Indie Support Sunday: Marissa James
Marissa James and I have followed each other for a few years now and I’ve always been so fascinated by her covers. It’s unlike a lot of the hockey romances that are available and really draws the eye. While romance is her primary genre, Marissa does like the idea of writing a mystery or a thriller. Except she has no ideas, so if you do… send them her way!
What you can always find in Marissa’s books is found family. Because who doesn’t like it when the characters choose each other in every way, to build a life and world together? Right now, Marissa has two series out—one set in Orlando following a hockey team and another a holiday novella series.
The next book in her Orlando Storm series—titled Line Change—released August 14th and is available for preorder right now! And don’t forget to get your free copy of the prequel novella to this six book hockey series.
All of Marissa’s books are available in Kindle Unlimited.
BEING AN AUTHOR
Who or what inspired you to write?
As a kid growing up I read a lot and I always wanted to write my own stories and see my name on the cover of books. Now as an adult I finally get to realize that dream.
What’s the best and worst part about being an indie author?
The best part about being an indie author is getting to make my own schedule and decide what I’m publishing when, but also getting to meet and interact with readers.
The worst part is all the time and energy spent on marketing and trying to figure out what works and constantly posting.
Why did you choose to self-publish instead of going the traditional route?
Because getting an agent always seemed like luck and being at the right place at the right time (aka querying the right agent with the right manuscript at the right time) and I wanted my stories out in the world so I chose to go the self-publishing path. I also like that I get to make all the decisions as a self-published author as far as publishing schedule, what my covers look like, and even what I publish.
When you’re not writing, what do you do to get the creative juices flowing?
If I’m not writing I’m probably reading, working in my garden, watching hockey, or doing one of my many other hobbies.
If you were to recommend books to me (in any genre), what would they be?
The Sweet Spot by Adrianna Locke is my go to recommendation. I love her writing and will devour anything she writes.
What are your top 5 tips or pieces of advice for aspiring authors?
Just write the first draft, it won’t be perfect but finish the draft.
Have a budget for your first few books (3-5) and figure out what’s important to you to spend your money on.
Your book will never be perfect and if you try to make it perfect you’ll never publish it.
Not everyone is going to like your book and that’s okay (don’t read reviews).
Realize you don’t have to do everything (aka you don’t have to do PR boxes, and hire an ARC management company, and have all the swag, and special editions, etc) and be everywhere (on all the social media platforms) to be successful, pick and choose what works best for you based on your time and your budget.
ROMANCE AS A GENRE
Why did you choose romance as the genre to write in? What is your favorite thing about the genre?
I love knowing that the characters are going to get their happily ever after and no matter what happens the book is going to end on a positive note.
If not romance/subgenres of romance, what genre would you like to write in?
I think it could be fun to write a mystery or a thriller but I have zero ideas for one, so it will probably never happen.
What are your most and least favorite tropes?
My favorite tropes are friends to lovers, fake relationships (dating, engagement, etc), sibling’s best friend, and age gap (specifically where she’s older).
My least favorite tropes are cheating and love triangles.
What are some tropes you want to write in the future?
Second chance, Single Mom
If you write open door romance, why did you choose that and what inspires your sex scenes?
Because that’s what I enjoy reading. I don’t necessarily have inspiration for sex scenes, probably just a mix of all the other scenes I’ve read and how I think the characters wouldn’t act and react in the moment.
YOUR BOOKS
What inspired your published stories? How and when did you come up with these stories and plots?
I get my inspiration from all different places—music, television/movies, watching sports, reading, and even things that happen to me (or that I witnessed) in real life.
I dreamt up the Orlando Storm series (my hockey romance series) in fall of 2022 when the idea for the meet cute for my debut (Hot Shot) came to me. When I wrote the first book I kind of had ideas in mind for all of the other characters, although it was only supposed to be a 3 book series (plus a prequel novella) and it has turned into a 6 book series (7 if you count the prequel novella).
Can you briefly tell me about your books?
I write spicy contemporary romances featuring strong women and the men who love them. My two current series are a hockey romance set in Orlando, FL (near where I’m from) and a holiday novella series.
Do you already have a favorite character from the stories you’ve written?
I’m not sure that I could pick a favorite. I love them all for different reasons.
If you were to cast your book for a movie/television show, who would you cast in the lead roles?
I honestly have zero idea. It’s not something I ever think about.
How much of yourself do you put into these characters?
Some characters I put more of myself into than others but each character always seems to end up with a tiny piece of me, whether that’s my favorite type of sweet treat, favorite color, or a hobby of mine.
Is there one common element that readers can find in all your stories?
There’s probably always going to be some sort of found family in all of my books because I love writing characters who are all choosing each other, choosing to support each other and be each other’s family.
What’s next on the bookshelf for you? Anything you can tell us about a future project?
I’m working on a holiday novella that will come out later this year as part of my For You series. It’s been fun to write and work on as a break between writing hockey romances.
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 plantser
Water, tea, coffee or….wine?
Cold or warm weather
Write better in the morning, afternoon or night?
Illustrated or photo cover?
Marissa can be found on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook. You can also subscribe to her newsletter to stay updated!
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