PHOTO: K.E. Woodruff, author of Awake While I Die, crafting tales of vampires, survival, and ultimate redemption.
Award-Winning Fantasy Author On Survival, Hope, And Writing
Award-winning author K.E. Woodruff discusses her debut novel Awake While I Die, revealing how she balances dark themes with light, develops relatable characters, and finds quiet moments to write.
K.E. Woodruff, acclaimed author of the award-winning novel Awake While I Die, has captivated readers with her powerful ability to balance dark themes with moments of hope. Based in Alabama, Woodruff’s stories explore the complexities of despair, redemption, and human resilience, offering tales that stay with readers long after the final page is turned. Her debut novel, which earned her the Golden Stake Award at the 2022 International Vampire Film and Arts Festival, brings a contemporary touch to classic vampire lore while delving into profound emotional and psychological struggles.
At the heart of Awake While I Die lies Jason Harper, a deeply relatable protagonist who wrestles with loss, regret, and the search for meaning after a suicide attempt leads him into a transformative journey. Woodruff creates a stunning redemption arc that immerses readers in the perspective of the “monster,” showcasing Jason not merely as a creature of the night but as a soul yearning for purpose. By mixing the supernatural with deeply human struggles, Woodruff delivers a layered and emotionally charged narrative that transcends its fantasy label.
K.E. Woodruff’s storytelling balances profound themes with warmth and humanity, offering resonant and transformative narratives that linger with readers long after finishing.
For Woodruff, the story began as a single image. “Many of my story ideas come to me as a single thought, such as a dilemma or a particular scene,” she shared. “In this case, it happened to be the opening. I pictured a person walking into the woods and being attacked. Gradually, more details came to me: a boy, suicide attempt, vampires. And when the pieces finally came together, I had my first chapter and the inciting incident to move the plot forward.”
What makes Jason Harper resonate with readers is Woodruff’s portrayal of his struggles, which mirror many of today’s real-world challenges. “I wanted readers to see Jason as a person, broken and confused, rather than just a blood-thirsty creature of the night,” she explained. “Many of Jason’s personal struggles, such as loss, grief, and regret, are difficulties that we all face.” This focus on humanity and vulnerability is what sets her storytelling apart, immersing readers in a tale that feels both extraordinary and strikingly real.
While Awake While I Die explores dark themes, Woodruff emphasizes the importance of balancing those moments of intensity with lightness and hope. “Dark themes are incredibly powerful in storytelling. Not only do they give the story and its characters a greater depth and sense of realism, but they also allow the writer to explore more personal subjects,” she said. To achieve this balance, Woodruff developed secondary characters who bring humor, love, and wisdom to the story. Through unexpected friendships and a mentor-father figure, Jason discovers moments of tenderness and connection that help him navigate his darkness.
Woodruff’s imaginative take on vampire mythology is both rooted in tradition and uniquely her own. Influenced by classic works like Bram Stoker’s Dracula and films such as Van Helsing, she crafted a world where vampires reflect a duality of light and shadow. “The more a vampire feeds, the more beast he becomes, until finally losing himself. Jason encounters this very thing at one point in the story, and shadows begin to appear on his skin, a visible sign of his humanity slipping away,” she revealed. She also introduced a vampire Council, a system of governance for controlling rogue behavior. Woodruff’s attention to detail and dedication to crafting her supernatural world add richness to the story and heighten its emotional stakes.
Balancing a successful writing career and a busy family life is a challenge Woodruff takes on with determination. “In my current stage of life, there is no time for writing unless I make time,” she shared candidly. Often finding inspiration in late-night quiet moments or stolen minutes during the day, her discipline and passion for storytelling fuel her work. “Life is full of noise and chaos and messes right now, but there is also a quiet moment at the end of each day that I am able to write a few words if I am willing to look for it.”
As a self-described pantser, she prefers to discover her stories organically, moving forward from an initial idea or line of dialogue. “Making notes on my phone or jotting down an idea in a notebook before I sit down to write helps tremendously,” she said. “If I can have an opening line, a scene idea, some conversation between two characters, I can move forward. But everything hinges on that starting point.”
Looking ahead, K.E. Woodruff has plans to expand her storytelling into new territories. One of her forthcoming projects is a YA paranormal/psychological thriller featuring a mysterious swamp house, a cursed family, and a misleading narrator. Currently undergoing its second round of edits, the project reflects her signature blend of suspense, dark themes, and compelling emotional arcs.
For aspiring authors, Woodruff has straightforward yet invaluable advice: read critically. “Analyze your favorite stories—what makes them good? Did you like the characters? Was the plot clear? And analyze the stories you don’t enjoy. I’ve heard it said that bad stories are the best teachers. Figure out why you dislike a book, and figure out how you would make it better.”
With her poignant storytelling, K.E. Woodruff stands out as an author who celebrates the interplay of darkness and light, creating tales of both struggle and hope. As readers eagerly await her next release, her debut novel Awake While I Die continues to resonate as a soulful tribute to the human journey.
Source: Reader’s House Magazine
