I'm delighted to introduce D.A. Henneman, a versatile author who seamlessly blends fantasy, paranormal, and supernatural elements into her romance narratives. Her journey into writing began with poetry and song lyrics during her teenage years, evolving into short stories in college and marketing materials during her time as a flower shop owner. It wasn't until she revisited a long-forgotten manuscript that her passion for storytelling reignited, leading to the creation of the Power of Four series.
The Power of Four series introduces readers to a world where elemental magic intertwines with romance, showcasing Henneman's talent for crafting immersive and enchanting tales. Her fascination with mythology has also inspired the Goddesses In Love series, where she reimagines classic myths, offering beloved characters the happily-ever-afters they deserve.
Beyond her novels, Henneman shares her writing journey and insights through her blog, providing a glimpse into her creative process and the inspirations behind her stories. Her dedication to weaving magic into her narratives has established her as a distinctive voice in the fantasy romance genre.
In our conversation, we'll explore D.A. Henneman's creative inspirations, her approach to blending genres, and the experiences that have shaped her writing career. Whether you're a fan of elemental magic, mythological retellings, or heartfelt romances, Henneman's works offer a captivating journey into worlds where love and magic intertwine.
To stay updated on her latest projects and connect with her, visit her official website and follow her on Amazon.
Star Trek or Star Wars?
Most definitely Star Wars. Pretty sure I imprinted on Han Solo at a very early age since the romances I write tend to have villains with a backstory and antiheroes you love to hate. Most of the girls my age were going crazy over Luke but, apparently much like Carrie Fisher, I fell hard for Harrison Ford’s swashbuckling smile.
I think the main difference between the two is that Star Trek has more of a flat story arc where the characters really don’t change a whole lot and need to deal with the next thing that comes along. Whereas Star Wars was more of a hero’s journey since you see Luke grow throughout the first three movies (episodes four, five, six) similar to what you experience with Anakin/Darth in episodes one through three.
DCU or MCU?
I am a Marvel girl all the way, but love anti-hero stories no matter the Universe. As I write this, I am into the Scarlet Witch story in Marvel, having just finished Wanda Vision in order to dive into Agatha All Along. I can say so far it is totally my jam. I am fascinated by villans and anti-heroes and what makes them tick! Outside MCU think Malicifent, Cruella, and Suicide Squad for DCU. Harley Quinn is one of my model personalities for my current WIP and I love complex female characters which I think the comics do pretty well.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Truth be told, I started my serious writer journey later in life. Had I known what life had planned for me, I would have started a bit sooner, but we all know what they say about hindsight. I’ve been a lot of things in my life, Insurance Rep, Grant Writer, Parks & Recreation Coordinator, but the most fulfilling was my 10-year stint as a flower shop owner and designer.
In the big scheme of things, it wasn't that long ago. I purchased it in 1999, shortly after the birth of my second daughter. I can honestly say, that was not an ideal time for a hormonally-imbalanced woman closing in on 40 to make an informed life decision. My kids were raised in a flower shop. This wasn't all bad since practically everyone in town was their grandmother or aunt (that is what we called them anyway) and they were often showered with gifts. But, in 2009, after a terrible recession that I could not pull out of, I closed my doors and left a decade of my life, and a large part of my identity, behind.So, what does this have to do with writing? I promise I am getting there. After 2 years in my new office position, on my 47th Birthday to be precise, I received a call at work that would change my life. It involved a mammogram I had postponed and a suspicious mass. (PSA: You Are Never Too Busy Doing ANYTHING To Go To Your Check-ups!)
Most of what I went through still needs to be unpacked, but suffice to say I am still here, and I was fortunate in that my Cancer wasn't as aggressive as it could have been. After a lumpectomy and 6 weeks of radiation, it was announced that I was at day one of my remission. That was when my journey truly began.I had never been to college, and I love to learn, so I went back in 2013. I was one of the oldest students in each class I attended, and one of my first classes was Creative Writing, a class that I was excited to take because I had just blown the dust off of a manuscript that had been in my file cabinet for over 10 years. The comments and support I received from my classmates, is the reason you can hold a copy of my first book, Sea of Dreams, in your hands today.
After 3 years, of working full-time, going to school part-time, and writing in every moment in between, I finished my Associates's Degree in Business Management & Sales, with honors. In that same year, I also published my first novel. Told you I would get there. :)
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
Much like the Scarlet Witch, I’m a channeler of chaos. I like to think of my process as binge writing, where I have to think on (I call it noodle) a scene, before it all comes pouring out. When I write creatively I have found that I do best when I have a large chunk of time to devote to it, and plenty of pre-made meals and snacks because there is no way I am cooking. Some times a piece comes out in a matter of days, sometimes it only gets me to the next thinking session. What I have realized after chatting with Becca Syme’s team and taking the Clifton Strengths is that my brain is wired that way so I lean into it now and give myself grace since a daily habit is out of the question. Especially right now. I have a paycheck job as a way of explanation, one I don’t particularly love, but that pays the bills.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
This may sound a bit strange, but to someone who also knows their Clifton Strengths, it will make complete sense. They come to me in that Chaos mode I mentioned before as I follow the Muse. My top five strengths are Intellection, Strategic, Input, Individualization, and Futuristic. Since I relate to being a life-long learner, I am always taking in information, processing it, then connecting things in my own mind to make sense of it. When you mix life experiences, social happenings, and a crazy imagination, the options are endless. I am never short on ideas to write about and it is typically the loudest or most needy character who gets written first.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
The first book I finished was started in 2014 and independently published under my business in 2016. At the time I was 51, however, I had started a book with that idea in my mid-thirties and had gotten 10 chapters in before filing it away. I scrapped most of the story, but the nugget remained. I am now sneaking up on 60 and what I’m looking forward to most is being retired so I can devote more time to my passion projects. There is an endless list of possibilities for me, so excited for the future.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I love to travel and try to do it as much as possible. No stamps in my passport yet, but have traveled to some amazing places in the US. Favorites include: Maui (Sea Of Dreams), Sedona (Playing with Fire), Traverse City (Supernatural Cozy WIP), and New York (Shifters of New York – Coming Soon).
If you read my writing you will eventually see bits and pieces of all of the places I have been to, and experience the area through my stories. Maui was one of the locations in my first book, so being able to travel there and see first-hand the places I researched and wrote about was a special kind of thrill. This picture is of me standing in front of the Molokini Crater, which played a prominent role in Brooke’s path to becoming the Element of Water.
Is there a trope you find yourself going back to in multiple works? Or one you avoid?
I write a ton of found family. The relationships you have with people you have in your life by choice are sometimes the most important and meaningful of all. At least they are in my case. I also write a lot of empowered women, marshmallow alpha males (with a side of touch her and you’ll get hurt or worse), and am intrigued by the anti-heroes/heroines backstories. If you don’t like description, innuendo, characters drinking, only one bed trope, flawed characters, or happily-ever-afters, you probably won’t like my stuff.
For what I avoid… I am not a fan of the surprise baby trope or gratuitous sex on the page. I am a complete mood reader and I find that spills over into my writing, so one day I will be writing a HEA, and the next I will be writing something stabby and dark. Like I said… chaos. So my home library has a bit of everything, which makes sense to me more now than ever.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
To date, I have written 13 for publication and one more full manuscript which is out on submission. I will be deciding its fate in 2025, but in the meantime I am in the process of releasing bundles of my books since the most recent ones are shorter in length. It made sense to put a few of them together so the paperback would have a decent sized spine. My Goddesses In Love Collection (Greek Mythology Retellings) is out now in e-book and, fingers crossed, will be out in paperback December 15, 2024. I am working on my Shifters In New York Collection (Paranormal Urban Fantasy) now which I plan to have out by January/February 2025.
Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer? If so, what are they?
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
These questions to me are one in the same. My advice would be to never lose sight of your childhood dreams. If you can, keep doing the things that bring you joy, even when the world says you can’t or shouldn’t. You don’t need a special degree, just share what is in your mind or heart. Because the way you become a better writer is to keep writing. It is the perseverance that will make you a successful author. I had originally wanted to be an English teacher, and it isn’t lost on me just how closely my current situation resembles that young DA idea. She pretty much knew what I should be doing… I should have listened to her more.
What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
The writing community is amazing once you connect with them. So many people have been helpful in my journey, too many to count, really. Maybe one liked a post or made a comment, perhaps one quietly bought my book, or perhaps they spoke at a conference I attended and gave me a nugget of inspiration I needed desperately at the time. They all help you to get better, because they tell you it is okay to make mistakes and learn from them. That is how we grow.
The best thing I did for myself was to commit to this lifestyle (yes it is a committment… you know I’m right) and started investing in putting myself out there at conferences, workshops, and paying annual dues to a writer group. I have served on the Greater Detroit Romance Writers board and continue to network with those amazing authors/writers almost every day. If you can’t afford the fees, join free groups, they are out there, just ask your friends on any of the social platforms you happen to be on or do a quick search. Check with your local library, or do a search on social. I have a writer resource tab on my website that includes things that I think might be helpful, so you are welcome to check that out as well.
https://dahenneman.com/welcome/writer-resources/. Most services now let you try before you buy which is really nice.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Don’t stop writing, ever. The other thing I would say is keep a journal through the darkest times of your life, so you never forget how strong you really are. Examining your life in retrospect is the best way to move forward when times are rough. Pay close attention to the things that brought you joy or that you were most proud of. They will be the motivation you will need to keep going when you want to give up.
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
Going on weekend retreats with other authors is invaluable. I would spend money on that all day long if I could. It gets me out of the house and onto my keyboard with no distractions. When I’m home there is always laundry to do, phone calls to make, paperwork to file, family to chat to. On a retreat, it is just me and my Muse. I am so much more productive and during the breaks can bounce ideas of of my writer friends. So fun!
Do you write novels, novellas, short stories, episodic fiction, poems, screenplays, or something else? What is your preferred format?
I have written novels, novellas (novelettes), short stories, personal essay, and poetry, to date. I started writing shorter stories as a palette cleanser between larger projects, and am finding that I really like getting a thought out and finishing it quicker than you would with a 3-act story. Bundling them together makes sense for the shorter works and it gives the reader 4 books in 1 which works well from a marketing standpoint.
I am a multi-passionate creator, so imagine there will be a lot more I will try before I slip through the veil. I think of myself as a dabbler, which may not be marketable necessarily, but is what makes me happy.
What is the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything?
Find what makes you happy, hold on with both hands, and embrace the journey.
What does literary success look like to you?
That I’m doing my response to the above question and getting paid for it.
What do you have coming next?
The Goddesses In Love Collection is being finalized now, with the Shifter In New York Collection coming soon. I anticipate both books available through book sellers by spring 2025, so if you are interested in getting one, ask them to order it! I also make my books available through libraries, so if you can connect with Libby, you can find me there as well!
I am working on a Witchy Romantasy now, with hopes of querying in spring 2025. I will also being making a move with my Supernatural Cozy series which has one book complete, and the other in process. I plan 4 books total for that series, so my guess is that will keep me pretty busy through the end of 2025 and beginning of 2026.
I have 3 trips planned so far, and generally post daily about my shenanigans on Instagram and my Facebook page. You can find all of my socials here: https://dahenneman.com/welcome/how-about-a-follow/ The attached image gives you a snapshot of just what is going on in my brain at any given time.
Thank you so much for reading about my journey and if you would like to learn more you can head over to my website at: https://dahenneman.com/.
