"A Soldier & Mercenaries" - Interview with Author Kasia Bacon

A linguist and an avid reader with a particular fondness for fantasy and paranormal genres, Kasia Bacon lives in London with her husband. When not tearing her hair out over a translating project, she writes stories about the shenanigans of emotionally constipated assassins and sexy Elves. Otherwise, she can be found shaking her loins at a Zumba class, binging on anime or admiring throwing knives on Pinterest. A lover of MMA and Muay Thai, she also enjoys nature and the great outdoors. She dreams of becoming independently wealthy, leaving the city and moving into her wooden mini-manor—located in the heart of stunning forests resembling those of the Elven Country depicted in her tales.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Kasia about her series, the fantasy genre and the importance of LGBTQIA+ representation.

What inspired you to write this novel?

KB: A Soldiers & Mercenaries Duology With Extra Content (Vol. 1-2) is a collection that combines two of my earlier novels: Don’t Fight the Spark & When I First Saw Red with added bonus stories. The inspiration behind the box set is my fondness for magic, fantasy settings and the opposites-attract dynamic between characters.

What is your writing process like?

KB: My writing process is super chaotic. It could almost be called… a non-process. I don’t write linearly but by sequences out of order. And I don’t always write every day but in mad bursts. I’m very much a mood (and moody) writer. While I wouldn’t recommend this insanity to anyone, it works fine for me.

How do you approach writing your characters and bringing their relationships to life?

KB: In my case, this part comes easily. I don’t know, perhaps my background in psychology helps. A lot of it is intuitive to me. And, as long as the emotions and interactions between my characters feel genuine, everything else tends to slot into place.

What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

KB: It was at the nursery. I was punished on my second day for telling other children scary stories and freaking them out of their wits. The cry-babies started wailing and ruined all the fun, ugh.

What is the most challenging part of your artistic process?

KB: The mid-story phase can be difficult at times. My motivation, enthusiasm and creativity are always at their highest either at the start of a project or when I’m nearing the end. For me, a vulnerable period is when I’m half-done. Then, doubts and insecurities can niggle at me.

What do you hope readers take from this story?

KB: I inject my stories with a heavy emotional load and humorous elements—so entertainment, hopefully. Secondly, I like to think that my books—being fantastical—can offer an escape, a reprieve from the normal and ordinary. Sometimes the ability to flee your problems and clear your head, even for a bit, means everything.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

KB: Stay the course. Ignore (and pity) those who look down on romance—and especially queer fantasy—as a genre. Don’t fly off the handle every time someone asks you, “Why don’t you write something ‘normal’?” Laugh more.

What’s your favourite under-appreciated novel?

KB: The Wicked Gentlemen by Ginn Hale is a hidden gem that—in my opinion—doesn’t get enough limelight. The writing and the story both are superb. It’s one of my most cherished fantasy stories. I want more people to read it and love it.

What would your advice be to any aspiring writers?

KB: I think that all advice—even coming from the most successful and accomplished writers—should be taken with a pinch of salt. What works for one author doesn’t necessarily need to work for another. While it’s important to educate yourself on various issues and listen to the experiences of others, it’s always best to find your own path, and factor in your own unique circumstances. But in general terms, I’d say: a) read a lot of books by other writers. And b) find yourself a clued-up alpha reader you trust and a good editor who digs your style.

What are you writing next?

KB: I’m juggling two stories at the moment. Which is unusual for me—I usually write one at a time. One features my existing characters, and the other has a new grumpy-sunshine couple in it.

There’s no stopping Love once it teams up with Magic!

A Soldiers & Mercenaries Duology with Extra Content (Vol. 1-2) combines two standalone titles: Don’t Fight the Spark and When I First Saw Red with added fun, bonus content.

What can you expect? Gritty MM fantasy romance with world-building, magic, kick-arse characters, steam and snark!

Don’t Fight the Spark (Soldiers & Mercenaries #1): A nerd and jock romance with opposites attract and a hidden relationship. When I First Saw Red (Soldiers & Mercenaries #2): A reluctant fated mates romance with enemies-to-lovers and size difference.

Extra Scenes & Stories: Featuring side characters from the series.

Author Links for Kasia Bacon

Amazon | Audible| Website | Bookbub| Twitter | Instagram| Goodreads | TikTok|

Thank you again to Kasia for a wonderful interview. For excerpts, free stories and updates about new projects, sign up for Kasia’s newsletter. To access exclusive Order Universe content, join Bacon & Elves on Facebook.