We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Hi, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share about yourself with our readers.
Hello! My name is Collena, and while I currently work in healthcare, my true passion lies in storytelling. I’m an aspiring New York Times bestselling author, and writing has always felt like a natural extension of who I am. I grew up in a vibrant, multi-faceted environment, moving between NYC, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Jamaica. As one of six siblings, my early years were full of energy and creativity, which sparked my imagination and instilled in me a deep love for books and storytelling.
I also hold a degree in biological anthropology, which has given me a unique perspective on humanity’s diverse experiences. I weave these insights into my writing, creating stories that are not only entertaining but reflective of the complexities of human nature. When I’m not crafting tales, you’ll find me traveling to new places, absorbing different cultures, or getting lost in the pages of a good book. For me, every experience is an opportunity to learn and fuel the stories I share with the world.
Please tell us about your book, Coved: High Tides.
Kali has always felt trapped between two worlds: the ordinary and the extraordinary. Born into a family shrouded in secrets and bound by ancient loyalties, she’s spent her life navigating shadows she didn’t even know existed. But a fateful encounter at the local pier shatters her carefully constructed reality, revealing a hidden realm where the supernatural is real—and she stands at its heart.
Tethered by a mysterious bond to Caleb—her best friend’s brooding, commanding ex-boyfriend—Kali is thrust into a world she doesn’t fully understand. As she unravels her enigmatic heritage and the dormant power simmering beneath her skin, the lines between friend and foe blur. The Scath, an unseen supernatural layer over the human world, teems with danger. Hunters, werewolves, and ancient rivalries awaken, threatening not only Kali’s life but the fragile balance of this hidden realm.
Desperate for answers, Kali plunges into the world of the Scath, where whispers of deadly supernatural creatures turn into chilling realities. Teenagers are vanishing, alliances are crumbling, and danger closes in from all sides. With her heart caught between loyalty and betrayal, Kali must decide who to trust—and who to deceive—before time runs out.
Torn between duty, desire, and a destiny she never asked for, Kali faces impossible choices that could shape the future of the supernatural world—or destroy it. Can she rise above the secrets of her past and harness the power within, or will her decisions unravel everything she holds dear?
Fans of dark fantasy, forbidden romance, and pulse-pounding twists won’t be able to put down this enthralling tale of love, loyalty, and the fight for survival.
Please share your journey with our readers.
My love for reading began at a young age. I always found solace in escaping into different worlds, where imagination had no bounds. I grew up surrounded by stories, and my mother was a big part of that. She passed away in 2020, and in that moment, I was forced to reevaluate everything. I had been on a very clear path—pursuing my master’s in biological anthropology with a focus on nutritional ecology, even conducting research in the field. Yet, despite the structure of academia, I found myself weaving stories in my head, even while out in the field.
After her passing, I needed time to grieve and find clarity. So, I took a solo camping trip to a serene lake, hoping to find peace. It was there, surrounded by nature’s stillness, that everything became clear. It was as if the universe spoke to me in that quiet moment: This is what you’re meant to do.
I realized I was going to write a book. What’s even more meaningful is that writing was something my mother and I shared—our love for reading and stories. Although she will never physically hold the pages of my book, I can feel her presence in my words. I know that my journey, though unexpected, is leading me exactly where I need to be. Writing has always been a passion I kept hidden, but now, I’m allowing myself to embrace it fully. I’m excited to see where this new path will take me.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
The strategies that have truly helped me succeed in my journey are discipline and accountability—though I know it might sound a bit cliché. It’s the kind of advice that often gets brushed off, but I can honestly say that consistency really is the key. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new project, but staying disciplined and holding myself accountable, even on the tough days, has made all the difference. Success doesn’t come from big, overnight wins—it’s built day by day.
Another crucial element has been believing in what I’m creating. Confidence is everything. I’ve learned that people can tell when you’re unsure of yourself or your work, so it’s vital to stand firm in what you have to offer. Not everyone will resonate with my book, and that’s okay. My goal isn’t to please everyone; it’s to reach the people who will connect with the story. As long as I have enough people willing to give it a chance, I consider that a success. Being authentic and true to my vision has allowed me to keep moving forward, even when things get tough.
Any message for our readers?
Dear readers of Coved,
First of all, thank you for joining me on this journey. Writing Coved has been a deeply personal and transformative experience for me, and I am so grateful for each of you who has embraced Kali, Caleb, Elijah, and the world I’ve created. Your support means more than I can express. As a writer, I’ve poured pieces of myself into these pages, and knowing that you’re connecting with these characters and their struggles, victories, and love stories makes every moment worthwhile. I hope Kali’s journey resonates with you as much as it does with me, and that Coved transports you to a place where magic, love, and self-discovery exist in equal measure. This is just the beginning. The story continues to unfold, and I’m beyond excited to share what comes next. Thank you for your belief in my work and for being part of the Coved family. Stay tuned for more—and remember, the Cove will always be waiting.
With love and gratitude,
C.K. Ceed
Thank you so much, Collena, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
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