For debut author Bobbi Maclaren, it all started with The Hunger Games. One book led to the others and before she knew it, she was taking a shot at writing. And we’re all grateful for it. Because Bobbi’s debut, The Edge of Summer, was born out of that love for reading and writing!
Did you know that Bobbi’s debut was originally meant to be a romantic suspense? But while writing it, she changed the way the story was going. Another thing I’m really excited about with Bobbi’s debut (and all her future contemporary stories) is that we’re going to enjoy a lot of Canadianisms. Her debut is set in a fictional island called Kip Island, but all her books will have Canadian settings and characters. While there are quite a few Canadian indie authors, it’s always wonderful to meet more and see what their part of Canada looks like.
Keep an eye out for the rest of the books in her debut series—it’s a series of three interconnected standalones—but there’s a good chance we might be getting something else before those two books are released!
The Edge of Summer is out now and available in Kindle Unlimited.
BEING AN AUTHOR
Who or what inspired you to write?
When I was in grade six, my teacher started reading The Hunger Games to our class. I got so invested, I had to check the next book out of the library so I could read ahead. That reignited my love of reading, which in turn made me decide to try my hand at writing. I’ve been doing it ever since.
What’s the best and worst part about being an indie author?
The best part is undoubtedly all the people I’ve met. Getting to connect with people who share my love of reading and writing is something I am so incredibly grateful for. It makes my days a lot less lonely. The worst part: making content.
Why did you choose to self-publish instead of going the traditional route?
Publishing a book was always a distant dream I had, but I never thought it would happen this way. In the summer of 2022, I stumbled upon the indie author side of Instagram. I got a Kindle shortly after. Seeing all these authors make their own dreams come true made me realize that maybe I could do that, too. The traditional route seemed daunting to me, and there are no guarantees. There aren’t any guarantees with self-publishing either, but at least I knew for sure that my book would be out in the world. Although stressful and confusing at times, I also find the ins and outs of publishing to be fascinating. I’ve loved getting to take control and experience that for myself.
ROMANCE AS A GENRE
Why did you choose romance as the genre to write in? What is your favorite thing about the genre?
When I started reading books like The Hunger Games, I always gravitated to ones that had romance in them. I love the feeling of possibility the genre gives me. Even though these characters go through all these trials, they still manage to find love in the end. When I began to write, I didn’t even think about not writing romance in some form.
What are your most and least favorite tropes?
I like most tropes, but some of my favorites are single parent, marriage of convenience/accidental marriage, and accidental pregnancy (controversial, I know). My least favorite are cheating and love triangle.
YOUR BOOKS
Can you briefly tell me about your debut?
My debut is a small town romance that takes place on a fictional island on Lake Huron. The story was originally meant to be a romantic suspense, but partway through writing the first draft I decided to head in a different direction. The Edge of Summer follows Delilah, guardian to her two younger siblings, and Luke, the town’s fire chief. They both have some baggage and are on journeys to overcome their struggles, and they end up finding solace in each other. A no-strings-attached relationship soon turns into more.
How much of yourself do you put into these characters?
I think, whether intentional or not, each character comes away with a small piece of me. Maybe not my personality, but whatever emotions they’re experiencing come from me. I’ll never be in most of the situations that I put my characters in, but I can still relate to the way that they feel when they’re happy, sad, angry.
Is there one common element that readers can find in all your stories?
In all (or most) of my contemporary stories, readers will find Canadian settings and Canadian characters. For a long time, it has been accepted that Canadian stories just aren’t as marketable as American ones. I want to push back on that. I want my Canadian readers to be able to identify familiar places or feel connected to the setting/characters because they are reminded of home. And I want readers from other parts of the world to get a glimpse at what Canada can be like.
What’s next on the bookshelf for you? Anything you can tell us about a future project?
My debut is the first in a three-part series of interconnected standalones, so books two and three are definitely coming. However, right now I’m working on a standalone athlete romance that I’m hoping to put out later this year.
When you write these stories, what are you hoping your readers will feel?
I want my readers to feel immersed in my story and enjoy themselves, but I also want them to feel seen in some way. Maybe they aren’t the sole guardian of their two younger siblings, but perhaps they can relate to Delilah’s worries about not being good enough. Maybe they understand Luke’s protectiveness over his family. Or maybe they just want a happy ending to show them that everything will be okay in the end.
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?
Bobbi can be found on Instagram, TikTok and Threads. Also visit her website and sign up for her newsletter!
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