It’s no secret that Eve Kasey is one of my absolute favourite humans on the internet. Between loving her books and falling in love with her characters, I’ve also been fortunate enough to build a friendship with Eve that I will treasure for years to come. She’s written one of my favourite series of all time and our mutual love for Christian Hogue has only made our friendship stronger.
So it was also an honour to be able to interview and feature her in my new and improved Indie Support Sunday series. Because now I know even more about Eve than I did when we first started to become friends. With six books out in total (five full novels and one novella), Eve has released her seventh full length novel—Can’t Help Loving You.
And without further ado, here’s Eve’s full interview with lots of recommendations and great advice for aspiring indie authors.
What inspired you to write—was it another author or books you read as you grew up?
I’ve been narrating my life and making up stories since childhood. I felt called to writing back in 2013, when a story about a professor and student grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. Then, a scientist romance shoved its way in and demanded to be told first. Been following the muse, writing, & self publishing since!
Why did you choose romance as the genre to write in?
I’m a born romantic. I see love everywhere. Making up love stories about strangers is one of my favorite pastimes. I can’t imagine crafting a story without love at the center. Romance has always made me happy, and I wanted to fill others with that same joy.
Why did you choose to self-publish instead of going the traditional route?
I was utterly clueless and alone on the author journey when I self pubbed in 2014. I was a few weeks out from having a baby and I just wanted the book in the world, so I chose the Amazon route. Now I’m too invested in my non-writing career and the freedom of indie publishing to consider other options. Indie is awesome!
What’s the best and worst part about being an indie author?
The best parts are the supportive community and the creative freedom. The worst is the non stop hustle. You have to do everything, all the time, and it often feels impossible to stay on readers’ radar.
Do you write full time or is this something you do on the side? And would you want to write full time?
Part time writer here! I get words in when I can around work and life, and want to keep it that way. I’ve accepted that writing is just an expensive hobby for me. But it’s also my creative outlet, my reward, my happy place. That part time fills me all the way up.
Other than writing, what is something you enjoy and are really good at?
Baking! It’s a love language for me.
If not romance/ subgenres of romance, what genre would you like to write in?
I think I’d throw a love story in no matter what! I write for a design firm by day, though. So that’s nonfiction, I guess, and I do love it. Otherwise, romance all the way!
What are some of your all time favourite books—ones that you recommend to people or can reread multiple times?
Such a hard question. I have insanely talented author friends that I like to pimp. Would it help if I list your last few books I’ve loved so much I’ve purchased for others? The His Fair Assassin series by Robin LaFevers, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, and The Geek Who Saved Christmas by Annabeth Albert. As for rereads, I’m an Austenite at heart.
What are your top 5 tips or pieces of advice for aspiring authors?
Find your tribe.
Allow flexibility in your process.
Never forget you’re more capable than you think.
Dance outside your comfort zone.
Rest when needed.
Can you briefly tell me about the books you’ve published so far?
I have two series: a psychic sibling duet (Her Hands series), and a series of four workplace romances set in the space industry (All In series).
Of your books, who is your favourite character?
Vadim, the hero from Frequency of Attraction, has my heart. I love a broody man who feels so much more than he says. Also, t a t s.
What inspired your published stories? How and when did you come up with these stories and plots?
My first series was based on life. My brother studied geology (Love in Stone), and is such a contradiction to his wife! I thought an opposites-attract story like theirs would be fun. I started daydreaming of a professor-student romance (Touched by Love) in college. The All In series was purely out of fascination with space tourism, and exploring new tropes and cultures.
How much of yourself do you put into these characters?
Nora, the heroine in Touched by Love, is most like me: short, sweet tooth, sucker for a suit. The places and professions that interest me drive my books, too.
When you write these stories, what are you hoping your readers will feel?
I want the gut clench. I want readers to feel that clench of emotion, the butterflies, the joy that comes from sinking all the way into a satisfying love story. That’s the ultimate goal of writing for me.
What is a story/stories that you really want to tell?
I’m dying to write fantasy romance. Build a new world with unique settings and problems and magic. I think it would be a chance to really elevate a story, when there are no real world constraints. Happy sigh.
What’s next on the bookshelf for you? Anything you can tell us about a future project?
Yes! I have a forbidden second-chance romance releasing in March, and maybe little something-something for readers later this year!
What are your most and least favourite tropes?
I love fated mates in PNR and fantasy. Meant-to-be love is my ultimate trope! I also love the tension in enemies-to-lovers. If a silent, sacrificial man was a trope, then that too. Least? Accidental pregnancy or bully.
What are some tropes you want to write in the future?
I might combine all three of my faves in the near future
What are some topics (sensitive and otherwise) that you think should exist more in romance?
I think there should be more diversity in books in general, and not just skin color. Physical and mental health conditions, neurological diversity, etc. Even as an escapist genre, people should be able to see themselves, in all their unique and glorious ways, in romance.
What is your favourite thing about the romance genre?
I love the feminist tone and sexual and emotional empowerment the genre offers.
THIS OR THAT
Ebooks or audiobooks
Historical romance or romantic suspense
Single or Dual POV
Standalones or series
Music or silence while writing
Plotter, pantser or plantser (I prefer the term ‘discovery writer’)
Tea or coffee
Cold or warm weather
Morning person or night owl
Illustrated cover and photo cover