Interview With Author Scarlett Hyde
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Scarlett Hyde, a speculative fiction author who writes stories for readers who love stepping into new worlds and staying awhile.
I’ve always been a reader first. Growing up, I devoured books as quickly as I could find them. When I ran out of the kinds of stories I wanted to read—full of magic, wonder, and impossible stakes—I started building my own.
I began writing at ten years old, completed my first novella as a young teenager, and finished my first novel before graduating high school. Since then, I’ve written and self-published seven books across fantasy, paranormal, and modern speculative fiction, and I continue expanding those worlds with new projects in development. My stories center on flawed, determined characters facing overwhelming odds—where consequences matter, magic has weight, and hope survives.
I live near Kansas City, Missouri with my husband and two sons. When I’m not writing, I’m usually reading, crocheting, or rolling dice at a Dungeons & Dragons table.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Nephilim, the second installment in my Keeper of the Gates Trilogy.
When I began writing Reaper (book 1), I intended it to be a standalone. I didn’t expect a series to grow out of it. But after finishing that first book, I realized the story wasn’t complete. There were deeper questions about power, identity, and the unseen structures of the afterlife that I hadn’t fully explored yet.
Nephilim grew from that realization. It dives further into what happens when a reluctant guardian begins to understand the weight of her role—and when the power awakening within her starts to change her. For me, it wasn’t about extending a story for the sake of it; it was about following threads that refused to be left behind.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say I have any unusual rituals, but I do write in waves. When a story has hold of me, I’ll write for hours at a time and lose track of everything else. Other times, I step away for a few days and then have to reorient myself inside the world I’ve built.
I almost always write on my laptop now—my imagination moves faster than my handwriting ever could. And I usually write while listening to music. I’ve noticed that faster, more rhythmic music tends to push my output higher. It’s like the pace of the music seeps into the scene and keeps my momentum going.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I wouldn’t say there’s a single author I try to emulate, but several series deeply shaped my love of storytelling. Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, Brandon Mull’s Fablehaven, Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, and Christopher Paolini’s Eragon were all formative for me. Those books made the impossible feel immediate and personal. They combined high stakes with characters whose emotional journeys mattered just as much as the battles they fought.
More than anything, those stories made me want to contribute to the shelves myself. They showed me that fantasy and speculative fiction could be adventurous, intense, and still deeply human.
I’m also inspired by music—particularly artists who channel raw emotion into powerful, driving rhythms. That sense of momentum and emotional release often carries over into how I write action and conflict on the page.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on bringing the Keeper of the Gates trilogy to its conclusion. Wrapping up Aysha’s arc has been both challenging and rewarding—her journey has grown far beyond what I originally imagined when I began the first book.
At the same time, I’m expanding that world in new ways, exploring perspectives that deepen the mythology and the emotional stakes behind the Gates. I’m excited about where it’s heading, but I’m being careful not to give too much away just yet.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My primary hub for promotion is my author website. I like having one central place where readers can explore my different worlds, learn about upcoming projects, and connect with me directly. From there, they can find links to retailers and updates, but I prefer building a space that feels immersive rather than relying solely on storefront platforms.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My biggest advice is simple: write. Get the story out first. You can revise and refine later, but you can’t edit a blank page.
You also don’t have to work on your main project every single day to grow as a writer. Any amount of writing strengthens your craft. If I’m stuck on a work in progress, I’ll sometimes pull out a prompt image or a random paragraph and just create something for the sake of creativity. I keep a folder of fantasy images for that exact reason—not to publish, but to keep my imagination active.
Most importantly, write the story you want to tell. Not the one you think will sell. Not the one you think readers expect. The best stories come from genuine passion, and readers can feel that.
And don’t let criticism stop you. Not every book is for every reader. Learn what you can from feedback, but don’t take it as a verdict on your ability or your voice.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve heard is to write for yourself first. You can’t please everyone, and trying to will only dilute your voice. When I focus on telling the story that feels true to me, the work is stronger and more authentic.
What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading The Trials of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan. I grew up on his Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series, so it’s been fun returning to that universe and seeing it from a new perspective.
I’m also re-reading The Shamer’s Daughter from The Shamer Chronicles by Lene Kaaberbøl after recently discovering the film adaptations. There’s something fascinating about revisiting a story in a different format and then returning to the original text with fresh eyes.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next for me is growth—both creatively and professionally. I’m continuing to write and expand the worlds I’ve built, including bringing my current trilogy to its conclusion.
At the same time, I’m actively pursuing new opportunities, including querying literary agents with one of my novels and preparing another manuscript for submission once revisions are complete. I’m excited about stepping more fully into the publishing world and sharing my work with a wider audience.
More than anything, I’m focused on continuing to grow as a storyteller and making sure my books find the readers who are looking for them.
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?
Choosing individual books is much harder than choosing series—I could name entire series in a heartbeat. But if I had to narrow it down, I’d probably bring Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, The Secret Journal of Brett Colton by Kay Lynn Mangum, and Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins.
Now, if practicality were allowed, I might be tempted to sneak in Wilderness Survival for Dummies… but if we’re talking pure entertainment, I’d stick with the four above.
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