Indie Author Spotlight, Episode 6

Hi! I'm S.E. Reed, an award-winning multi-genre Indie Author and volunteer at The Writer's Workout. Welcome to the next 'episode' of the newly resurrected Indie Author Spotlight. Each episode will feature a Q&A-style interview with an Indie Author. In addition, some of the authors have chosen to participate in a 2nd interview on my website, Writing With Reed, which I'll link at the end.

Today we are speaking with an author who, TBH, I can't even remember how we met... or how long ago... It feels like they've just always been there! And I'm so thankful they are in my circle. Arwyn Sherman is a powerhouse of a writer, blurring the lines between fantasy and horror, creating prose so engaging it's easy to become lost within its pages.

I know y'all are gonna wanna add their upcoming debut to your #TBR so read on for more info on this up and coming Indie superstar!

YAY! Arwyn! So happy to chat today. Can you tell everyone a little about yourself.

Thanks so much. Well, I am a self-professed gremlin that lives in the woods of Maine. My day job (which is actually at night) is in emergency services. I’ve always had an interest in stories and wrote my first ‘book’ at age 12, which was a handwritten 200 page fantasy novel about punk rock being outlawed. I never really addressed why punk rock was such a threat to my medieval inspired secondary fantasy world but that’s beside the point; I was hooked on the idea that I could fabricate people into being using words. (I have since learned how to write an effective story, I promise.)

Tell us more about your writing style.

I write dark fantasy that became so dark people started calling it horror and I went with it. Just kidding, sort of. In all seriousness I’m a horror writer who usually sticks to adult fiction, though I will occasionally dip into upper YA.

What's a project you’re proud of and where can we find it? 

My debut of course! This is a project I’ve been working on in some capacity since 2004. It’s gone through a ton of changes and rewrites from the ground up as I learned more about writing and storytelling.  I’m so happy with how it pulled together and what its final form ended up being. The book itself will be unleashed May of 2026 so if you want to keep track this is the Goodreads page. If you’re not on Goodreads, this is the link to my newsletter where I will update as I release things. It’s an updates only newsletter so you won’t be overwhelmed I promise!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220830261-we-the-missing

Substack: https://shermanarwyn.substack.com/

Spill the tea, what are you currently working on?

I have a few things going on. My dream of curating an anthology of monstrous angels is being fulfilled, as Conquest Publishing has taken it on for their 2025 line up. I am so excited to read everyone’s stories and assemble an incredible anthology. In terms of long form, I’m juggling a folk horror that I’m currently plotting and a longer adult grimdark fantasy in a world I’ve been developing for a few decades (that feels SO weird to say but it’s true). I’m also querying an adult folk horromance that I hope to place this year. 

What is your biggest/best piece of advice for other Indie Authors?

Find people whose work you like and who like your work and hold onto them. Publishing is a tough animal on all fronts; there's a lot of rejection and social climbing. Having a crew that you know adores your work is so important. 

Who is your favorite Indie Author? 

I have so many it’s hard to list them all and not be afraid of leaving someone out.  

If I had to pick one I’d pick Abigail Taylor! I love her work. She has a werewolf YA coming out this year that is going to be amazing. And of course Shelby ;) 

Other people I enjoy, some of whom are in the short story world more than the long form world but I want to give a shout out anyway: Stacie Turner, Bea Morgan, Sam Logan, Ria Hill, C.J. Subko and Madeline White (my grimdark bestie soulmate CP and also an incredible writer in her own right with some amazing shorts out right now)

Where can someone find your work, social presence, etc. drop some links! 

Here’s my website! https://arwynsherman.wixsite.com/arwyn-sherman

I have a love/hate relationship with social media but I am on Twitter as ShermanArwyn and on Instagram, though that may change soon.

I am mostly on Discord as arwynferal.

For more Arwyn, head over to my website for the 2nd installment of this spotlight: https://www.writingwithreed.com/post/bonus-episode-with-arwyn-sherman