Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome P.S. Bartlett, author of HIRO-J: Energy, for an author interview with The Reading Bud.
About The Author
P.S. Bartlett
P.S. Bartlett (pen name), an award-winning author, was born on Valentine’s Day in Baltimore, Maryland, near the historic sites of Fort McHenry and Federal Hill. As the youngest of eleven siblings, she was surrounded by history and enjoyed cycling to explore these national landmarks with her friends during her childhood.
She released her debut novel, Fireflies, in 2013 and has since self-published twelve books.
During the pandemic, Peggy used her writing skills to freelance in copywriting, editing, and beta-reading, which helped her regain lost income and grow her freelance business. Collaborating with authors has become a fulfilling passion, as she enjoys helping others achieve their writing goals. She has also added publishing and social media management to her list of offerings to her clients.
Alongside her literary endeavors, she loves reading, painting, drawing, and learning anything new. While writing and coaching other authors takes up much of her leisure time by choice, she treasures the moments spent with friends and family.
Currently serving as a full-time marketing director, Peggy hopes to transition into a full-time writing career upon her retirement in 2026 and continue her work supporting other authors.
“Always remember to go for what you want, no matter your age, because whatever makes you happy and fulfilled is always worth your time.”
Her motto: I’m taking a fantastic voyage. Won’t you join me?
You can find author Bartlette here:
Author Website | Facebook | Instagram
Interview
Welcome to TRB! Could you provide our readers with a personal introduction beyond your official Author Bio?
P.S. Bartlett (pen name), an award-winning author, was born on Valentine’s Day in Baltimore, Maryland, near the historic sites of Fort McHenry and Federal Hill. As the youngest of eleven siblings, she was surrounded by history and enjoyed cycling to explore these national landmarks with her friends during her childhood.
She released her debut novel, Fireflies, in 2013 and has since self-published twelve books.
During the pandemic, Peggy utilized her writing skills to freelance in copywriting, editing, and beta-reading, which helped her regain lost income and grow her freelance business. Collaborating with authors has become a fulfilling passion, as she enjoys helping others achieve their writing goals. She has also incorporated publishing and social media management into her offerings for clients.
Alongside her literary endeavors, she loves reading, painting, drawing, and learning anything new. While writing and coaching other authors occupies much of her leisure time by choice, she treasures the moments spent with friends and family.
Currently serving as a full-time marketing director, Peggy hopes to transition into a full-time writing career upon her retirement in 2026 and continue her work supporting other authors.
“Always remember to go for what you want, no matter your age, because whatever makes you happy and fulfilled is always worth your time.”
Her motto: I’m taking a fantastic voyage. Won’t you join me?
Beyond the blurb, can you share a unique aspect or background detail about your book’s setting or characters?
I’m guessing a scientific institute that is secretly housing an alien being is pretty unique, but who knows? I suppose that’s subjective to the reader.
Every book begins with an idea. What was the initial inspiration that led you to write this particular story?
Sometimes, or rather, most of the time, I hear a voice in my head that starts getting louder. It starts telling me a story. This particular time, I thought of an ordinary person who is caught up in extraordinary circumstances. How Hiro joined the party is still a mystery. I started outlining and thought, how cool would it be to meet an alien being and make that ultimate connection—love!
Fantasy often tackles profound themes. What central message or theme do you hope readers will take away from your book?
That emotional intelligence is important to our survival, and that we love who we love, even if it happens to be an alien.
Of all the characters in your book, is there one you feel particularly close to? Why?
Definitely, Lana. She and I are very much alike—introverted extroverts. I believe she’s an INFJ-A personality type, just like me.
How do you approach character development in a fantasy setting to ensure they are relatable to readers?
I draw all my characters from life. Having been on Earth for a long time, I have met, known, and loved people from all walks of life. I’m very observant, much like Willie in the story, and I can quickly identify a character’s attributes and flaws.
What served as the primary inspiration for this book? Was it an existing myth, a personal experience, a dream, or something else entirely?
I honestly don’t know. I think I wanted to dispel the “Little Green men” from Mars myth and tell a story about people who were the exact opposite of what we’ve seen in the movies. Hiro is like a big, beautiful, sweet E.T. type of person.
How long did the process of writing this book take from inception to completion?
I started the book in late October 2024, if I remember correctly. I began three books within a few weeks of each other, but this one kept calling to me. As a writing coach and editor for other authors, my work kept me so busy that I had to schedule time to work on Hiro-J. All in all, it’s not a huge book, so it only took me about three months total.
Are there other stories or fantasy worlds you’re currently developing?
No, I’m going to stick with Hiro for a while. I’ve already started forming the plot for Book Two.
What attracts you to the fantasy genre specifically? Do you explore other genres as well?
My first novel, Fireflies, was a blend of fantasy and magical realism. I believe life is full of mystery, and we don’t always need to look to aliens, dragons, fairies, and vampires to find that magic. I believe that if we shut off our electronics, sit quietly in the world, especially in nature, for a while, and “touch grass,” as they say, we can feel the magic of the real world around us. However, I’ve a whole series about female pirates, also known as Historical Fiction. I’ve written Historical Romance, Fantasy, and Contemporary Romance, and now I’ve added Science Fiction Romance. I write what I want to read and what excites me at the time.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? Was the journey straightforward, or did you face challenges along the way?
I’ve been a writer my whole life, as well as an artist and dreamer. However, I didn’t publish my first book until 2013. Challenges? Try being married, raising children, working a full-time job, and taking care of an elderly parent. Writing has been and continues to be my escape from the real world, as is reading. I make time to escape, I guess. It’s much easier now, though. It’s only the full-time job that holds me back.
Can you describe your typical writing routine?
I brew a pot of coffee, have some dinner, go into my home office, and play with my cat for a bit. Then, I sit down to play a computer game or scroll through BookTok for about 30 minutes to clear out the day’s cobwebs. After that, I open my manuscript, read back the previous chapter from the night before, and start banging on the keyboard.
Editing is a crucial part of the writing process. How do you approach revisions and self-editing in the context of a fantasy narrative?
I’m a fixer and I love it. Anything that can improve the story, I’ll do it, no matter how long it takes. Mistakes you better. I’m lucky to have a great beta reader who isn’t afraid to tell me the truth… the cold, hard truth.
With the growing popularity of audiobooks and multimedia adaptations, have you considered these formats for your work?
I have several audiobooks for my other books. I have so much on my plate right now, trying to market Hiro-J, that the audiobook is way down the list for now. However, I am looking forward to having it created.
If you had to describe your writing style in three words, what would they be?
Outline. Adjust. Write.
What tools or methods do you prefer for writing – computer, typewriter, voice recording, or traditional pen and paper?
Good old Microsoft Word and my PC. Nothing fancy.
Could you share five books or authors that have influenced your writing, especially within the fantasy genre?
Definitely George R.R. Martin. I re-read A Song of Ice and Fire at least once a year. He is a master. There are five books in that series, so there you go. Seriously, though, he is my ultimate writing hero. Now, I can tell you about my favorite authors in other genres, such as Stephen King, for Horror, Elisa Braden, Elizabeth Johns, Julia Quinn, and Mimi Matthews, for Historical Romance. J. R. Ward—The Warden is my queen of Dark Romance. The list goes on and on.
How do you tackle Writer’s Block when working within the expansive boundaries of fantasy?
Read something else by another author or a different genre. I read, read, read, and listen to an audiobook. It cures me every time.
What piece of advice would you offer to budding writers, especially those looking to venture into fantasy
Read a bunch of fantasy books in the area you wish to write in. Fantasy is a vast genre with numerous subgenres, so be discerning. Read as much as you can to understand the genre and then sit down and just write!
Thank you, author Bartlette, for taking the time to answer our questions and for all your insightful answers!
About the Book
Hiro-J Energy
They told her she’d be studying human behavior.
They never said the subject wasn’t human.
Lana Delaney isn’t the kind of girl who chases adventure. A champion swimmer and psychology major, she keeps her world small—school, training, and staying invisible. But when her bold, unpredictable new roommate Willie bursts into her life, Lana starts to believe maybe she doesn’t have to hide forever.
Everything changes when she accepts a summer internship at a classified research facility. Her assignment? To observe an unusual subject known only as Project J.
His name is Hiro.
He isn’t human.
And he’s been waiting for her.
Trapped in a saltwater pool and fading fast, Hiro speaks through thoughts, memories, and something deeper Lana can feel.
With the help of Logan—a conflicted but charming tech specialist—Lana begins to unravel a web of secrets, cover-ups, and buried truths. Now, caught between two powerful connections and a dangerous conspiracy, Lana must decide how far she is willing to go to save the only being who has ever truly seen her.
Perfect for fans of Starman, Arrival, and The Host, Hiro-J: Energy is a romantic sci-fi thriller about memory, trust, and the invisible energy that binds us all.
You can find Hero-J Energy here:
Amazon
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The Reading Bud 
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