D. C. Gomez Crafts Magical Worlds Filled with Humor, Suspense and Heart
A USA Today Bestselling Author on Found Families and Unconventional Adventures.
D . C. Gomez, an award-winning USA Today Bestselling Author, podcaster, motivational speaker, and coach, is a storyteller who captivates readers with her unique blend of humor, suspense, and heartwarming themes. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Salem, Massachusetts, Gomez’s varied life experiences heavily influence her writing. Having studied film and television at New York University, served in the U.S. Army for four years, and obtained two master’s degrees, her diverse background brings richness to her stories.
Gomez’s passion for empowering others to overcome self-doubt is mirrored in her multifaceted work, which includes fiction spanning urban fantasy to children’s stories, as well as nonfiction. Her latest book, Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern, exemplifies her ability to blend genres while connecting with readers through relatable themes such as love, found family, and friendship.
A Quirky Team With Heart
The heart of Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern lies in its ensemble of eccentric yet endearing characters, part of the ongoing Intern Diaries series. Gomez describes them as a flawed but committed family of individuals trying to do the right thing. Their loyalty, baggage, and personal growth create a sense of relatability and hope. “This is one of my favorite families I’ve ever created,” she shares. “They discover healing, forgiveness, and the value of found friendships.”
Balancing Humor and Suspense
What makes Gomez’s urban fantasy stories stand out is their seamless balance of humor and suspense. As a plot-driven author who thrives in action-packed narratives, her natural dark sense of humor serves as a welcome contrast to intense moments. This combination creates an engaging reading experience where laughter and edge-of-your-seat thrill coexist.
The Reapers Universe: History Meets Texarkana
The world of Gomez’s Reapers Universe is a unique blend of mythology, history, and urban fantasy, set primarily in Texarkana. Research is a cornerstone of her creative process, as she works to ensure the accuracy of the settings and organizations that populate her stories. Yet, as she humorously notes, diving into research often means losing hours to fascinating discoveries—something she embraces as part of the creative journey.
Challenges of Writing Love
For Gomez, crafting the romance between Bob and Isabel in Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern was a new challenge. Known more for mystery and dark retellings, Gomez aimed to push herself into new territory by showing love blossoming in unconventional ways. “It’s about finding love while navigating unique challenges,” she reflects, proving that her storytelling versatility knows no bounds.
Constantine’s Hilariously Flawed Retreat
One of the story’s highlights is Constantine, the 5,000-year-old talking cat with an affinity for YouTube, attempting to organize a team-building retreat. Described as “good intentions gone wrong,” the retreat explores character dynamics with humor and mischief, making it one of Gomez’s most relatable—and funniest—scenes.
Family Inspirations
Family dynamics, often exaggerated for dramatic (and comedic) effect, resonate strongly in Gomez’s work. She draws inspiration from her large, vibrant family when creating the eccentric dynamics in her stories. Whether it’s a family reunion or a fantastical misadventure, Gomez taps into universal experiences, making her tales both humorous and heartwarming.
Standalone Adventures Within a Series
Gomez delights in crafting standalone stories within a larger series, offering newcomers an entry point while providing faithful fans fresh insights into beloved characters. “It’s about capturing a moment in time,” she explains, striving to make every reader’s experience equally rewarding.
Army Lessons and Creative Impact
Her time in the Army taught her resilience and the value of humor in tough situations—elements that shape her writing and storytelling approach. Gomez’s books carry an underlying urgency paired with layers of comedy, reflecting her Army-honed ability to handle life’s challenges with grace and perspective.
Love, Friendship, and Hope
At its core, Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern emphasizes relationships, reminding readers that love and friendship can emerge unexpectedly and triumph despite odds. “Sometimes love finds us in the strangest places,” Gomez says, urging readers to embrace it when it comes.
Advice for Aspiring Authors
For those seeking to create genre-blending stories, Gomez stresses the importance of authenticity. “Don’t censor yourself,” she advises. “Be true to your characters and trust the process. Creating honest stories is difficult but essential.”
