December 2023

Welcome back to my Author Spotlight series, where I shine a bright light on the talented authors within the indie romance community. This series aims to celebrate authors who bring their unique voices to the romance genre, connecting them with readers who crave diverse and enthralling love stories. In this edition of Author Spotlight, Kelsey Painter takes centre stage to share her writing journey, insights into her creative process, and a closer look into her latest book, “We’ll Meet Again”. This tantalizing masterpiece beckons you into a world where the beautiful game of soccer intertwines with the magic of love. A tale of fate, passion, and those inexplicable connections that transcend boundaries. Dive into the heart of “We’ll Meet Again,” where we meet Ethan Knight, a Southern striker with a sweet charm, and Billie Axton, a determined legal assistant from the bustling city of London. Their journey through the pages of this novel is a blend of emotions, aspirations, and undeniable chemistry that’s bound to leave your heart racing and your soul yearning for more. But enough of my introduction – let’s hear directly from Kelsey as she unravels the layers of her writing process, shares the inspiration behind “We’ll Meet Again,” and offers a glimpse into the world of indie romance creation. What inspired you to write “We’ll Meet Again”? Can you tell us about the journey that led you to this particular story? We’ll Meet Again was inspired by a desire to combine some of my favourite things: two shows – Ted Lasso and Band of Brothers; and two hobbies – soccer and romance novels. The idea came to me as I was driving (as most of my ideas do), about two people who didn’t get a happily ever after, getting another shot at it. I ran the basics behind the idea by my best friend (who I dedicated the book to) and she was so encouraging. I think I started writing it the next week! The book revolves around the worlds of soccer and romance. How did you approach blending these two elements together, and what challenges did you face in creating an authentic portrayal of both? Like any sports romance, I knew there were plenty of people fantasizing about footballers based on fanfic I was seeing. And during the World Cup when I was seeing all kinds of edits and fan pages on TikTok and Instagram. These guys are hot! People desire them! And I knew that was perfect material for a great romance novel. Also because I, personally, was looking for a soccer romance book and was struggling to find any that I actually enjoyed and the author knew enough about it. I am a MASSIVE football fan myself, so I knew I could create something that was as close to English football as we see on TV while stretching a few things for the sake of the story. I wanted a story that I’d believe if I read it, and other footy fans would buy into as well. So I relied on my knowledge from watching matches every weekend, but I also read three books on tactics and skills to make sure my portrayal was as authentic as it could be. As for an authentic romance, I stuck to characters that I’d like, and the kind of story I was eager to read. The characters in your book, Ethan and Billie, seem to have a connection from the start. Can you delve into their dynamic and what makes their relationship compelling for readers? Their dynamic kind of came as something that was reactionary to what I was reading at the time. I was still somewhat of a newbie to romance novels, and I was seeing hero after hero portrayed as a bit emotionally stunted, unable to tell the heroine what was on his mind and his heart. So I wanted to flip that. Ethan is the one who has done the work, and Billie is the one who has the most “healing” to do. Ethan’s leading character trait is kindness, which takes someone like Billie extremely off-guard. And she’s resistant to it. I think seeing her start to trust him, and believe in his dedication is what makes the story compelling. That, and all the mysterious dreams and visions they create for each other. Setting plays an important role in many romance novels. How did you choose London and the soccer industry as the backdrop for your story, and how did you incorporate the city’s charm into the narrative? I chose London because once I decided on soccer, I knew I wanted to have it in a professional league, and that had to be Premier League. Truly, it’s one of the best in the world, and Ethan is meant to be one of the best athletes in the world. I watch Premier League every weekend from August to June, and I’m a die-hard Chelsea supporter. London in particular because it’s a big city that I’m somewhat familiar with now that I’ve visited. And because there are so many EPL teams there, it meant Ethan wouldn’t be travelling every other week to matches. I chose Stanmore because a friend of mine lives there and suggested it as the place for my fictional club. “We’ll Meet Again” is available on Kindle Unlimited. Can you share your thoughts on the benefits of this platform for indie authors and how it has impacted your writing career? I think every indie author has a love/hate relationship with Kindle Unlimited. It’s wonderful exposure, but there are definitely drawbacks in regards to profit, piracy, and taking your book wider in an e-book format. My readers are kind of split between paperback and KU, so I think I’ll keep my books on there for now. It draws in a ton of new readers, which is my ultimate goal right now. I love the accessibility of it. A KU reader can come across my TikTok or IG, and go right to the

Welcome to another instalment of my Author’s Spotlight series, where I shine a light on talented authors and their remarkable works. Today, I am excited to feature M.R. Becker, an emerging indie romance author who has captured readers’ hearts with her latest book, “Sunshine & Shadows.” With its thrilling plot and captivating characters, this steamy suspense romance is bound to leave you on the edge of your seat. M.R. Becker’s writing journey started in middle school, and after a long hiatus, she returned to her passion for storytelling. In this interview, I had the opportunity to delve into her creative process, exploring the inspiration behind “Sunshine & Shadows” and unravelling the complexities of its main characters, Maya and Daniel. In “Sunshine & Shadows,” Maya, a thrill-seeking 911 operator, finds herself entangled in a mysterious and intense romance with Daniel. As they navigate their own personal challenges, including an unexpected prison pen pal program, Maya and Daniel’s journey takes unexpected turns that will keep readers hooked until the very end. As an indie author, M.R. Becker shares her experiences in self-publishing and building her author brand. Her insights and tips for aspiring indie romance authors provide invaluable guidance for those looking to embark on their own writing journeys. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started your writing journey in the romance genre? I started writing in middle school, mainly for fun, but it wasn’t until 10th grade that I gave a handwritten romantic suspense mystery story to my English teacher. Unfortunately, he lost it. Fast forward almost twenty years, and I’m a mom of three with notebooks filled with partially finished stories. The writing bug hit me again, and in 2022, I published my first novel, “Finding Willow,” followed by “Shy Santa.” “Sunshine & Shadows” sounds like an intense and thrilling romance story. What inspired you to write this particular book? While writing “Shy Santa,” I met Maya, and I knew she would demand her own book. In the epilogue, I introduced Daniel, who was the perfect match for Maya. I’ve always been fascinated by the darker elements of society, and although “Sunshine & Shadows” wasn’t directly inspired by it, the docudrama “Mindhunters” about FBI profiling played a small role in our fascination with such elements. Could you share some insights into the main characters, Maya and Daniel? What makes them unique, and what challenges do they face throughout the story? Maya is a ball buster who loves a good time, is a loyal friend and enjoys a good mystery. Daniel, being the second to last baby in his family, is a jokester who quickly makes people laugh. When they meet, they both have a deep sense that they’ve found their match. Most of their challenges involve not killing each other, especially because Daniel likes to tease and say inappropriate things. Maya has more of an edge to her, while Daniel is more of a clown. As a 911 operator, Maya lives for the thrills. How did you research and develop her character to make her portrayal as authentic as possible? Maya’s job as a 911 operator isn’t a significant part of the story, but I made sure to be respectful and accurate with her occupation and lifestyle. I spoke with people in the field, such as cops, EMTs, and retired dispatchers. However, her job takes a backseat when she goes on a leave of absence after an incident at work. The concept of a prison pen pal program adds an interesting twist to the story. What made you choose this element, and how does it contribute to the overall plot? Maya’s fascination with crime and the thought process behind becoming a serial killer led me to explore the idea of prison pen pals. While I’ve never contemplated corresponding with criminals in prison, I know there’s a small segment of the population who falls in love with prisoners. Maya joins one or more of these programs, and it becomes a driving force in the story, pushing the plot forward. The title “Sunshine & Shadows” suggests a play between light and dark. Can you discuss the themes you explore in the book and how they relate to the characters’ journey? The themes of light and dark are prevalent in the story. Maya’s fascination with the darker side of life and her love for crime podcasts and books on the subject creates a contrast to Daniel’s more lighthearted and comedic personality. The interplay between these themes adds depth to the characters’ journey and their connection. Without revealing too much, could you share a favorite scene or moment from the book that readers can look forward to? One of my favorite scenes is when Daniel’s niece shows up for the first time. It’s the moment when Maya starts to see Daniel in a different light, beyond his clown-like persona. The interaction with his niece brings out a more tender and genuine side of Daniel, allowing Maya to develop a deeper connection with him. As an indie author, what has been your experience navigating the world of self-publishing and building your author brand? Do you have any tips for aspiring indie romance authors? Being an indie author has been a challenge for me, especially as a newcomer. Instead of solely focusing on building a readership, I prioritize creating stories that readers will love. It’s important not to get burned out by constantly worrying about followers, ratings, or book sales in the early stages. My advice for aspiring indie romance authors is to wait until you have at least one complete series out before pushing your brand and reaching a wider audience. Being an author is a long game, and finding your voice and creating stories that hook readers is crucial. Word of mouth and loyal readers will do more for your success than just promoting on social media. How do you approach writing romance stories that captivate readers and keep them engaged from beginning to end? Any particular techniques

Welcome to another edition of Author Spotlight on Literary Inspired! I’m thrilled to have you join me for this exclusive interview with a rising star in the world of indie romance fiction. This series is all about shining a spotlight on the incredible talent within the indie romance community, and today, we have the pleasure of introducing you to Ari Wright, a gifted author who is making waves in the genre. Ari Wright, hailing from a sun-soaked corner of the United States, has a passion for storytelling that began at the young age of twelve. A lifelong book-lover, Ari’s journey into writing was driven by her insatiable appetite for stories. She once humorously quipped that she had to start writing her own tales because she had devoured everyone else’s. Fifteen years in the making, Ari’s dream of sharing the worlds inhabiting her mind with others has finally come true. In this Author Spotlight, Ari has chosen to feature her novel, For Always (The Instant Always Book 1), a contemporary romance that promises to whisk readers away into a world of sizzling characters and modern love stories filled with twists and turns. If you’re a fan of contemporary romance, you won’t want to miss this interview where Ari shares insights into her writing journey and the captivating stories she creates. At the end of this interview, you’ll find links to Ari Wright’s social channels and her work, so you can dive deeper into her enchanting world of romance. If you’re an indie romance author looking to be featured in our Author Spotlight series, be sure to fill in the Author Spotlight form. We’re always on the lookout for exceptional talent to showcase. Can you share with us the inspiration behind your debut novel, For Always, and what motivated you to write a contemporary romance? For Always started with the idea for my main character, Ella. I’ve discovered that I’m very character-driven as a writer and once her past and personality came together, so did the rest of the story. I was inspired by my favorite contemporary romance authors, particularly Sylvia Day and TL Swan. I wanted to write love stories with the epic, angsty love found in Day’s Crossfire series; and the sort of sparkling wit and likable characters TL Swan writes so brilliantly. I was also inspired by Scarlett Scott. She writes period/historical romance; she is a master at taking difficult side characters and giving them incredible redemption arcs in their own stand-alones. I hope to accomplish that with some of my own characters as I continue on with this series! The Instant Always series promises vibrant characters and modern love stories. Can you tell us a bit more about the unique qualities that make your characters and their relationships stand out? My favorite compliment as a writer is some variation of: “Your characters felt so real and I loved them so much!” I love that! I spend so much time with these “people” in my mind, I come to love and care for them. I enjoy them, and I especially adore how unique every individual relationship is because of their personal differences. Thankfully, that seems to translate to my writing! In For Always, Grayson Stryker and Ella Callahan have a complex history. Can you give us a glimpse into their relationship and what challenges they face in the story? Grayson and Ella share a very pure, sweet connection. From the moment they meet, Grayson feels how different she is from anyone else he’s ever known and she senses a sadness in him that others overlook due to his billionaire playboy status. When they are together, their labels and the identities imposed upon them by others fall away. They both feel seen and understood in a profound way that prove irresistible, despite the hang-ups and fears Ella has from events in her past. As a survivor of SA, Ella never expected to find someone who would make her want to try an intimate relationship with a man. Her feelings for Grayson inspire her to be brave and the way he cares for her helps bring her back to herself. They grow together and forge a future until a terrible, twisted turn of events separates them. Grayson is certain he’s lost Ella forever until he sees the dedication in her book and decides he has to know why she left him. He shows up, demanding answers that Ella promised herself she would never reveal. How does the city of Manhattan serve as a backdrop for the events in your novel? How does it contribute to the overall atmosphere and themes explored in the book? I fell in love with the city’s frenetic energy and its diversity. There’s a sort of purpose to a place like Manhattan. Everyone seems to know exactly where they’re going and what they’re about. I really love that. The city also contains so many layers, which is great for a writer. It allows me to create a diverse cast of characters/side characters with rich backstories and different ways of life. Manhattan is a place where the lives of so many different types of people could realistically intersect. Ella Callahan is an author in the story, and her book features Grayson’s name. What significance does writing have in the narrative, and how does it shape the characters’ journeys? Ella originally begins writing as a hobby with no intention of doing it professionally. After her initial relationship with Grayson ends, she uses her writing as an outlet for her grief and ultimately winds up creating a novel that reflects the happy aspects of their relationship, along with the happy ending she wishes they shared. As part of her continued quest for fulfillment after they break up, Ella decides to self-publish her little story and dedicate it to Gray, thinking no one will ever know or recognize him. Instead, she accidentally leads Grayson right back to her door. Love, humor, and heart are mentioned as important elements in your

Welcome back to my Author Spotlight series, where I shine a bright light on the talented authors within the indie romance community. This series aims to celebrate authors who bring their unique voices to the romance genre, connecting them with readers who crave diverse and enthralling love stories. Today, I have the delightful opportunity to introduce you to the USA Today bestselling author, Danika Bloom. Known for her rom-com series about bands of brothers, Danika’s writing showcases her love for vibrant characters, quirky humor, and irresistible chemistry. With her upcoming release, “The Billionaire’s Shrubbery,” she takes us on a journey that intertwines enemies-to-lovers, workplace dynamics, and the allure of a billionaire’s empire. “The Billionaire’s Shrubbery” promises a delightful mix of steamy encounters, witty banter, and a dash of horticultural magic. It introduces us to Virginia Beach, whose superpower is her ability to communicate with plants, and the grumpy yet undeniably charming Will Power. Set against the backdrop of Virginia Beach itself, this enemies-to-lovers rom-com explores the challenges and unexpected sparks that arise when two captivating personalities clash. Can you tell us a bit about your journey as an indie romance author and how you found your passion for writing in the genre? I didn’t have a plan or burning desire to write romance until 2019. My background is as a technical ghost writer for progressive not-for-profits in Canada and although I’d indie published a paranormal women’s fiction novel (in which all the men die!) in 2016, my plan was to write a book in the style of AJ Jacobs and Mary Roach—a fact-based book with personal anecdotes. My working title was, “Girls Who Get Themselves in Trouble: The Untold Communion of Sex, Religion, and Politics.” After two years of research and working on the book, I realized that what I wanted to communicate would be so much more fun—and palatable—to deliver in romance. In my mind, the romance genre is a gentle and yet subversive way to talk about and celebrate female pleasure and sexual autonomy. And that’s how I started writing romance. The synopsis of your upcoming release, The Billionaire’s Shrubbery, promises a quirky and fun enemies-to-lovers romance. What drew you to this particular trope, and how did you put your own unique spin on it? Honestly, I don’t start with tropes. I meet characters and they drive my stories. It’s their histories that determine whether their HEA will be with an enemy or best friend. Will Power introduced himself to me while I was doing a program with a personal development guru, like a mini Tony Robbins. As I sat through about 15 hours listening to this guy, Will Power started to talk to me. Boy was he grumpy! And when I asked him what his issue was, he said he had killer insomnia. 🤪 As a woman of a certain age, I am quite familiar with how hard it can be to be perky and fun when you’ve only slept for four hours and that’s been a pattern for weeks. I knew Will needed sunshine—literal and figurative. I love quirky heroines and always write women I’d love to be friends with, so Virginia the plant-whisperer was born in my imagination! In the book, the hero, Will Power, is described as both charming and grumpy. How did you develop his character to make him an intriguing match for Virginia Beach? Knowing my husband won’t be reading this, I’ll tell you the truth—the charming grump is my husband—that’s how I figured out when Will would be grumpy, what he’d be grumpy about, and how he’d still be a man that Virginia would want to spend time with. He’s never grumpy at Virginia, he’s grumpy about life, but when he’s with her, she helps him see how to look at life from a different perspective. Humour plays a significant role in your rom-com series. How do you strike a balance between comedy and romance in your writing? Honestly, it took me several books to really figure out how to strike that balance. My first series is tricky since it has lots of scenes you’d expect in a rom-com, but overall, they’re more humorous romance than pure rom-coms. I think what makes The Billionaire’s Shrubbery a real rom-com is in the set-up—how Will and Virginia meet—and in the silliness of Will’s goal which is really to just be able to get a good night’s sleep. And of course, the banter. In all my books, the heroines are quirky and the banter is witty and fun, even for serious conversations. As an indie author, what challenges have you faced in the publishing industry, and how have you overcome them? For the years before I indie published my first novel it was the isolation and feeling like I was on my own—had to learn 1001 things about the business of being an author without knowing where to look or whose opinions to trust. There is a lot of contradictory advice out there! In 2021, I had the amazing fortune of being accepted into Skye Warren’s Romance Author Mastermind, a three-day conference for romance authors who’ve published five or more titles. The friends I’ve made in the rom-com sub-genre are my lifeline. I’m pretty sure I’d have quit writing were it not for the support from that group of women. How do you navigate the publishing process and market your books to reach a wide audience? Do you have any tips or strategies that have worked well for you? I’d say my strategy is pretty iterative and I think the most important tip for success is to keep trying new things, be open-minded, and treat your books like a business—be an authorpreneur. I focus my ongoing marketing on building relationships with readers on my email list. I write (almost) weekly notes to them that get dozens replying, telling me their stories, related to whatever I’ve written about. And I reply to every single person who writes me back. Some weeks it takes a

Welcome to another exciting post in my Author Spotlight series! This is where I have the privilege of bringing you closer to the creative minds behind the captivating world of indie romance books. Today, I have the pleasure of introducing a talented author who not only weaves stories of love but also brings them to life through her graphic design skills. Lorissa Padilla is a self-published author and graphic designer hailing from the heart of New Jersey. Her journey into the world of romance literature has been a testament to her passion for storytelling and her creative flair for design. With her husband, two toddlers, a chocolate lab, and even a cat, Lorissa’s life is filled with the kind of vibrant energy that shines through in her work. As a lifelong lover of books, her inspiration was sparked early, ignited by none other than Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. However, it wasn’t until she found the right books that her love for reading truly blossomed, propelling her into the world of literature. And, when life as a mom made traditional art forms challenging to pursue, Lorissa discovered her artistic outlet in graphic design. She now crafts custom illustrations, logos, tattoo designs, and striking book covers that grace the works of fellow indie authors. The intersection of her two passions—books and art—became a source of healing and inspiration during a pivotal time in her life. Lorissa is immensely grateful for the supportive community that has accompanied her on this transformative journey. Today, we shine our spotlight on Lorissa Padilla’s latest book, ‘Til You Came Along, a romance that navigates the tumultuous path from enemies to lovers. In this tale, she explores themes of love, memory, and the resilience of the human heart. It’s a story that promises to tug at your heartstrings and leave you pondering the power of love. Can you share with us a little about your journey as a self-published author and how you decided to pursue writing as a career? It’s pretty mind-blowing to think that just a year ago, I had no intention of publishing my book! I wrote it, I was happy with it and proud of it – but content to keep it to myself and my trusted friends and family. I always dreamed of writing a book, since I was a little girl and fell in love with reading. I would stand and stare at the bookshelves in Borders or Barnes and Noble and dream of one day seeing my book there. But I let the fear of rejection and criticism be louder than my dreams and belief in myself. Until one day I just decided to do it! I found an editor (who is the best, shout out to Kristen! @kristenreadswhat) and gave it a shot. It hasn’t been an easy journey! It’s so much more work than I had realized it would be, but it’s been so worth it. To see my book printed, the wonderful feedback it’s gotten (I don’t let myself look at bad reviews/ratings anymore, #SelfCare) and the friends I’ve made along the way – has made this journey incredible. As a graphic designer, how has your background influenced your approach to creating book covers and illustrations for indie authors? What aspects do you find most fulfilling about this work? My background as a graphic designer and artist for this particular ‘field’ helps me to understand how incredibly important it is for the book cover to be perfect. One of the many pros about self-publishing is being able to maintain creative control, especially with the cover design. I know how much I agonized over my own cover in trying to make it perfect, and I apply that same mentality to each author I work with. Sometimes we get it right the very first try, sometimes it takes lots of tweaks and edits and redos – but I want to make sure that I’m helping them create the cover they dream of for the book they’ve worked so so hard on. ‘Til You Came Along explores the theme of enemies-to-lovers romance. What inspired you to write this particular story? Were there any challenges you faced while developing the characters and their relationship? The inspiration for my book was an accumulation of several different ideas and thoughts I had over the course of several months. I’m a huge ‘enemies to lovers’ fan when it comes to reading, and one of my many thoughts was “What if after the enemies become lovers, something happens to one of them and they lose their memories? Would they go back to being enemies? How would that play out?” And I couldn’t get that thought out of my head! When I finally sat down to start writing, I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t expect for these characters and their story to come so quickly and naturally to me. I had a hard time reminding myself at the end of a writing session that these were fictional characters I was making up and I didn’t need to be carrying their emotional burdens with me as I left my Word Document. The biggest challenge was not having endless amounts of time to spend writing their story! My sons, 3 and 5, give me few breaks from playing monster trucks and watching Blippi. The main characters in your book, Elliot and Madeline, go through a significant transformation in their relationship. How did you approach capturing their emotional journey and creating a believable romance for readers to connect with? Creating an authentic and believable romance was something I took incredibly seriously. It was also something I stressed about during the writing process. As someone who can make an emotional attachment to a dog food commercial, I wanted to make sure that when people read my words they were feeling their own emotional attachment. I really just tried to pour my whole heart into the story. I pulled from real life experiences where I felt