D. C. Gomez Crafts Quirky Magic and Heartfelt Stories in Her Intern Diaries Series

Exploring Humor, Love, and Found Families in Urban Fantasy Adventures

D. C. Gomez, USA Today Bestselling Author is a literary force to be reckoned with—a storyteller who blends humor, heart, and suspense into narratives that captivate readers across genres. Her journey is as fascinating as her novels: from her beginnings in the Dominican Republic to her upbringing in Salem, Massachusetts, her academic pursuits in film and television, and her honorable service in the U.S. Army. These experiences have shaped her into the multifaceted author she is today—one who not only entertains but also inspires.

D. C.’s work is a testament to her versatility and passion. Whether crafting urban fantasy adventures, penning children’s books, or empowering others through her non-fiction, she brings a unique voice to every project. Her Intern Diaries series, particularly Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern, showcases her ability to weave together quirky characters, heartfelt themes, and laugh-out-loud moments. The series is a celebration of found families, forgiveness, and the triumph of love in the most unconventional of circumstances.

What sets D. C. apart is her authenticity. Her storytelling is infused with her own experiences—her time in the Army, her love for research, and her knack for finding humor in even the darkest situations. She doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of human relationships, making her characters feel real and relatable. Her ability to balance suspense with humor creates stories that are both thrilling and deeply satisfying.

In this interview, D. C. offers a glimpse into her creative process, the inspiration behind her characters, and the challenges she embraces as an author. Her advice to aspiring writers is invaluable: be authentic, don’t censor yourself, and trust your storytelling instincts. It’s a philosophy that clearly shines through in her work.

D. C. Gomez masterfully blends humor, suspense, and heart, creating unforgettable stories that inspire, entertain, and resonate with readers worldwide.

D. C. Gomez is more than an author; she’s a mentor, a motivator, and a gifted storyteller whose books leave a lasting impact. Dive into her world, and you’ll find yourself laughing, reflecting, and eagerly turning the page. Her stories remind us that love, hope, and humor can triumph in even the most unexpected ways.

What inspired you to create the quirky, magical team featured in Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern? 

The team featured in Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern are part of the crew of the Intern Diaries series. This is one of my favorite families that I have ever created. This group is full of quirky characters who are loyal and faithful to each other. They are not perfect people, but individuals who are just trying to do the right thing. Like many of us, they all come with baggage, and backstories that we all get to discover together. Some find healing on this journey, while others have to learn forgiveness. The series is one of hope and truly found families and friends.

How do you balance humor and suspense in your urban fantasy books? 

For my books, I’m a plot-focused kind of author. I enjoy books that are full of suspense/mystery and action. Because I enjoy reading books that are full of adventure, I write similar books. The humor-part is something that comes very naturally to me. I have a very dark sense of humor, so regardless of the situation, I’m always looking for the things that would make me laugh. This easily translated into my books.

Can you share the research process behind the Reapers Universe and its unique elements? 

The Reapers Universe is an urban fantasy adventure that takes place primarily in Texarkana (both the Arkansas and Texas sides). This requires making sure locations and organizations are accurate in the area. The series also draws from mythology and history elements, which expands my research process. The great news is I love research and don’t mind getting lost in it. Unfortunately, research comes with a problem: when you discover something new or exciting, hours are gone in it.  

What was the most challenging aspect of writing Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern? 

The underline theme of Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern is a love story between Bob and Isabel. This was truly a challenge for me since I’m not known for romance or love stories. After writing Cursed by Fur, a dark retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, my goal for Sugar Plums was to do something different. To focus on my characters’ journey while finding love, and show that love would triumph even in the most unconventional ways.

How does Constantine’s team-building retreat play into the character development of the crew? 

Constantine is a 5,000-year-old talking cat who is truly addictive on YouTube. His team-building idea is a case of good intentions gone wrong. After hours of watching too many cooperate videos of building groups, he had the brilliant idea of taking his core team on a weekend retreat. He just had one slight problem: the crew was already a tight team that worked incredibly well with each other. It also didn’t help that half of the crew was supernatural and the exercises were a bit too easy for them. Unfortunately for the crew, Constantine is a committed cat and would not give up that easily.

Are there any personal experiences that influenced the eccentric family dynamics in the story? 

I’m extremely blessed with an enormous family, so I’m never at a loss for material when it comes to eccentric characters and odd experiences. This book is probably one of the funniest I’ve written in a while because we can all relate to family reunions gone wrong. All we need is just to imagine what could go wrong when all these people get put in a situation outside their control and see the madness explode.

What’s your favorite part of crafting a standalone misadventure like this within a larger series? 

Honestly, this type of standalone is a genuine joy to write because you are capturing a moment in time. You don’t need to background of the series to fall in love with the characters, but for those who love the characters, the story keeps on developing. It’s finding a sweet spot for those new to the world and readers’ expectations, so everyone can have a blast.

How do you think your time in the Army has shaped your storytelling or creative process? 

The Army added a sense of urgency to my life that translates into my books. My storytelling comes with layers of action and true human struggles, wrapped in dark comedy. That is something I mastered in the army. How to deal with life and death situations while still keeping yourself from breaking down. Humor is usually the key for me.

What message or takeaway do you hope readers gain from this book?

This book is all about relationships, both romantic and friendship ones. I hope readers see that is never too late to find love. Sometimes it will come when we least expected and in the strangest places. But we should always take a leap.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to create engaging, genre-blending novels like yours?

The advice I remind myself often is not to censor myself. It is easy to self-doubt and question our decisions about our characters. If we truly want to create stories that are engaging and that readers can enjoy, we must be authentic with our characters. This can be difficult and scary. But creating the most honest stories is part of the process.