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

Cross-posted on Substack.

Kelsey and I connected because we both read ARCs of each other’s debuts, and they released at about the same time last year! I feel so fortunate to have connected with Kelsey as a colleague and a friend, and I’m so excited to feature her today because she has a new book coming out! So, now, she has THREE books out, and they’re all awesome. I’ll let her tell you all about it. Here’s Kelsey!

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

I’ve been writing since I was a child. At about 6 years old, I had a series about a cowboy and an alien who were best friends. I’ve been making up stories ever since.

Describe your book(s) in 3 words!

romantic, dramatic, spicy

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

I write contemporary and historical romance. They are definitely spicy; you can always count on 2-5 scenes of open door spice depending on the book.

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, usually. I imagine their back stories, their personalities, even bits of dialogue, and then form a story to suit them. It was different for Ship of Dreams because the sinking of Titanic is a historical event, so I had to work around that, but then, my characters were the first thing to develop for that story.

Why do you write?

I write because I can’t not write. I have stories in my heart. It doesn’t matter if anyone reads them (though obviously that’s the ideal), but I need to tell them.

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

Drafting! It’s so much fun to get all the ideas out and explore with the characters. Not everything makes it to the final manuscript, of course, but that’s the time where, as the author, I’m most free.

Describe your writing space.

I write in several different spaces. Much of it happens at my day job, which is a pretty standard dull metal desk facing a blank blue wall. At home, I’ve got a pretty white desk, two screens (one being my laptop), with a pink keyboard and mouse, pink lamp, and Lord of the Rings art on the wall. And recently, I’ve started going to a local coffee shop as well, where the space is narrow, but it’s a cute leather booth, facing a floral print wall with a neon light across it. Very cute.

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

Editing. Going back through and reading my manuscript until I hate it is draining. But when I start hating it, that’s when I know it’s almost ready.

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

My first two books, We’ll Meet Again and The Keeper and I (purchase both here!) are about a fictional Premier League football club in London. I was inspired as I got into the sport, and by Ted Lasso (though the final season of that show was a bit disappointing). They were also inspired by my love of historical shows, such as Band of Brothers and Bridgerton. Once you read the books, you’ll see where those come in! We’ll Meet Again came out March 25, 2023, and The Keeper and I came out December 18, 2023.

My first true historical romance, Ship of Dreams, came out on April 10, 2024. It’s a childhood friends to lovers story that’s set aboard RMS Titanic. It follows the journey of a lady’s maid, Sybil, and an officer on the ship, Charles, as they reconnect after over a decade apart, but then of course, the disaster strikes. The idea came to me when I re-watched Titanic (1997) and watched for the first time the mini-series Titanic (2012). There’s also a bit of Downton Abbey inspiration as well.

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

My writing is better than I think it is, and someone out there will love it. It’s a roller coaster of a process, but it’s so worth it to fulfill this dream I’ve had since I was a child.

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

I’d like to be friends with all of them! But I’d probably be closest to Ethan, since we’re from the same place and he’s so kind. Probably Laci as well, since she’s someone I admire so much for her level of confidence.

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 don’t eat while I write, but I’m a little beverage goblin, so I’ve usually got a coffee or Diet Coke for caffeine, and a massive cup of water just beside it.

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

I’ll probably listen to music before I write, then do a dialogue dump of what needs to be said between these characters. I go back in and let the words land after.

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

It’s given me a lot of confidence, actually! Knowing that people out there are enjoying my books is an incredible feeling.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Write the story that’s on your heart, not what you think is popular. Invest in the important things, like a good cover artist and editor. And research, research, research for the content of your story, even if it’s a subject you already love.

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

Guarded Treasure by Mae Lovette. It’s inspired by The Mummy and was the perfect “inspired by” story without being a rip-off of the original. It was funny, spicy, and compelling. It honestly reminded me of Old Hollywood, the way the two main characters interacted, their dialogue back and forth, and how they said one thing but meant another. Which worked well since the book is set in the 1930s.

Thank you, Kelsey, for joining us today! All of you should absolutely follow her on Instagram and TikTok for more updates and fun posts!

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!