Nocturnal Den Feature: J.E. Storm-The Spark That Ignites

Welcome back to the Den, where raccoons and storytellers gather. In this corner of the internet, I sit down with indie authors who pour their hearts into their worlds unfiltered, unpolished, and beautifully human.

Today, I’m chatting with J.E. Storm, the mind behind the The Spark That Ignites. A story that I was invited to join into an ARC (advanced reader's copy) read, and I refuse to leave. I'm forever greatful to be apart of such a loving Streat Team: The Khaos Crew Street Team for The Spark That Ignites. Let’s dive in!

J.E. Storm, Storyteller of The Spark That Ignites

Meet the Storyteller

Van: How would you describe yourself ? Not as an author, but as a storyteller?

J.E. Storm: As a storyteller, my goal is to inject feeling into my words. To evoke emotion in the reader and make readers think about morality and decisions from every angle. All my characters are morally grey or antiheroes, so it challenges us all to critically think about their decisions/actions.

Van: I won't spoil it yet for our audience yet, but you already know my favorite character! I was like, "Oh, hello!" *laughs*

Van: What first pulled you toward writing? Was it a single story, a person, or a moment?

J.E. Storm: I've been passionate about writing since I was a child. I can't pinpoint the exact moment, but my grade two teacher encouraged my stories and pursuing my dreams.

Van: Oh my word! This is were we relate! Second grade teachers must have been all around birthing the future story-tellers of today, and I'm so thankful for your second grade teacher too.

Van: Coffee, tea, or chaos? What fuels your writing sessions?

J.E. Storm: Coffee and chaos for sure! I'm one of those writers who will find a song that fits their character and put it on repeat. I will literally listen to it until I'm absolutely SICK of it.

Van: I swear we are the same person, or your my writing soul sister! I'm curious if you also see them cinematically too while the song is playing. I love it!

Art by: Pupinoko

On Writing and the Indie Journey

Van: What inspired your first book, and how has your writing evolved since then?

J.E. Storm: My first book was inspired by disassociation. But all jokes aside, I started reading again after not being able to for quite a few years after my BA in English Lit. It sort of took my joy out of it. My first book is inspired by the books that got me back into reading: Sarah J. Mass, Rebecca Yarros, Carissa Broadbent, etc. The types of stories I love. As I'm working on book three in the series, I find my writing has become stronger from the first draft. I don't fumble as much with describing how the character is feeling sinking into their POV.

Van: Reading your book, I mentioned that to you with such confidence, but hearing you actually confirm it makes me grin from ear to ear! I totally felt Rebecca Yarros' inspiration in how your characters really feel. It had me so hooked.

Van: What made you choose the indie route over traditional publishing?

J.E. Storm: Control. I wanted control over all aspects of it and wanted to publish my own timeline. As I already work a full time job, added deadlines didn't seem realistic for my life. I also wanted my stories to stay true to me, not commercialized to make it marketable. My writing is my characters speaking through me, and I refuse to compromise both mine and their voices.

Van: This is truly a mic drop moment! Well said, and honestly, after reading your book, I'm really happy you give readers what they crave. As a reader, sometimes, I don't want what's trending, but what's rare. You have 100% given us something—not only special—but rare. As an indie too, we love rare!

Van: What’s been your proudest moment as an indie author?

J.E. Storm: Probably receiving my first five star review. I could barely BREATHE when I sent out my ARCs, releasing this story that's so dear to me, to the public, but I only received such overwhelmingly positive and loving feedback from my readers. My goal was to make at least one person feel something whether that be a smile, laugh, cry, and to have them enjoy the book and help them escape reality for a moment. Now it seems my goals are growing by the second.

Van: I love for you. Absolutely love. It truly shows where your heart is at. Out of the heart, the mouth speaks. This truly shows your who you are and your character inside. It makes me smile, and seeing your reviews, I'm not the only one!

Van: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting their indie journey?

J.E. Storm: Don't do what I did and START YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA NOW. I only started three months before my release date and now I'm playing catch up. Making connections and supporting others will get you so far. Also, just being kind, cheering others on, and watching them succeed is so underrated! It's my favorite thing now.

Van: My jaw just hit the floor. Three months ago? That is wild! I truly agree with your advice, but oh my goodness! J.E. Storm, you have had a huge impact already! Your book has not only taken off, but readers are wanting more from you already! Also, as a fellow colleage, you have done some heavy inspiration and encouragement for other indie authors and storytellers alike. What an inspiration!

Art by: Pupinoko

Worlds, Characters, and Chaos

Van: What comes to you first? World, character, or conflict?

J.E. Storm: Definitely characters. Vesper was the first character in my series that came to me and he was SO LOUD, I basically shaped an entire wourld around him. Well, him and Emmery. But Emmery actually wasn't the FMC (female main character) in my first draft. As she came into focus and shaped the story, the world grew and of course (poor girl) the conflict all latched onto her.

Van: Again. Excuse me while I pick up my jaw off the floor! *laughs* I had no idea! Vesper is such an amazing character, but oh my goodness! It leaves me room for curiousity of who he was before! 

Van: Do your characters ever surprise you by doing something you didn’t plan?

J.E. Storm: All the time. It makes plotting SO HARD. They entirely lead the story. I sit down with a vague idea of the scene I want to write, often inspired by a line of dialouge or a particular visual and then the characters derail me. It's quite rude.

Van: *laughs* This is hilarious. I can totally see your one character Emmery doing this. She has such a head on your shoulders, I can totally see her bossing you around!

Van: If you could live in one of your own stories for a week, would you? Why or why not?

J.E. Storm: Probably not. I would parish immediately. Because all the RUNNING and MONSTERS? That's a HARD NO from me.

Van: Oh my lanta. My smile is going to hurt my cheeks, because yes, your world would be something terrifying in real life. Lovely to dream about though! But I think I'm with you on this one. The running... (You don't want to see me run. I'm often thought of Phoebe from Friends)

Art by: Pupinoko

Creativity and Inspiration

Van: How do you refill your creative well when you’re running on empty?

J.E. Storm: This is so random, but my mind needs to wander and not be occupied by notifications and my endless To Do's, so I usually put on some music and shower. Or I find going for a drive will help me dip into my creative well and find there's never truly a drought.

Van: Ooo, we love a good daydreamer, and honestly, this needs to be a quote: Unplug. Run dry. Dip into creativity, and know there was never truly a drought.

Van: Who are the artists, writers, or musicians who influence your voice?

J.E. Storm: In terms of music, I listen to a lot of Bad Omens, Dayseeker, Sleeptoken, Too Close to Touch, and so many more, but essentially the angstier the better! In terms of other writers, I found that my style is somewhat similar to Raven Kennedy through that may be only me that thinks that. I find I draw comparisons and describe emotions similarly to her.

Van: Oh wow! I never would have pinned you for those bands! This is an amazing interview to get to know you as well! I hope your readers get as giddy as I am right now learning this!

Van: How do you define success as a writer, beyond sales or numbers?

J.E. Storm: Even though it's cruel and a bit morbid, making my readers cry. I LOVE when a book evokes that sort of emotion for me. I'm not an overly emotional person let alone reader, so if a book can have me in tears or wanting to hurl it at the wall, I'm absolutely feral for it.

Van: Ooo! I love that. I am surpised to hear you aren't an emtional person based on how many emotions I felt through your characters, but that just tells me more about how you are accomplishing your goals discussed earlier! You're slaying at this!

Art by: Pupinoko

Rapid Fire 

Van: Favorite comfort read?

J.E. Storm: Call me basic, but my favorite book to this day is still A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas. Maybe it's the nostalgia, but sometimes I'll pick up the book and read some of my favorite chapters.

Van: Aww! That's incredibly sweet, and I bet she would love to hear that!

Van: Song that sums up your current WIP?

J.E. Storm: Book three is... OH BOY, it's DARK and SAD. There's so many, but there's two songs I've been obsessively listening to: Only When it's You by Bleeding Verse (the acoustic version is fantastic) and Missing Limbs by Sleep Token.
Van: Excuse me while I put these into my phone now.

Van: Dream collaboration?

J.E. Storm: Oh my gosh ... Jennifer Armentrout. I would LOVE to meet her, but to collab with her? I would probably faint. Or Carissa Broadbent. I love her stories. She's a phenomenal writer and I think we could make something stellar together.

Van: No. Way! I can totally imagine Jennifer Armentrout! I've only read snippets of her work, books on my TBR (to be read) list, but goodness, the emotions you both would have, would have me crying and chucking books into the wall! *laughs*

Van: One line from your writing you’ll never forget?

J.E. Storm: This question is hard. Certain pieces of dialogue stick with me the most. For the sake of not spoiling book two, I'll quote from book one:

"I would save you from a million nightmares, chase all your terrors away, and never wake again, if it meant I could dream just one more dream with you, Emmery."

Van: Yes! Delicious! I think the entire ARC team and Street Team highlighted this!

Van: What’s next for you?

J.E. Storm: Book two is planned for spring 2026. I'm currently drafting book three out the five book series. Then I have a prequel planned (EEEE I'm SO excited about it) as well as a duology in another universe entirely that I already have peices of written.

Van: Shut the front door! I can't believe this! I feel so honored to be sitting here with you right now sharing this with us! I can't even describe the excitement I have right now! I know your audience was trying to get some into on book two, but this is deliciously delightful news to share! I am so excited! What a lovely gift of news you've given us to run for the season!

Art by: Pupinoko

Where to Find J.E. Storm

Follow J.E. Storm and explore her stories here:

Instagram: [here]
Amazon: [here]
Goodreads: [here]
Barns and Noble: [here]

Facebook: [here]

TikTok: [here]

Newsletter: [here]

Art by: Pupinoko

Final Thoughts from the Den

Every storyteller leaves fragments of themselves woven into their work. J.E. Storm's words remind us that it's important to be kind, encouraging, and above all, when our creative flow feels dry, it might be time to unplug to know that we aren't truly dry.

If you enjoyed this interview, share it, leave a comment, or let me know which indie author you’d love to see next in the Den.

Until next time ! Stay curious, stay creative, and keep the night light on.

 — Van LaCar

J.E. Storm's The Spark That Ignites