Some stories are just better with a little bit of darkness woven into them. And sometimes that looks like tales about vampires, otherworldly creatures, curses, or other forms of magic that can often blur the line between what can be perceived as good versus evil.
Fantasy romance, or romantasy, is clearly having a moment. While there’s always been a market for vampire romances, or epic fantasy novels that include a love story, the popularity of book series like A Court of Thorn and Roses, and Throne of Glass, by Sarah J. Maas, and The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros, prove readers can’t get enough of unearthly beings, otherworldly settings, and a magic that often comes with high stakes.
Lonedell-based fantasy romance author Teal Collins, a self-proclaimed lover of all things dark and mysterious, has long felt a pull towards stories that are dark, atmospheric, and mythical.
She writes novels full of supernatural secrets, strange creatures, a love story, and perhaps weaving a bit of magic of her own, Teal finds a way to “make the darkness sparkle” in her stories.
That draw toward the dark, magical, and mysterious doesn’t end at writing her own novels. When she’s not writing, her favorite kinds of stories to dive into often include fantasy, romance, and urban fantasy elements.
“I love stories where the ordinary world brushes up against something supernatural. Shows like “The Vampire Diaries” and “Outlander” are comfort watches for me, and books like “Tuck Everlasting,” “Twilight,” the Sookie Stackhouse series, and Harry Potter shaped my love for romantic, otherworldly storytelling,” Teal shares.
Although she found writing in childhood, first with songs and poetry, she moved into crafting novels as a teen, even though she admits “I didn’t quite know what I was doing yet,” at that age.
For her current series, the Blood and Brine Trilogy, she points to a vivid dream she had as a teenager as the inspiration for her first novel “Calling Emery.”
“Around that time, I was discovering paranormal romance, and while I loved it, I felt like something was missing for me emotionally,” she explains. “I wanted a story that leaned more into longing, memory, and the feeling of being on the edge of something otherworldly. Writing this book became a way to explore the story I had been quietly carrying for a long time.”
Teal started the book when she was a young adult and ended up setting it aside for years, but the story kept beckoning to her, and she eventually picked it back up and published the novel in the fall of 2024.
“Calling Emery” features vampires and other monsters, as well as magic, mayhem, and of course, romance.
The writing process
Writers often have writing rituals they stick to, sometimes that looks like a targeted daily word count, while for others it can mean certain foods, drinks, locations, or even music that helps set the tone. For Teal, her writing habit looks like working late at night, sipping on a Dr. Pepper, and listening to a classical playlist that she says helps her sink into the atmosphere of the world she’s creating.
Another ritual she adheres to: she’s careful about what media she consumes while she’s working on a book. It’s important for her to stay focused on the story she’s building and not let elements from books, TV shows, or even song lyrics creep into her subconscious and influence her writing process.
A look at what’s ahead
Teal is currently working on the second book in the series, called “A Sea of Pines.” Each new release will expand the world of “Calling Emery,” leaning deeper into its mythology, relationships, and emotional stakes. Since it’s still in progress, there isn’t a firm release date for “A Sea of Pines,” but she plans to publish it this year.
You can find Teal sharing books, magic, and fantasy vibes on social media. She’s most active on TikTok, but readers can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram. “Calling Emery” is on Amazon and is available in print and ebook formats.
Small Town Socialite 