Like a lot of people, I’m a sucker for small town romances. Toss in a broody grumpy hero and a vineyard and suddenly, I’m ready to do anything. That’s how I stumbled across Grace Elena’s debut, Between the Vines. While the new cover is stunning, the original one is what got my attention. I really enjoyed the push and pull between Camilla and Bennett, the chemistry and fun was pretty much my catnip. Plus, I’m always here for good representation!
So obviously I wanted more of Grace’s books and then I discovered that she was writing a series of forbidden romances under a pen name—G. Elena. Illicit Acquiescence is the first of these stories and based on the blurb and promotions she’s been doing on her Instagram, it promises to be hot and fun. And if that’s not enough, In Desperate Ruin releases December 19th and is a best friend’s dad romance. Does it get more forbidden than that?
Her first two books are currently available in Kindle Unlimited, but make sure you preorder In Desperate Ruin so it arrives in time for release day!
BEING AN AUTHOR
Who or what inspired you to write?
I’ve always wanted to be a writer growing up and my parents have been the most supportive since day one. They helped me write a short story in third grade that won a contest. I knew writing was always going to be either an outlet or a possible career.
What’s the best and worst part about being an indie author?
The best part is definitely the community you build with readers and authors. The worst part is not letting bad reviews tear you down as well as not looking at reviews.
Why did you choose to self-publish instead of going the traditional route?
I wanted to have full control on what books I could write, what genres I could dip my toes in, and how much time I could put into it all. Although it’s hard both ways, I think self publishing is the best for me right now.
When you’re not writing, what do you do to get the creative juices flowing?
I read similar books, listen to music, make moodboards on Pinterest, or even take a rest and do something not related to it all.
If you were to recommend books to me (in any genre), what would they be?
Anything by Hannah Grace, Hailey Dickert, Cassidy Hudspeth, HD Carlton, Sara Cate, Molly Doyle, and Willow Winters. They’re all phenomenal authors.
What are your top 5 tips or pieces of advice for aspiring authors?
Write that first draft and don’t edit until it’s completely done
If you’re not going to read it yourself, why would anyone else
Have fun, don’t fall into societal pressures to make your book a certain way
Budget, budget, budget.
A blank page is a blank page, everyone starts somewhere.
ROMANCE AS A GENRE
Why did you choose romance as the genre to write in? What is your favorite thing about the genre?
I’m a hopeless romantic! I love love. It’s cheesy, predictable, but also heart wrenching and raw.
If not romance/subgenres of romance, what genre would you like to write in?
Horror or thriller
What are your most and least favorite tropes?
Favorites tropes: strangers to lovers, forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, age gap, forbidden, and he falls first and harder
Least favorite: third act breakups and surprise pregnancy
What are some tropes you want to write in the future?
Marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, and mafia.
What are some topics (sensitive and otherwise) that you think should exist more in romance?
Mental health in a respective and knowledgeable manner.
If you write open door romance, why did you choose that and what inspires your sex scenes?
There’s nothing wrong with sex and it’s important to allow for sex positivity. It allows me to be more comfortable in my own skin while writing, so I hope the same for my readers who read it.
YOUR BOOKS
What inspired your published stories? How and when did you come up with these stories and plots?
My debut was thought up in the shower one night. I get easily inspired by songs, movies, everyday occurrences, etc.
Can you briefly tell me about your books?
I write under two pen names Grace Elena and G. Elena. Grace Elena is for the small town romances and sweet but spicy HEAs. G. Elena is for the forbidden, dark, and sometimes taboo romances with tons of spice and guaranteed HEAs.
Do you already have a favorite character from the stories you’ve written?
Every time I write a new book I fall in love with the characters more than the last. Right now I favor Arlo and Clementine!
If you were to cast your book for a movie/television show, who would you cast in the lead roles?
Sebastian Stan for Bennett Moore and Gabriela Andrada for Camilla Morales. Oscar Isaac for Julián Estrada and Madison Beer for Eliana Haros.
How much of yourself do you put into these characters?
Some personality traits and some insecurities here and there.
What is a story/stories that you really want to tell?
I want to write a Halloween slasher. I also want to write more mental health representation as well as military and sports romances.
Is there one common element that readers can find in all your stories?
Latinx representation, age gap, HEAs, and found family.
What’s next on the bookshelf for you? Anything you can tell us about a future project?
I have a new release coming December 19th. It’s a forbidden best friend’s dad romance and it will be slow burn, insta lust, so much tension, spanish love confessions, and Mexican leads.
When you write these stories, what are you hoping your readers will feel?
I want them to feel the emotions that my characters are going through. I also want those in the Latinx community to feel seen with the representation I put in my books. I never had that growing up as a bookworm.
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?
To stay updated on everything happening Grace’s author journey, make sure you follow her on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and join her Facebook Group. You can also check out her Spotify for bookish playlists! Grace is also offering signed copies of her books and make sure you visit her website, because she’s also offering formatting services for your future books!
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