Meg

Welcome to another exciting edition of Author Spotlight, where we shine a light on the talented authors in the indie romance community. Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to Madeline Nixon, a multi-talented writer whose diverse experiences have shaped her writing journey. Madeline released her debut romance novel, “Emergency Lullabies,” in September. Let’s dive into her world and learn more about her inspirations, passions, and the intriguing stories she has to share. Madeline Nixon is a writer with a knack for exploring various genres, from nonfiction to children’s books. She has worn many hats throughout her life, including being a dog walker, a baker, a chocolatier, and an editor. However, the title she holds most dear is that of an author. Madeline’s journey into the world of writing has been a fascinating one, leading her to create a diverse body of work. Madeline’s debut romance novel, “Emergency Lullabies,” is a heartfelt story that promises to tug at your heartstrings. Set to release this fall, the novel follows the journey of Magnolia Callas as she grapples with the unexpected loss of her sister and sacrifices her singer-songwriter dreams to raise her niece. But life takes an unexpected turn when a sweet, single dad enters her world, potentially rekindling the music in her soul. Let’s get to know Madeline Nixon better through this insightful interview: Congratulations on your upcoming debut romance novel, “Emergency Lullabies”! Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the story and what led you to write this particular book? The first spark of inspiration for this book happened when I was at a splash park with my little brother. I saw a father enter the park with his daughter, sit down on one of the benches, and start flirting with the woman there. Now, I have no idea what that situation was, but it tweaked something in my mind for a meet-cute, and I spent the next few months jotting down random bits of story in my Notes app. “Emergency Lullabies” follows the journey of Magnolia Callas as she copes with her sister’s passing and gives up on her singer-songwriter dreams to raise her sister’s daughter. How did you approach crafting such an emotional and poignant storyline? I’ve always been interested in those kinds of complicated emotions. Some of my favorite books deal with big grief and make me cry. I find it very human and very cathartic to explore things like that. I also knew as I was beginning the plotting of this book that there had to be a reason Magnolia was nannying because it didn’t feel like a natural career choice for the character I had in mind. And then, after I’d finished writing draft one of the book and was starting to revise, my grandmother passed away. So I really channeled all my own grief over that situation into Magnolia and her family. Music seems to play a significant role in your novel. How did your own experiences and passions influence the portrayal of music in “Emergency Lullabies”? I grew up in a family that sang Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat songs in the car and had all the karaoke games. My sister also did musical theater and singing classes most of the time while we were growing up. Though I wish I was, I am actually not musically talented at all. So I feel like, in part, I’m kind of living out part of a pipe dream through the music in this book. My vision for Magnolia’s musical style was folklore/evermore era Taylor Swift. The book’s synopsis mentions a sweet, single dad who may be the key to bringing music back into Magnolia’s life. Can you give us a glimpse into the chemistry and dynamics between the main characters without giving too much away? Theo is one of my favorite characters I’ve ever come up with. I have a soft spot for kids, so any guy who’s a good dad or good with kids is a winner to me, and I tried to bring that to his character. Part of Theo and Magnolia’s dynamic is that they knew each other in high school, but because they were in different circles and because of a certain funny little incident, they didn’t really like each other. Or, at least, Magnolia didn’t like him. But we come to realize very quickly that Theo had a bit of a crush on her back then and definitely never forgot about her. As an indie author, you’ve explored various genres, from nonfiction to children’s books. What drew you to the romance genre, and what challenges did you face while transitioning from other genres to writing romance? I’ve written in a number of different genres, for sure. I went to school for Professional Writing and Communication, and the writing part of that degree was heavily focused on creative nonfiction, aka things that actually happened but written as if it were fiction. My first book, “Feathers,” is very much like that. They’re short stories about my life. Since then, I’ve worked at a small children’s publisher/distributor, and part of my job there was writing books when they didn’t have another author at hand. And I gladly did it because I will gladly take any chance to write anything. I think that’s how I’ve always sort of approached writing. I just wrote whatever feels right to me in that moment. I read across a lot of different genres, so I also write in a lot of different genres. The first thing I wrote after “Feathers” was a paranormal mystery, followed by “Emergency Lullabies” (which I’m publishing now, obviously), followed by a thriller. I’ve navigated back to romance again because I find writing them fun. I’m a big horror and mystery girl, but I think my favorite genre to read is romance. There’s just something a little magical about it. I also find writing romance easier than mysteries because I don’t have to know who did it and all

Welcome to another exciting edition of my series, Author Spotlight! This weekly feature is dedicated to shining a well-deserved spotlight on talented indie romance authors, providing a platform for them to connect with readers and share their incredible writing journeys. Today, I am thrilled to introduce you to an up-and-coming contemporary romance author, Bridget Van der Eyk, who will be sharing insights about her debut novel, “10 Dates.” Bridget Van der Eyk hails from the picturesque countryside of New South Wales, Australia, where she resides on a 5-acre property with her loving family and two adorable dogs. When she’s not immersed in her full-time teaching job or indulging in captivating Korean zombie shows on Netflix, Bridget pours her heart into crafting compelling romance stories. “10 Dates” is a riveting tale that takes readers into the glamorous and scandalous world of Hollywood. The story revolves around Libby Evans, a young socialite and heiress to her great-grandfather’s film production empire, Privileged Pictures. Libby’s life seems perfect, with all the money, a dashing boyfriend, and the potential for a coveted Victoria’s Secret Angel contract. However, an unfortunate turn of events unfolds when she wakes up with a pounding hangover and a paparazzo named Wentworth Turner beside her. To keep her secret hidden, Libby must agree to Wentworth’s demands – 10 Dates. Your dream for “10 Dates” is to see it transformed into a Netflix mini-series featuring Kendall Jenner and Harry Styles. Can you tell us more about why you envisioned these actors in the lead roles and how you think the story would translate to the screen? I didn’t write 10 Dates with Harry and Kendall in mind, but it just so happened that I think both would fit perfectly into the lead roles of Libby and Wentworth. Not only appearance-wise, with her dark hair and supermodel figure, but I think Kendall Jenner’s fun and carefree demeanour would be perfect to represent the effortlessness that Libby breezes through life with. I also think Harry Styles’ cheeky, confident, and warm personality would bring Wentworth to life and make any girl fall in love with the character. We’re excited to learn that a sequel to “10 Dates,” titled “3000 Words,” is in the works. Can you give us a sneak peek into what readers can expect from the continuation of the story? Are there any new themes or developments that you’re excited to explore in the sequel? 3000 Words picks up where 10 Dates left off and sees Libby getting out of Hollywood and moving east to try her hand at the college life at Columbia University. If 10 Dates was a movie then it’d be Romeo and Juliet with the strong ‘forbidden love’ book trope, however, 3000 Words is more Legally Blonde – the romance is still there but it’s more about Libby’s journey of self-discovery and her figuring out what she wants out of life and love. You have a full-time teaching job, and a family, and you still find time to write. How do you manage to balance your writing career with your personal and professional life? Do you have any tips or strategies for other writers who struggle with finding time to pursue their passion? I am always busy juggling many different things and wearing many different hats in my life, but I love writing so I make time for it. For me that means using any spare time I have for writing, editing, marketing etc. Sometimes that’s during the day while my newborn is napping, and sometimes that’s at night when both my kids have gone to bed. I try and make use of any spare time I have because some days there is not a lot of it! “10 Dates” is available for free on Kindle Unlimited. How has this platform benefited your book and your connection with readers? Have you noticed any particular responses or feedback that stood out to you? Realistically, it is hard as an indie author for people to take a chance on your writing and your books because of how unknown you are, especially when you’ve only written one book so far. Kindle Unlimited was very attractive to me because it gave people with a subscription the opportunity to give 10 Dates a go without having to invest in a paperback or an ebook. I’ve had a lot of people give 10 Dates a go on KU and then go on to buy the ebook or paperback because they really loved it, so that has definitely made KU worth it for me. Can you share with us the inspiration behind your debut novel, “10 Dates”? What sparked the idea for the story and its unique premise? I wrote the characters in 10 Dates before I even came up with the premise of the book – each and every character is inspired by someone I went to high school with (obviously with embellishments here and there). I’ve always been a keen romance reader (contemporary romance is my jam) so it always made sense that 10 Dates would turn into a love story, but I wanted it to be a love story where there were twists and turns as well so you don’t know what’s going to happen until it does. Besides writing, you mentioned that you enjoy binging Korean zombie shows on Netflix. How do other forms of media, such as TV series and movies, influence your writing process and storytelling? Are there any specific shows or movies that have had a significant impact on your work? I started writing 10 Dates back in 2007 when I was 18 years old. At the time, I was addicted to the Gossip Girl TV series and books, and my readers have told me that that influence is very clear in 10 Dates. 10 Dates has been described as a ‘Gossip Girl goes Hollywood’ love story where you’ve got the spoilt, rich kids, and the power struggle to be Queen Bee, as well as the secrets and scandals. One of the intriguing aspects

Welcome to another exciting edition of the Author Spotlight series! This series is dedicated to showcasing the remarkable talent within the indie romance community, and today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a passionate and imaginative author, Elliot Ason. Elliot Ason, a lover of all things romance, has captivated readers with her enchanting paranormal and monster romance short stories. Her unique blend of love and the supernatural brings a thrilling twist to the genre, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. As part of our Author Spotlight series, Elliot has chosen to feature her upcoming release, “The Whole Tooth,” which is set to captivate readers when it releases on July 6th and will be available for free on Kindle Unlimited. “The Whole Tooth” delves into the extraordinary life of Beagan, a tooth fairy who finds her contentment shattered when a chance encounter changes everything. As the story unfolds, we follow Beagan’s journey as she navigates unforeseen challenges, while the sparks of romance ignite with Ethan, a normal guy striving to create a better life for himself and his son. Can these two seemingly different worlds find common ground and discover their own happily ever after? As a lover of all things romance, what draws you to writing stories that feature monsters and paranormal elements? How do these elements enhance the romance aspect of your books? Honestly, I got tired of reading about ‘boring’ humans. Don’t get me wrong, I love ALL the romance tropes, but there are only so many grumpy billionaires, hot bikers, or small-town high school crushes I can read about in a row so I gave PNR a chance and ended up falling down the rabbit hole that is monster romance from there 😅 it adds a whole new element to the romance, everything from a language barrier to settings that are (sometimes literally) out of this world. Being a wife, mom, and working full time must keep you busy. How do you manage your writing schedule and find time to pursue your passion for writing? Any tips for other aspiring authors who struggle with balancing multiple roles? I have a unique advantage that I work from home so I’m able to multitask a lot and get both real work and author duties (which there’s a never-ending list of) done in the same 9-hour time span. I try to keep my author stuff to a minimum during family hours but it of course bleeds through sometimes. For aspiring authors, make a little bit of time every week to write/brainstorm. It’ll grow organically from there – you may discover that you work best at 5 am on Tuesdays or something wild like that. Just keep trying til something fits in with your life schedule, and try not to make it a chore. Writing should be a fun thing! “The Whole Tooth” is described as an (almost) insta-love story. What attracted you to explore this trope in your book? How did you develop the chemistry between Beagan and Ethan to make their connection feel authentic? Because I write short stories I have to be able to compact an entire love story into about 40 pages. That generally means I rely on some type of “fated mates” or “meant to be” trope. Time jumps also help, I’m able to summarize months of time in a couple of sentences and move on to the “now” in a relationship. Your book deals with themes of parent abandonment. How did you navigate this sensitive topic while maintaining the overall light and fun tone of the story? Why do you think it’s important to address real-life issues in romance novels?  Though I’ve not dealt with parent abandonment personally, I knew I wanted to explore the responsibilities of being a single parent in a story and The Whole Tooth seemed to fit best. My parents divorced when I was one, so they both were single – it’s all I knew until they both remarried a decade plus later. It’s important to me to add real life to some stories (even if they’re set in a fantastical world), to me it helps to identify with a story more. For The Whole Tooth in particular I tried to keep the abandonment out of the picture when it came to the son being on page, we know it affects him, but we also know he has a fulfilling life despite the circumstances. As an indie author, what have been the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your writing journey so far? How do you navigate the world of self-publishing and connect with your readers?  The most challenging thing, without a doubt, has been self-promotion. I’m painfully introverted, so talking about myself is the last thing I want to do, but being a writer and wanting to share my stories and connect to others means I need to. The most rewarding thing has been the private messages people send about how much they enjoyed a story, it brings a HUGE smile to my face. Can you tell us a little about your experience with Kindle Unlimited? How has it impacted your readership and book promotion strategy? Would you recommend it to other indie authors? For me Kindle Unlimited is a blessing, I wouldn’t be an indie author without it. I just don’t have the time, knowledge, or resources to self-publish in other ways. I really respect all indie authors, no matter if they publish through KU or another way. I KNOW KU has its disadvantages, but for someone like me, it’s a really good fit. I personally would recommend it, so long as you’re not looking to make a million dollars, KU is a good way to get started. What can readers expect from you in the future? Are there any upcoming projects or books you’re currently working on that you’d like to share with us? Yes! I have two anthologies that I’m excited to be a part of later this year. And I also have another standalone story I’m

Welcome to another captivating instalment of Author Spotlight here on Literary Inspired, where I take immense pleasure in introducing you to the remarkable talents that grace the world of indie romance literature. This series is designed to shine a brilliant spotlight on gifted authors, providing a platform for them to connect with their readers, share invaluable insights into their writing journey, and showcase their literary works that have captured our hearts. In this edition of Author Spotlight, we are thrilled to present the talented Stacy Kristen, an indie author specialising in crafting tales of erotic romance and romantic suspense, all generously sprinkled with happily-ever-afters. Beyond her passion for writing, Stacy is an avid reader of romance, a baker extraordinaire, a caffeine enthusiast, a globetrotter, and an enthusiastic observer of the squirrels that grace her backyard. Today, Stacy has graciously chosen to feature her scintillating series, Desert Aces MC. This trilogy promises heart-pounding adventures, intense emotions, and love stories to keep you on the edge of your seat. As a special treat, all three books in this series are available for free download on Kindle Unlimited. Now, let’s dive into an exclusive interview with Stacy Kristen, where she shares her journey as an indie author, her inspirations, and the enticing world of the Desert Aces MC series. Can you tell us about your journey as an indie author and what inspired you to write romance novels? As an avid reader of romance, becoming a writer was something I always wanted to do. So I did. What drew you to the romance genre, particularly erotic romance and romantic suspense? I read so many different romance subgenres and tropes, but both of those are what I love to read the most. The Desert Aces MC series focuses on different types of romances, such as enemies to lovers, age gap, and forced proximity. What made you choose these themes for your books? I wish I could say I chose them. Instead, they chose me, lol! I’m a total pantser, so when I write, I don’t pick tropes beforehand. I just wait to see how the story evolves, and then identify what tropes are in each book. How do you approach creating strong chemistry and intense emotions between your characters in your romantic suspense novels? I try to put myself in their shoes. How would it feel? And how would others feel? That usually does the trick. Can you share some insights into your writing process? Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you get into the writing zone? I just try to temporarily ignore the rest of the world that is going on around me and get in the headspace to write. I also listen to music that sets the mood for a scene or even a chapter. Check out my Pinterest boards for links to songs that I listened to while writing each book. There are pictures that inspired each book, too. The Desert Aces MC series is available for free download on Kindle Unlimited. What motivated you to make these books accessible to a wider audience? I tried going wide and my sales plummeted. So now all of my books are part of KU. What challenges did you face while writing the Desert Aces MC series, and how did you overcome them? I’d love to say that I didn’t face any challenges, but that wouldn’t be true! Jax was so hard to write. The book twists and turns so much, and trying to keep all the details straight broke my brain, lol! Are there any particular authors or books that have influenced your writing style or have been sources of inspiration for you? There are so many, I can’t begin to name them all! But if I had to narrow it down to a few, they would be Jenika Snow, Ainsley Booth, and Bella J. Apart from writing, you mentioned enjoying baking, travelling, and observing squirrels in your backyard. How do these activities contribute to your creativity as an author? I’ve never thought about it before, but they do contribute to my creativity, each in their own way! I bake for enjoyment. And I also bake when I have writer’s block. And of course, traveling inspires me to write about fun and exciting places far away from where I live. As for the squirrels, they’re a bunch of hooligans and provide comedic relief. They make me laugh. So, I see them as stress relievers, if anything, which helps me focus on writing by keeping my mind off what’s going on around me. What can readers expect from your upcoming releases, and do you have any new projects or series in the pipeline? Collateral Damage was just released on June 10th. I’m taking a little breather, but still plotting for my next book. I’m currently floating ideas in my head about a sports romance, baseball specifically. We’ll see what shakes out. I also have something else in the works for next year: I’m part of a charity anthology. Stay tuned for more details. Thank you for joining us in this edition of Author Spotlight featuring Stacy Kristen. If you’re as captivated by her writing as we are, you can find her books on Amazon, visit her website at stacykristenauthor.com, connect with her on Goodreads and BookBub, and follow her on Instagram and Facebook. For even more engagement, don’t miss out on her Facebook Group and other links. If you’re an indie romance author with a story to share and would like to be featured in our Author Spotlight series, please fill out the form found on this page: Author Spotlight Submission. Let’s continue to celebrate the vibrant world of indie romance authors together.

Welcome to another exciting edition of Author Spotlight. In this series, I shine a well-deserved spotlight on talented indie romance authors, providing them with a platform to connect with readers, share their unique writing journeys, and introduce their captivating works to a broader audience. Today, I am delighted to feature Lindsey-Anne Pontes, a rising star in the indie romance scene, and her debut novel, “Let Me Save You.” Lindsey-Anne Pontes, hailing from Cambridge, Ontario, and currently residing in Kitchener, Ontario, has a fascinating background. By day, she serves as a dedicated Dental Assistant, but her true passion lies in the world of storytelling. Lindsey’s journey into the world of writing was inspired by her love for manga, light novels, and anime. It’s this unique blend of influences that led to the creation of her debut novel, “Let Me Save You.” About “Let Me Save You”: Lindsey’s debut novel, “Let Me Save You,” introduces us to the life of seventeen-year-old Nila Izawa in a small-town Japanese setting. Nila’s life may appear simple and orderly, but beneath the surface, she grapples with her mother’s strict expectations and the absence of her father. As winter break approaches, Nila embarks on a journey of self-discovery, ignited by her encounters with the intriguing Kai Kento. What unfolds is a tale of resilience, love, and coming of age, all intricately woven together to bring the world of Japanese manga to life through the medium of traditional YA fiction. Now, let’s delve into the heart of our interview with Lindsey-Anne Pontes, as she shares her insights into her writing journey and the creation of “Let Me Save You.” What was the inspiration behind “Let Me Save You,” and how did your passion for manga and anime influence the story? My inspiration for my book, “Let Me Save You,” was actually because of reading manga. I had an IEP in reading/writing, so I found those subjects in school extremely challenging. In grade 7, I was introduced to manga by my school library, and by picking up the volumes provided, I felt more confident reading on my own. From there, I fell in love with the Japanese love stories told in manga and began coming up with my own characters/story/plot in my head. Every time I thought of the setting, it always seemed to take place in Japan. Writing has been a hobby for you while balancing your career as a dental assistant. Can you share how you manage this balance and if you find any unexpected connections between your profession and writing? Writing for me has always been just a hobby. It’s not something I can see myself doing for a living. As a dental assistant by day, I found it hard to find time to work full-time but also try to write/edit as much as possible. Balancing the two has definitely been challenging, more so with writing my second book. But I found the best balance once I discovered a local café called Café O. I only write/edit on the weekends, and usually only do so at the café now. Working on my books outside of my home, at the café, has now become the only place I can concentrate and be productive. I do not find any connections between dental assisting and writing. They are very opposite. “Let Me Save You” took eight years to write. Can you tell us about the journey, the challenges you faced, and the turning point that led to its completion? Let Me Save You took me 8 years to write, but that time wasn’t just made up of consecutive writing/ideas. It took me 8 years because I had no idea what I was doing with it. It wasn’t until year 6/7 that I found out about self-publishing and how achievable it was. I had actually dropped the story close to the end with only 2 chapters left to write because I didn’t know how to tie the story to the ending I had pre-decided. Those final chapters were roughly planned out on paper but never fully typed out/formulated into something tangible. I regained motivation from a friend and also from my mentor in the whole writing process. “Let Me Save You” is inspired by Japanese manga. How did you capture the visual elements of manga in a text-based format, and what kind of research did you undertake to immerse readers in the story’s setting? Let Me Save You is completely inspired by Japanese manga, and I tried my best to transpire the visuals of it through solely text. I’m very descriptive in my writing, hence the heavier word count. I did a variety of research and spent a lot of time figuring out the small details of a student’s everyday life (e.g., their commute to school and what things they would see in spring/summer/winter/fall, what things look like, smell like, etc.). I also spent a lot of time figuring out a student’s school schedule and when the school year typically starts/ends. I wanted to make sure that when someone was reading my book, they could easily picture what was described but in manga form. Your characters, Nila and Kai, seem to play pivotal roles in the story. What aspects of their dynamic did you enjoy writing the most, and were there any challenges in crafting their connection? Nila (FML) and Kai (ML) were fun to write. Nila is the innocent/shy type, and Kai is the curious/protective/caring of others type. I had a lot of fun writing their characters, especially their first few encounters. I liked writing the moments where Kai would force Nila to step outside of her comfort zone, all while trying to make sure she was comfortable with everything. I didn’t really find a challenge in crafting their relationship with each other, but I found it challenging to write Nila in a more reserved way. Nila is very opposite from me, which is why I really enjoyed writing Nila’s brother, Kenji. He acts first and thinks later,

Welcome to my Author Spotlight series, where I have the privilege of shining a light on the incredible talent within the indie romance community. As a passionate romance book blogger, I am dedicated to showcasing the works of talented authors, providing valuable insights into their writing journeys, and creating a vibrant community that celebrates the beauty of indie romance. Today, I am thrilled to feature Allie Samberts, an indie author who has captured the hearts of readers with her captivating storytelling. Allie’s love for romance, combined with her background as a high school English teacher, brings a unique perspective to her novels. I am pleased to introduce Allie and her latest book, “The Write Time,” the highly anticipated second instalment in the Leade Park series, which is set to release on Kindle Unlimited on July 11th, 2023. In “The Write Time,” Allie takes us on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and the power of love. Jenny Green, the protagonist, finds herself at a crossroads in her life, haunted by past mistakes and struggling to find her balance. When she crosses paths with Ben Allouer, a strong and sexy wrestling coach, a connection sparks between them. However, as they navigate their feelings and past obstacles, Jenny’s self-doubt threatens to sabotage their chance at happiness. Will she find the strength to overcome her fears and let love in? Now, let’s dive into the interview with Allie Samberts as she shares her insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind her stories, and valuable advice for aspiring romance authors. Can you tell us about your journey as an indie romance author? What inspired you to start writing in this genre? I entered into a really bad reading rut a few years ago. We had a family tragedy, and then the pandemic hit, and I mostly turned to watching shows I didn’t have to think very hard about and taking care of our two small kids. Eventually, things loosened up and our kids went back to school, and that’s when I started reading again with the ACOTAR series. I devoured all those books in probably about a week, then turned to more fantasy romances. From there, it was a small leap to contemporary romances. At first, I was reading a lot of indies without really knowing they were indies–or knowing what indie authors even did. I mean, sure, I knew you could publish print-on-demand books, but I didn’t realize some of them were so similar to the traditionally published books I had been reading! At some point, I started thinking, “I can do this.” I wrote down some ideas in various notebooks, my notes app, docs… basically anywhere I could. Then, at some point, “I can do this,” turned into “I want to do this.” I sat down and got really serious about it. I finished the book, found an editor and cover designer, and researched everything I could about self-publishing and marketing. And here we are! “The Write Place” is the first book in your Leade Park series. What motivated you to create this series, and what can readers expect from it? This series is about a group of fictional high school English teachers at Leade Park High School. “The Write Place” is about Miss Mac–an English teacher–and Daniel Evans–a world-famous writer. Mac loves her job, and is the type to curl up with a good book and a glass of wine, so imagine her surprise when Daniel shows up and asks to shadow her as research for his upcoming book. “The Write Time” follows Mac’s best friends, Jenny, and Ben. They’re both English teachers (Ben is also the school’s wrestling coach). He’s been in love with her since they started teaching nine years ago, and it’s finally the right time (haha) for them. I was motivated to create this series because I am also a high school English teacher, and I thought it would be fun to show some of the high school antics, both with students and behind the scenes, while creating swoony workplace romances. Readers can expect a lot of heart, some heavy emotional moments, and just enough spice to keep it exciting. Your upcoming release, “The Write Time,” explores themes of self-doubt and finding love. What inspired you to delve into these topics, and how do you approach balancing the sweet and spicy elements in your romantic comedies? “The Write Place” explores the theme of finding where you belong, which I think is pretty typical for teachers. We want our students (and visitors, in Daniel’s case) to feel at home in our classrooms. But, while writing and publishing that book, self-doubt crept in. I did suffer from some major imposter syndrome thinking I was never doing enough or writing well enough. I mean who would even want to read a book by little old me? I was also struggling with a very difficult school year at the time, which exacerbated those feelings. I don’t think I did it on purpose, but working out those feelings through the main character, Jenny, and giving her a strong, solid person to lean on in Ben, was very helpful to me in sorting out some of those feelings of not being good enough. As far as the balance of the sweet and spicy, I think I will always lean more sweet, even though some of the scenes in this book are pretty spicy. Some readers might be looking for more spice, but, right now, my characters are all trying to work some stuff out, so their connections are often more emotional than physical. Jenny Green, the protagonist in “The Write Time,” struggles with feeling alone and haunted by her past. How do you develop and portray complex emotions in your characters, and why is it important for readers to connect with these experiences? We read to connect, and we read to open new worlds. It’s important that readers are able to connect with the characters in my books so they can find something

Welcome to another exciting edition of Author Spotlight, where we celebrate the remarkable talent within the indie romance community. Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with the enchanting Bella Leigh Michaels, an author who is making waves with her debut novel, A Court of Broken Promises. Bella’s journey into the world of writing is a testament to the power of creativity and passion. She has poured her heart and soul into crafting a fantasy romance that promises to take readers on a spellbinding journey filled with intrigue, suspense, and, of course, intense love. In this interview, we will dive deep into Bella’s creative process, explore the captivating universe of the Kingdom of Adaria, and get a sneak peek into what readers can expect from A Court of Broken Promises. So, whether you’re a long-time fan of indie romance or just discovering the genre, join us as we step into the world of Bella Leigh Michaels and her upcoming release. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind your debut novel, A Court of Broken Promises? What motivated you to write a slow-burn, why-choose fantasy romance? Fantasy Romance has always been my favorite genre. While reading I would predict the endings or the twists and I eventually started to write down the ideas, since I was always wrong. I am terrible at guessing endings, my ideas were always so outlandish. Before I knew it I had a ton of ideas written down. When reviewing what I wrote, I saw a plot coming together with political intrigue and secrets and mystery and lots of angst and tension and most of all an epic love story. It only became an RH once I got to know the group of MMCs and realized that I loved them all. They all served a purpose when creating them, but their personalities and backstories grew to close to my heart that I couldn’t possibly choose a man. The Kingdom of Adaria series seems to be a blend of fantasy, romance, and suspense. How did you approach balancing these different elements in your storytelling? The romance is a big focus of mine. It’s a soul mate connection, so that played in with the fantasy aspect. The powers are person specific, elemental magic, so that was easy to bring in too, since it played right into the plot. The suspense was an accident. I was trying to do a slow reveal of information. I hate info dumps and upfront world building. So as a way to avoid that, I designed the plot in such a way that the information is presented slowly. This is a character driven novel, so a lot of the plot has to do with the characters’ choices and feelings on them. She is escaping a vengeful king and council and doesn’t know much about what’s going on. We’re learning things as my FMC, Kaia, learns them as well. The heroes help her on this journey. As a result, it became suspenseful. It was my BETA team that said the suspense kept you turning pages and added grit to the story. I was told they’re like the detectives connecting red dots on a board. That was the moment I realized I wrote a suspense. I personally have never read one! The world-building in fantasy novels is often complex and intricate. How did you go about creating the unique world of Adaria? Did you encounter any challenges during this process? I imagined a whole new kingdom governed by the most powerful magic users (Fire Users). Kings, queens, and council with each of the other elements governing themselves. Then I went back thousands of years and wrote a backstory on how the kingdom came to be. I had rivalries and wars and everything. I spent a lot of time doing a slow reveal of world-building. I sprinkled that information as needed as the novel progressed so the reader would slowly see what they needed to see. All these elements play into the underlying mystery so it’s interesting rather than feeling like an info dump. A Court of Broken Promises features a protagonist named Kaia who relies on four unlikely heroes. Can you introduce us to these characters and explain their significance to the story? Kaia is the daughter of the leader of the Kings elite guard, the Denalian’s. She lived a sheltered life at the capital. Her father was arrested for trying to assassinate the king. This was a real shock for her since her father was always a loyal servant to the king. For reasons, she is arrested in relation to the crime. The heroes are members of the Denalians, some of her fathers most trusted. They have secrets and inside information that showed she needed to escape rather than wait to be released, if she was at all. That introduces our MMCs. Elijah (Ash) is a Fire User and the older brother of Kaia’s best friend. He’s the only one she knew well from her past. The rest are his best friends and team members. Ezra (Air User), Griffin (Earth User), and Aiden (Water User) help Elijah break her out. The group become fugitives on the run and together must discover what’s been going on in Adaria. They need to discover what her father knew. Why was he working with the rebels? Did he try to assassinate the king, and why? Deceit, secrets, and betrayal are mentioned in the book’s description. Can you give us a glimpse into the twists and turns readers can expect in the Kingdom of Adaria series without giving too much away? Refer to the last answer for some of thisz But this book is presented in such a way that as soon as a question is answered, four more are presented. So there is a twist or oh shoot moment in most chapters. At the end of the book, several huge questions are answered, but even more burning ones are presented. Writing a series requires long-term planning