I found Aaliyah Deana’s debut the same way I find books by other indies—social media. One author shared it and then another did and before I knew it, I had it downloaded to my kindle. I’m usually so bad at reading everything I borrow via Kindle Unlimited, but the idea of a modern day version of the Whitney Houston-Kevin Costner movie had me picking it up almost instantly. And boy did it deliver. With a great balance of romance and suspense, Dangerously in Love had me turning pages so fast I was sad when it ended!
Thankfully, it was just the first in a series about a security consulting firm and I cannot wait for the second book—Drunk in Love—releasing September 13th!
While Aaliyah might be an indie, she definitely did try to publish her stories traditionally. But like a lot of us, her stories are always passion projects that might not fit what publishers are looking for, making self-publishing the way for her to go. And I’m grateful that she took the leap, because we need these books.
Her debut is available now in Kindle Unlimited and you can preorder the second book today!
BEING AN AUTHOR
Who or what inspired you to write?
I’ve always loved books and writing. I struggled to find anything I cared about as much as writing career wise. When I started reading adult romance it was one of Susan Elizabeth Philip’s books that made me want to write in the genre.
What’s the best and worst part about being an indie author?
The best part and the worst part are the same: you have to do everything on your own. I love being in control of the cover and what days I want to release. The downside is having to fund everything yourself and every detail like marketing all falls on you.
Why did you choose to self-publish instead of going the traditional route?
I tried for many years to traditionally publish a book. The trends in romance at the time just didn’t speak to my voice as an author. I got to a point where I realized I would have to conform and I never wanted to tell a story because it’s marketable. Any book I’m writing and eventually publishing is a passion project that I believe in wholeheartedly, not because it's trendy. Indie authors like Ana Huang, Alexandria House and Sophie Lark were inspirations because I saw how popular their books were and I admired how close they are with readers on social media.
When you’re not writing, what do you do to get the creative juices flowing?
Reading, watching TV and most importantly listening to music. All of these have heavily influenced my writing.
What are your top 5 tips or pieces of advice for aspiring authors?
Read, read some more, read again, sit down and start writing, lastly make sure you finish—cannot edit a blank page as the saying goes!
ROMANCE AS A GENRE
Why did you choose romance as the genre to write in? What is your favorite thing about the genre?
I’ve tried writing in other genres but I always came back to romance. I’ve heard romance be described as the genre of hope and I think that’s part of why readers keep coming back. You know how the books end, but every romance is unique when it comes to the characters and whatever issues they have to surmount. The message is always: everything is going to work out, and what’s a better feeling than that?
If not romance/subgenres of romance, what genre would you like to write in?
I’ve always wanted to write a thriller.
What are your most and least favorite tropes?
I enjoy pretty much every romance trope. My favorites are marriage of convenience, second chance, friends to lovers, and secret baby/accidental pregnancy.
What are some tropes you want to write in the future?
Single dad x nanny, marriage in trouble, and friends to lovers.
If you write open door romance, why did you choose that and what inspires your sex scenes?
I’ve read and enjoyed plenty of closed door romances. For me, what I enjoy most is the passion that comes from the open door/spicy scenes. That “I need you now” desperation between the characters. Oftentimes, the spice is used as another expression for how the characters feel about each other that words can’t express. The characters dictate the scenes and I try to make the spicy scenes unique to the couple.
YOUR BOOKS
What inspired your published stories? How and when did you come up with these stories and plots?
I know what subgenres of romance I enjoy reading and I try to find real life inspiration to coincide. For Dangerously In Love, I was inspired by some news stories talking about celebrity stalkers and an idea formed for romantic suspense.
Can you briefly tell me about your books?
My Tri-State Security series is about a group of protection agents working in NYC and follows their loves and relationships amidst the danger of their assignments. Book one follows Ava, an influencer who is being stalked. Her older brother’s best friend is a protection agent and owns a security company. When Brandon is called in to protect Ava, forbidden sparks fly as they try to outsmart an obsessed stalker.
Do you already have a favorite character from the stories you’ve written?
Yes, I like the female main character Ava. She is headstrong and at times a brat, but I like her tenacity.
If you were to cast your book for a movie/television show, who would you cast in the lead roles?
For book one in the Tri-State Security series, Dangerously in Love, I would cast Nick Bateman as Brandon and Zendaya as Ava.
How much of yourself do you put into these characters?
For book one in the series very little. Book 2 will feature a character more relatable to me.
What’s next on the bookshelf for you? Anything you can tell us about a future project?
Book 2 of the Tri-State Security series will be out September 13th, 2024. Drunk In Love follows two other team members on the Tri-State Security team, Kamaya and Maxwell. This book has some of the best banter I’ve ever written. If you like the friends to lovers trope, you’ll love book 2!
When you write these stories, what are you hoping your readers will feel?
I hope readers identify with characters and feel seen by the representation in the books. Ultimately, I want readers to be entertained every time even if they don't necessarily relate to a character.
AUTHOR’S CHOICE
Paperbacks, hardbacks, ebooks or audiobooks
Contemporary, fantasy, historical or romantic suspense
Single or Dual POV
Standalones, series or standalones in a series
Open door, ajar door or closed door romances
Music or silence when writing
Plotter, pantser or pantser
Water, tea, coffee or….wine?
Cold or warm weather
Write better in the morning, afternoon or night?
Illustrated or photo cover?
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