What does it mean to delve deeply into your life to write a novel? How do you even start? How does an author write deep, diverse characters? 

Such were the questions that AJ Frazier worked through to write his new novel, Mariel. 

He answered them, and then some, in this fascinating thriller that encompasses extraordinarily complex themes in a new and interesting way.

A.J. Frazier is a Black and trans author whose work explores supernatural and theological themes through emotionally charged storytelling. A law enforcement officer and public speaker, he brings firsthand insight into power, justice, trauma, and survival. Mariel is his debut novel.

Author AJ Frazier teaching a cultural humility course on a broken leg

We were lucky enough to chat with AJ, and ask him about this book, inspiration, the writing process, series expansion, and more.

Here's what he had to say...

Please tell us about your new book, Mariel…
Mariel is a dark, supernatural thriller that blends faith, trauma, and prophecy across timelines. At its heart is a haunted priest named Fr. Jerome and the mysterious young man he adopted (Mariel), who may be much more than he appears. The story weaves together apocalyptic visions, enhanced humans, political corruption, and deep emotional scars, all while exploring the ripple effects of love, betrayal, and sacrifice. It's grounded in gritty realism but unfolds into something far more spiritual and unsettling.

What led you/inspired you to write this book?
I started Mariel over 15 years ago as a way to process things I didn’t have the words for yet: grief, identity, faith, and what it means to survive trauma. It began with a simple image of a priest at war with himself, and the story kept growing as I did. Over time, it became a place to wrestle with complex questions: What if resurrection isn't a miracle but a curse? What if love isn't enough to save someone? The characters came to life slowly but stubbornly...and wouldn’t let go. 

What might readers be surprised to learn about your writing process?
Most of Mariel was built scene by scene in my head like a film. I visualize everything before I write it—sound design, camera angle, dialogue pacing—and then translate it onto the page like a screenplay disguised as a novel. I want to be immersed in a book the same way I am immersed in a good series. I’ve listened to the same song for hours while I’m writing a scene just to make sure it hits the way it’s supposed to. I’ve closed my eyes and visualized my scenes like a film, and I’m a musician who likes to layer sounds, so I imagine the sound design in the middle of the daydream. I probably look ridiculous to people, and luckily my fiancee (soon to be wife) understands me as a person lol.

When writing diverse characters, what do you hope readers take away from your book?
That trauma, identity, and spiritual longing are deeply human...and deeply diverse. My cast spans racial, gender, and spiritual spectrums not because I set out to "check boxes," but because the story demanded characters that mirrored the real world: messy, flawed, layered people. I hope readers walk away with more compassion for those who live at intersections, especially those whose stories are rarely told in genre fiction. And I hope they feel seen. I want people to find resilience and hope within the characters who feel voiceless, because I understand exactly how that feels - like a scream you can’t get out of your chest. I hope they find strength within the entertainment. 

Who’s your favorite character? 
Tira, hands down. She’s the one I relate to the most. Readers may pick up on her neurodivergence: her hyperfocus, her struggle to process emotions in real time, her discomfort with social norms. She’s brilliant, brutal, and emotionally stunted in a way that hits close to home for me. Writing her felt like holding up a mirror: she doesn’t fit neatly into the world she’s in, and instead of softening herself, she sharpens. There’s something cathartic about giving her the space to be raw, flawed, and unfiltered...and still worthy of love. She’s not an "nice" character, but that’s what makes her real.

How do you envision Mariel expanding? Do you see it as part of a series or a potential adaptation?
Mariel was always meant to be more than one book. The story spans four parts, each peeling back deeper layers of prophecy, identity, and survival. The characters evolve over time, and their choices echo throughout generations. I’ve also had a very visual approach to the writing, so yes, adaptation is absolutely part of the vision. I’d love to see Mariel brought to life as a streaming series, something intense and character-driven with high emotional stakes. At its core, it’s a story about humanity on the edge, and I think that translates powerfully on screen - throw in phenomenal visual appeal, sound design, and camera angling and it’d blow up. No matter what direction I take with publishing, I would like to pitch to streaming.

How can people find your work? 
I am not officially published yet, but the book is in beta phase. I’ve been sending out ARCs to folks. I’d like to be decisive about the publishing path I take, so right now I’m focusing on momentum and gaining followers.

If they’d like to support a potential publishing platform, they can at https://www.inkshares.com/books/mariel-the-beginning-deaa74

Right now. they can follow me on facebook @AJ Frazier - Author  

Tiktok and Instagram: @AJFrazierBooks

Mailing List Email: ajfrazierbooks [at] gmail.com