The Inspiration Behind “A Love Story Written in Blood”

Other Worlds by Kay Freeman

A perilous journey of desire and destiny in a novel that weaves contemporary gothic themes with fantasy.

Run with wolves or fly with immortals?

Other Worlds by Kay Freeman has been described as “a love story written in blood.”

The protagonist, Luna, goes on a perilous journey of desire and destiny in a novel that weaves contemporary gothic themes with fantasy. Think “Enemies to Lovers,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Love Triangle” tropes.

In this BookTrib interview, the author provides further insights into her book and its world.

Q: Other Worlds weaves together classic gothic tropes with modern fantasy. What inspired you to set this supernatural love triangle in Assisi, Italy, a town steeped in religious and artistic history?

A: Assisi made a lasting impression on me when I visited as a college professor leading a group of students during an art history course. The town’s unique geography, carved into the hillside, and its deep spiritual energy captivated me, especially the story of Saint Francis. The profound sense of history and beauty never left me, and when I began developing Luna’s character, I knew that Assisi would be the perfect backdrop for Luna’s journey of self-discovery.

Since Luna has the ability to speak to animals, I also felt a deep connection between her and Saint Francis, who is known for his special bond with nature and animals. This added a meaningful layer to the supernatural love triangle at the heart of Other Worlds, tying Luna’s abilities to the town’s spiritual legacy.

Q: Luna’s photography is a strong thread throughout the novel. How did her passion for capturing the world through a lens influence her emotional journey and choices between immortality and a primal, earth-bound existence?

A: Drawn to Aldo’s decaying villa, a symbol of once-eternal beauty now in ruin, she’s tempted both by the special power of the villa and the allure of immortality. In contrast, the werewolf, living in the untamed forest she loves to photograph, offers her freedom and a life rooted in nature.

Ultimately, Luna’s photography helps her see that while immortality promises eternal beauty, it comes with stagnation and decay. Her passion for capturing the fleeting moments of nature influences her decision to choose a mortal life with the werewolves, embracing the impermanence and freedom that comes with it, just as she embraces the transient beauty she photographs.

Q: Both the vampire and the werewolf represent different forms of escape and belonging for Luna. What is it about these supernatural beings that makes them compelling love interests?

A: Initially, she is drawn to Aldo’s allure — his immortality, the power to fly and the seductive mystery of his life. His crumbling villa, with its own magical pull, represents safety and permanence, something that intrigues her.

In contrast, Victor King frightens her at first. He hunts her in the forest, embodying the raw, untamed side of existence. Yet, while Aldo offers eternal life and the comfort of a home, Victor represents a more primal connection — freedom, nature, and belonging to a pack. Over time, Luna finds that what she truly craves isn’t the security of Aldo’s immortality, but the love and sense of belonging Victor offers, even though it’s more unpredictable and wilder.

A: Loss and grief play a significant role in Luna’s life, particularly her discussion about losing her child. How did you approach writing about this deeply emotional subject?

A: After speaking with someone who lost a child, I gained a deeper understanding of how grief can overwhelm a person. In a world where social media makes everything public, it doesn’t touch the private, inner spaces where grief resides. Loss — whether of a child, spouse, or parent—is a universal experience, so writing about it felt important.

There’s no set timetable for healing, and having a character who hasn’t come to terms with their grief highlights this. I’ve included a content warning on the sales page and inside the book to help readers decide if they’re ready to engage with these themes, especially if they’ve experienced similar loss.

Q: Luna’s soon-to-be ex-husband plays a pivotal role in her past life. How does her unresolved past influence her present entanglements with the supernatural?

A: They met when they were young, struggling artists, but she set aside her own passions, including photography, to support his career.

Her decision to go to Italy is symbolic of her search for self-discovery, but it also reflects the lingering hold Jax has on her, as it’s a place he loved. In this new setting, she becomes entangled with supernatural forces — Aldo, who offers immortality, and Victor, who offers freedom and belonging.

Her past with Jax fuels her determination not to repeat old patterns of sacrificing herself for others. This unresolved history drives her toward choices that challenge her to reclaim her identity and pursue what she truly wants, rather than living in the shadow of someone else’s ambitions.

Q: With strong themes like “enemies to lovers” and “Beauty and the Beast,” how did you ensure that Luna’s journey remains about self-discovery and empowerment, rather than being solely defined by her relationships with the two supernatural beings?

A: My characters guide the narrative, and Luna’s journey is no exception. While she had relationships with Jax, Victor King, Aldo, and photography, it was photography that reconnected her with herself. Her marriage to Jax was imbalanced, leading to dissatisfaction, but Luna’s growth is about more than romance. As she reflected on the train to Assisi, “…what I need is to fall in love with myself.

A good romance pushes beyond tropes, focusing on transformation. In this story, both heroes experience significant growth too. Though Aldo didn’t win the heroine, he found new purpose through meaningful friendships.

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