Indie Support Sunday: Olive Winter
- Sep 7
- 5 min read
I wish I had a cute story to tell you how Olive Winter and I met/connected, but all you need to know is that she’s the best. Supportive and kind, enthusiastic and passionate, Olive is someone you want in your life. If you’re active on Threads, you’ll often see Olive’s posts uplifting and supporting, giving a voice for Black romance readers and writers everywhere. That’s one of the things I admire about her—the unfiltered vocalisation for people.
On top of that, Olive released her debut last month! Ready or Not is a novella to kick start her Nape Series and it’s being called a great summer read. From all the teasers that she’s already shared, I know it’s going to be great! And you know what else? I got a glimpse into another book in this series and I promise, you’re going to be obsessed with Olive and her stories if you aren’t already.
Ready or Not is available right now in Kindle Unlimited.
BEING AN AUTHOR
Who or what inspired you to write?
My love of poetry got me to write.
What’s the best and worst part about being an indie author?
The best part—there’s no limitations to your storytelling. You’re able to write whatever it is you wish to write and you’re not under any obligations but the ones you set for yourself.
The worst—marketing. While I’ve done six plus years of marketing and creative direction as my daytime job…marketing books is on a different scope and it’s a lot of work to do as an indie author. Not only do you have to worry about writing a story but now you’re tasked with finding readers for your story.
Why did you choose to self-publish instead of going the traditional route?
I tell complex stories that I don’t see in traditional companies. I also love touching heavy topics in my stories which many aren’t comfortable reading about (Blame my debate background).
When you’re not writing, what do you do to get the creative juices flowing?
Music and Painting. If I’m not writing or reading, I’m crafting the perfect playlist to get the creative juices going oooorrrr…I’m painting my feelings away.
If you were to recommend books to me (in any genre), what would they be?
Violent Little Thing by Shon, The Illusion of Power by JL Seegars and Always Will by Layna James
What are your top 5 tips or pieces of advice for aspiring authors?
Find your lane and ride your own wave.
While it’s nice to follow trends, setting yourself apart from others by showcasing who you are through your work.
Do this because it’s fun, not for the money.
Your first draft is called a first draft for a reason. Pour it all out on the paper then go back and restructure it.
Don’t force yourself out of a mental rest. Enjoy it.
ROMANCE AS A GENRE
Why did you choose romance as the genre to write in? What is your favorite thing about the genre?
I chose romance as the first genre (because I’m planning to be a multi-genre writer) to write in because I’m in my hopeless romantic lover era. The favorite thing about the genre for me is being able to see how people loved to be loved.
If not romance/subgenres of romance, what genre would you like to write in?
Horror, Suspense, Thriller and Fantasy
What are your most and least favorite tropes?
I’m a sucker for friends to lovers, forced proximity and strangers to lovers. I’m not a fan of secret billionaires.
What are some tropes you want to write in the future?
Enemies (and I mean real enemies, not hate-like) to lovers
What are some topics (sensitive and otherwise) that you think should exist more in romance?
I want to see more therapy on pages, I want to see more grief (and not just losing someone but losing something that means a lot to you) in books and I want people to touch darker topics such as substance abuse.
If you write open door romance, why did you choose that and what inspires your sex scenes?
Sex is poetic and a form of love. I choose to include sex in my stories because in some ways, sex CAN be a letter to how much a person loves you (when they listen and cater to your sexual needs).
YOUR BOOKS
What inspired your published stories? How and when did you come up with these stories and plots?
That’s a hard question because I get inspired by pretty much anything. Ideas come to me without me trying and I just see if they stick once I try to do a soft plot.
Can you briefly tell me about your book?
Ready or Not, my debut, is a love letter to myself and those who are hopeless romantics but don’t know where to start. Ready or Not is for anyone still healing when it comes to love. For those who are still hoping and for those who are still wondering if love is out there for them, too.
Do you already have a favorite character from the stories you’ve written?
I do have one however you won’t be meeting her until my second series. As for my first book? It has to be Alexandra.
If you were to cast your book for a movie/television show, who would you cast in the lead roles?
Coco Jones HAS to play Solène. As for Desiderio? That’s a hard question because I have no idea yet.
How much of yourself do you put into these characters?
I plead the fifth runs away
What is a story/stories that you really want to tell?
I’m working on it right now but it’s a heavy one. It’s a romantic story of how suicide and addiction affects those around you and how they try to move on from it.
Is there one common element that readers can find in all your stories?
Found family will always be the thing for my books.
What’s next on the bookshelf for you? Anything you can tell us about a future project?
Get ready for some chaos and a baby shower!
When you write these stories, what are you hoping your readers will feel?
I write fiction rooted in emotions, created for readers who crave connection, joy and representation that feels like home.
AUTHOR’S CHOICE
Paperbacks, hardbacks, ebooks or audiobooks
Contemporary, fantasy, historical or romantic suspense
Single and 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? Whenever the inspiration comes to me is when I write
Illustrated or photo cover? Whatever fits the vibe of the book
You can find Olive on Instagram, Threads and join her Patreon to get exclusive stories! Don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter as well. Everything else you might need is available on her website.
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