Vanessa Finaughty writes at the crossroad of myth, mystery, and heart. With more than 20 published books across fantasy, science fiction, thrillers, and educational titles, Vanessa builds worlds that feel lived in and characters that ache with recognisable emotion. Read our conversation about creative evolution, the Wizard of Ends series, South African roots, and the multimedia tour bringing her worlds to life.
Background and Early Evolution
Willy: You’ve published over 20 books across multiple genres. How has your writing evolved over time?
Vanessa: When I first started publishing, I was far too worried about what readers might think of me if I wrote ‘this or that’, to the point where it restricted my writing and, in so doing, detracted from it and sometimes made my characters feel a bit flat. Now, I write as if no one will ever read it, and I think the writing flows better and the characters are more realistic and, more importantly, I can explore deeper issues in a way that will hopefully resonate with readers. Also, I now realise that most readers WON’T automatically assume I’m a terrible person just because one of my characters is — in hindsight, it was daft of me to think that!
Inspiration and Influences
Willy: What inspired your latest releases, including the Wizard of Ends series?
Vanessa: My interests in mythology, the supernatural, and life’s mysteries are excellent fuel for my muse. I invent deities, borrow from ancient mythologies, and populate stories with mysteries or fantastical elements—aliens, invented creatures like the ryokin, and twists that give readers that satisfying “ah ha” moment.
Willy: Growing up and living in Cape Town, how has your environment influenced your storytelling?
Vanessa: Cape Town doesn’t directly shape scenes for me, but living in South Africa—one of the most culturally diverse places—helps me write diverse characters. I often explore cultural differences through alien or fantasy races in science fiction and fantasy so I can explore identity and difference without singling out real-world groups.
Latest Releases and Virtual Tour
Willy: Can you tell us about the themes and characters in Wizard of Ends Book 3?
Vanessa: The main character is Lashlor Leaflin, a wizard who refuses to use magic unless it’s life or death because he believes his goddess would deny him entry to the afterlife if he abused magic. He’s an outsider in a land that has never heard of his goddess, and many accuse him of not being a “real” wizard. He doesn’t fully believe he’s powerful, though readers get little clues otherwise. The series theme is the fine line between abusing something and neglecting it—being too cautious and not cautious enough—and ultimately about finding balance. Lashlor used magic for something huge and forbidden in Book 2, and that surprise is one of the series’ darker turns.
Willy: What excites you most about your virtual book tour and how do you connect with readers?
Vanessa: Literally everything excites me. I’ve got video readings, a not-yet-published short story on YouTube, blogger features, Instagram shout-outs, and magazine appearances. The tour spreads over three weeks with something free every day—free chapters, free books, giveaways, to-do templates, calendars, and wallpapers. I also wrote blog posts about real-world magic, fantasy animals, and craft-oriented topics so there’s something for fantasy lovers, readers, and writers.
Character and World Building
Willy: How do you create characters that resonate across genres? Vanessa: No matter the genre, humans share core feelings—hope, grief, love, anger. If my characters feel those emotions honestly, readers will relate, whether the character is human, alien, or mythic.
Willy: Your work spans fantasy, supernatural, and educational books. How do you balance those modes?
Vanessa: I enjoy many genres and can compartmentalise each story, focusing on one project at a time. It’s a natural habit rather than a strict technique.
Willy: Are there archetypes or real-life inspirations behind your protagonists?
Vanessa: Only in my thrillers and horrors. Writers often draw from real people or emotions—sometimes by immortalizing someone who irritated them—and that sneaks into characters.
South African Roots and Global Reach
Willy: How does your South African heritage inform your speculative writing?
Vanessa: I’ve used African mythology in short stories—deities like Anansi don’t get as much spotlight in genre fiction, so they feel original to explore. South Africa’s many folklore traditions are fertile ground for new mythic characters.
Willy: Do settings from home appear in your work? Vanessa: Occasionally. For example, my short story “Quitting Quitting” was inspired by a pub I visited and a creepy stranger at the bar.
Willy: How do you reach global audiences while staying rooted at home?
Vanessa: I collaborate with writer friends worldwide and publish on platforms that service multiple countries so readers can buy locally. Those networks and distribution choices help my work travel.
Themes, Messages, and Younger Readers
Willy: What recurring themes keep appearing across your books?
Vanessa: Justice and fairness often creep in, along with explorations of human psychology, relationships, and motivations.
Willy: How do you hope younger readers respond to your school books?
Vanessa: I hope my work fosters a love of reading and encourages kindness, curiosity, and empathy—lessons like not judging too quickly, being respectful, and helping others when you can. Small acts multiplied make a better world.
Unearth More Bookish Treasures
Personal Touches and Creative Life
Willy: You’ve mentioned loving coffee, wet grass, and martial arts. Do these influence your process?
Vanessa: I literally can’t focus without coffee. Martial arts help me write realistic fight scenes. Wet grass is a smell I can call on to imagine and describe other scents.
Willy: How do you balance writing with family life and other commitments?
Vanessa: It’s hard. I try to write a little every day and often take an hour during the workday to write. Right now, with the book tour and a busy day job, I haven’t written in weeks.
Willy: What’s your single best piece of advice for writers juggling multiple genres?
Vanessa: Lists. Lots and lots of to-do lists. For the tour I even made a list of my lists.
Multimedia, Projects, and How to Support
Willy: How important is multimedia storytelling to you?
Vanessa: Very. I’ve wanted my characters in pictures or video for years. AI tools and video platforms let me create music videos and prompts that can introduce new readers to my world.
Willy: Any upcoming projects you’re excited about?
Vanessa: I’ve started the next Wizard of Ends book, I’m co-authoring a thriller titled Dead Inside, and I plan to put out a call for submissions for a Space Wizards short story anthology—contributors will get royalties.
Willy: How can readers follow your work and support your tour?
Vanessa: Follow the tour itinerary here:
The best support is liking and sharing tour posts that interest you and leaving reviews if you enjoyed a book.
Thank you for visiting with us. For more Reviews or Literature related content, visit our blog at The Ritual. Copyright Mind on Fire Books.
Folklore and Flesh: A Dark Fiction Collection of Folklore and Body Horror
Step into the uncanny with Folklore and Flesh—a collection of visceral horror stories and haunting poems that blur the boundaries between myth and the body. From ancient rituals and supernatural transformations to the raw ache of grief and memory, these tales invite you to explore the shadowed places where folklore becomes flesh.
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ARC Release: October 11th (Myths and Legends Day)
Presale Opens: November 20th (Blotmonath – Month of Sacrifice)
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