This is Ink & Intrigue—the blog where romance ignites, secrets simmer, and every love story hides a twist. I’m your blog host, Sheila Kell, romance author and lover of plot twists, slow burns, and morally questionable book boyfriends.
Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to an author whose stories inspire the resiliency in all of us—SD Porter! If you love dystopian and apocalyptic tales, you’re in for a treat.
SD Porter is known for writing heroines who are as tough as they are inspirational. Her latest release, The Nova Chronicles, is a fast-paced adventure that will have you rooting for the heroine from page one.
In this spotlight, SD Porter shares her love of strong female characters who discover an untapped well of resiliency in the face of impossible odds and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her first full-length novel, The Nova Chronicles.
Whether you write stories of survival, devour them, or dream of doing both, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it and give a warm welcome to SD Porter! 💖
Author Interview
What drew you to writing dystopian/apocalyptic in particular?
First off, I have been a voracious reader of the genre. I love stories where the hero/heroine is up against the world, where the outlook looks grim, yet they push on, believing there is a place where they can find a new normal…a place to start over. I’m a huge Kyla Stone fan and can’t get enough of the tough female heroine.
Can you tell us about your latest book and what inspired the story?
Not to get political…But I am a bit of a conspiracy theorist, and with the way our world is changing so rapidly, with technology invading every corner of our lives, I envision much of what I have written in this book happening in the not-too-distant future. So, I guess, my fears have driven my imagination. It is definitely fiction, but I have a very active imagination.
What was your journey to publication like?
This year has been a boon for me, with the publication of 3 books, but the journey up until now has been about learning this competitive industry. This book happened quickly. I pitched it at a writing conference, with it only half-written, and had several publishers interested. So, I went home and finished it!!! This is my first full-length novel, so it has been a learning experience for me in the process. Wild Rose Press has been great to work with, and I have learned a lot from my editor there. A good publisher/editor is worth their weight in gold.
Which books or authors have influenced you the most?
I love The Road. It’s dark, but moving, and gut-wrenching. Tales of the end of the world get my mind going, wondering how I might survive such a thing. A current author I love is Kyla Stone. Her “Edge of…” series is a page turner. Like her, I always have faithful pets in my stories, and The Nova Chronicles is no exception. You won’t be able to resist the tough kitty, One Eye, in my story.
What do you like to read in your free time?
I read a ton of genres. I love most fiction if the storytelling is good. I recently did an ARC read for a Steampunk novel…and loved it! I’ve never read that genre before. I prefer female heroes and stories with deep interiority, which is something I’m working to develop in my writing.
What are you working on next?
I am editing my most epic apocalyptic tale: Chasing August. A story of a fifteen-year-old who finds herself alone in a post-pandemic world. I wrote the first draft before Covid, had an agent interested, and then bam…Covid shelved it. Now I’m back at it, and two publishers are interested again.
Do you have a dream project you hope to write someday?
Someday, maybe a piece of women’s fiction inspired by my own life, or the life of someone who inspires me. But I think that would be quite a way down the road. I am still developing my craft, and have a huge learning curve ahead of me.
What do you hope your legacy as a writer will be?
If you have a dream, don’t be afraid to pursue it. It’s better to have tried and failed than to wonder “what if?” You only get one life…don’t spend it being afraid.
Character Interview
What’s your full name, and do you like it?
Nova Angelica. I love it.
Where are you from, and where do you live now?
I’m from Spanaway, Washington. Born and raised. Without permission from the government, we aren’t allowed to move.
How old are you (or how old do you feel)?
I’m 17, soon to be 18.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Dreamer, restless, determined.
What’s your current relationship status?
I’ve never had a boyfriend, just a best friend, who’s a guy.
What’s the biggest event that shaped who you are?
The death of my mother. She was a brilliant scientist who inspired me to think outside the box, which is highly discouraged in our world.
What do you want more than anything right now?
I want to escape the technological cage I live in, to run away, with my best friend before it’s too late. When I turn 18, my world will shrink even further.
Who are you closest to?
My father. He’s brave. He’s always been my hero, especially since my mother died.
Do you have any siblings?
None…only one child per household allowed.
What’s something you’re really good at?
Staying calm under pressure…thinking through danger and pressure.
Are you more of a leader or a follower?
Definitely a leader. I can follow, but not wishy washy leadership. I prefer to lead with someone, sharing our ideas and making mutual decisions.
Morning person or night owl?
Night owl…I do most of my thinking in bed and believe it or not, when I dream. I wake up in the morning and have answers to things that plague me while I’m awake.
What’s the hardest decision you’ve had to make?
Staying with my father or escaping to a life of freedom.
How have you changed since the beginning of your story?
More than you know…more than I could have predicted. Who really knows their destiny? Sometimes, it’s just shoved upon them.
If your life were a movie, who would play you?
Scarlett Johanson
What’s your personal motto?
Rules are meant to be broken
SD Porter’s Bio
SD Porter, a lover of all things apocalyptic, is a multi-genre author who lives in the PNW with her husband, a Great Pyrenees, and a feisty tabby kitty (who’s a character in one of her stories). She loves hiking in the beautiful state of Washington, photography, concerts, and travel.
I hope you loved getting to know SD Porter and hearing about her inspirations, journey, and latest release, The Nova Chronicles. If you haven’t added this to your TBR yet, now’s the time—trust me, you won’t want to miss it. 💖
You can connect with SD Porter here:
🔗 Website: www.penproseandpoetry.com
📱 Socials: https://linktr.ee/sdporter
Thank you for joining me in spotlighting a fellow author who’s giving us all the feels. Stay tuned for more author features, book talk, and behind-the-scenes romance goodness.
Until next time—keep reading, keep swooning! 💖