RILEY LOGAN TRANSFORMS PERSONAL TRAUMA INTO A STORY OF HOPE AND HEALING IN BLEEDING MAROON - VORAKA

Northern Ireland-based author Riley Logan makes their literary debut with Bleeding Maroon, a contemporary fiction novel published in June 2026. Inspired by their personal experiences with domestic violence, trauma, and mental health struggles, the novel explores the complexities of abusive relationships, friendship, recovery, and the different forms love can take.

The story follows Maroon Wilson, a troubled but trusting young woman whose growing friendship with Gwen leads to difficult revelations about her relationship with the short-tempered Thatcher. Told through five characters' perspectives, the novel examines how people respond to painful truths and how understanding and support can influence the healing process.

For Logan, writing Bleeding Maroon was also an opportunity for reflection and self-discovery. Drawing from their own experiences, they created a story that addresses sensitive subjects, including homelessness, sexual assault, grief, alcoholism, and self-harm. The book includes trigger warnings and mental health resources, reflecting the author's intention to help readers experiencing similar difficulties feel less alone.

Readers have connected with the novel's emotional honesty and its portrayal of friendship, prompting some to share their own experiences directly with Logan. Now working on a second novel and considering paranormal or romance themes, the author continues to explore new creative directions while celebrating the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.

At its heart, Bleeding Maroon carries a message that resonates beyond its fictional characters: you are not alone. Bleeding Maroon is available across multiple platforms in both paperback and ebook formats, all linked through the author website www.rileyloganauthor.com

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR RILEY LOGAN

What inspired you to turn your personal experiences into your debut novel, Bleeding Maroon?

I’ve found talking about my experiences has helped feel less alone through them. I wrote Bleeding Maroon with the hope that it can help other people feel less alone through their own experiences by knowing someone understands at least a little of what they’re going through or have gone through.

How did writing Bleeding Maroon contribute to your own healing journey?

I found it helpful to have the opportunity to see my experiences through different perspectives, to understand why some people reacted the way they did and that even some of the people that hurt me through their reactions may have been well intentioned.

What message did you hope readers would take away about abuse, trauma, and recovery?

The importance of being kind, not only to others but to yourself. Healing isn’t a linear experience and even when mistakes are made people still deserve to be treated with understanding and respect and to give that to themselves too.

Why was it important to tell this story through multiple character perspectives?

Perspective is everything in a situation, and you can’t understand someones reaction without seeing their perspective. Mitch is a great example for this in Bleeding Maroon, because without knowing his relationships and family dynamics you can’t understand why he reacts how he does to Thatchers actions.

Which character do you feel the strongest personal connection to, and why?

As much as I expected to feel most connected to Maroon because she experiences so much of what I had, I feel more connected to Gwen because I can relate strongly to her desire to be seen as more than a survivor while still struggling with what she went through.

How did you balance emotional authenticity with fictional storytelling?

So much of what the characters experience are things I’ve experienced myself, so I took the emotions I feel or felt and put them directly into the story. It felt important to me to not dramatize any of their situations to keep the authentic, raw emotions of those moments.

Why was it important for you to include trigger warnings and mental health resources in the book?

Trigger warnings felt important for Bleeding Maroon because I wanted the story to be as honest as possible, which at times can make it a difficult read. I included the resources I did so that if anyone relates to the story, they have the opportunity to immediately seek out support.

What has been the most meaningful response you've received from readers so far?

Readers contacting me directly to tell me how much they related to the story, and opening up to me about how and why they related to the characters. I can’t put into words the emotions that come from that experience and I hope I can continue to have those interactions.

What were the biggest challenges you faced as a self-published debut author?

As much as I could talk about the scam risks and financial side of self-publishing, I honestly found my biggest struggle to be finding the confidence I need. There is a constant feeling of second guessing myself when reaching out for promotional opportunities, marketing the book, or engaging with readers.

What inspired you to explore a different genre for your next novel?

I have never seen myself as a single genre writer. Being new to published writing, I’m still finding my creative style and what genre fits me best, and until I explore as many as possible I won’t know which I prefer, but I’m excited to continue the experience.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers who want to share deeply personal stories?

The saying ‘write what you know’ is more helpful than it first sounds. Take what you have felt and use those emotions to write something people can experience alongside you. No matter how realistic or unrealistic a situation is in a story, the emotions can make it feel real.

How does it feel to be featured in Voraka Magazine, and what does this recognition mean to you?

It’s an incredible opportunity that I’m beyond grateful for. It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to become an author so to not only get to experience that, but to be recognised as one is an indescribable feeling.