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

I don’t know Katie Duggan very well—YET!!—but I have heard such great things about their debut, which released in November. It’s downloaded on my Kindle and I can’t wait to have a free minute to be able to start it. What I do know is that she’s passionate about representation in romance novels, and I love it. In her book, you’ll find spice, banter, an autistic lead, body diversity, and… oh, let’s just let Katie tell it! (I’m just so excited!)

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

I’ve been writing since I was little! I always loved telling stories and expressing myself through writing.

Describe yourself in three words!

Funny, hopeful, friendly.

Describe your book(s) in 3 words!

Horny, tender, funny.

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

Rom-com! And yes, probably 3 on a 1-5 scale, some kink and open door intimacy.

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

The characters, so far! I get to know the characters first, and then little plot bunnies start popping into my head having to do with their lives experience, personality, etc.

Why do you write?

Writing helps me process pain I feel. I can’t change my past, but I can create a story where pain is healed and love is victorious, where mutual respect and laughs are aplenty, and fat, queer, and disabled folks have hot and steamy sex. I write the world I want to see, for those who want to see it, too.

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

The first draft! It’s so much fun getting to know the characters and story and work out what’s the right vibe.

Describe your writing space.

I wrote most of my debut at a Panera, chugging charged lemonades.

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

Post beta edits wrecked me. It was the most feedback I’d gotten and while it was helpful and necessary, it was hard to make big changes to a story I already loved so much and worked so hard on.

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

My debut, From the Start, is about childhood enemies Nic and Josh. Nic is newly diagnosed autistic and one of the ways her autism manifests is in sensory sensitivities and social anxiety, which has made it hard for her to enjoy intimacy in the past. When she overhears that Josh is skilled in that department, she asks him to help her figure out how to enjoy sëx, since they hate each other and won’t fall in love (famous last words). I knew I wanted to write an autistic FMC, and while I’ve read some AMAZING autistic rep in romance, I’d never really seen how autism can effect sex talked about. So I decided to talk about it. It’s available in paperback and on KU now!

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

To let people in, and to let myself be supported. I have an amazing support system, who cares about my stories and me, and I just have to let them.

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

I would love to be friends with Josh. We could geek out over historical romance and Shakespeare, and eat charcuterie.

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?

I’m a fiend for root beer, and charged lemonades from Panera.

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

I try to visualize myself as a visitor in those scenes, and to feel empathy for what I’m visiting, if that makes sense. To invoke the emotions I want readers to feel in a safe way. Music is also helpful, finding the right song.

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

Yes. Im much more confident in myself, and having people tell you that you created something that resonates with them makes me feel so capable of doing the things I’ve always wanted to.

What does success as an author look like for you? 

People feeling seen by my characters and stories. Readers feeling seen and worthy after reading my books.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

It’s so cliche but write the book you want to read. write the book for which you are in the ideal audience, and then think about that when writing gets hard. Think about yourself and everyone else who would devour and love your book.

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

Wreck My Plans by Jillian Meadows!!! It was the coziest and spiciest Christmas book with incredible tension and just such good banter!!! It gave me that bubbly, warm feeling I love from reading romance.

Thank you so much to Katie for joining me today! If you want information about new books (I hear book 2 is in the works!!), give them a follow 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!