Indie romance authors being interviewed about their books? Yes, please!

I know it’s early for December’s Indie Romance Feature Friday, but I wanted to get Elle on here ASAP for a few reasons, not least of which is that Elle’s debut novel is a holiday book, and you need it in your hands ASAP.

Elle and I met when she slid into my DMs asking for writing advice—or maybe a little before that—which I was totally happy to give. When her 5-star review of The Write Place also reviewed me as a 5-star human, I basically cried for an hour. I’m so beyond excited for you to get to know her a little better today, and I hope you’ll check out her book. Without further ado… Let’s hear from Elle Jordan!

When did you start writing? What inspired you to start?

First writing projects were in high school where I turned books I loved into movies or plays! Originally, I was a theatre major and loved watching characters grow and feeling everything they felt. Now I try and turn that same love and energy into romance novels.

Describe yourself in three words!

Funny, sarcastic and a bit of a hot mess.

Describe your book(s) in 3 words!

Light-hearted, funny and swoony

What is your subgenre of romance? Is (are) your book(s) spicy? If so, how spicy?

Rom-Com. I would say between a 2-3/5 peppers! The readers are ranging it 🌶️🌶️-🌶️🌶️🌶️ lol

What comes first for you, the plot or the characters? Is this different for each book you write? Why do you think that is?

Characters, the story really comes from them. I don’t know if I could plot out a book without getting to know my characters and why they are who they are.

Why do you write?

I love to escape into different worlds. I also really love the feeling of falling in love. It’s equally scary and exhilarating and I love experiencing it again and again though books.

What is your favorite part of the writing process and why?

Writing!!! For me it’s the easiest, I let the characters speak through me and go.

Describe your writing space.

Literally anywhere! My fave spot to write is on my front porch with an ice cold drink. I’ve written on my lunch break, in my kitchen, bedroom, pretty much anywhere I am when inspiration strikes.

What is your least favorite part of the writing process and why?

Editing. It was so hard for me emotionally. It’s hard watching your book baby get torn apart for months straight and then trying to feel confident when it’s done that it is good. I know that it is now, but at first I really struggled and it gave me major imposter syndrome.

Tell us a little about your book(s)! What are they about? What inspired them? When were they/will they be published?

Hawaiian Holiday is about Isla and Cal. Isla gets ditched by her bestie (no fault of her own) and winds up on a two week vacation alone. Cal is also on vacation for his sister’s wedding. They hit it off on the plane and then (literally) run into each other. From there it’s the story of watching them explore their attraction to one another and seeing the roots of something more start to develop. Hawaiian Holiday was supposed to be a novella, but I ended up loving them so much I had to give them their happily ever after! It’s available on KU and Amazon!!

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from writing and publishing your book(s) so far?

Writing is the easy part, marketing and editing are so much harder. Also, it is not free.

Which of your main characters would you most like to be friends with in real life and why?

Isla! She is witty and carefree and I love that about her. Her number one goal is a good time but she also holds herself to high standards.

Do you eat or drink while you are writing, editing, or doing other writerly things? If so, what’s your go-to snack and drink?

Go to drink was twisted tea! I actually don’t eat while I’m writing. I think I get so zoned out that I actually forget to eat.

When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?

I try to really get in the headspace of my character and see what would they be feeling, what would be on their mind. For myself, I try to be in a quiet place so I can sink into the character.

Has writing and publishing a book changed the way you see yourself? If so, how?

It has made me feel so much more brave. I have ADHD and have a really hard time sticking to something so actually starting and finishing a book was almost a freeing feeling.

What does success as an author look like for you? 

For me, I would love to be someone’s favorite author. Like they auto-buy every time they see me release something. Also, just continuing to write even when it gets hard and bumpy!

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Don’t give up, keep writing. Even if you feel like it sucks, the right editor will be able to get you on the right path and help you achieve the manuscript you desire.

What was your last 5-star read and why did you love it?

Hawke by Jescie Hall, I am a sucker for a good dark romance that hits me right in the feels. The plot and the characters literally made the book addicting for me. I could not put it down.

Thank you so much to Elle for sharing this space with me today! You’ll definitely want to follow her for more information on future books. You can follow her on Instagram and TikTok.

If you are an indie romance author who would like to be featured, or if you know someone who fits the bill and would be interested, you (or they) can fill out the interview form here! Filling out the form is not a guarantee you will be featured. Please read all disclaimers on the form carefully before submitting. Thank you!