Crafting Stories with Heart and Soul
Annette Mori discusses her writing journey, inspirations, and the evolution of sapphic
literature, highlighting her award-winning works and personal connection with readers in this
engaging interview with Reader’s House Magazine.
Annette Mori is a literary force to be reckoned with, captivating readers with her profound storytelling and authentic characters. An award-winning author published by Affinity Rainbow Publications, Annette has carved a niche for herself in the sapphic literary world, earning six Lesfic Bard Awards and a prestigious Goldie Award for her novel “Locked Inside.” Residing in the picturesque Pacific Northwest with her wife and their four furry companions, Annette draws inspiration from her surroundings, infusing her stories with the region’s natural beauty and diversity. With over thirty novels to her name, she has become a beloved figure in the lesfic community, known for her ability to weave compelling narratives that resonate deeply with her audience. Her dedication to her craft and her readers is evident in her tagline, “One Fan at a Time,” reflecting her commitment to building meaningful connections with her audience. Annette’s work is a testament to her talent and passion, and her contributions to the genre continue to inspire and entertain readers worldwide.
In this exclusive interview with Reader’s House Magazine, Annette Mori shares insights into her remarkable journey as an author, her creative process, and the inspirations behind her acclaimed works. From the emotional depth of “Locked Inside” to the thrilling narrative of “Undercover Love,” Annette delves into the stories and characters that have captured the hearts of many. Join us as we explore the mind of a writer who has not only shaped the landscape of sapphic literature but also continues to push its boundaries with her innovative storytelling.
With twenty-nine published novels and multiple awards, including the Goldie Award for Locked Inside, you’ve established a remarkable career as an author. Can you share the journey that led you to writing, and how did you find your voice within the lesfic genre?
My wife and I found ourselves geographically separated during the week. As a result, I was extremely bored in the evenings. One night, I was reading a Sapphic novel and thought, I can do this. Who knew that it would be as challenging as it is? The first book I trashed as no good, but one character wouldn’t let go, so I wrote her story and submitted to Afffinity Rainbow Publications. Who knew that paranormal was a tough sell in a market filled with contemporary romance? Affinity took me under their wing and mentored me; the rest is history.
Your tagline, One Fan at a Time, reflects a deep connection with your readers. How do you cultivate this personal relationship with your audience, and why is it important for you to connect on an individual level rather than reaching the masses?
Since I am an extreme introvert, as many writers are, I do not do well in crowds but can converse with people one-on-one. It’s also helpful that many conversations take place via social media and email, allowing me to converse with more thoughtful responses. I’ve been fortunate to have many readers email or direct message me to engage in delightful dialogue.
In Locked Inside, you explore the emotional journey of Belinda, a semi-comatose woman, and her bond with Carly. What inspired you to write a story centered around such a unique relationship dynamic, and what message do you hope readers take away from it?
I listened to an inspiring story about a young man with Locked Inside Syndrome and thought it would make a remarkable sapphic love story. Additionally, I wanted to educate individuals about the challenges for persons with disabilities, helping readers to put themselves in that character’s place and see the world through her eyes.
Undercover Love, the first book in the San Diego Trilogy, involves themes of danger, loyalty, and rekindled love. What was your inspiration for this story, and how did you balance the elements of suspense and romance in creating a compelling narrative?
I had a vivid dream one night, which inspired a book titled Asset Management, a combination mission impossible, three musketeers thriller. This began a series of books in what I call The Organization Universe. The San Diego Trilogy was a spin-off series that reintroduced those characters. Plus, I’ve always loved the notion of running into a long-lost love at the most inopportune moment and throwing the women back together based on circumstance.
Living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, how does your environment influence your writing? Do you find inspiration in the natural surroundings, and how does that translate into the stories and characters you create?
Although I have written stories in other parts of the United States, I set most of my books in the Pacific Northwest because it’s what I know. I’ve lived in many cities in Washington state, choosing to write in every area because of the wonderful diversity. The state has everything from water and dreary rain with lots of trees and lush foliage to the high desert promising over 300 days of sunshine.
With a strong presence in the lesfic community, both as a reader and a writer, what changes or trends have you observed in the genre over the years, and how do you see it evolving in the future?
When I first started reading Lesfic, dnow more commonly referred to as Sapphic, a much broader term to include the diversity of our community (not strictly lesbians), it was challenging to find books to read. It was tough to find novels with a happy ending. Now, there are thousands of books to choose from. Independent authors are a growing community as well. Romance is still queen, but for those who enjoy other subgenres, you can find quality science fiction, fantasy, horror, paranormal, historical, whatever floats your boat! This is good for a writer like myself who colors outside the lines and never wanted to be pigeon-holed into a specific subgenre. I joke about writing novels I call romash (a mash-up of romance with something else). I’ve tried my hand at nearly every one of those subgenres.
