I know that trauma plays a major part in shaping us as humans and how we navigate the world. So I become really intimate with my characters’ traumas.
Queen Michelle – 19 April 2026
The Back Flap
Twenty-three-year-old Angel Willmore was raised to believe she was Lucifer’s bride. Her mother, a violent zealot, kept her captive in a prison of fear and prophecy. After surviving a brutal attack, Angel escapes to Cherry Grove, North Carolina, hoping for safety and invisibility. But Cherry Grove has secrets of its own.
When Angel meets Eden Freman, heir to the town’s founding family, she’s drawn into their world of southern wealth and ancient traditions. On Devil’s Night, she’s invited to the Crossroads Ritual—a high-stakes Halloween competition where thirty-three players face four brutal stages: the Initiation, the Rite, the Sacrifice, and the Rebirth. Only seven will walk away with $1.5 million.
For Angel, it’s a chance to claim freedom and a future. But the Ritual is no game. Its origins trace back to 1805, when an enslaved woman, Ophelia, traded her soul for love and freedom only to be betrayed by William Freman. The Fremans’ wealth was built on that curse—and Angel may be tied to it in ways she doesn’t yet understand. She’s not just a player. She’s the next sacrifice. To survive, Angel must endure the Ritual’s trials, confront her deepest trauma, and expose the Fremans’ darkest truths. Because this contest was never meant for her to win. It was meant to consume her.
About the book
What is the book about?
The Crossroads Ritual follows Angel, a young woman with a traumatic past, as she becomes entangled with the mysterious and wealthy Freman family and their deadly annual tradition.
The story is set in Cherry Grove, a town founded by William Freman, who allegedly made a Faustian deal for his wealth and committed suicide at age 33. The Crossroads Ritual is a secretive, high-stakes competition hosted every Halloween at the 7,000-acre Freman Estate.
33 Participants compete for a $1.5 million cash prize, lured by money and the promise of a new life. There are four deadly stages: the Initiation, the Rite, the Sacrifice, and the Rebirth. Only seven players will walk away with $1.5 million.
For Angel, it’s a chance to claim freedom and a future. But the Ritual is no game. Its origins trace back to 1805, when an enslaved woman, Ophelia, traded her soul for love and freedom only to be betrayed by William Freman. The Fremans’ wealth was built on that curse—and Angel may be tied to it in ways she doesn’t yet understand. She’s not just a player. She’s the next sacrifice. To survive, Angel must endure the Ritual’s trials, confront her deepest trauma, and expose the Fremans’ darkest truths. Because this contest was never meant for her to win. It was meant to consume her.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing in January 2024.
How long did it take you to write it?
It took me about a year to complete.
Where did you get the idea from?
This story has been developing in my mind for years. Ever since I first read Richard Connell’s The Most Dangerous Game as a child, I’ve been both deeply disturbed and slightly fascinated by the idea of human survival bloodsport games. (I blame my mother—she’s a horror movie fanatic.) In a way, it mirrored our reality. To me, the elites have always carried the shadow of villainy. Our society gamifies survival, from reality shows to job interviews. All of us are trying to survive this game of life. Then, in December 2023, I watched Saltburn. That film changed something in me. Out of its ashes, the Freman family was born—an echo of the Cattons, but darker. Where the Cattons let a desperate moth (Oliver) into their world, the Fremans are spiders, weaving a glittering web of wealth to lure in moths. And in the middle of that web, Angel’s story began to take shape.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The plot and characters of The Crossroads Ritual came easily to me. The only part I struggled with is worrying if readers will connect with the story. I tend to lean towards unconventional and original characters with wild and unpredictable plots. Sometimes, I feel like I’ve written a little too outside of the box for the market and readers’ expectations.
What came easily?
Angel and her story came easily. Everything from her tragic background and her personal beliefs and behavior flowed. I loved writing about her and all the characters of The Crossroads Ritual.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
My characters are entirely fictitious. I do enjoy psychoanalyzing my loved ones because I am the family “therapist” to all of my cousins when it comes to their love lives. I know that trauma plays a major part in shaping us as humans and how we navigate the world. So I become really intimate with my characters’ traumas.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I love Joelle Wellington, Leigh Bardugo, Ryan La Sala, Holly Black, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Freida McFadden. I like how unpredictable their stories are and how fascinating and dark and gritty their characters and worlds are. They influenced me to write intelligent characters with unpredictable plots.
Do you have a target reader?
I think readers who enjoy unpredictable stories and interesting plots will like my books.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I write five times a day when I want to finish a novel. My goal is at least 800 to 1000 words each day. I take weekends off because I believe in work-life balance.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
No. I don’t outline. I have an idea of what I want each chapter to be as I write it.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I edit as I write, then I do several edits once I’m finished.
Did you hire a professional editor?
No, I didn’t hire a professional editor because I can’t afford it currently. But I’m saving up for it.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I like to listen to all kinds of music and soundtracks while I write. Sometimes it’s Assassin’s Creed game soundtracks. Other times it’s 2010s hip-hop, rock, and pop. My Spotify playlist is eclectic.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes, I submitted to over 60 agents. They all said The Crossroads Ritual wasn’t the right fit for them. Hopefully, I can find success in the indie world. Fingers crossed.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I have been a part of the indie publishing community since 2012. I used to publish my books on Amazon and then get mortified about public opinion and unpublished them soon after. I made the decision last year that I was going to put my work out there and let it stay published.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I hired a cover artist to design my cover. They did a wonderful job, and I’m so grateful.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
Honestly, I’m just winging it. The Crossroads Ritual was published in September 2025. My book is currently on Amazon in the KDP program. I’m trying my best to utilize my social media, but it’s difficult to build an audience and visibility from zero. I’m so excited I found IndieView. I’m new to this community, but I’m happy to be here.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Write and read and be creative. It really is that simple. If you have a story to write, let it out. Share your gifts. You will learn story structure and narrative cohesion on your journey. You will get better the more you write. Believe in yourself and in your vision, no matter what. You can do this.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. I still live here. I love being from the south, and I do prefer city life. I’m grateful I grew up with both.
Where do you live now?
I still live in my hometown of Charlotte. My dream is to move to a beachside town one day, where I have a writing office overlooking a beautiful and picturesque view of the ocean.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I’m super friendly. I’m a little shy, but I don’t mind coming out of my shell. I love reading and writing. I’m very open-minded. I love spirituality. I’m somewhat psychic and clairvoyant. Yeah, I’ve seen several ghosts before. I even got cursed out by one who lived in my home. I’m not joking, unfortunately.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a supernatural horror Gothic book that’s set in the Appalachian Mountains. It’s about a woman rescuing her younger sister from a dark cult called Jupiter‘s House, which is also a honey farm. This book has magic powers, cults, gothic mansions, and bees. The honey they sell has magical healing properties, but it comes at a cost. I’m excited to finish this one.
End of Interview:
Get your copy of The Crossroads Ritual from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
