Hooked On Onyx Unpacked

We sit down with author Adrian Thomas to talk about her nine-year writing hiatus, her return to indie publishing, and why Hooked On Onyx hits so hard even when it makes you mad. We unpack dark urban fiction choices, reader expectations like trigger warnings, and the craft behind characters who feel too real. • stepping back from writing because of procrastination and discouragement after leaving a publisher • the shift from publisher support to indie self-publishing and learning the new industry • trigger warnings as a courtesy and how the “new batch of readers” changes book culture • how Adrian creates characters at random and why King’s obsession drives the story • nature versus nurture in Onyx’s mindset and how family influence shapes her choices • jealousy, hidden motives, and side characters that bring comedy and chaos • writing tropes after the draft rather than chasing tropes on purpose • mental health themes, drugs, and how trauma can speed up a breakdown • dramatic endings, cliffhanger reactions, and whether book two is coming • where to start next with Adrian’s books and what she has coming up "if you go to my page you'll just you'll see like the forms to submit for the read for the readers and they can win like you know free copies and a gift card as well" outro