author story
Hi, I’m Carmen Kern. I’m an author of all things strange and fantastical, where mythological creatures roam, the immortal refuse to die, and the unexplainable is just another Tuesday. My stories are the stuff of nightmares—sprinkled with just enough wonder to keep you guessing.
Right now, I’m diving deep into the world of Wildflower, a twisted Red Riding Hood retelling where the line between hunter and hunted is razor-thin. I’m also the creative force behind The Postcard Book series, where each story is as fleeting and haunting as the photographs that inspire them.
When I’m not weaving dark tales, you’ll find me lurking in alleyways or wandering desolate landscapes—camera in hand—capturing moments that might just turn into the next plot twist.
Why I do what I do
I’ve always been drawn to the magic in everyday moments, and I use photography, graphic design, and storytelling to bring that magic to life. When I snap a photo, I’m not just capturing an image—I’m capturing a story waiting to be told. Those raw, often overlooked moments spark something in me, and they end up shaping my writing in ways I never expect.
For me, storytelling is at the heart of everything I do. It’s there when I frame a shot, when I pick out colors and fonts, and when I string words together. I create because I’m curious, because I want to uncover the hidden layers of the world, and because I hope to connect with others who see the world a little differently too. Through my work, I’m inviting you to look a little closer, to find the story in the details, and to step into the world as I see it.
publication story
The name of my publication company, Djinn and Tonic Publications, was born from a moment of inspiration—where the magic of storytelling meets a splash of something stronger. Born from a love of both gin and the mythical creatures that lurk around my imagination, this publishing company is more than just a name, it’s a toast to the strange and fantastical. The name is a nod to the powerful, elusive creatures of folklore and a reminder that even in the most ordinary of places, something extraordinary can be hiding just beneath the surface.
As an author who thrives on crafting tales that blur the lines between reality and fantasy, I wanted my publishing company to reflect that same spirit. Djinn are the embodiment of wishes and curses, of the unseen forces that shape our world. In much the same way, the stories I publish are infused with that same sense of wonder and danger, where every word has the power to enchant or unsettle.