Author Interview: Veronica Preston

Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome Veronica Preston, author of Book of the Devil: Genesis, for an author interview with The Reading Bud.

About The Author

Veronica Preston

Veronica Preston is an author of spiritual fantasy fiction whose debut novel, Book of the Devil: Genesis, reimagines the myth of Iblis through a deeply philosophical and emotional lens. A lifelong lover of books, Veronica draws inspiration from sacred texts, spiritual philosophy, and her own reflections on morality, free will, and destiny.

You can find author Preston here:
Website | Instagram

Interview

Welcome to TRB! Could you provide our readers with a personal introduction beyond your official Author Bio?

I grew up surrounded by books and would often lose myself in their worlds. My first “real” job was at a library, and I loved everything about it — the smell of old pages, the towering bookcases, and the quiet, almost sacred atmosphere. These days, I gravitate toward non-fiction, which has deeply influenced my spiritual fantasy debut, Book of the Devil. Outside of writing, I love traveling and experiencing different cultures, foods, and traditions. At home, I share my space with four rescue cats who keep life lively, and I’m always on the hunt for new restaurants to try — I’m a true foodie at heart.

Beyond the blurb, can you share a unique aspect or background detail about your book’s setting or characters?

The blurb tells you the shape of the story, but not its pulse. Book of the Devil: Genesis was never meant to be just a retelling — it is the whisper of an ancient voice speaking through a modern pen. While I wrote, scenes would appear unbidden, as if the world of Nahar was pulling me inside it. One of the most vivid moments — when Iblis tears through the fabric of reality and stumbles into another dimension — wasn’t planned at all. It came to me like a vision, carrying with it the awe and terror of a being who does not yet understand the power he wields. Those moments, born of instinct rather than outline, became the heart of the story.

One of the most unique aspects of Book of the Devil: Genesis is the world of Nahar itself. It’s not just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing realm with its own laws, rhythms, and energy. The Jinn who inhabit it are born of smokeless fire, yet they carry the same moral struggles, loyalties, and flaws as we do. Iblis, in particular, is unlike any portrayal of the Devil you’ve read before—here, you meet him as a child, shaped by love, loyalty, and the quiet but inevitable tug of destiny. It’s a story that blurs the line between the mythical and the deeply human.

Every book has a starting point. What was the spark or pivotal moment that inspired you to write this one?

I was at a crossroads in my life, questioning whether the choices I was making were right or wrong. That search led me into scripture—the Qur’an, The Three Testaments, and writings on the Jinn and Iblis, who had fascinated me since university. At the same time, I was absorbing works like The Four Agreements, Conversations with God, and The Power of Now. Those ideas began to fuse, and then—almost overnight—the story appeared in my mind, fully formed. All I had to do was write it down. I felt, and still feel, a burning desire to get this story out and I can’t explain why. That’s why I’m working on Book 2 as we speak.

Is there a core message or theme in your book that you wish readers to discover?

Yes. At its core, Book of the Devil: Genesis asks readers to reconsider what they think they know about good, evil, and the space in between. I wanted to explore the idea that the “adversary” is not always a villain in the traditional sense, but sometimes a necessary force—one that challenges, questions, and disrupts in order to bring growth or truth to light.

It’s a story about pride, obedience, love, and exile—but also about the cost of holding onto your convictions when the price is everything you value. My hope is that readers walk away not with simple answers, but with deeper questions about morality, faith, and what it truly means to stand for something.

Of all the characters in your book, do you have a personal favourite? What makes them special to you?

I would have to say Zahra is my personal favorite. She embodies the quiet strength I admire—spiritual, compassionate, and deeply attuned to the unseen. Zahra has the gift of foresight and the power to heal, yet she wields them with humility and grace. She is a moral anchor in the story, someone who can see beyond the immediate to the greater arc of fate. Her calm presence feels like a light in a world full of conflict, and her love is both gentle and unshakable. Writing her felt like channeling a soul who already knew the answers, even when everyone else was still searching. Though, in the book, Zahra has doubts too but her faith in God’s will is strong.

How do you approach character development, ensuring they resonate with readers and feel authentic?

Honestly, for Book of the Devil, the characters came to me as naturally as the story did. But to ensure they truly resonated with readers, I dug deeper. I asked myself: What made them who they are? What shaped their beliefs, attitudes, and values? What kind of decisions have they made—and why? What drives them, and what do they fear? I created detailed character profiles, exploring everything from their backstories to their likes, dislikes, and education.

Writing Book 1 taught me just how much depth there is to character development—I was only scratching the surface when I began. Now I see that authenticity often comes from how characters interact with one another and whether those interactions feel true to who they are. Building that depth is a blend of knowing them intimately and allowing them to surprise you on the page.

What was the inspiration for this book? Was it an idea, an anecdote, a dream, or something else?

I sometimes say it was “divine inspiration,” but in truth, the story arrived like a whisper from somewhere older than memory. It came unbidden, yet with a sense of inevitability—like it had been waiting for me to give it form.

Perhaps it’s because I have always believed in the sanctity of free will. The thought of another—be it man, spirit, or Devil—pulling the strings of my choices unsettles me. In scripture, it is said that we will stand accountable for our deeds, while the Devil, in the end, will wash his hands of us. That truth lingers with me: the burden of morality is ours, a gift and a trial from God.

This book became my way of exploring that responsibility. Beneath the story’s fire and shadow, I hope readers will feel the pull to question the forces that shape them… and to seek their own truth, no matter how hidden it may be.

How long did it take you to write this particular book?

Approximately 5 months.

Are you working on any other stories presently?

Yes—right now I’m working on Book of the Devil: Purgatory, the second book in the trilogy. In Genesis, Iblis’s story was about discovery—of himself, his power, and the divine will. Purgatory is about what happens when that power is tested to its limits.

The stakes are higher, the battles—both within and without—more dangerous. Love, loyalty, and faith will be pushed to breaking point, and Iblis will be forced to confront the cost of the path he’s chosen.

Why have you chosen this genre? Or do you write in multiple genres?

I think the genre picked me, honestly. I didn’t start out with a specific category in mind—this was simply a story I felt compelled to write for reasons I still can’t fully explain. As the writing unfolded, I realized it could fall under the fantasy genre, but it’s far from a traditional, action-heavy fantasy novel. It’s deeply spiritual, reflective, and mythic. For the next two books in the trilogy, I’ll remain in the spiritual fantasy space, but I’d also love to explore other genres—perhaps a drama loosely based on real-life events, and one day, even a dive into horror.

When did you decide to become a writer? Was it easy for you to follow your passion, or did you have to make some sacrifices along the way?

I’ve known I wanted to be a writer since I was a little kid—I wrote my first short story in grade four and was hooked. But following that passion wasn’t straightforward. My family had other ideas for my future, so I pursued a career where I found success and fulfillment for many years. Still, there was always a quiet voice inside reminding me that I needed something to truly feed my soul. Writing kept calling me back. I’m fortunate to have a very supportive partner, and his encouragement was instrumental—not only in giving me the courage to step into writing, but also in helping me through the journey of bringing my first book to life.

What is your writing ritual? How do you do it?

I don’t have a fixed writing ritual—at least, not yet. For Book of the Devil: Genesis, the words came when they wished, and if I wasn’t tied to something important, I would sit and let them spill onto the page. If I couldn’t write in that exact moment, I made it a priority to return to the idea before it faded, capturing it while it still burned brightly in my mind.

Because this was my first book, I didn’t follow a structured routine; the process felt more like being visited by a story that insisted on being told. That said, I can already see the beginnings of a ritual forming as I move into Book 2—an evolving rhythm in how I approach storytelling, as if the act of writing itself is slowly teaching me how it wants to be done.

Editing can be a gruelling process. How do you approach revisions and self-editing?

I’m not sure how other writers do it, but I’m a big believer in the magic of a second—or even third—set of eyes. When you’re living and breathing your own story, you stop seeing the little things: the sneaky typos, the awkward sentences, or that one paragraph that made sense at 2 a.m. but reads like ancient code the next morning.

After about 100 pages, my brain waves the white flag, so I happily hand the manuscript over to a couple of trusted friends—one with an editorial background—who are brave enough to tell me the truth. For me, editing isn’t just fixing mistakes; it’s turning “almost there” into “I can’t stop reading.”

We don’t have to do it alone and it was actually a fun process for me. When it becomes mentally fatiguing, I just step away from it for a while. Having those second and third set of eyes has been pivotal in the development of book 2.

With the rise of audiobooks and multimedia experiences, have you considered exploring these avenues for your stories?

Absolutely! In fact, I’ve already begun exploring that space. Book of the Devil: Genesis is in production as an audiobook, with a voice actor bringing Iblis to life in a way that feels both intimate and cinematic. I’m also experimenting with multimedia—book trailers, character art, and even narrated excerpts—to immerse readers in the world of Nahar beyond the page. My goal is to make the story an experience, whether you’re reading it, listening to it, or watching it unfold.

Lastly, if you were to describe your writing style in three words, what would they be?

Mythic. Philosophical. Evocative.

How do you prefer to write—computer/laptop, typewriter, dictation, or longhand with a pen?

Laptop all the way. I love the freedom to edit, rearrange, and make a mess without crossing out half a page. That said, when inspiration hits and I’m not near my computer, I’ll quickly type it into the Notes app on my phone—just to capture it before it slips away. I’ve also contemplated making a big visual storyboard to hang on my wall, so I can see the entire story world at a glance and live in it while I write

What are your 5 favourite books? (You can share 5 favourite authors too.)

There are far too many to choose from, so I’ll cheat a little and pick five from different genres. Letting Go by David R. Hawkins (spiritual self-discovery), Change Your Paradigm, Change Your Life by Bob Proctor (personal growth), Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden (historical fiction), the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling (fantasy), and the Twilight saga by Stephenie Meyer (paranormal romance). Each one left its own mark on me in completely different ways.

How do you deal with Writer’s Block?

I give my mind a breather. I truly believe inspired ideas come when we sit in stillness and give them space to be heard. When writer’s block hits, I’ll turn inward—maybe meditate or simply sit with the question, ‘What’s next?’—and then deliberately step away. I might go out with a friend, take a walk, or do something completely unrelated to writing. The distance works wonders. Eventually, the answer always finds its way back to me

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

I’m still very much on my own writing journey, but if I had to offer advice, it would be this: don’t wait for the ‘perfect moment’ to start—just begin. Let your first draft be messy, raw, and unapologetic. Read widely, write often, and don’t be afraid to step away when you need to recharge. And most importantly, trust that your voice matters, even if you’re still figuring out exactly what it sounds like

Every book begins with an idea. What was the initial inspiration that led you to write this particular story?

Fantasy often tackles profound themes. What central message or theme do you hope readers will take away from your book?

At its heart, Book of the Devil: Genesis is about choice. The power we each hold to shape our path—no matter the forces, temptations, or voices that try to sway us. It’s about the weight of free will, the courage to question, and the cost of standing by one’s convictions. I hope readers leave with the reminder that light and darkness aren’t always external—they exist within us, and our decisions determine which we nurture.

Of all the characters in your book, is there one you feel particularly close to? Why?

How do you approach character development in a fantasy setting to ensure they are relatable to readers?

Character development is tricky enough when they’re human—try doing it for a being made of smokeless fire. My first step was to give them a form so readers could connect with them. Since scripture, especially the Qur’an, often speaks in allegory, I asked myself what could represent smokeless fire in a way that felt true to the text yet vivid for the imagination. That question sent me deep into research until the right image emerged. Once they had a body, the rest was effortless—their personalities, flaws, and quirks just seemed to step into the story, as though they’d been waiting all along for me to write them down

What served as the primary inspiration for this book? Was it an existing myth, a personal experience, a dream, or something else entirely?

If I had to name it, I’d call it divine mischief—an idea that arrived uninvited and refused to leave. The inspiration flowed as though it had always been there, waiting for me to give it voice. Perhaps it’s because I value my autonomy and bristle at the thought of unseen forces—like the Devil—steering my actions. I believe free will is a gift from God, and with it comes the responsibility to live ethically. Scripture tells us the Devil will one day wash his hands of us, absolved of wrongdoing, leaving only our choices to speak for us. That truth stayed with me. This book is my way of wrestling with that idea and, I hope, inviting others to seek their own

How long did the process of writing this book take from inception to completion?

2 years. Approximately 5 months to write.

Are there other stories or fantasy worlds you’re currently developing?

Yes—I’m deep in the creation of Book 2 in the Book of the Devil series, Purgatory. If Genesis is the origin, then Purgatory is the crucible. Iblis has matured from an impassioned youth into a warrior in God’s army, navigating the shifting tides between duty and doubt. The story delves into the forging of Hell—not as a place of senseless torment, but as a realm of purpose—and tests the limits of forgiveness, loyalty, and destiny. This world is expanding, its shadows lengthening, and I’m eager for readers to walk deeper into it with me

What attracts you to the fantasy genre specifically? Do you explore other genres as well?

I like to think the fantasy genre chose me. I didn’t set out with a label in mind—this story arrived fully formed in my head, and I simply followed where it led. As I wrote, I realized it fit into the realm of spiritual fantasy, though it isn’t the traditional action-heavy quest type. Fantasy allows me to blend the mythical with the philosophical, to weave worlds where divine questions meet human emotion. I do plan to stay in this genre for the rest of the trilogy, but I’m also drawn to drama inspired by real life and, someday, I’d love to explore horror. I suppose I’m a storyteller first, and a genre writer second.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer? Was the journey straightforward, or did you face challenges along the way?

Can you describe your typical writing routine?

I don’t have a fixed writing routine—at least, not yet. For Book of the Devil: Genesis, the words came when they wished, and if I wasn’t tied to something important, I would sit and let them spill onto the page. If I couldn’t write in that exact moment, I made it a priority to return to the idea before it faded, capturing it while it was still in my mind.

Because this was my first book, I didn’t follow a structured routine; the process felt more like being visited by a story that insisted on being told. That said, I can already see the beginnings of a routine forming as I move into Book 2—an evolving rhythm in how I approach storytelling, as if the act of writing itself is slowly teaching me how it wants to be done.

Editing is a crucial part of the writing process. How do you approach revisions and self-editing in the context of a fantasy narrative?

For me, editing is where the world of Nahar sharpens into focus. I’m too close to the work while drafting—too deep in the fire—to catch every flaw. That’s why I lean on trusted second (and third) sets of eyes, including a friend with an editorial background. I’ll read through, refine what I can, then hand it off. Sometimes after 100 pages my brain goes cross-eyed, so having outside perspective keeps the magic intact while catching the cracks.

How do you tackle Writer’s Block when working within the expansive boundaries of fantasy?

I don’t fight it. I step away. I believe ideas often arrive when we stop chasing them. I’ll meditate, sit with the question, “What next?”, then distract myself—walks, time with friends, something unrelated. Without fail, the answer eventually pushes through the quiet.

What piece of advice would you offer to budding writers, especially those looking to venture into fantasy?

Don’t be afraid to build a world that only you could imagine—and then trust your readers to step into it. Research deeply, write boldly, and remember: the first draft isn’t meant to be perfect, it’s meant to exist.

Thank you, author Preston, for taking the time to answer our questions and for all your insightful answers!

About the Book

The Book of the Devil

This isn’t a tale of horns and pitchforks.
It’s a tale of questions, echoes, and exile.
Book of the Devil: Genesis reimagines the Devil as Iblis—a being of fire, loyalty, and impossible choices. Born into a world of smokeless flame, Iblis is chosen to serve God, but he begins to question the nature of obedience, justice, and divine will. His rebellion is not out of vanity, but love, sorrow, and a desire to understand. As he rises through the celestial order, Iblis walks the line between sacred and profane, setting the stage for a fall that may be more holy than it seems.

You can find The Book of the Devil here:
Author Website

If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com