Interview with Claudia Blood, Author of The Merged Series (Boxset Volume One)

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Merged Series (Boxset Volume One)?

The story behind my Merged Series began with a haunting dream – a vision of a mysterious machine in a dimly lit building, designed to test the very essence of humanity. A man, convinced of his own humanity, stepped forward, only to have the alarms blare to life on the other side. This eerie scene sparked a cascade of questions in my mind: What if our sense of self was just an illusion? How could someone be so disconnected from their own humanity? And what kind of world would need such a machine to distinguish between human and… something else? In this world, the human realm and the realm of myth have merged, forcing ordinary individuals to become extraordinary heroes if they hope to save it. Joshua, a human leader, and others like him must navigate this treacherous new landscape, confronting their own biases and prejudices to prevent an inter-species war that could destroy everything. With the theft of the Book of Secrets, the stakes are higher than ever, and the fate of the merged world hangs in the balance. This series explores the gray areas between human and non-human, the power of trust and redemption, and the ultimate quest for survival in a world where the lines between enemy and ally are constantly blurred.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Merged Series (Boxset Volume One), what would they be?

For Joshua, I would choose “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera. This song resonates with Joshua’s journey as he faces his own demons, learns to trust others, and fights to protect the world he loves. The lyrics “I’m a fighter, I’m a warrior” reflect his growth from a troubled past to a strong and determined leader.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Ah, my favorite genre to read is definitely romance! I adore getting swept away by a beautiful love story, and I’m a sucker for a happy ending. However, as a writer, my passion lies in crafting fantasy and sci-fi worlds, with romance as a subtle yet essential thread woven throughout the narrative. While my stories may not be traditional romances, I believe that the emotional connections and relationships between characters are what make the world-building and plot come alive. So, while my favorite genre to read is romance, my favorite genre to write is fantasy and sci-fi with a romantic twist!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Haha, my TBR pile is a never-ending mountain of wonder! With hundreds of books waiting to be devoured, my reading choices are entirely mood-based. Right now, I’m in the mood for some lighthearted fantasy romance, so Stella Rainbow’s ‘Healing Holiday’ is calling my name. I’m also excited to dive into Jaime Samms’ ‘Father Crow’s Best’, as I adored the previous books in the series with their sentient houses and fur babies that helped the couples find love. And, of course, a few more sci-fi adventures and romance novels are always lurking in the wings, waiting to sweep me off my feet!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write in Book of Secrets, the first book in the Merged Series, was a heart-wrenching confrontation between two characters that completely upended my expectations. The tension was palpable, and the emotions raw and real. I loved crafting the dialogue, the body language, and the reveal of a long-hidden truth, which added a layer of complexity to the story. The scene’s themes of trust, loyalty, and power struggles resonated deeply with me, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out. Writing this scene was like being in the room with the characters, feeling their emotions and sensing the danger lurking beneath the surface.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Yes, I have a quirky writing habit that helps me navigate tricky plot decisions.  When I’m stuck at a plot crossroads, I turn to my trusty dice for a nudge in one direction or the other. The roll helps me break through the indecision and keep writing, even if it’s just a temporary solution. I don’t worry too much about making the ‘right’ choice, because I know that during editing, I can always reassess and adjust the path to better suit the story. The dice simply provide a fun and unpredictable way to get me unstuck and keep the creative juices flowing!

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I have two family mottos that inspire me in both writing and life: ‘It is what it is’ and ‘It could always be worse.’ The first reminds me to accept things as they are, without resistance or frustration. The second encourages me to find the silver lining, even in challenging situations.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

If I could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading Merged, it would be the power of trust and redemption. I hope readers take away the idea that even in a world filled with darkness and uncertainty, the ability to trust others and ourselves can lead to extraordinary transformations.

Claudia Blood is the author of the new book The Merged Series (Boxset Volume One)

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