Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
My biggest inspiration when I first started to truly pursue writing fiction more than fanfiction was Katie McGarry. At the time I was into Young Adult romance books and her books along with Simone Elkeles set the tone for that style. When it came to swapping between YA and Adult I’d have to say Anna Todd, Christina Lauren, and Helen Hoang inspired me the most to make the swap.
Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favorite?
Yes. All the time. There are some scenes where I’ll find a song that fits and listen to that song on loop for however long it takes me to complete that chapter. My favorites depend on the book itself, like for my debut Forest Blakk was a huge inspiration and Hallie Mae Campbell.
How long have you been writing or when did you start?
I have been writing since I was ten. My love for it started in fifth grade during writer’s shop. My teacher was big into fiction writing and it jump started my love for it.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Between my published, soon to be published, and not published works I’ve written maybe 15 all together. My favorite Young Adult book I wrote (which is currently on Wattpad) is A Walk In Your Shoes and my favorite Adult book I wrote is between my debut The Two Week Promise and the Rockstar Romance called Seconds to Midnight that I am currently working on editing.
If you could be mentored by a famous author, who would it be?
I would say probably Tessa Bailey. Her spicy scenes are phenomenal and I would love to learn how to capture the moments like she does.
If your book were made into a movie, which actors would play your characters?
For my Christmas book, One Lucky Christmas that’s probably the one I have the most vision for when it comes to actors in mind. Nathan Parson’s would be the perfect Tobias and Jonna Walsh for Kasey.
What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
There are so many ways to write a book. You can plot, you pants. Not every method is going to be for you and not one method is the right one. Find what works for you, learn new ways, but don’t let anyone tell you that you’re doing it wrong. We all create art in our own way.
What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
I would have to say as a pantser the middle of my books during the first draft tend to stray a lot and I find myself sometimes struggling to connect the dots, but once I do the project flows nicely.
Which of the characters do you relate to the most and why?
Ellie Garner from my book The Two Week Promise. When I was in my twenties I had no clue where I wanted my life to go. I was working in retail like she was and trying to figure out my life. I didn’t have the career I wanted and didn’t feel like I’d ever amount to anything, which I feel like many can relate at that time in their lives.
Whom do you trust for objective and constructive criticism of your work?
My Romance writers group on Twitter. We met because of the mentorship called Rev Pit back in 2021 and have been together since. We are more than just writing buddies now, I call them my friend’s. We have monthly meetings where we read each other’s work and critique them. They know my style and understand my story better than most. And they are the ones who helped me shape my debut The Two Week Promise.
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Regina-Brownell/e/B0B96FDQZG/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1