Interview With Author Danica Naude
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an independent author from South Africa with a passion for dark fairy tales, horror, and reimagining familiar stories in unexpected ways. I’ve always been fascinated by the darker side of traditional fairy tales, particularly the original Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen stories, and I wanted to explore what those tales might look like when their darkness is brought fully to the surface.
I have currently written two books. My first, *Night Under a Dark Moon*, is a collection of adult horror retellings of classic fairy tales, and my second book, *Shadows of the Heart*, continues in the same dark-fairy-tale tradition. I’m currently working on bringing my second collection to readers while continuing to promote my first book and grow as an independent author.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is *Shadows of the Heart*, a collection of dark adult retellings inspired by the classic fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen. I was inspired by the darker elements that were already present in many of these original stories—the violence, tragedy, fear, and unsettling themes that are often softened in modern adaptations.
I wanted to take those familiar stories and explore what they could become when that darkness was no longer hidden. Rather than simply retelling the tales, I wanted to give them my own darker interpretation, creating stories that feel both familiar and unexpected. *Shadows of the Heart* grew from that fascination with asking: what if we stopped taking the darkness out of fairy tales and allowed it to remain?
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do have a few unusual writing habits! I like to listen to music while I write, and I’m definitely someone who enjoys snacking in between scenes. Sometimes the music helps me get into the right mood for a particular story, especially when I’m writing something dark or intense. For me, writing isn’t always sitting quietly at a desk—it’s a combination of music, food, imagination, and occasionally taking a little break before diving back into the story.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been particularly influenced by the original fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen. Their stories showed me that fairy tales can be much darker, stranger, and more unsettling than the versions many of us grew up with. I’m fascinated by the way they can combine beautiful, almost innocent settings with violence, tragedy, and fear.
As a horror writer, I’m also drawn to authors who create a strong atmosphere and make the reader feel uneasy without relying only on shock. These influences have encouraged me to develop my own style and to explore the darker possibilities hidden within familiar stories.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m mainly focused on promoting my books and getting my work in front of more readers. I’m also working on a book reel for my second book, *Shadows of the Heart*, to help introduce it to potential readers and showcase its darker atmosphere.
At the moment, I’m taking a little time to focus on promotion rather than starting another manuscript. I want to give my first two books the attention they deserve before deciding what I’ll write next.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still discovering what works best for me as an independent author, so I wouldn’t say I have one single method that works above everything else. At the moment, I’m using a combination of social media, author interviews, my website, newsletters, and book promotion sites to reach potential readers.
I’ve also found that visual promotion can be especially useful, which is why I’m putting together a book reel for my second book, *Shadows of the Heart*. I think the most important thing is to keep experimenting and finding different ways to get your books in front of readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to new authors would be to believe in your story and don’t be discouraged if things don’t happen quickly. Writing a book is a huge accomplishment on its own, and building an audience can take time.
I’d also recommend learning as much as you can about the publishing and promotion process before releasing your book. There is a lot more to being an author than simply writing—you also have to find ways to connect with readers and make your book visible. Most importantly, don’t give up just because the first few weeks or months are quiet. Keep learning, keep promoting, and keep writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is that failure doesn’t mean you won’t succeed in life. One setback doesn’t determine your future. Sometimes things don’t work out the way you hoped, but that doesn’t mean you should stop trying. Failure can be part of the journey, and success can still come from continuing to move forward.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading *Mysteries of the Criminal Mind*. I’ve always found the darker side of human nature fascinating, so books that explore criminal psychology and what drives people to commit crimes naturally catch my interest. I enjoy trying to understand the motivations behind the behaviour, especially since I write stories that explore darker themes myself.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next for me is continuing to promote my books and reach more readers. I’m especially focused on *Shadows of the Heart* and creating a book reel to help promote its release. I’d also like to continue doing author interviews and finding new ways to introduce my work to people who enjoy dark fairy tales and horror.
As for writing another book, I’m going to take some time to see where the journey takes me. For now, I want to give my first two books the attention they deserve and enjoy the experience of growing as an author.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I were stranded on a desert island, I’d bring The Lord of the Rings, The Count of Monte Cristo, Watership Down, and David Eddings’ The Belgariad. They’re all books I could read again and again without getting bored. I love stories with rich worlds, memorable characters, adventure, and a sense of discovery, so I think these four would keep me entertained for a very long time—even on a desert island!
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