Interview With Author Daniel Rolph
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Daniel Rolph, a writer and advocate for children affected by trauma and the foster care system. My experiences growing up in and around foster care have shaped my passion for storytelling, using fiction to give a voice to those who are often unheard.
I have written one book so far, Shattered Paths: Unveiling the Hidden Truths of Foster Care and Neglect, which is the first in a planned trilogy. This novel explores the resilience of children navigating a broken system, shedding light on the emotional and systemic challenges they face. My writing is deeply personal, driven by a mission to raise awareness and spark conversations about foster care, trauma, and survival.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Shattered Paths: Unveiling the Hidden Truths of Foster Care and Neglect.
It was inspired by my own experiences growing up in and around the foster care system and the countless stories of children who feel unseen, unheard, and displaced. Too often, the foster care system is talked about in numbers and policies, but behind every statistic is a child searching for stability, belonging, and hope. I wanted to write a story that captures the raw emotion, trauma, and resilience of those who navigate this system—giving a voice to the unheard and sparking conversations about the urgent need for change.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I do! One of my most unusual writing habits is that I visualize scenes like a movie before writing them—I’ll sit in silence, imagining the characters’ expressions, the setting, and even the background noise before putting words on the page.
I also tend to write dialogue first, almost like scripting a scene in a play, and then build the narrative around it. This helps me keep the conversations raw and authentic.
Another habit? I often write in short bursts at odd hours, especially late at night when the world is quiet, and I can fully immerse myself in the emotions of the story. Some of my best scenes have come from scribbling notes on my phone in the middle of the night!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been deeply influenced by authors who tackle emotional depth, resilience, and raw human experiences, especially those who give a voice to the unheard. Some of the most impactful books and authors for me include:
📖 Dave Pelzer (A Child Called “It”) – A harrowing true story of survival that exposed the realities of child abuse and resilience. This book showed me the power of storytelling to spark awareness and change.
📖 Tara Westover (Educated) – A memoir about overcoming extreme adversity, which reinforced the importance of self-discovery and finding one’s own path.
📖 Khaled Hosseini (The Kite Runner) – A beautifully written exploration of trauma, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships.
📖 Colleen Hoover (It Ends With Us) – For the way she captures raw emotions and deeply personal struggles in a way that resonates widely.
📖 Benjamin Zephaniah (Refugee Boy) – His ability to weave social issues into fiction while keeping the story deeply personal has always inspired me.
Each of these books has influenced Shattered Paths in different ways—whether it’s in crafting authentic characters, tackling difficult themes, or writing stories that make an impact long after the final page.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on Hidden Paths, the second book in the Shattered Paths trilogy. This installment shifts focus to Emma, a quiet but resilient girl navigating the foster care system, using art as her escape from trauma. While Shattered Paths explored Jack’s struggle with abandonment and rejection, Hidden Paths dives into themes of self-discovery, trust, and healing through creativity.
I’m also working on raising awareness around foster care issues through storytelling, advocacy, and connecting with readers who have experienced similar struggles. My goal is not just to tell powerful stories but to spark real conversations about change.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method for promoting my books is a multi-platform approach that combines social media engagement, direct reader interaction, and strategic outreach. Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok help build awareness by sharing behind-the-scenes content, book teasers, and emotional storytelling, while LinkedIn allows for deeper discussions on foster care advocacy and writing insights. Engaging directly with readers through an email newsletter, book clubs, and live Q&A sessions has been invaluable in building a loyal audience. Strategic partnerships with Amazon and Goodreads reviews, podcast interviews, media outreach, and independent bookstores further expand the book’s reach. I also encourage readers to request the book at their local library, making it more accessible. Websites like Amazon Author Central, Goodreads, BookBub, NetGalley, and indie author review platforms help increase visibility and credibility. Ultimately, authentic storytelling and real engagement drive the most impactful promotion, as readers connect not just with the book, but with the message behind it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My biggest advice for new authors is to write with authenticity and purpose. Tell the story that only you can tell, and don’t be afraid to dive deep into the emotions and themes that matter to you. Perfection isn’t the goal—completion is. Get your first draft down without overthinking, then refine it through revisions.
Building an audience starts long before publication, so engage with readers early through social media, blogs, or writing communities. Reviews and word-of-mouth matter, so connect with beta readers and encourage honest feedback. Most importantly, be patient and persistent—publishing is a long game, and success comes from consistent effort, learning, and resilience.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is “Write the story that scares you.”
This was a reminder that the most powerful stories come from a place of honesty and vulnerability. Whether in fiction or personal narratives, the stories that challenge us, that force us to confront difficult truths, are often the ones that resonate the most with readers. It’s easy to write what feels safe, but real impact comes from pushing past that fear and telling the story that truly needs to be told.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading Matthew Reilly, an author known for his fast-paced, high-stakes thrillers. His ability to create cinematic action, gripping tension, and compelling characters makes his books impossible to put down. I’ve always admired his storytelling style—his ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats while weaving in emotional depth is something I strive for in my own writing.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Next, I’m focused on completing Hidden Paths, the second book in the Shattered Paths trilogy. This installment shifts the focus to Emma, exploring her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and healing through art while navigating the foster care system. While Shattered Paths laid the foundation, Hidden Paths delves deeper into the emotional complexities of trauma, trust, and identity.
Beyond that, I’m continuing to advocate for foster care awareness through storytelling, speaking engagements, and collaborations with organizations that support children in care. My goal is not just to write books but to spark meaningful conversations and drive real change.
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 choose books that offer a mix of escapism, survival wisdom, and deep storytelling to keep my mind engaged. My picks would be:
“Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe – A survival classic that might give me some useful tips while also keeping me entertained.
“The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas – A rich, epic story of revenge, resilience, and strategy, perfect for long, immersive reading.
“The Martian” by Andy Weir – A thrilling, problem-solving adventure about survival against all odds, which might be motivating in my situation.
“Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien – A sweeping fantasy world to escape into when I need a break from reality.
Each book brings something different, practical survival, gripping adventure, and deep, immersive storytelling to keep my mind sharp and my hope alive while stranded.
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