Interview with Monika Guss: Insights on Her Debut Novel The Cursed One, the Chaos Saga Series, Writing Journey and More!

Monika Guss has recently made a remarkable entrance into the world of fantasy literature with her debut novel The Cursed One, the first book in the Chaos Saga series. This interview offers a deep dive into her creative process, the inspiration behind her story, and what readers can expect from the series. Whether you are a fan of fantasy novels or curious about the journey of a new author, this conversation reveals valuable insights and practical advice.

Book Information

• Title: The Cursed One

• Author: Monika Guss

• Publisher: Independently Published

• Publication Date: October 18, 2025

• Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Action and Adventure, Romance

• Age Category: New Adult/Adult, 18+

• Formats Available: ebook

• Format: Novel

• Representation: Mental Health (Anxiety), Grief/Loss

Purchase the ebook on Amazon today, available with Kindle Unlimited.

Book Synopsis

The Cursed One by Monika Guss is a slow-burn romantasy featuring enemies to lovers, forbidden attraction, dark magic and prophecy, a powerful heroine, and high-stakes intrigue.

Lyrianna Cavendish was destined to remain unseen, bound by a forgotten prophecy with a power capable of saving or dooming the world. Her life in the shadows ends when the Trial of Powers reveals her secret, thrusting her into the ranks of the Chosen. Surrounded by enemies and power-hungry rulers, Lyrianna's evolving magic ignites a perilous journey as chaos looms. Amidst this, Arès, a commander against all she stands for, finds himself drawn to her as the Wall protecting their world crumbles. As her powers grow, Lyrianna must navigate her destiny, torn between duty and desire, to prevent Chaos from claiming her. Join Lyrianna in a thrilling quest of self-discovery, love, and the fight against encroaching darkness. Can she harness her power to save her kingdom, or will she become the very weapon that destroys it?

About the Author

Monika Guss stands out in fantasy fiction, celebrated for blending emotional depth with imaginative world-building. Her stories explore identity, power, and relationships in fantastical settings, featuring strong protagonists facing extraordinary challenges. A coffee lover, Guss writes the tales she adores, specializing in enemies-to-lovers narratives rich with magic and emotion. Residing in France with her family, her debut novel, The Cursed One, begins the Chaos saga, highlighting her skill in crafting captivating worlds and unforgettable characters.

Q: What inspired you to write The Cursed One and the Chaos Saga as a whole?

A: I think I always wanted to write. I used to write blog stories years ago and loved it, but romance was always my true passion. The problem I found with contemporary romance was the pressure of technical accuracy, details like the exact boarding sequence of a plane or minute logistical facts. I’d often stop writing because I felt bogged down by those "real-world" details.

What I love about romantasy is that the world can be whatever I want it to be, provided it is cohesive and well-explained. One cold February, while recovering from foot surgery, a friend suggested I read a fantasy romance. I told her, "I don't like fantasy," but she insisted I’d thank her later. She was right. I fell in love with the genre, and it unlocked something in me. I realized, this is what I can write. It was the beginning of a beautiful love story with the genre.

Q: What challenges did you face while writing and publishing your first book?

A: Time was my biggest hurdle. I work full-time in technical product development and I’m a mom to a nearly four-year-old. The hardest part was finding "quality" time, moments where I could truly immerse myself in the story rather than just scratching the surface. While editing is easier because you can polish existing pieces, the actual drafting phase was a real test of endurance and it took over a year to finish the first book.

Q: Can you describe your writing process? Do you have any specific routines or rituals?

A: I essentially "forced" myself to write every single evening once my son was asleep. I eliminated all distractions, no movies, no scrolling, just writing. Some nights I only managed 200 words; other nights, I hit 3,000. That consistency is exactly what helped me finish the book.

Q: What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from The Cursed One?

A: The core message is that we have the right to choose our own path and destiny. In our world, there is so much pressure to follow a specific pattern. I want to show that you don't have to be just one thing: I can have a serious technical job by day and write fantasy romance by night. We shouldn't have to choose, and more importantly, no one should choose for us.

Q: Lyrianna is portrayed as a strong yet vulnerable character. How did you balance these traits in her development?

A: There is a lot of myself in her. I consider myself a strong person, but I also deal with constant self-doubt: that feeling that I’m not doing enough or that my achievements aren't "enough." Lyrianna definitely inherited that internal tug-of-war from me.

Q: Ares plays a significant role in the story. What inspired his character, and how does he contribute to the overall narrative?

A: Let’s be honest: who doesn't love the archetype of the handsome, gifted "bad boy"? We love these stories because they allow us to imagine a connection with someone like that, especially the fantasy of them changing for the sake of love (even if we know that rarely happens in real life!).

I wrote Ares from a place of romantic idealization, but I wanted him to be more than just a trope. I wanted a character with a complex history: someone who doesn't trust easily, who has been deeply disappointed by life, and who carries his own wounds and flaws. He isn't just there for the aesthetic; he has a tight bond with only a select few, which makes his connection to Lyrianna even more significant. Of course, giving him that dark, sexy magic was the perfect finishing touch to his character and I’ve enjoyed it a lot.

Q: Can you discuss the importance of the supporting characters in the story? How do they enhance the main plot?

A: I absolutely loved writing Bella and Solas. You’ll see much more of Solas in Book 2, but even in The Cursed One, they were a joy to develop. They are strong, self-confident characters, the kind of people I sometimes wish I could be. Of course, they hide their own secrets and vulnerabilities, but they bring so much humor and self-confidence to the story. I fell in love with them so much that Book 4 will actually be dedicated to their story, as there simply wasn't enough spotlight for them in the earlier books.

Q: What role does magic play in the Chaos Saga, and how do you envision its impact on the characters and plot?

A: Magic in this world creates a dangerous dependency and a craving for power. It creates a social divide; without potent magic, you cannot rise in society, and not everyone is okay with that. It changes people. While magic grants power, it also binds you to duty. The "Chosen" are marked for life; they lose the ability to choose their own lives because everything is decided for them. Ultimately, magic is freedom, but it is also a curse, especially for someone like Lyrianna.

Q: What can readers expect from the upcoming books in the Chaos Saga?

A: Expect a massive transformation from Lyrianna. She is coming out of her shell—becoming more confident, stronger, and more powerful. She won't let anyone decide her fate anymore. In the drafts for Book 2, she is pure fire. In contrast, Arès will begin to struggle more with doubt regarding his choices.

Q: Are there any other genres or themes you are interested in exploring in future works?

A: I’m interested in other things, but they will always be romance-based. I’ve been a romantic at heart since I was a teenager sneaking romance novels out of the library. Life is hard enough; I don't want to write "sad" or "real." I want to write about unconditional love and passion. For now, my focus is entirely on finishing the draft for Book 2 and completing the four-time saga.

Q: How do you see your writing evolving as you continue this series?

A: I am definitely learning as I go. Book 1 started as a blank page where I just threw ideas down and learned the craft on the fly. For Book 2, I started with a structured story flow and detailed scheming. Having a roadmap makes the process much easier. I think readers will see my writing mature and become more purposeful because I now know exactly where the story is headed.

Q: As a coffee enthusiast, how does your passion for coffee impact your writing sessions? If you could choose a coffee beverage that represents your book, which one would it be?

A: I’m a huge latte fan (lactose-free!) and I love matcha. With a four-year-old who still doesn't sleep through the night, coffee isn't just a passion, it’s a survival requirement! If I had to pick a drink for the book, it would be a latte: something that looks soft and inviting on the surface but has that strong, dark espresso kick underneath to keep you going.

Q: What guidance would you offer to new writers aiming to publish their debut book?

A: If you start, finish. Don’t worry about what others will think; write for your own enjoyment first. Most importantly: write what you love: if you try to write in a genre you don’t enjoy or understand, you likely won't succeed. You have to be your own first fan. You have to love your story and your characters, because after you’ve read your own manuscript for the 10,000th time, that original love is what carries you to the finish line.

Want to learn more about The Cursed One?

Buy it here: Amazon

Read my review of it here

Conclusion

Monika Guss's debut novel, The Cursed One, marks an exciting entry into the fantasy genre, blending romance and adventure in a way that resonates with both seasoned readers and newcomers alike. Through her interview, we gain invaluable insights into her creative process, the challenges of balancing writing with a busy life, and the heartfelt messages woven throughout her narrative. As she develops the Chaos Saga, readers can look forward to a journey filled with strong characters, intricate magic, and themes of self-discovery and empowerment. Monika's passion for storytelling shines through, promising a series that will captivate and inspire. Whether you are already a fan of fantasy or just beginning to explore this enchanting world, The Cursed One is a compelling read that invites you to dream and believe in the power of choice.