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

Cross-posted on my Substack.

I’m not sure exactly when Holly and I connected, but I’m sure it was something about indie romance, and I’m sure it was about Instagram. I, like so many others, absolutely devoured her Christmas novella, Can I Tell You Something? So cute. So spicy! And the way I cannot WAIT for the interconnected See You Next Winter… It’s going to be so good, y’all.

Holly is one of those amazing unicorns who are supremely talented in so many different areas. She writes romance! She writes spicy audio erotica! She officiates weddings! She offers baby indie authors (like me) advice and encouragement! She’s a really special person, and I’m honored she’s here to talk to us today. Let’s dive in, shall we?

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

I’ve always written in one way or another throughout my career but in 2014 I started working as a wedding celebrant telling real life love stories. Once I started reading romance novels I felt like it would be a great creative outlet and I haven’t looked back.

Describe yourself in three words!

Approachable, authentic, ambitious

Describe your book(s) in 3 words!

Sweet + smutty escapism

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

I write contemporary romance with open-door spice. I know spice is super-subjective, but I think mine range from 2-4 chili peppers. My characters, both MMCs and FMCs, are always into a bit of dirty talk.

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

I think it’s different for every book because I have a couple of series. With the first book the plot tends to come first, but there becomes a point when the characters start to tell me what they want to do and they drive the story forward. When it comes to writing subsequent books I already have a sense of those characters from their previous appearances. Then it’s a case of shifting the story and playing havoc with their hearts.

Why do you write?

I’ve always been a bit of a fantasist, constantly imaging stories and scenarios and conversations in my head. It’s amazing to be able to channel that into a creative outlet that’s actually a job.

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

The days where I get to sit down with no interruptions and crank out a few thousand words are invigorating, but also rare. I especially love the phase where the book is almost ready and I can start bringing readers into the world of my characters.

Describe your writing space.

I have a neurospicy brain and get distracted very easily, so last year I invested in a standing desk and walking pad treadmill. It’s been a total gamechanger. While my body is in motion and focused on the walking, it frees the rest of my brain up to focus on the words. There’s no wandering off to find a snack or do a household chore that can definitely wait. That said, today I’m writing from my bed after staving off a migraine, it’s a bonus to be able to write from anywhere.

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

Being a one-woman publishing machine, sometimes all those little tasks stack up and it’s hard to know where to begin. Writing is probably only about 30% of what it takes to get a book out into the world. Sometimes I’d rather be upping the word count than making social media content, but it’s great that there are so many tasks involved, no matter my mood there’s always something I’m up for doing.

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

Can I Tell You Something? is a holiday novella about Cameron, a spicy audio erotica star who ends up on Christmas vacation with his biggest fan. Hannah had no idea the man whose voice makes her shake was her brother’s roommate. Now they’re stuck together in the snowy mountains, how long will it be before he finds out she knows his real identity? Out now on Amazon and KU, coming to audiobook November 1st.

See You Next Winter is the follow up with Hannah’s brother. Kayla and Ryan’s ‘festive friends-with-benefits’ pact was clear: take full advantage of their limited time together every December, then wave goodbye until the following year. Then Ryan stopped coming home… Now he’s back, and he wants to make this winter last forever. Out November 7th and cover reveal coming very soon!

As a lifelong skier, both books are a love letter to the mountains. The reception to Can I Tell You Something? was so amazing when I released it in 2023, I knew I had to have it made into audiobook, and when readers begged for Ryan and Kayla’s story, it was a no-brainer what to work on next. I love this duo so much and can’t wait for it to be out in the world.

(You can also find Holly’s other books, The Best Book Boyfriend, The Worst Guy Ever, and Just a Little Crush at these links!)

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

Everything is an experiment, and you can only learn by doing. There’s no point in waiting for the perfect time to write, just start. Indie romance readers are some of the greatest people on the planet.

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

I feel like Hattie from The Worst Guy Ever would be a great friend to have in your corner. She’s fiercely loyal, but takes no crap from anyone. She’d always have the advice you actually needed to hear. But then Bec in Just a Little Crush owns a cheese shop, and that would definitely be a friendship perk!

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?

In the morning I can’t start writing without a coffee (such a cliche!) but otherwise food and drink tends to be a distraction. Sometimes I need a handful of chewy, sour candy to get me back on track. And in the evenings I love a kombucha drink to help me switch from kids bedtime mode to evening writing mode.

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

This feels embarrassing to admit, but sometimes I’ll imagine I am my character and send myself a voicenote pretending I’m talking about their life, or their struggles, or their feelings about the love interest. It’s a cathartic way to get into their headspace, but I also must look ridiculous sitting in the car doing it. Also I hope someone deletes all those when I die or my family will think I’m living a double life.

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

I’m so much more confident in myself. When it comes to writing and publishing, I inherently believe that there’s nothing I can’t do, or at least try to do. A few books in, I know that in the moments it feels hard, I have done this before, and I trust myself in this work more than any other job I’ve ever had. Also I’m much more horny on main now – ha! There’s no getting away from that once you put spicy romance novels out into the world.

What does success as an author look like for you? 

I used to say I couldn’t wait to see my books in a supermarket, which in reality only happens for a handful of authors, and certainly not indies. Now I say success looks like being someone’s must-buy author, and I’m honored that readers have told me that’s the case. More recently, success as an author looks like continuing to enjoy this work. It’s so easy to get burnt out filling every second of the day with writing or marketing, but I want to be in this for the long-haul. Stepping away from the keyboard to just enjoy it, to chat with readers, to read other indie authors books, that feels much more successful to me.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

For the most part, there’s no right or wrong way to do this thing. You’ll learn so much as you go, so just get started, and enjoy the journey. Make friends with other authors and readers – they will make your life so much better!

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

I loved Off Camera by Chelsea Curto. Rival sports team social media managers who have an hot meet-cute not realising they know each other already. Absolute chefs-kiss.

Thank you, Holly, for joining us today! All of you should absolutely follow her on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok for more! And don’t miss her Facebook reader group for fun extras!

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!