Dark Romance in the Fantasy Fiction Realm with Alexandria Swanson, With Wild Sex 911 Adventures and Mishaps Stories

Season 6, Episode 727:  The episode starts off with Ruan narrating excerpts from Alexandria Swanson's Dark Romance books, Defiance (affiliate link book link ) and Balance (affiliate link book link ), then we chat about writing, crazy sex related stories Alexandria has dealt with in her job, and the lovely parts of publishing as an indie author, but dealing with the crap in a world full of censorship.Ruan's book mentioned, Beach House Views: https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/beachhouseviewsbookDark Romance Fantasy Author Alexandria Swanson bio:  https://linktr.ee/alexandriaswansonauthorAlexandria has been writing short stories and poems her entire life in journals and had a great idea for a novel. Defiance was the first book she finished, with more to come! Alexandria has her B.A.s in criminology, sociology, and criminal justice with a minor in forensic science. She works as a 911 dispatcher and lives in the Minnesota metro area with her dog and cat, who keep her busy. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, hiking, travel and of course, writing. Alexandria is passionate about herbalism and is really bad at surfing, but she considers herself a masochist. Episode Summary:Author Alexandria Swanson shared she draws inspiration from real experiences when writing (though her writing is fantasy, not memoir), including working as a 911 dispatcher, plus with her background in her studies impacting her characters, her supernatural tales feature werewolves, witches, and vampires who have real psychological disorders, and this plays out as fully fleshed out and named in the storyline.We also discussed the crazy stuff...like the bizarre emergency calls Alexandria has handled: sex toys left in ovens, swallowed handcuff keys, and patients making dangerous decisions with household appliances. These real-life incidents are both interesting and intruguing, and a bit comical and shocking!Alexandria's books *Defiance* and *Balance* explore something rarely addressed in fantasy: how centuries-old supernatural beings experience PTSD and mental health challenges. Her pack therapist character Naya treats werewolves dealing with multi-lifetime trauma, while her protagonist Chloe struggles with night terrors based on Alexandria's own experiences.Listen to hear about the cover designer who hand-draws everything, why Alexandria loves editing (yes, really), and the book fair she will attend that podcast host Ruan Willow is hosting in Minnesota, The Honey and Jalapeno Book Fair, My 17, 2026.Topic timeline:Ruan narrates excerpts from Alexandria Swanson's booksMeeting an Author at a Book FairFrom Journals to Published AuthorFiction vs. Reality: Blurring Personal StoriesEmergency Room Stories: Handcuffs and Bad DecisionsMental Health in Fantasy and Paranormal RomanceThe Value of In-Person Book FairsCensorship, Leaving TikTok Over Algorithm and OwnershipSocial Media Double Standards and MORE CensorshipFinding a Sustainable Writing Routine Pet-Friendly Work Schedule and Writing RitualsFinding Creative Space Away From HomeLoving Editing vs. Hating First DraftsAuthors Must Review Every Editorial ChangeDesigning Dual Book Covers with Human ArtistryAI in Book Covers: Avoiding Hidden TechnologyAmazon Lost My Book and Pre-Orders!Book Printing Struggles and Independent SolutionsWrapping Up with Alexandria: Books and Social Media Instagram alexandria_swanson_authorAffiliate links and Ruan's links: https://linktr.ee/RuanWillowPodNation Podcast Affiliate link, Get 15% OFF with code podna15 on Ryze Coffee at ⁠https://www.ryzesuperfoods.com/⁠⁠Support the show and get exclusive content⁠Sign up for Ruan's Newsletters ⁠https://subscribepage.io/ruanwillowCopyright 2026 Pink Infinity Publishing. All Rights Reserved.