As we gear up for this amazing event, I’ll be bringing you author interviews so you can get to know the attending authors in more detail! There are lots and lots of authors for you to discover, not to mention, hundreds if not thousands of books! Why not grab a cuppa and sit back and relax! All while hearing more about our writers and their writing lives, inspirations – and maybe even a secret or two!
What is the first thing people should know about you?
That I’m a tea addict. I’m a huge fan of Schitt’s Creek, Brooklyn 99 and FRIENDS. I’m mostly an introvert but if I find a common topic with you then nothing can stop me from talking for hours.
Tell me which genre or trope you are most well-known for writing.
Mafia romance and Gothic romance.
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
My age and I will keep it a secret forever. Lol.
Name a book you’ve written that you wish more people had read, and why.
Cross My Heart. It was my debut mafia romance book and I tried to make it as unique as possible, with unexpected plot twists, heart-breaking moments, betrayal, revenge and intense sex scenes. It also has a realistic side of the mafia world where the lead characters truly suffer to get out of that darkness.
What is your favourite book (not your own), and why?
It’s an extremely long list that I could write a novel on, lol. But as for my top favourite I would say it’s gonna be The Button Series by Penelope Sky. If you like dark mafia romance with a badass FMC and broody and cold-hearted MMC, mixed with debt romance (don’t know if it’s a trope but you know what I mean), action, kinky and intense AF sex scenes, with some really swoon-worthy moments then READ THIS SERIES! Also, it was my first mafia series that I ever read and got inspired to write one.
Was there a book you wrote that broke you and made you feel like you’d never write again?
While writing Cross My Heart I felt broken for the pain I was putting my characters through, but it didn’t make me feel I would never write something like that again. Instead the tortures on my characters got more intensified with every new book.
Are you one of those authors for whom music is EVERYTHING and without it you’d never write?
I’m in between. Sometimes I listen to it, sometimes I don’t. But I think music helps me to get in the right mindset for certain scenes.
Is your desk/writing space tidy or messy?
Don’t have a desk currently. My lap is my desk, lol.
Who or what inspires you as a writer?
Two things. First are my readers whose love and support for my books keeps me going. Second is Pinterest where I see any picture that gives a book vibe, I instantly feel inspired to write a story.
Are you an introvert or extrovert? Or something else…?
I’m an “exintrovert”.
What is your advice to authors just starting out?
Just write. If you want to be an author just do it. There will be a shit ton of hard work for it, but hey what thing doesn’t? Nothing is easy in life. Write whatever you feel comfortable with. Make sure to research everything properly before publishing. If your story is a hit, then great, start working on a new one. If not, then check what things might have not worked out so that your next story can be improved.
Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?
Definitely my hometown.
If you could live inside any fictional world, where would that be?
One of Cora Reilley’s book worlds.
Your favourite place to read and/or write?
My bed.
When you’re as old as Gandalf the Grey, how many books do you think you might have written?
100? LOL
What did you always want to be when you were growing up?
I never had a fixed dream. I first wanted to be a princess. Then a teacher to ban homework. Later I wanted to be Queen Elizabeth, I really don’t know why. Then I wanted to be a doctor before I decided to be an author.
Who is your biggest cheerleader?
My mom.
Thank you so much for your time, Shanjida! To find out more, click the graphic:
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