Exploring the Heartfelt Narratives of a Romance Author
Mia London discusses her transition from reader to author, her belief in fate, writing inspirations, and the collaborative process behind her successful romance novel
Mia London is a literary force to be reckoned with, captivating readers with her enchanting tales of romance and destiny. As an Amazon bestselling and award-winning author, Mia has carved a niche for herself in the world of contemporary romance, where her stories are celebrated for their heartfelt narratives and unforgettable characters. Her passion for storytelling is evident in every page, as she masterfully weaves together elements of love, fate, and optimism. Mia’s dedication to the happily ever after (HEA) is a testament to her belief in the power of love and the magic of storytelling. Her works, including the beloved “Undeniable” series, have resonated with readers worldwide, earning her a devoted fan base and critical acclaim.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, Mia London opens up about her journey from avid reader to celebrated author, sharing insights into her creative process and the inspirations behind her beloved novels. With a playful and idyllic life in Texas, Mia draws from her surroundings to create vivid settings and relatable characters that transport readers into her world. Her collaboration with fellow author Susan Sheehey on the “Sweet Escape” trilogy showcases her versatility and ability to craft compelling stories even in the face of life’s challenges. Join us as we delve into the mind of Mia London, exploring her thoughts on fate, her writing journey, and her advice for aspiring writers.
“I do believe in fate. I also believe in timing, luck, and positive thinking.” – Mia London
You’ve mentioned that you’ve been an avid reader of fiction for years before deciding to turn your ideas into stories. What was the turning point that made you finally sit down and start writing your first novel?
A. I believe the turning point was The Principal’s Office by Jasmine Haynes. I love that book. I literally gasped out loud. Jasmine’s style spoke to me, and the way she sets her stories with a corporate backdrop resonated with me as well.
I see a scene as if I’m watching a movie. So, I started slowly, jotting down the dialogue, the action, the emotion. I didn’t even have names for my characters, I just knew I needed to tell a story, or at least a scene. Before long, I had 25 pages of just stuff. At that point, I knew I had a decision to make—write more and see if I had a book in me, or cut bait and just stick to reading. I went to 50 pages and knew I was hooked.
Mia London, bestselling romance author, shares her passion for
storytelling and the magic of happily ever after.”
In Undeniable Fate, fate plays a significant role in bringing Lily and Brandon together. How do you approach writing stories that blend romance with the idea of destiny? Do you believe in fate, and how does that belief influence your writing?
A. The interesting thing about that story is that it was originally part of an anthology I wrote with 5 other authors (called Blame It On Fate). The theme was fate, and the rule was to work that into the story, no matter how small. I finished my story, but the characters weren’t finished with me. I continued the story of Brandon and Lily in Undeniable Love. The duet is a fan-favorite.
I do believe in fate. I also believe in timing, luck, and positive thinking.
Living in Texas with your super-model husband and perfectly behaved children, you’ve created a playful and idyllic image of your life in your bio. How does your real life in Texas influence the settings, characters, or themes in your books?
A. Indeed. First, anyone who meets me can see I have a sense of humor. I like laughing and like to find the joy in life whenever possible because life isn’t always easy. And second, I do often set my books in Texas. Of course, it’s what I know best, but I will also take readers to places like New York, Italy, and France—other places I’ve visited.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
A. My best advice is to keep writing and keep reading. Like working out a muscle makes it stronger, writing makes you better and more proficient at your craft. And reading is key because you learn others’ styles, what you like and don’t like. All of that is good information as you transform your manuscripts. Best of luck!
It looks like for the first time in 2018 you co-authored a book—books, really—with Susan Sheehey. Can you tell us more about that, and amazingly, Hot Spell won first place in the International Digital Awards in 2019?
Yes. It was a trilogy called Sweet Escape, about three best friends who go on girls’ trips and find love along the way.
Susan and I were on the way to a book signing when she made a fun quip that I then tagged on to. This back and forth quickly turned into story-building. After a few minutes, I looked at her and said, “You know we need to write this story, don’t you?” And one book, easily turned into three. So, we returned home and got to work. It wasn’t long and life hit us—hard. She lost her dad unexpectedly and then I broke my leg. Worst pain ever. But we persevered. When one wrote, the other would get a notice that the document was changed. This propelled us to finish the three manuscripts. We both admit, if it wasn’t for writing together, it’s likely neither one of us would have published a thing that year. As an aside, that fun quip is in Chapter One of Dry Spell. The series was supposed to be a Contemporary Romance and quickly turned into a Rom-Con too.
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