Dead Girl’s Ashes
by Annathesa Nikola Darksbane
Released: Jun 07, 2025
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Why this book and why now?
So, I originally wrote this book back in 2017 and only recently re-released a reworked, re-edited version to make it the best I could with my (hopefully?) improved skills. So, peering all the way back into the different world that was nearly (dear god) ten years ago, I’d just written a sapphic-themed space opera and wanted to work on something different, and Ashley’s story was something recently in mind and just as close to my heart. Since urban fantasy was boomin’ back then, it seemed like an excellent fit – and was, for the time. Possibly less so for the market now, but that’s a different story.
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?
It changed a lot since the source idea, of course. I don’t really do first drafts, but it’s also went through some strong changes in the recent rewrite: more focus on Ashley’s history with her current girlfriend, clearer action descriptions, and clearing out uneeded details that didn’t end up going where I expected later in the series. Also a general craft improvement pass.
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
Oh yeah. She’s fairly self-inspired with how she manages rough situations with humor. She’s also stubborn, which tracks. The vampire part is different, though… Or is it?
Do your character names have special significance or meaning?
Honestly, I just thought they sounded cool. :] Some of my other books have way more symbolisim put into them, but I’m honestly not sure it was worth the effort. Maybe for one of them, but in general I think “cool and appropriate name” is the better use of my time.
Did any real-life events or personal experiences influence the story?
Unfortunately so. Ashley’s traumas, though way worse than my own, reflect my own in way’s I won’t delve into deeply. But it helps to get them out there, and I’ve had several readers write me that they saw their own struggles in there too – which honestly I never expected, but means a ton to me.
How does it feel to finally share this book with readers?
Depends on the time of day, and volume of sales. Back in 2017, it felt like the top of the world. Now that everything’s such a struggle to find visibility, readers, or anyone to chat about it, it feels a bit frustrating sometimes. Less like sharing and more like throwing marketing at the wall. Or void.
What’s one fun fact about your book that most people wouldn’t know?
It was based off a group roleplay! I kept Ashley’s character intact and her general character arc, but changed the actual events, story structure, and supporting cast. I also made her the focus and POV, of course. But it was an excellent starting point, even if I’d probably consider it a little restrictive these days.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Oh god no. Not a show, so much as the same few movies over, and over, and over. But hey, we can’t always pick our comfort media.
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Oh this could really range from a traditional romantic, dimly lit dinner out, to taking her date to the top of a skyscraper for a truly unrivaled view. Or maybe even to the world Next Door for something magical, adventurous…and a little dangerous. She could even try for a candlelit meal at home, if she felt brave and wore gloves.
Which character do you relate to the most, and why?
Ashley, 300%. We’re too similar at the base personality level, good and bad alike. I kill less people, though. We also wear a lot of the same clothes.
Were there any scenes or characters that surprised you as you wrote?
Pretty much all of them. No outline survives first contact with what my characters decide to do, and the more I struggle the longer it takes. Better to just go with it.
Which character was the most fun to write, and which was the hardest?
Ashley is too much fun, both the key “look how awesome” and “look how melancholy” moments. While Charles is also super fun to write as her unintentionally funny straight man counterpoint, he’s probably the hardest too; I want to make sure his identity and heritage comes off correctly and genuinely.
If your book were to be adapted into a movie or TV show, who would be your dream cast?
Oh, I’ve thought about one part of this a lot. I’d want whoever played Jessica Jones in the Marvel tv show as Ashes. When it aired, I couldn’t get over how perfect she fit the image in my head, especially appearance but attitude some, too. She’d need some scars, though.
Did any of your characters surprise you by developing in unexpected ways?
A better question might be if any of them didn’t. And the answer would be no. I feel like I haven’t written a good character if they don’t take on a life of their own.
If you could spend a day with one character from the book, who would it be and why?
Oh, Ashley. I’m curious how bad she actually smells, and she’d probably ask why I wrote her to suffer so much.
…Now that I think about it, I think I’ll spend a day with Charles instead. :p If I can get him to open up, I’d love to learn some from him.
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
I mean, if it’s gonna be functional it’s gotta be blood. Sadly, it wouldn’t be fresh enough if we took the time to mix it. For fun? Anything really sweet and really chocolate, so she can actually taste it. Subtle doesn’t really work for Ashley.
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
Well, the 100% most appropriate song is Bring Me Back to Life (by Ht Bristol, Charlie Bannister, Vincent Steele, and Nine One One) so I have to plug it. But what she’s actually play? Ballroom Blitz (the original) or Angry Again (Megadeth), without considering the irony of the second.
Your characters are throwing a party—what’s the theme?
Usually their parties where everyone gets together are just “let’s chill out and chat.” After everything they go through, moments of relaxed connection and peace are pretty valuable. Also, they have wildly different tastes and would never agree on a theme anyway.
Do you outline your books in detail, or do you prefer to discover the story as you write?
Both! I have a chapter by chapter outline, with important scenes partially detailed as the shower inspiration strikes. I have character and romantic arc outlines, too. I even have notes on specific mentions and themes to make sure they get wrapped up. But I always end up with new chapters, new scenes, and characters that were more important than I expected.
I feel both are pretty important, personally; enough structure to know where it’s going and connect all the dots, but enough freedom to just…write, let it all breathe, and fill the void on its own. Because it will.
Who are your biggest literary influences?
Simon R Green and Jim Butcher, who got me into urban fantasy and helped set the tone. Tycho (from Penny Arcade) who writes far more weird and wonderful wordplay than I do. Brandon Sanderson for his peerless world building, too.
What are you currently reading?
Various marking books, sadly. But when I get through that I’ll pick back up on the last book of Dungeon Crawler Carl and catch up on everything Craig Schaefer, then try to find something new.
