Ether
by Will Hoffman
Released: Jun 16, 2025
Genre: Young Adult / New Adult
Why this book and why now?
My heroine, Ren, was inspired by my wife, who is an empath and frequently touches the lives of total strangers by offering a kind word or an answer to a question they didn’t know they were asking. The idea that this really is a superpower has stuck with me for years… it just took me a stupidly long time to realize the vision.
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
The first draft was actually a TV pilot script… I knew the opening scene but never really knew what happened next or why. I had to actually write the novel to figure that out.
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
Yes. I have a soft spot for people like Ren and Katie, with tough skins and tender hearts.
How does it feel to finally share this book with readers?
It feels incredible to have this story out in the world and finally see if it resonates with anyone who doesn’t know me.
What’s one fun fact about your book that most people wouldn’t know?
The events of the last chapter came to me in a dream.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Ren and Katie would binge SENSE8 because it would remind them of the powerful, sensual nature of their ethereal connection.
Which character was the most fun to write, and which was the hardest?
The devilish Yana was the most fun to write. I think Katie was the hardest, because it took me a while to figure out what made her tick.
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
Ren would play “Weightless” by Romy because it captures the spirit of her love for Katie. And it’s a banger.
If your book had a scent, what would it smell like?
Lavender
Do you outline your books in detail, or do you prefer to discover the story as you write?
I love to discover as I write, and I don’t always know the ending, but I know what my midpoint is… the key turning point where “what the story is really about” comes into focus.
Who are your biggest literary influences?
For pure storytelling, I always come back to Stephen King, but more recently I’ve fallen in love with Tana French and her gift for dialogue and character.
