All about the novel My Forgotten Demons
Who is Elm Jed?
Elm Jed is obsessed with creating stories, whether in writing format, videos, or painting. Most of their stories they want to center around overcoming and helping others feel less alone when the shadows in our minds feel too much. Each story is different, and they aspire to give voice to harder topics like survivor’s guilt, depression, and PTSD. Even with all of this, you can still find joy, happiness, and love.
What is My Forgotten Demons about?
Leonardo’s dark secrets have been revealed, while the first of Autumn Watson’s have just begun to unravel.
After discovering Leo’s true identity, the strict hotel mogul who has captured her heart, Autumn finds herself in hiding. Every precaution she’s taken to protect herself appears to be falling to pieces, her world crashing around her. With very few choices left, Autumn returns to someone from her past she never thought she’d see again. Unfortunately, she is quickly reminded why she escaped in the first place. Every day separated from Leo, Autumn slips more and more into the darkness that had once consumed her world.
Before Blue Java Café.
Before Nan’s Bookstore.
Even before “Autumn Watson.”
Three years ago, she barely escaped with her life, thinking that part of her had died.
There are some things in life you can never truly run away from. And this time, if she doesn’t choose quickly, she may never get a choice again.
Will she leave New York City and her life behind forever?
Or go back to the man who will stop at nothing to find her, and when he does…will he keep every promise he made?
Interview
What was your inspiration for “My Forgotten Demons”?
The entire “My Dear Watson” series (“My Forgotten Demons” is the second book) started off as spite towards the “Fifty Shades of Grey” books. Long story short, I wanted a series that centered around a relationship that had more green flags, than red. To showcase a better representation of mental health, supporting someone in a partnership, and positive BDSM dynamics. In this particular book, I wanted to show the honesty of what it’s like to live with trauma-based anxiety and depression. When it comes to a relationship how that can shape it, but also how it can strengthen other areas if you’re willing to be vulnerable, kind, and patient.
What drew to you writing?
I’ve been writing since I was a kid. I grew up in a household that wasn’t always safe, and writing became my safe haven. It’s turned into a coping mechanism to help deal with my PTSD and depression, a place to make the impossible, possible. Not to mention sharing stories with others that I’ve created.
How did you choose which character to center the story around?
It was always going to be Autumn’s story from the beginning. Although in the second book, you’ll start to see some of Leo’s side of the story, it’s not the emphasis. It’s a romance series, but it’s also a story about healing and finding oneself without compromising their true self. Autumn is never “cured” of her PTSD, anxiety, or depression, she just finds how to manage them.
What was your process for writing “My Forgotten Demons”?
Can I say chaos? I’m the kind of writer who doesn’t really plot, instead, I understand and curate my characters to the point where they’re kind of taking the lead. So…Autumn and Leo mostly decided where the story went in writing. If that even makes sense.
What is your approach to world and character and building?
Given this is set in contemporary, modern (but in the early 2010s) most of the world has already been set. Instead, if I have ideas of how they interact with it, I then research how it fits within the world. Take for example, Autumn LOVES Nick Cage movies, so there are references all throughout the books. BUT I have to double-check that those she’s referencing have been made in the right time period because it’s 2012. I can’t say she loved a certain movie in college when it hadn’t been made yet.
How would you describe “My Forgotten Demons” in five words?
Healing Trauma with patient bikers.
Did you have a favorite moment in the book to write?
I don’t want to give spoilers, and it’s not a moment but a full chapter…but Chapter 22. Mainly, because it shows how far Autumn is willing to go to spite men.
What was your favorite book growing up?
ONLY ONE?! Here you get top three: “Walk Two Moons”, “Lord of the Rings”, “Freakonomics”
Do you have a favorite genre to read?
Monster romances. Doesn’t matter what subgenre, LOVE THEM.
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