December 2023

Welcome to another exciting installment of Author Spotlight on Literary Inspired! I’m thrilled to continue this journey of uncovering the hidden gems in the indie romance community, providing a platform where you can dive into the worlds of talented authors, and discover the stories that touch our hearts. Today, we have the pleasure of shining our spotlight on Anna, an indie author with a passion for crafting love stories that are as diverse and captivating as the readers who enjoy them. With a background in journalism, a master’s degree in Creative Writing, and a love for music, Anna’s journey to becoming a full-fledged indie author has been nothing short of fascinating. Anna hails from the vibrant region of South India, where she immerses herself in both the beats of the Foo Fighters and the pages of over 300 books a year. When she’s not indulging in her literary cravings, she works as a freelance copy consultant and book editor, all while sipping on her preferred companions, black tea and white wine. In this special edition of Author Spotlight, Anna has chosen to feature her newest release, “Almost Home,” the third installment in her captivating “Love In Wildes” series. This book promises to deliver a rollercoaster of emotions, exploring themes of self-worth, love, and the struggles that make us who we are. It’s available for free on Kindle Unlimited, making it easily accessible to all romance enthusiasts. Now, let’s dive deep into Anna’s world, her writing process, and the heartwarming tales she weaves within her novels. If you’re ready to be swept away by a talented indie romance author, this interview is a must-read. Can you tell us a bit about your writing journey and how you transitioned from a career in journalism and advertising to becoming an indie author? A part of me went into journalism because I thought if I could write for newspapers and magazines, I could one day write a book? Writing has always been a part of my life—short stories, poems, fanfiction—so any excuse to string words together became my focus. Journalism and advertising were just two of the things that allowed me to do that. I don’t think at that time I really even believed I would publish one book, let alone three, but having seen so many authors go from full time jobs to self-publishing really inspired me to give it a shot. Your latest release, “Almost Home,” explores themes of self-worth, depression, and finding love. What inspired you to tackle these topics in a romance novel, and how did you approach portraying them authentically? I have always believed that romance novels are the best way to talk about the hard stuff in life. It’s the one genre where the characters are really raw and real, so why not add more to what they’re going through and give them that strength to overcome as well. All three of my books tackle topics that some would consider “harder to read” or things that people don’t want to see in books, but if not in romance novels, where else do we talk about things like anxiety and depression? I never know if I’m portraying them “authentically”, I write them the way I experience them. Talking about mental health openly is very important to me and I believe that my characters should do the same thing. I do make sure that I have sensitivity readers (when necessary) to ensure that I’m not overdoing it, or using depression or anxiety as a tool because that’s not what it’s about. I want these situations to be real and to showcase that you can look fine on the surface, but it’s far more complicated underneath. The Love In Wildes series features diverse and complex characters. Can you share some insights into your process of creating relatable and compelling characters that readers can connect with? Ooh, great question. I feel like all authors will say that they put something of themselves into every character they write. I wanted to do that as well. I didn’t want them to be caricatures or fit a diversity quota, I wanted them to be real and relatable and complicated and unlikeable and honest. I wanted my characters to have flaws that they don’t necessarily overcome, but they work through. But those flaws are also what make them feel like someone you know. We’re all so good at pretending like we don’t have flaws because that’s human nature, so whatever flaws I find in myself that I ignore…I give to my characters. I guess in some way, I’m working through my own issues through my characters. Your books in the series touch on sensitive topics such as mental health, abuse, and societal pressures. How do you handle these themes with care while maintaining an engaging and entertaining romance narrative? By not making them the central focus of the story. I’ll be honest and say that this was a learning process for me. For book one, I used a lot of these topics as wounds and built the story around it. After some feedback and thoughts and discussions with beta and alpha readers, I realised that was the wrong way to approach it. These characters have all these issues they deal with, but that doesn’t define who they are. The central theme of my stories is falling in love with yourself while falling in love with someone else. Your worth is not defined by that other person’s love or the struggles you’ve been through, you are who you are because of what you’ve made of yourself in spite of all that you’ve gone through. “Almost Forevers” delves into the challenges of trust and rebuilding relationships. Could you discuss the importance of trust in romance novels and how you navigate the complexities of trust issues in your characters? Oh, this is a tough question to answer, but I’ll do my best! We all know that trust is such a vital part of the building of any kind

I’m thrilled to introduce you to the talented author who has stepped into our romantic spotlight this week. Get ready to dive into the world of indie romance as we chat with Kristina Carmela, the creative genius behind the captivating Nelsonville series. Kristina’s journey from DIY enthusiast to accomplished author is as inspiring as her characters’ adventures. She’s here to share her insights, inspirations, and the story behind her book, “This Time Around,” the first installment of the Nelsonville series. In this interview, you’ll get a glimpse into Kristina’s writing process, the charming setting of her book, and how her love for animals weaves into her storytelling. Plus, she’ll provide a sneak peek into her upcoming book, “So It Goes,” and share valuable advice for aspiring indie authors. Tell us about the inspiration behind your book “This Time Around.” What sparked the idea for the story and the character of Georgia Fields? This Time Around was created in some ways, as a way for me to live this alternate life. The character of Georgia Fields is based on me in a lot of ways. We share the same anxieties & insecurities, we look the same, process things the same and we share a lot of the same memories. It was this fun outlet to see how a character who is like me in so many ways experience a very different, wild life! I really let myself have fun with seeing where the story was going to go, so at some point, I stopped planning and let my creativity take over! As a multi-talented creative who’s tackled various DIY projects, what made you decide to take on writing a book? How did you overcome the fear that initially held you back? I grew up loving books. I was the kid who read a book a day during summer breaks. I loved writing short stories & actually, songs! As a kid, I always knew I would have loved to publish a book. Only, it seemed like this impossible task. Between that and my insecurities telling me that I simply wasn’t good enough to be an author, I put this on hold for so long. I even started writing this book years ago and stopped, not having the time or confidence. When I stumbled upon those first few chapters in 2021, things kind of clicked. I think I found the story again when I needed it most. Even though I didn’t have the intention to publish, when I finished the first draft, I realized that it was actually pretty darn good! I also realized I was worthy enough and capable enough. My excitement once I realized all that really fueled me to go for it! Georgia Fields is a character who’s stepping out of her comfort zone. Can you share a bit about your own experiences stepping out of your comfort zone and how they influenced the development of the story? I wish I had Georgia’s level of bravery to really step out of her comfort zone the way she did! I think writing in general for me and challenging myself is very much out of my comfort zone. Putting myself out there with my books is big for me! But it was fun to push her and I think that will keep pushing me! The setting of your book seems to play a significant role. Could you elaborate on how the beach house and its surroundings contribute to the atmosphere of “This Time Around”? The fictional town of Nelsonville is based on my favorite place ever! It’s this town that has a knack of pulling people in who need a fresh start. This idea really helped me create the basis of the series as a whole. All of these characters came to Nelsonville to start over and they meet each other on various points of their fresh start. So we spend a lot of time at the beach, which is my favorite. Georgia’s beach house especially is home base for lots of the characters. It’s safe, it’s homey. As the series continues, we spend more time on Main Street and in the different businesses. It brings a lot of different people into play and a lot of different situations present themselves! My goal is for you to feel at home in this special place and always want to come back. Georgia’s journey involves discovering truths about her life and embracing love in unexpected ways. How do you balance themes of self-discovery and romance throughout the book? Balance is the perfect word for this question! Georgia is always seeking balance in her life, she knows that’s what’s going to help her get through these huge issues. As a writer, I ended up choosing a much simpler love story. I wanted her to find somebody who was going to be that instant balance instead of somebody who was going to bring drama and confusion. There’s enough of that already in the story. I made the very conscious choice to add more love and understanding instead of more craziness. For this couple, it works beautifully! And for Georgia, this love story helps her gain the confidence and self love she always wanted to find. Your upcoming book “So It Goes” is part of the Nelsonville series. Could you give us a sneak peek into what readers can expect in the next installment? So It Goes is a great continuation of This Time Around! I love it for a lot of reasons but I also love how much my writing progressed! But this story gives us a lot of answers we don’t get in This Time Around. So It Goes shows how much Georgia has grown and you really see her feel much more settled in her new life. We spend a lot more time on Main Street so it begins to open up the future of the series in a lot of fun ways! The vibe of this book overall is still very similar

Welcome to another exciting edition of the Author Spotlight series on my blog, Literary Inspired! I’m Meg, and today, I’m absolutely thrilled to introduce you to a remarkable voice in the indie romance world – Sophie Dyer, also known as Louise Hope. In this series, I love diving into the journeys, inspirations, and stories behind the talented authors who are shaping the romance genre in their unique ways. Sophie Dyer, a UK Bestselling author, has captivated readers with her gripping narratives and complex characters. She’s known for her dark romance novels that push boundaries, creating a reading experience that’s both intense and unforgettable. Today, we’re focusing on her upcoming release, “The Silence Lies,” a dark, mafia romance filled with suspense, smut, and a tantalizing ‘Why Choose’ theme. In “The Silence Lies,” we’re introduced to a world where revenge is a cold dish, and love is a complicated battlefield. The story revolves around the first female leader of The Bianchi family, who is on a quest for vengeance after the loss of her best friend and second in command, Enzo LaRosa. As she navigates the treacherous waters of mafia politics and alliances, she finds herself torn between the demands of leadership and the complexities of her heart. With three men vying for her attention, the protagonist’s journey is as much about finding love as it is about seeking justice. Sophie, you’ve written under both the names Sophie Dyer and Louise Hope. Can you share what led you to use a pen name, and does each name signify a different style or genre in your writing? Like most writers, when I first started telling my stories, I was really shy and anxious. Having a pen name was like an alter-ego, my personal super-hero where my superpower was writing real characters and raw emotions. Louise Hope was an anagram for my real name, but as my confidence grew, I felt like I needed a new pen name that related to my work. I was also getting confused with another Louise Hope on Amazon and Goodreads, so a change was necessary. But not all change is bad, right? You call Yorkshire your home. How does this environment, with its unique culture and landscapes, influence your writing, particularly in genres like dark mafia romance?  If you’ve ever been to Yorkshire, you’ll know that the darkest characters you’ll meet are the farmers doing their summer crops. My main influence was my partner and his love for Mafia films. Breaking into the indie romance industry can be challenging. Can you share a pivotal moment or decision that you feel significantly impacted your journey as a romance author?  When I first started writing, it was just to get my stories out on paper, in no elegant fashion. I met a few aspiring writers through our shared love of books, and it kind of blossomed from there. The most pivotal moment for me was when I met my, now, book-bestie, CJ Primer. We were writing on a pay-per-chapter platform and she was publishing on Amazon. Her words to me were, “If I can do it, you can.” And even though those were the simplest words, they were so true. Her support as well as my other author friends and readers was what impacted my journey the most because without their support and motivational words, I would never have published anything. Your upcoming release, “The Silence Lies,” is highly anticipated. Without giving too much away, can you offer our readers a sneak peek into what they can expect?  This has by far been the book I am most excited about releasing. It’s a why-choose, dark, mafia romance with some epic twists. It has so many tropes that there is something for everyone. There are enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, a silent bodyguard. There’s sword crossing, bi-awakening, and a bit of dom/sub situations. It’s a slow-burn romance, but once it gets going, the fire doesn’t stop. “The Silence Lies” is described as a blend of Dark, Mafia, Smut, Suspense, and Why Choose elements. How do you approach weaving these diverse layers into a cohesive story?  If I’m being honest, I am a total pantser. I plot the main idea, but all the sub-plots come to me through the characters. Fleshing out the characters is what helps me distinguish how I approach the story, but overall, I just go with the flow. I feel like all Mafia stories should have some smut and suspense, the why-choose element was always the main trope for this book so that was easy to weave into. The protagonist in “The Silence Lies” is the first female leader of The Bianchi family. What inspired you to write a story with such a strong female lead? After writing The Notorious Five series, an interconnected series of the Five families of New York, I felt like I needed to give my female characters a boost. I always try to write real characters with realistic situations, but ultimately, my female characters have always had some strength about them. For a change, I wanted to have a female leader, a woman who was constantly questioned on her ability because of her gender. In a way, it’s so realistic to the situations most women face in real life, so I wanted to capture that in this story. You mention that the protagonist is torn between revenge and romance. How do you balance these conflicting emotions in your storytelling? That is a hard one. As a pantser, my characters write the story for me. I have to remind myself that there has to be balance, and so I make notes on where each scene is going and the main direction it is heading. My book bestie also keeps me right! Your bio mentions that you hope each of your books “touches readers in some way.” What is the key message or emotion you hope readers will take away from “The Silence Lies”? To be honest, there isn’t a key message in

Welcome back to another exciting installment of my Author Spotlight series on Literary Inspired. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a talented indie romance author who has not only embraced her love for books but has also embarked on an incredible writing journey while juggling the life of a librarian. Join me in celebrating Gia Cobie and her latest release, “Saved from Revenge” (Blade and Arrow Security book 1). Gia Cobie hails from upstate New York, where she serves as a librarian by day. Gia’s world revolves around reading, writing, and soaking in the serene beauty of the Adirondacks. Her literary passions are firmly rooted in romantic suspense and paranormal romance, with a dash of reality romance shows, a love for wine, and an insatiable appetite for book-buying adventures—trust me, we’ve all been there! Now, let’s dive into the heart of this Author Spotlight interview, where Gia shares insights into her writing journey, the inspiration behind her latest book, and much more. Tell us about your journey as a librarian turned indie romance author. How did you discover your passion for writing amidst your love for books? Well, I’m still a librarian, so now I’m both! I basically spend my entire day with books in some form. As a kid, I loved to write, but as I got older, I never made the time to actually sit down and commit to writing a book. Two summers ago, something clicked, and I just decided to do it. And once I got started, I didn’t want to stop. I look forward to coming home from work each day and getting back to my stories. “Saved from Revenge” sounds like an exciting romantic suspense novel. Could you share with us the inspiration behind the story and its characters, Maya and Cole? I’ve always loved romantic suspense and the role of the MMC as a protector. I wanted to create a series that had complex characters dealing with their own struggles and leaning on each other to move past them. I love Maya because she’s an independent woman who’s hesitant to ask for help for herself, but when her friend is dragged into the situation, Maya will do anything to keep her safe. And Cole is the classic protective alpha male, but there are experiences that have shaped him—both as a child and an adult—that make him reluctant to pursue a relationship. When the two come together, they support each other in different ways, so it’s not just Cole doing the protecting. You’ve mentioned that you have a weakness for reality romance shows. Do these shows influence your writing in any way, and if so, how? I don’t know that they influence my writing too much since they’re basically fiction already! But I do enjoy having some of my characters as fans. The theme of protection and safety seems to be a central element in “Saved from Revenge.” What message do you hope readers will take away from Maya and Cole’s journey? Both characters provide some form of protection and safety to the other. Some of it is physical protection, some is emotional. While Maya may not be able to protect Cole physically, she can protect his heart. She can provide a place for him to feel safe and share his emotional struggles. Your book is part of the Blade and Arrow Security series. Can you give us a glimpse of what we can expect from future books in the series? Any hints about upcoming releases? Well, Saved from Obsession (Leo’s story) released on September 12th. Saved from Peril (book 3) just came out on November 14th, and it’s just as twisty and action-packed as the first two. Each book focuses on one member of the Blade and Arrow team. I have a spin off that just came out in November as well—it’s called Ariana’s Hero. It’s the first in the Heroes of Sleepy Hollow series (which is the town where Blade and Arrow is located) and features protective first responders. There will be plenty of cameos from the Blade and Arrow team!  You’re based in upstate New York and enjoy spending time in the Adirondacks. How does your environment impact your writing process and the settings you create in your novels? I love to include details about the Adirondacks (and other areas of New York) in my novels. You’ll see a lot of trips up north (and especially Lake George) throughout the series. Tell us about the experience of writing a series versus standalone novels. What are the advantages and challenges of each approach for you as an author? I enjoy the experience of writing a series because I can really build the relationships between all of the characters. Blade and Arrow is a close-knit team, like a family, really. I like sharing how the team (and the partners) support each other as the series progresses. One challenge is trying to make sure each novel can be read as a standalone, or out of order. I want someone to be able to pick up any of the books and start there (although the series is definitely best read in order!) With “Saved from Revenge” available on Kindle Unlimited, what do you think is the significance of platforms like KU for indie authors and their readership? As a KU subscriber myself, I think it brings great value to indie authors. It gives the reader a chance to try a new author risk-free, which is what I do a lot of the time. The hope is that a small taste of my book will have the reader wanting to read the rest! Thank you, Gia Cobie, for sharing your remarkable journey and the enticing world of “Saved from Revenge” with us. It’s been a pleasure to have you in the Author Spotlight, and we can’t wait to explore more of your captivating stories. Connect with Gia Cobie and explore her literary world on these platforms: Amazon Website Goodreads BookBub Instagram Facebook Page To