We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Moran and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, why did you pursue a creative career?
Prior to becoming an author, I was an English teacher, a wife, and a parent. Somewhere along the way, I lost myself in each of those roles. It was easy to do. Someone needed me at all times in one way or another. I took care of people, but I forgot I needed to take care of myself, too. Overtime, I realized I didn’t even know what I liked anymore. Everything I did was defined by someone else.

In 2022, I decided I wanted to learn who I was again. I opened myself up to trying new things, even if they scared me, which included sharing my stories with the world. I’d always loved writing and had actually been working on a novel (The Ruin) for a while. In July, I released a short story (“Stages of Grief”). It was well-received and revived my passion for words. I kept building from there. Now, I have six published works with more on the way.

Through writing, I’ve rediscovered so many things about myself. My stories have helped heal my trauma and have also shined a light on others’ experiences. I’ve slowly and steadily built a community, something I was sorely lacking. I traveled to multiple states and presented on panels. I even co-founded Friday Night Writes with a few of my author colleagues, and through this program, we are able to give back to the community, both bookish and at large, through charitable work.

In short, becoming an author saved me from myself. I love it more than I can say, even though it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As an author, I’m most well-known for my horror books and my motto: happily ever after is overrated. Everything I do has a touch of the supernatural, be it witches, demons, hellhounds, succubi, the Grim Reaper, or ghosts. Three of my books have won awards (Dealings in the Dark, The Ruin, and Apothecary of Curiosities: Volume One). My goal is always to create realistic characters with relatable problems in fictional settings so that readers can find themselves in my stories. Of course, my books are full of twists and turns. I love a good cliffhanger, even in a standalone! I’ve been writing my entire life, but I didn’t begin publishing until 2022. Since then, I’ve released six books with more to come.

Becoming an author is probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It means I have to create entire worlds out of nothing but broken thoughts! I’ve never worked harder for anything. My boss can be quite a meany, which is saying something because I’m the boss. Sometimes, I have to remind her to lighten up and take a breather. On top of that, I balance being a mom to two amazing kids, a wife, a neurospicy ADHDer, and a Multiple Sclerosis warrior. It can be quite tough. My family is incredibly supportive, though, and that makes all the difference. Even when I want to give up, they remind me why I started this to begin with.

I find out more about who I am with each story I write, and I also show my children that they can pursue their dreams. Those two things alone make it worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If someone was to come to visit me in Portage, I’d have to take them to Chocolatea. It’s a little local tea shop with the best flavors around! Of course, we’d have to make the trip to Paw Paw to visit the staff at Words on Pages Bookshop. That store is an absolute treasure and we support independent bookstores and female-owned businesses in my house. There’s always hot tubs at the Oasis, too. Plus, it would be great to tour Henderson Castle with friends or to try an escape room at Escapology. We could make candles at the Kalamazoo Candle Company, as well. Oh, and if we had the time, I’d take them to South Haven. Visiting the beach is always fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have helped me on my journey.

First and foremost, I’d shout out my husband, J. Silverton. When I said I wanted to quit my secure job and take the leap into becoming an author, he encouraged me to do it. He’s been beside me every step of the way. I couldn’t have done any of this without him.

Second, I’d thank my friend Marissa for being my supportive sounding board. She always reads my stories, no matter how many versions there are, prior to publication and gives me feedback. She works with me at events and spreads the word about my books. Her contributions are invaluable.

Third, I’d thank my author friends who have taught me so much. We don’t gatekeep in this community. Specifically, I’d shout out Evie Black, Caytlyn Brooke, Kennedy Sutton, Kalista Neith, and S.A. Burd.

As always, I have to thank my readers. I wouldn’t be much of an author without them! They keep me going even when times are hard.

Website: https://www.samanthamoran.net

Instagram: @authorsamanthamoran

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084186635068

Other: Threads: @authorsamanthamoran
TikTok: @authorsamanthamoran

Image Credits
B&W Author Photo: Heavan Sent Photography

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