Introduction

At All in the Edit, we love championing emerging voices and the captivating stories they bring to life. This month, we're shining the spotlight on debut author Telicia McSwan, whose novel Hunted—releasing this September—delves into the depths of twisted love, betrayal, and emotional reckoning. With her honest voice and cinematic storytelling, Telicia is quickly carving out her space in the world of contemporary fiction.

About the Author

Telicia McSwan is a fiction writer who traded Brisbane’s city lights for the quiet charm of Longreach, Queensland. What began as a creative outlet during maternity leave soon became a burning passion, culminating in the upcoming release of her debut novel, Hunted. A lifelong dreamer and natural storyteller, Telicia has been writing short stories since childhood and now balances her love for storytelling with motherhood and family life.

When she’s not writing, she’s likely adventuring with her husband, two children, and two mischievous fur-babies. Telicia’s writing journey is a beautiful blend of creativity, courage, and finding joy in the unexpected.

Author Fact File

Name: Telicia McSwan
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Dark Romance
Books: Hunted (debut novel, out September 2025)
Base: Originally from Brisbane, now based in Longreach, Queensland
Fun Fact: Telicia eats her Weetbix with hot water and honey, loves Christmas so much she’d decorate year-round if she could, and quoted her fave TV show, Brooklyn 99, in her wedding vows
Current Project: Two additional novels in development, with Hunted recently published.

About the Book – Hunted

Genre: YA Romantic Suspense

Services Provided by All in the Edit: Line Editing, Copy Editing, Proofreading, Formatting, Cover Design, Publishing Assistance, and Marketing

Blurb: They say your first love changes you forever.
They don’t warn you what happens when it turns into your worst nightmare.

At fifteen, Hayley thought she was just an ordinary girl starting over at a new school. Then she met Hunter—popular, magnetic, and dangerously captivating. Their whirlwind romance soon spirals into something far more consuming.

Years later, Hayley is desperate to outrun the past, but some truths don’t stay buried. As twisted emotions resurface, one fateful day and a single gunshot will change three lives forever.

One will lie.
One will break.
And one… will never walk free again.

Hunted is a story of obsession, heartbreak, and emotional survival—an unforgettable debut that explores the shadows of young love.

Release Date: Recently Published last September 26, 2025
Purchase Links: Find it on Amazon & Goodreads.

Fun Stuff

Five Faves

• Favourite Book: Don’t Pat the Wombat by Elizabeth Honey

• Favourite Author: Jodi Picoult and Rebecca Yarros

• Favourite TV Show/Movie: Brooklyn 99 (“I even quoted it in my wedding vows!”)

• Favourite Place: Anywhere with her family

• Favourite Ice Cream Flavour: Cookies and Cream

3 Fun Facts

1. Eats Weetbix with hot water and honey

2. Moved to Longreach, QLD in 2024 for a change of scenery

3. Loves Christmas so much she’d decorate year-round if it were socially acceptable

Author Q and A

1. Why do you write? 

I write as a form of creative expression. I can be very introverted so this is a hobby that suits me perfectly! I used to think I wanted to be an actress but after watching myself on a recording of a school musical, well, let’s just say I’m better suited to writing. I even relate a bit to the character of Erica Yurken from Hating Alison Ashley, just to give you an example. Writing is a fun way to escape from reality and I’ve enjoyed seeing where the story takes me. Even I don’t know! 

2. What is your writing process? 

I write when I’m inspired and then it evolves into a storyline with a beginning, middle and end. I often don’t write in order of events and sometimes my original plan goes out the window as I’ve gone down a completely new path. It’s so exciting to see where my characters will end up. I chop and change order of events frequently too. 

I’m a full time mother to two beautiful kids so I write in and around their needs (usually during nap times or those night time feeds!) and when I feel stuck, I try to read a few chapters of a new book or a book I enjoy to get inspired once more. 

Writing was something I never seriously considered though. It wasn’t until 2021 when my husband was FIFO that I sat down and got serious. It’s taken me over 4 years to get to this point and that’s ok! I’m here now. 

3. Who is your biggest inspiration? 

My parents - both hard working and humble individuals who do their best to provide a safe and loving home and childhood. I aspire to be the same mother to my kids as what my mum was for me. Dad has sadly passed on but I cherish the values he instilled in me. 

4. What do you want your readers to know about your book? 

Hunted is a tale of twisted romance, the challenges of young love, heartbreak and loss. It’ll take you on a roller coaster of emotion as you delve into the minds of the main characters, often leaving surprised, shocked, happy or sad- or a combination of all! Hunted does explore dark themes so reader caution is advised. 

5. What is coming next for you? 

I’m planning to publish my first book in September 2025 and seeing what people think. I do have two other novels in the works which is exciting.

Connect with Telicia

Website: teliciamcswan.com

Instagram: @telicia_mcswan_author

Facebook: Telicia McSwan

Final Thoughts

Telicia McSwan’s debut brings a bold new voice to contemporary fiction—raw, heartfelt, and completely unafraid to explore the darker corners of love and loss. As she prepares to launch Hunted, we’re excited to support her storytelling journey and can’t wait to see what she shares next.

Follow Telicia on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date—and don’t miss to check Hunted, which was recently published.