I recently did a Q&A in my Facebook group to celebrate my latest book launch, and as always, you all delivered some amazing questions!
I had so much fun answering them, so I thought I’d share some highlights here.
You have characters from all over the place. Where have you lived?
I’ve (only) lived in Ghent, Hong Kong, and Brussels. Now back in Ghent and absolutely loving it—though Hong Kong was a very special experience. It’s changed a lot since we left, but it will always hold a place in my heart.
Do you have a favorite book or character?
My latest book is always my favorite—at least until I start writing the next one. 😉
As for characters, Raffo and Dylan are both pretty special to me. But honestly, picking a favorite is like choosing between wine and chocolate—impossible!
Which character of yours do you have a book crush on?
All the cougars. 😂
Where’s your favorite holiday spot?
Paris! It’s close, it’s beautiful, and it has the best pastries in the world. 🥐
Would you ever revisit a book and write a follow-up?
I’ve done a few short follow-ups (At the Water’s Edge, Seasons of Love, In the Distance There Is Light), but a full-length sequel? That’s harder because I get too distracted by shiny new book ideas. 😍
(Maya Mercer fans, I hear you, but she’s gone… 😭😉)
Where do you get all your ideas and inspiration from?
I just really love writing about two women falling in love. I’m obsessed with creating these big, bold, flawed, sexy, insecure, hot female characters and throwing them into deliciously dramatic situations. It’s the best job in the world. ❤️
Would you ever do another book for French Kissing?
French Kissing is a closed chapter for me. Also, when I wrote it, politics wasn’t the absolute minefield it is today. Not sure I’d want to tackle that now…
Will we ever see an ice-queen age-gap romance from you? Or a CEO story?
Ice queens aren’t really my thing—I think others write them much better than I do. My characters tend to be more difficult women than true ice queens. 😉
As for a CEO romance? Never say never! (I did write Next In Line For Love, which features a COO…)
Are any of your characters based on real people?
Absolutely not! 😎😉
How did you start writing? Where did your first book idea come from?
When we moved to Hong Kong, I didn’t have a job, so I started writing. My first book will never be spoken of again (shhh), but then I wrote High Rise, set in a tall building in Hong Kong. The inspiration was obvious, but all the drama is completely made up (of course)…
What’s your writing routine like?
When I’m writing a first draft, I write Tuesday to Friday, 9 AM to noon. After that, my brain is done with drama and steaminess for the day. 😎
If you could turn any of your books into a movie or TV series, which would you choose?
French Kissing (in French, with a cast of hot French actresses 🤩)
About That Kiss starring Julia Roberts & Sandra Bullock 😎
Hollywood, call me. 😉
What has been your hardest scene to write?
Izzy giving Leila ‘that letter’ in A Breathless Place…
What did you do before becoming a full-time writer?
I used to be a civil servant. Not quite as thrilling as writing sapphic romances, I must admit. 😍
Who is your biggest supporter?
My Mrs. Always. ❤️
What advice do you have for new writers?
At first: just write the book. It’s the best thing you’ll ever do.
Long-term: Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. I tried to turn myself into a book machine once, and it nearly burned me out. Now, I take my time to fully feel a book, and I think it shows. 💜
Any topics you want to write about but haven’t dared to yet?
No. If anything, I write about ‘non-commercial’ topics more often than is good for business. 😂
Speaking of which, my next book features a menopausal woman who falls for an asexual woman, and it’s coming this summer… 😍
How do you decide which narrator reads your audiobooks?
Easiest decision ever: it’s always Abby Craden. She’s the best, and you all love her, so it’s a no-brainer.
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Thanks to everyone who helped me reduce my launch stress by asking a question. Endlessly talking about myself was really helpful. 😊
If you want to be in on the Q&A fun live next time, please join my private Facebook group here >>
One Response
Maya Mercer will never truly be gone though… I revisit at least every other month!
And I’m holding to you to the ‘never say never’ to CEO! ‘Next in line for love’ is amazing, well worth the purchase!