Spotlight on Local Author S.E. Wheeler

Ainsley Shaw • April 1, 2025

Local author S.E. Wheeler opens up about the inner workings of her literary work, and shares the sources of inspiration underpinning her latest adult fantasy series. Wheeler will be doing a book signing at our mobile bookstore for the 2025 Austin Texas Book Trail on April 12th from 12pm-2pm at Wildfire Park in Leander.

AS: Can you start by introducing yourself, and telling us about your background?

SW: “Water has always been my element. As a child, I couldn't be kept out of pools and waves and Texas creeks. Visions of mermaids and underwater creatures filled my imagination. In 2015, after my second child was born, I found myself lost in postpartum depression and anxiety, but was able to experience relief from my symptoms when I submerged myself in writing. Writing Alteration became a refuge, and eventually, something I was very proud of and wanted to share. My background and education is primarily in child development, as is my current day job as the Director of a swim program in the Austin area.”

AS: Can you start by introducing yourself, and telling us about your background?

AS: Tell us more about your novel, “Alteration”, and the series as a whole. What was the inspiration for it?

SW: “Alteration is a new adult fantasy (first in series!) about a woman torn between two worlds - one on land and one in sea - and faced with a choice that risks her life. As her discoveries lead to new perspectives, Ondine must choose to remain set on the path designed for her, or choose Alteration. The underlying story is a reflection of my own transformation from a rigid religious upbringing to a more inclusive and open world view.”

AS: Tell us more about your novel, “Alteration”, and the series as a whole. What was the inspiration for it?

AS: Tell us more about your work. How would you describe your writing style, book genre(s), themes, etc.?

SW: “Alteration is primarily set underwater, so there are a great deal of vivid and visceral descriptions of that world. I enjoy writing engaging dialogue and characters that are complex and curious. I also like my characters to reflect the world I exist in, including all the layers of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and development.”

AS: Tell us more about your work. How would you describe your writing style, book genre(s), themes, etc.?

AS: What messages or sentiments do you want readers to take away from your work?

SW: “Alteration at its core is about accepting and understanding your authentic self, and learning to let go of ideologies/worldviews that are divisive or harmful to self/others. It also explores cultures built on conditioning children to believe one thing, versus teaching children to authentically and critically engage in the world around them.”

AS: What is next for you in your writing career?

SW: “I am currently working on two projects! One is Alignment, the second book in the Alteration Trilogy. It will pick up with Ondine, Cannon, and Waverly roughly a week after the end of Alteration and explore self-forgiveness and trust. Alignment is expected to be available this summer! The second project is titled A Coven of Moderately Depressed Witches and is a cosy fantasy novel that involves seven modern-day mothers stumbling upon a collective power and trying to figure out what to do about it. It will explore themes of female friendship and the struggles of motherhood with a dash of humor and witchy whimsy. There is no timeline yet for this novel.”