Keeping up with author Luisa Perez
- What inspired you to write this book?
Honestly, I was drawn to the idea of obsession and how far someone would go when pushed. I wanted to explore a woman who’s been overlooked, underestimated, and maybe even broken, but who doesn’t stay that way. I was fascinated by what quiet power looks like, especially in a world that expects loud, flashy strength.
- How did you choose the title? Does it hold special meaning to you?
It came to me while I was writing a scene where Caroline is watching someone, completely calm and still, like she’s hunting without making a sound. I realized, that’s what the entire story is: her hunt, done quietly, methodically. It felt right, and once I wrote it down, I couldn’t picture the book being called anything else.
- Can you share your process of writing and how long it took to complete the book?
It took about a year, give or take. I’m not someone who writes in order, so I’d often jump between scenes depending on what mood I was in. Some days I’d write something intense and dark, other days I’d just stare at the page and hate everything. But slowly it came together. I let the characters guide me, and eventually they started telling me where they wanted to go.
- Were there any challenges you faced while writing or publishing it?
So many. Self-doubt was huge. I questioned every scene, every sentence. Some of the content is heavy too, and there were moments where I needed to step back and breathe. Publishing felt even scarier, like putting a piece of my brain out into the world and hoping it doesn’t get torn apart. But the fear also made it feel real, like I was doing something that mattered to me.
- How do you feel about sharing your work with the world?
It’s terrifying. And exciting. I go through phases of thinking, “This is powerful, people will get it,” and then ten minutes later I’m convinced it’s garbage and I’ve made a huge mistake. But I’ve learned to sit with that discomfort. If it makes someone feel seen or even just entertained for a few hours, it’s worth it.
- Are there any parts or characters in the book that are especially personal or meaningful to you?
Caroline, definitely. She’s not me, but she holds pieces of things I’ve felt. Her silence, her anger, her control, it all came from somewhere real. And Sebastian… writing him was unexpectedly emotional. There’s something about him that got under my skin.
- What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
That power doesn’t always look loud or heroic. That sometimes, the quietest people are the most dangerous. I hope readers come away questioning what’s right and wrong, and maybe even feel a bit unsettled. That’s the kind of story I love reading myself.
- Did you experience any memorable moments during the research or creation of the book?
Oh, yes. I remember one night I was up way too late reading about scary nursery rhymes and their twisted origins, and I actually had to get up and go for a walk because it got to me. I also had a playlist that became like a soundtrack for the book. Every time I hear certain songs now, I’m right back in that world.
- What surprised you the most about the publishing journey?
How much of it is just waiting and second-guessing. And then suddenly it’s out, and you’re like, wait, that’s it? But the response from Arc readers was what surprised me the most. Some people really connected with it in ways I didn’t expect. That’s been the most rewarding part.
- Do you already have ideas or plans for your next project?
Yes, a sequel is already happening. I could not leave these characters alone even if I wanted to. I am also playing around with another book that is even darker, with a new cast and a new kind of twisted love story. I am not done writing about morally messy people.
All about author Luisa Perez
Luisa Perez is the author of The Loss, The Grief, and Her Quiet Hunt. Her first two novels focus on love, grief, and the messy, beautiful process of healing. Her Quiet Hunt, on the other hand, dives into darker waters: a psychological romance with twisted edges, unhinged characters, and just the right amount of obsession. Luisa lives in Ireland, where she somehow juggles writing, co-running Booked and Hooked (an online indie bookshop), and managing everyday chaos with the help of caffeine and sarcasm. She has a habit of recommending her own books after a few Tequila Rose shots and is on a lifelong mission to convince her husband that her internet search history is part of the creative process, not a red flag
Follow Luisa Perez’s author journey
TikTok: @luperezauthor87
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