Behind the Pages
A personal FAQ from S.B. Nova
How many books will there be in the Outcast Series?
Six in total! The full arc has always been planned that way—from exiles to nomads, community to leadership.
Where can I get updates on your next releases?
Instagram is the best place to follow my journey. I share sneak peeks, aesthetics, and behind-the-scenes moments there. You can also sign up for my newsletter to receive updates straight from The Storyteller’s Vault, including early access, cover reveals, and more.
Is book three in the works?
Yes! I’m actively working on Book Three of The Outcast Series, alongside a brand-new series I haven’t announced yet. I can’t wait to share more soon.
Are there anymore books coming out for Draken?
Right now, there are no plans to continue the Draken series. It was my first published work, and it still means so much to me. But continuing it would require a major time commitment. At the moment, reader demand isn’t quite high enough to justify it. That said… never say never.
What’s your relationship with writing?
Three words: discipline, adaptability, devotion.
Writing is both a craft and a calling. It asks you to show up—tired, scared, doubtful—and still choose to believe in what you’re working on. That’s where the magic lives: in the persistence.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
These are some of the things that have helped me most:
1. Build habits before momentum.
Writing isn’t about waiting for inspiration. It’s about showing up and building consistency, even on the days you feel off. Small, steady steps will carry you further than rare bursts of motivation.
2. Take care of your body and your space.
Writing can be physically demanding over time. Make sure your setup supports you. Your chair, lighting, and posture matter more than most people realize. Mental and physical health directly affect your ability to stay creative and connected to your work.
3. Use tools that work for you.
Whether it’s Notion, Scrivener, Google Docs, or something simple, find systems that help you stay focused and organized. It doesn’t have to be fancy—it just needs to give your ideas structure and reduce mental clutter.
4. Build an atmosphere that feeds your creativity.
If visuals inspire you, create a Pinterest board. If music moves you, make playlists that match each chapter or character. Fill your creative space with things that stir your imagination and help you stay emotionally connected to your story.
5. Learn continuously, but stay selective.
There’s a huge amount of writing advice out there. You don’t need to take all of it in. Choose what’s useful for the stage you’re in. Trust your instincts. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t.
6. Invest in your craft.
Hire a good editor. I found mine through a Facebook group, and I asked several people for sample edits before deciding. I’m glad I did. It quickly became clear who was genuinely invested in helping me improve. The best editors aren’t always the most expensive, but they are the ones who care deeply about the work.
You probably won’t agree with every suggestion, and that’s okay. Sometimes your editor may recommend changes that don’t feel right because they don’t have the full picture yet—especially if the payoff comes later in the series. Even so, always give their advice serious consideration. It’s easy to get swept up in our own worldbuilding and fall in love with details that might be better saved for extras.
A great editor doesn’t just correct grammar. They help you ask the hard questions:
Does this serve the story?
Does this moment move the plot or the character forward?
Is this the right place for it?
And if the answer is no, that doesn’t mean it’s wasted. You can always turn those beloved details into bonus content: short stories, character journals, or lore books. The readers who want more will find them. What matters most is that your story shines and keeps momentum.
7. Understand the business.
Marketing matters. Learn how to use Amazon ads, reader magnets, and email lists. These tools are how your book finds its audience. You don’t need to master everything overnight, but don’t ignore it either.
8. You don’t have to be a bestseller to build a career.
This is something I remind myself often. You can build a life doing this without ever hitting a major list. Focus on your readers. Stay close to your craft. The rest will come from connection and consistency.
What inspired the Outcast Series?
Everything. The books, shows, and music I was obsessing over at the time. But honestly? It felt like throwing paint at the wall. I told myself it was my last shot at writing full-time, so I wrote the story I most needed to tell in my own unique way. I suppose I just stopped being scared to lay it all out there.
Do you plan to write a romantasy with a villain POV someday?
I’m not sure I could live in a villain’s headspace for an entire book—it’s a long time to spend in the dark—but I’m definitely drawn to morally gray main characters!
Are your books suitable for teens?
Not younger teens. I’d say my books are best for an older YA and adult audience—ages 18+. They include mature themes, intimate scenes, and emotional intensity that may be too heavy for younger readers.
Will there be special editions or signed copies?
Yes. Special editions are definitely part of my future plans. I’ve offered signed bookplates for previous releases, and for my next book, I’ll be doing even more.
The upcoming release will hopefully launch first on Patreon, where members will receive:
• Early access to chapters
• Signed bookplates, and possibly a limited number of hand-signed books
• Exclusive PDFs featuring lore, world maps, and character portfolios
• Reader polls to help decide which POVs, bonus scenes, or early chapters you’d like to see next
Patreon allows me to connect more closely with readers and share all the extra content I’ve always wanted to create. It’s where the story expands beyond the page. This is just an idea so far. Please stay tuned!
Want to ask a question? DM me on Instagram!