, and doling out swift punishment to those who commit DV, SA, trafficking, and anyone who tries to take away another person’s rights and Free will.

How long have you been writing?

*has to think about it and do math, insert gif of Zack Galifianakis calculating*

If I did the math right, it’s been seventeen years… If you count my first attempts at fanfic when I was fifteen. Holy crap!

Which genres do you write in?

Urban Fantasy with a bit of Paranormal Romance and Crime Thriller mixed in.

Are you independently published or traditionally published? Why did you choose this route? What are the benefits/drawbacks?

I’m Independently Published.

Why?

I tried to query for my first book, A Born Angel, but of the agents I vetted, I only found 5 I liked. They all read my query and liked what they read of the book, but each had a “but I (insert reason to not be my agent)”. So I sat on the books for a few years while I wrote more and eventually had a friend (the aforementioned ESA) push me out of the nest and into publishing.

Drawbacks:

~ No outside funding for marketing, editing, covers, etc..

~ You have to put in the work to market your book, if you have social anxiety, like I do, it’s a huge challenge.

~ Navigating social media and gaining a following and readership.

~ Getting the book out there is all on you, unless you can afford to hire a PA. Most of us can’t.

What do you enjoy most and least about being an author?

I love reading my own stories again and again as I write and edit them.

I love when readers connect with characters and tell me about it.

I love hearing about how the book(s) has(have) helped someone through tough times or help them feel seen.

I despise marketing…

Are you a plotter, a plantser, or a pantser?

I am a Discovery Writer, I.e. Pantser most of the time, but sometimes I’m a planster and will have a few ideas when I sit down to write.

Do you have any writing routines (things you do that help you write)?

My Routine, when I really need to concentrate goes like this:

~ Eat, and make sure to feed the pup.

~ Take the pup out or on a walk (if possible)

~ Fill my water cup

~ Grab a snack for later.

~ Turn on “fairy lights”.

~ Light a candle.

~ Sit my butt in the chair

~ Turn on the writing playlist

~ Turn off all notifications

~ Open the document

~ Write.

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Usually by scrolling Pinterest or talking to my ESA, who is also my alpha reader.

Because most often my Writer’s Block is my imposter syndrome saying the book isn’t any good, when it is and my ESA will tell me BLUNTLY what needs to change or what’s not working or what deviates from the already established lore.

How many WIPs do you have going right now? Can you tell us anything about them?

Too many… I have to prioritize them so I can publish on time. And I’m not sure which one I’ll be working on when it comes time for this interview as I have 3 in rotation right now. But the furthest along is “Life After You” which is about a Born Angel whose supposed soulmate basically brainwashed her into being the perfect spouse for him then found out that’s not what he wanted, and spurned her after he met her true soulmate, but she didn’t find out any of this until after he was executed for his crimes by their son, which happens in April’s release, The Deadly Sirens.

How many books do you currently have published? Tell us about them.

I have 12 books currently published (as of today, October 31st). They’re in two interconnected series that take place in an alternate universe where angels, demons, immortals, and other supernatural beings coexist, mostly semi-harmoniously, alongside humans.

The first series, in chronological order, is the Kalista Chronicles, which now contains 6 books, (7 if you count the Omnibus, which contains the first three books in one). The series is about Kalista Angelic, the Daughter of the Devil and his heir. It starts with her coming into her power and finding out about the prophecies that are written about her being reluctant as any young girl would be then embracing it before trying to save others from her Soul Enemy. The first trilogy are “Coming of Age” oriented, then you have book 4 which is a dual POV with her soulmate, and the second trilogy is about fighting her Soul Enemy and taking charge of her life. Book 6 is the middle of the second trilogy and yes, the next book is already written, or at least the first/second draft is…

The Second Series, is the Created Angel Chronicles, which focuses on the struggle of Angels (Pure, Fallen, & Corrupt) and tells about their loves, loses, and lives as they fight the Preternatural (non-human) crime syndicate, aka Mob, known as the Underworld. Each book has a different Angel as the POV. It starts with Leighla Tenebrae (10 points if you get the reference), a female International Preternatural Marshal, who is called in on a serial killer case and missing persons. This leads to a 7 book series that will be completed in April of 2027. The 6th of the Series, The Deadly Sirens, comes out April 2026 and features Mad Max as the POV.

Where do you get the inspiration for your books? Do you insert pieces of yourself and people you know into your books?

I find inspiration everywhere. It could be from a random movie quote, a piece of mythology, or a question my ESA asks me.

Yes, there are pieces of myself and others in my characters… It kinda happens without thinking most days. Though with some, like Chaos, it’s intentional.

Are there any other authors who have inspired you?

Oh, yes!

Laurell K. Hamilton, Jim Butcher, Sherrilyn Kenyon (McQueen), and Richelle Mead are the top four traditionally published authors who all write the same genre I do, for the most part. Their books got me through the tough teenage years. While others were reading Princess Diaries, I was reading Vampire Academy, Twilight, Anita Blake, and stepping into the world of the paranormal.

Laurell’s writing and publishing journey specifically inspires me. Her tenacity and spite to write what she wants no matter what people say about it, and the research she does into her were animal species, gun safety, martial arts, and everything is just inspiring. She’s also an amazing person who I’ve gotten to know even more about recently through her tiktok.

Do you prefer standalone books or book series?

Series, definitely series. I love them because each new book feels like sitting down with an old friend and learning about what’s happened since you talked last.

Do you have a favorite and least favorite of your characters? Why?

I’m not sure I could pick a favorite character… I mean, Kalista was my first OC, and is still my baby, but Chaos is the most like me, and Missy may be a bit more like me than I want to admit. But Least favorite, that’s easy Nevari, otherwise known as the Golden Bitchtress. She is the personification of sex on legs, she doesn’t care about anyone’s feelings or goals but her own, and does a lot of truly fucked up evil things in the pursuit of her goals.

What is your most popular book?

According to sales and reviews, it’s A Born Angel… But a lot of people have been getting into The Stained Angel lately too. I hope the trend continues and more people jump into both series.

Which of your books do you wish received more love than it does?

The Stained Angel. It was my second release and didn’t get much love. It still hasn’t gotten much love even for the first book in a series… Though most of my books don’t get much love so yeah.

How do you handle the author/life balance? (i.e. writing/editing/graphic design/home life/etc.)

It’s definitely hard, especially since I have two chronic illnesses. I have little energy to do the house/life things, but the writing/editing/graphics designing makes me feel like I’m doing something rather than wallowing in the aches, low energy, and pain.

What do you do for your mental health and to recharge your creativity?

I’ve found that to refill my creative well, I have to do more than one creative thing. For example, my art will feed my writing, and my writing feeds my art. But if I need a break, I’ll go on a virtual killing spree… *Clears throat* I mean do some gaming. Usually in Star Wars the Old Republic, or Bioshock… sometimes Halo or Spyro.

Do you have any advice for unpublished writers or people who hope to become authors?

Before you even start writing or when you’re thinking about publishing. Sit down and write out a list of “Whys.” Essentially ask the question: “Why do I want to publish?” and “What do I hope to accomplish?” If either answer is “to make money” don’t do it. Publishing a book is not a “get rich quick” scheme like some people think it is (*coughs* those who cheat and use AI *coughs*). You have to have passion, grit, and confidence that your books are good, that you will help others, and people will like them, because most days you are both your biggest cheerleader and your worst critic. So, you have to decide early on that this is for you and stick to it remembering your “why you started.”

What was your most recent five-star read?

Witches and Wine by Carly Spade

What’s your favorite Dinosaur?

Stegosaurus

What is the best gift you have been given?

Time. Just the time to spend with someone, a lot of times, they don’t even realize they’ve given it to me. For example: My grandmother and I have gone on two road trips in the last five years, and I have loved every minute of that time spent with her.

How many pairs of shoes do you own?

9 at most… though a couple need to be tossed out.

Are you a clean or messy person?

I’m a chaotic person… so halfway in between .

Do you collect anything besides books?

Notebooks, pens, and book ideas.

Do you believe in aliens? Ghosts?

Aliens, not really. Ghosts, Hell yes. I have had experiences with them, and demons. Not fun.

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

Ben and Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake.

If you could be a shifter what would your alternate form be?

Dragon… or panther.

Which inanimate object would be the most annoying if it played loud upbeat music while being used?

A dish rag/dishcloth. Could you imagine having to wash dishes, your back hurting as you lean over the sink all the while groaning as the dish rag serenades you with upbeat music that turns to bubbles and burbles when you dunk it?

What are you interested in that most people aren’t?

The 3 commons: Courtesy, decency, & sense. (sarcasm)

As a child, what did you think would be awesome about being an adult but isn’t as awesome as you thought it would be? Why?

Being able to choose what I did and ate everyday. The latter is the most exhausting thing ever.

What food have you never eaten but would really like to try?

Gimbap

What would you use to survive the zombie apocalypse? Why?

I wouldn’t… I just know I wouldn’t survive… I’d probably be one of the first infected due to my autoimmune disease…

Where can we find you online?

Bsky

Tiktok

My website: TheBornAngelUniverse.com

Mastodon 

DeviantArt

Do you have any planned events?

Yes, actually, I’m going to my first in person event in April. No graphics or anything yet, but it’ll be in Cleveland Ohio Saturday the 4th

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

I’ve been married for twelve and a half years to my viking, my Emotional Support American, and rock who I appreciate more than I tell him, Dale.

You are holding a giveaway, what is it? What do readers need to do to participate?

I’m holding a giveaway on tiktok and Bluesky for the entire eBook collection of the Kalista Chronicles series including the newest book, but excluding the Omnibus. Giveaway ends on November 9th.

Are there any rules or exclusions? (ex. Signed books available to the United States only)

You have to be 18+ and read eBooks, follow, Like, and share the pinned post(s). That’s it. If they want more chances to win, they can follow me on DeviantArt(+2) and sign up for my weekly newsletter(+5). If they’ve already signed up, it still counts. There will be separate winners for each platform. But you can only have the added chances for one of the two giveaways, not both since they’re the same thing. 😅

How can readers expect to hear from you?

I’ll announce the winner via a tiktok and Bluesky post, then I’ll DM them to get their email and send them the books. Whether that be the kindle email or their regular email, whichever works for them.

Awesome. Well, thank you so much for joining us, Jenn. It's been a pleasure chatting with you!

To all of our readers, thanks for spending some time with our guest author this week! We hope you've enjoyed this interview! In the meantime, be sure to follow Jenn Morales on her social media platforms so you can keep up to date with her journey. Building a better, stronger community is what Friday Night Writes is all about!

Be sure to join us next week when we talk to author D. Raven!

See you soon!

The Friday Night Writes Crew

Evie Black & Samantha Moran

Friday Night Writes would like to thank our amazing sponsors: Bobbie Isabel, Rebecca Jose, Eden Knox, Kris Mitchell, LeAnn Kelley and Sammantha Selwood. Through their contributions, we are able to host interviews on a dedicated site and reach new audiences through our newsletter. Thank you!