Therena Carlin

Meet Therena Carlin: A Canadian Storyteller of Epic Romance and Fantastical Art

Therena Carlin is an illustrator and author based in Canada, weaving tales of resilience and romance in the realms of epic romantic fantasy and paranormal fantasy romance. Her stories, filled with misfits and outcasts finding their place through sweeping adventures and swoon-worthy romance, are brought to life with her original artwork, creating a fully immersive experience. Join us as we dive into her creative world in this author spotlight!  

A Flair for the Dramatic and Fantastical

Therena’s bio captures her essence: “Therena is an illustrator and author based out of Canada with a flair for the dramatic and fantastical.” Since self-publishing her first book in 2021, she has crafted stories that resonate with readers seeking escape and belonging. Supported by an incredible editor, alpha/beta readers, and a proofreader, Therena handles most of the creative process herself, including her stunning illustrations. As a Plantser—blending plotting with spontaneous creativity—she pours her heart into every project.  

Crafting Worlds of Resilience and Romance

Therena is most proud of her first book, a bold step toward her dream of publishing, and her current work-in-progress, which continues to push her creative boundaries. Her Star Awakened series, set to release in 2026, promises to captivate with its epic romantasy. A surprising discovery along her journey? Her characters can deliver snappy comebacks in the moment, unlike her real-life self, where responses take hours to form. “All those snappy comebacks that take hours to think of can finally be said in the moment!” she shares. Her writing has evolved significantly since her debut. “Every book I learn something new! From character voice to being brave enough to push societal boundaries,” she says. Her stories, while fantastical, are grounded in real emotions—pain, love, heartache, and hope—drawn from her own experiences, though she jokingly adds, “If you do find a dragon shifter or winged men, let me know!”  

A Chaotic Creative Process

Therena’s writing process is as vibrant as her stories. Her first drafts are lightning-fast—she once wrote 170,000 words in five weeks—but editing takes time, often a year or more, depending on her editor’s schedule. Her quickest books are binge-written in a month, while her current project is her largest yet. Aiming to complete a new series before publishing, she’s already written two books this year and hopes for a third. Her writing space, dubbed the Dragon’s Lair, is a haven of inspiration. Lined with bookshelves of special editions and favorite books, the room features her own artwork, dragon minis, pins, and treasures like a baby owlbear and Derpy Dragon pillow. She writes on a Remarkable 2 tablet from a rocking chair or treadmill desk, though she also finds inspiration on her couch or at coffee shops while waiting for her kids during sports.  

Writing for Herself and Her Readers

Therena’s stories begin as personal creations, but once complete, they belong to her readers. “While I write, the stories and art are for me. But once I am done, it’s a story for that one reader out there who needed to find my worlds,” she explains. Her audience is key, especially those seeking escape through her fantastical worlds. Her ADHD fuels her “chaotic creative” nature, juggling writing, illustrating, reading, and dreaming up new ideas. Feedback is welcomed, though it may take a day or two to process emotionally. “I like to learn and so I welcome feedback,” she says. After publishing, Therena is already deep into her next project—be it writing, art, or reading—keeping her creative energy flowing.  

What’s Next for Therena?

Fans can look forward to Star Awakened, set for release in 2026, alongside a brand-new series she’s currently crafting. While she loves the blend of genres in dark epic romantasy, Therena’s favorite playground is creating special editions, infusing her books with her unique art. “Making special editions are my favorite play space,” she shares, hinting at more visually stunning releases to come.  

A Glimpse into Therena’s World

Therena Carlin’s journey is a testament to her boundless creativity and passion for storytelling. From her Dragon’s Lair in Canada to the epic, art-filled worlds of her books, she crafts stories that resonate with dreamers and misfits alike. Whether binge-writing a novel or illustrating her characters, Therena’s work is a celebration of resilience and romance. Keep an eye out for Star Awakened and her upcoming series—there’s no doubt this Plantser has more magic to share.

Stay tuned for more from Therena Carlin, a chaotic creative whose stories and art invite readers to soar into fantastical realms!