Author: blogespresso

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

Hi! I’m Megan Cianfaglione, an indie author who writes stories that live in the shadows—psychological thrillers, horror shorts, and dark, twisty fiction that isn’t afraid to go deep. I’m passionate about telling stories centered on survival, resilience, and the quiet kind of strength people don’t always see. I write with a cup of strong coffee nearby, a playlist full of haunting music, and a deep love for characters who feel just a little too real. My debut thriller, No Safe Place, is a story about reclaiming power when the world has tried to take it from you—and it means the world to me.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “No Safe Place”?

Emotionally, it was heavy. Writing from the perspective of a woman who survived abuse and is trying to rebuild her life while being hunted by her past wasn’t easy. I wanted the fear and trauma to feel authentic, but also leave space for moments of hope, humor, and humanity. Structurally, balancing the thriller pacing with emotional depth was tricky—I had to learn when to hold back and when to go full throttle. And then there was the self-doubt, of course. But I channeled all of that into Rayna’s voice.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Stephen King, Haruki Murakami, and Sarah J. Maas have all shaped the way I write in different ways. King taught me how to lean into fear and character psychology; Murakami opened my mind to surrealism and emotional complexity; and Maas inspired me to build immersive worlds and layered relationships. Books that have stuck with me over the years include The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, 1Q84, Hamlet, and A Court of Thorns and Roses. Each one left a different kind of imprint—whether through atmosphere, emotion, or sheer literary beauty.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

Northern California, hands down. The weather is perfect—cool, moody, a little mysterious—and the landscapes are just breathtaking. From the towering redwoods to the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur, it’s a place that feeds my soul creatively and emotionally. It feels ancient and wild, like the kind of place where stories are waiting to be told. Every time I visit, I feel reconnected to nature—and to myself.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘No Safe Place’?

Part of the inspiration came from my own experience in an abusive relationship. I wanted to write something that captured the emotional complexity of surviving—not just the trauma, but the vulnerability of trying to trust again, to rebuild a life, to let new people in. No Safe Place is about reclaiming your power in a world that doesn’t always make it easy. It’s raw, personal, and deeply human.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘No Safe Place’?

About a year from the first scene to the final draft—though the idea lived in my head for a lot longer than that. I wrote it in layers, revising as I went. It started as a short story and grew into something much deeper and more complex. I also took breaks to step back and make sure I was telling the story with the honesty and care it deserved.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

No Safe Place is available on Amazon as both an eBook and paperback! You can find it by searching my name—Megan Cianfaglione—or the book title. And stay tuned—more stories are coming soon, from twisted horror shorts to a romantasy series I’ve been quietly crafting in the background.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘No Safe Place’?

The title came first—it just felt right. Rayna is constantly trying to find a place where she’s truly safe, and every time she gets close, something rips it away. “No Safe Place” captures that claustrophobic fear. The cover was a labor of love. I knew I wanted it to feel chilling, lonely, and atmospheric. I ended up with a snowy backdrop, a shadowy figure, and a rusting water tower—a perfect symbol of how decay and danger can lurk even in quiet places.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I focus on character first. If I care about the people I’m writing, the story stays alive for me. I also let the darker or stranger ideas take the wheel—whether that’s playing with structure, weaving in unexpected humor, or writing scenes that make even me uncomfortable. And when I start feeling stuck, I write something completely different—flash fiction, a horror scene, or even a poetic journal entry—to reset my brain.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

“Write the story only you can tell.” It sounds simple, but it changed everything for me. There will always be trends, but your voice—your weird, raw, true voice—is what people connect with. Don’t try to write like anyone else. Get honest. Get personal. That’s where the magic is.

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