Learn more about romance author Elle Wright! Elle answers questions about her career, her inspiration and talks about her love of romance and her latest series.
So read on for some behind the scenes info exclusive to Military Spouse!
1. For readers who are new to you, tell us three things we should know about Elle Wright.
I married my best friend. We have been rocking with each other for 19 years and counting.
I’m totally addicted to the Investigative Discovery Channel.
I’m a Barbie girl. I created a sweeping Family Saga with my dolls when I was a kid. You name it, I threw into this soap opera. What can I say, I was mature for my young age. A fun fact: I still have all of my dolls. I refuse to get rid of them. They were my first friends.
2. Was there a book you read that made you fall in love with the romance genre?
When I read Indigo by Beverly Jenkins, it changed my life. I had never read romance before my mother handed me a copy of the historical romance. I was amazed by the imagery, the romance set in a time that wasn’t so romantic for African American people. What made it even more special is the story took place in a town that is literally right down the street from where I currently live.
From that moment on, I devoured everything Ms. Jenkins wrote, and I’m still a huge fan today. Reading her words, being engrossed in the romance between Galeno and Hester, inspired me to write romance.
3. What is your writing process like? Do you have any rituals you do before you sit down to write?
Before I sit down to write a word, I spend days turning over the characters, the setting, the story in my head. I create a sound track for each novel, and each character/couple has a theme song. Most times, I have to have some noise in the background. It’s usually music, but sometimes it’s the television. I don’t like to write with people in the room, though. It’s a solitary act for me.
4. What do you enjoy most about being a published author?
What I enjoy most about this journey is the close friendships I’ve gained. I’ve met some amazing and creative people since I’ve become a published author. I also enjoy the creative process. I love getting into my character’s heads. Characterization, for me, is so important. Once I understand the characters and their motivations, the story flows organically.
5. What’s your favorite romantic trope?
My FAVORITE trope is Friends to Lovers. Perhaps, it’s because I married my best friend. But I absolutely love writing friends who find love with each other. Discovering new ways to write this trope is my goal, because I find it so interesting. There is something about knowing a person on a platonic level and then peeling back the layers of a friendship to find lasting love.
6. The tension between Parker and Kennedi in ENTICED BY YOU is electric. What’s your secret to writing couples with such good chemistry?
Honestly, it all ties back to characterization. When I create a heroine/hero, I delve deep into their past, their present, and future aspirations. Then I try to determine what’s missing in their lives and fill that gap.
Kennedi comes to Wellspring because she needs a break from her life. She has suffered horrific tragedy in her life and has a terrible history with a man who used her for personal gain. When she meets Parker, she realizes quickly that she’s attracted to him, which isn’t an unwelcome feeling for her. I mean, he’s a total hottie. Yet, she doesn’t want to need him. She does everything in her power to keep him at arm’s length, but the connection between him is too strong to deny. I loved writing this story because of the complexities of her past and the problems of his present.
7. Is there a scene in ENTICED BY YOU you’re particularly proud of?
Oh, there are so many scenes that stick out to me. But there is one in particular that was so much fun for me to write. I absolutely loved writing the go-cart racing scene. The two go to the local Sports complex and enjoy each other’s company. It’s their first “date” and I loved writing the easy way they connected with each other over funnel cakes and cotton candy.
8. What advice would you offer to someone writing their first romance?
One of the things I always tell someone who wants to write is read widely. It’s important to know what’s out there, what’s selling, what’s hot in the industry. I also like to tell aspiring authors to research publishing in general. There’s so much information out there, but there are so many pitfalls. I haven’t always made the best decisions, but I’ve learned from each one of them.
9. You and your husband met when you were 17. What was your meet-cute like?
Ha! Well, we met when I got a job at the local movie theater. We were both ushers and required to wear these hot blue polyester suits to collect tickets and sweep up popcorn after the movie was over.
I still remember this day like it was yesterday. I walked in on my first day, and saw him. It sounds corny, but I literally heard music in my head, he was so fine. Please Don’t Go by Boyz II Men. Anyway, my cousin was with me and I turned to him and told him, “I’m going to marry that man.” I introduced myself in an awkward, nerdy girl way and just knew this boy was going to change my life. Of course, I was 17 and the next month I was into someone else. But we became really good friends and stayed friends until I graduated from college. We celebrated my graduation with a trip to Chicago. That was when everything changed. The rest, as they say, is history.
10. What is one thing readers can always expect from an Elle Wright novel?
I hope readers have come to expect an edgy contemporary romance with unforgettable, layered characters, lots a humor, plenty of heat and a little scandal.
To connect with Elle, be sure to follow her on Facebook, Twitter and at her website!
