Let me start by saying that I absolutely adore Loren Beeson. I could not tell you when I first discovered her books, but from the moment I did, I have not been able to let go. Besides being an awesome author, Loren is a genuinely good person and someone I both admire and cherish as a friend.
Her Betting On Love series blends the magic of contemporary romance with romantic suspense and it’s all kinds of fantastic. Following a group of people as they navigate and survive the terrors laid down by a drug lord, the three books in the series held me captive from start to finish. And if you haven’t picked them up yet, please do it now, because I promise you will love every single character you meet in this series.
And with the series complete, Loren’s getting ready to release her next book! One More Kiss is available for preorder right now and releases on July 14th, and I for one am extremely excited to read and devour this like I have the rest of her books.
Are you ready to meet an author I consider a friend, a human who is so beautiful and kind and generous and an author who I greatly admire? Let’s go!
What inspired you to write—was it another author or books you read as you grew up?
I’ve always been an avid reader and loved writing! When I was younger, my stepfather gave me an old computer of his and I would write all kinds of stories on it. It wasn’t until the pandemic that I really decided this was something I wanted to go for. Once I was furloughed from my job, I decided it was then or never, and so began my writing journey!
Why did you choose romance as the genre to write in?
Romance has always been my preferred genre to read and I’ll admit, I’m a romantic at heart! I love… well, love!
Why did you choose to self-publish instead of going the traditional route?
I had a friend of mine who I happened to see was self-published on Goodreads. I reached out to her to ask how she did it and she was so helpful and sweet about everything. She basically held my hand through it all, but by the end of that first book, and once it was out in the world, I was addicted. I started reading tons of self-help publishing forums, watching videos, and taking classes. I’m four—almost five—books in now and I personally feel self-pub is just a little… easier for lack of a better term. You have to put in a ton of foot work, but you have the most control over your book and your image when you self-publish.
What’s the best and worst part about being an indie author?
The best part is the close connection I get to make with each reader. Being an indie, I do so much of my own promoting etc. that I end up meeting so many new readers through social media and some of them have even become good friends! The worst part would have to be… doing all my own marketing. It’s incredibly taxing being a one woman show!
Do you write full time or is this something you do on the side? And would you want to write full time?
I write pretty much part time, but I am actively working toward making it a full time career!
Other than writing, what is something you enjoy and are really good at?
I draw (horses are my muse) and really anything “crafty” is my jam!
If not romance/subgenres of romance, what genre would you like to write in?
Paranormal… romance haha! If it doesn’t have some sort of romance in it, I don’t want it!
What are some of your all time favourite books—ones that you recommend to people or can reread multiple times?
I always recommend Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series or anything Colleen Hoover
What are your top 5 tips or pieces of advice for aspiring authors?
Don’t skimp on an editor
Save money for a nice book cover! Believe me, it matters to have a nice cover
Leave yourself love notes wherever you write so when the imposter monster sneaks up on you, you’ll have something to lean on
TAKE A BREAK
Build and love on your reader group and ARC team
Can you briefly tell me about the books you’ve published so far?
Love and sex are two of my favorite things (second only to tacos and wine) and I like to showcase both in my writing! The heroes in my novels are sexy softies hiding beneath rugged exteriors and the heroines are tough gals who love to give them hell. I write contemporary and suspense romance!
Of your books, who is your favourite character?
I feel like after every book I write, THAT character is my new favorite. If I had to choose, I’d say Juliana from book two (Dealing Dirty) of the Betting On Love trilogy. She’s feisty, fun, and hell on wheels.
What inspired your published stories? How and when did you come up with these stories and plots?
I tease my husband all the time that he should just be my co-writer! But he really does help so much with brainstorming. We sat down together to plot out my Betting On Love series and it was just so fun shooting ideas back and forth with him on where it would take place and what would happen. I am very imaginative! So when I get an idea, it’s hard to shake it off. I just go and go until it’s a fully formed piece of work that I can’t wait to share with my readers!
How much of yourself do you put into these characters?
I’d say most of my characters share at least one trait of mine, but I truly try to make them unique!
When you write these stories, what are you hoping your readers will feel?
I want my readers to feel excited! I know at least for me, it’s like a high to find a book that you can’t put down. You’re just turning pages like crazy, trying to figure out what’s going to happen next. It’s such a rush, and I want to give that to my readers.
What is a story/stories that you really want to tell?
I love writing romantic suspense. Contemporary is also wonderful, but the stories I crave and the ones I want to give my readers come with a touch of gray morality.
What’s next on the bookshelf for you? Anything you can tell us about a future project?
My next project is a vacation romance! I’m super excited for this one because it falls in the same wheelhouse as my debut novel, The Art of Loving Ellie. It’s going to be fun, spicy, and moving!
What are your most and least favourite tropes?
Enemies to lovers and age gap are definitely my favorites! I’d say my least favorite trope is when there’s a love triangle.
What are some tropes you want to write in the future?
That’s a great question. I’d like to do a brother’s best friend or nanny/boss at some point!
What are some topics (sensitive and otherwise) that you think should exist more in romance?
I think mental health should absolutely be more prevalent and I do think it’s moving that way. I highlight anxiety and depression in The Art of Loving Ellie because of how personal those “issues” are to me.
What is your favourite thing about the romance genre?
LOVE. I love love. Falling into it, chasing it, running away from it only to find it again. All the things! I think there’s nothing more powerful that the love you share with someone, even when it’s platonic.
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
Tea or coffee
Cold or warm weather
Morning person or night owl
Illustrated cover or photo cover
Comments