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

Cross-posted on Substack.

Believe it or not, Ronnie and I connected over donuts.

Okay, well, sort of. I actually reached out to her back before she started authoring and offered her an ALC of The Write Place audiobook because I had some UK copies burning a hole in my ACX account. So I’ve been following her since before she was an author. On Threads, she posted something about people not liking your book and how scary that is, I think (I can’t remember anymore!), and I came back with something like: “Some people don’t like donuts, either. Doesn’t mean donuts aren’t awesome.” And then she tagged me in a picture of a donut, and now we’re best friends. (I’m manifesting.)

I’m so incredibly proud to announce that Ronnie just released her debut romance, Those Two Words, and I’m super excited she’s here today to talk about it!

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

Summer 2023. I’ve always had a very overactive imagination, and it was only last summer I was like, “Hey, I wonder if we could put these ideas on paper!?”

Describe yourself in three words!

Loud, optimistic, bubbly

Describe your book(s) in 3 words!

Cozy, hopeful, tearjerker

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

Contemporary romance! Good amount of spice (3 open door scenes). On my scale, I’d say it’s a 2.5/5

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. I know exactly who my characters are for all four books in the Sutton Bay series. I have a rough idea of what challenges they might be going through etc., but I tend to pants my way through that aspect of the story.

Why do you write?

Similar to reading, it’s an amazing escape, only this time it’s my stories coming to life. My debut was a way for me to express myself but also put out a character who I closely relate to and hope that others can take comfort in her struggles and remind themselves how strong they are.

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

First draft. Hands down. It’s so exciting seeing where your characters are going to take you, and I feel you grow with them. It’s hard not to become attached to them and feel all the emotions they’re feeling with each scene you write.

Describe your writing space.

I’m quite a messy person, but I’ve been sure to keep my writing space clear to help my mind. Lots of natural light and a poster in front of me that says “Listen here you f—er, stop caring what people think.” so that’s a good motivator lol.

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

I’ve only just experienced it, but those last couple of read throughs after professional edits and proof reading. It is tedious. I love my story so much, but you get to the point where reading it for the 100th time really starts to test you.

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

I like to think Those Two Words is a good balance of sweet, emotional and humour. Those Two Words is a second chance between two childhood best friends. They have always pined after one another, but it’s just never been the right time, until one night! Our FMC, Johanna, has spent a lot of time hiding her anxiety from the world and putting on a brave face for the people around her since losing her mother. Years later, Patrick goes through something similar, and it’s too much for Johanna to handle. Six years later, you know how it goes… They’ve both been through so much together and apart, and this second chance is not about being angry/bitter about their time apart but being grateful for where they are today. They were always going to end up with each other, but they had to find themselves and put themselves first.

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

So much lol. From a writing perspective I think I’ve learnt a lot for when I self-edit, which comes with practice, and I think going through those professional rounds of edits/betas.

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

Book 2’s FMC (cannot be named yet) would 100% be my best friend.

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?

Salty popcorn, all day, everyday! I love a peppermint tea or copious amounts of caffeine.

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

Curl up in bed and cry into my laptop

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

It’s confirmed I am 100% a people pleaser, but no I don’t think it has. If anything, it helps confirm the type of person I am and illustrating that through the words and characters I write.

What does success as an author look like for you? 

Finding that group of readers who love your characters and stories. It doesn’t matter how big or small, but I am so excited to find those people.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

For your debut, write the story you want to write. It’s such a special moment in your career, and you only get to do this all for the first time once. Don’t rush the process. If it takes you 6 months or 2 years, it’s yours to own.

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

Fall With Me by Becka Mack. 1) It’s Becka 2) It was such a heartfelt, emotional journey and it’s hard not to feel seen in this story. 3) I laugh, cried, blushed, and squealed!

Thank you, Ronnie, for joining us today! All of you should absolutely follow her on Instagram and TikTok for more!

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!