PHOTO: Jenna Moreci, bestselling author and beloved writing mentor, photographed with her signature wit and warmth.
Blending Genre Fiction With Craft And Candour
Bestselling author Jenna Moreci discusses her passion for romantasy, the power of vulnerability in romance, her immersive worldbuilding, and how she balances fiction writing with practical, humorous writing advice.
Jenna Moreci writes with the candour of a trusted confidante and the daring of a storyteller who knows precisely what she wants to say. A bestselling author and YouTube favourite, she has carved out a unique space in the literary world—one where dark fantasy entwines with fierce romance, and craft advice crackles with wit and unapologetic honesty. Whether she’s guiding aspiring writers through the thickets of romantasy, or pulling readers into deadly tournaments and forbidden love, Moreci brings a distinctive voice that is equal parts sharp, sincere, and utterly compelling.
Her breakout novel The Savior’s Champion captured the hearts of readers across the globe, its blend of mythological nods, emotional depth, and romantic tension earning it a place among Book Depository’s Best Books of All Time. The world she builds is visceral—sensed through the colour of robes, the scent of hazelnut, and the music drifting from local inns. Yet for all its grandeur, Moreci never forgets that the soul of any story lies in the vulnerability of its characters, the ache behind their armour.
As an educator, her no-nonsense tone has become a hallmark. Shut Up and Write the Book didn’t just offer practical guidance—it demanded action, peppered with humour and hard truths. And now, with How to Write Romantasy on the horizon, Moreci is poised to offer her readers not just a how-to, but a masterclass in merging emotion with escapism.
Moreci’s gift lies in this rare ability: to be both mentor and magician. Her stories thrill, her advice empowers, and through it all, her readers feel seen. There is little doubt—whether she’s penning epic love stories or rallying authors to embrace their voice—Jenna Moreci is a force, and she’s just getting started.
What inspired you to blend dark fantasy with romance in The Savior’s Series, and how did you strike the right balance between the two genres?
I’m a big proponent of writing what you want to read, and I grew up obsessed with old school fantasy romance movies like Clash of the Titans and Jason and the Argonauts. The Savior’s Series reflects everything I love about the romantasy genre, including deadly tournaments, forbidden lovers, and nods to Greek mythology.
The balancing act is a chapter-by-chapter process. If chapter one is fantasy-focused, chapter two should revolve around romance, and so on.
In How to Write Romantasy, you offer practical advice on crafting chemistry—how do you personally approach writing romantic tension that feels authentic and engaging?
I list a five-step process to building swoon-worthy tension in How to Write Romantasy, but my favourite step is creating a moment of vulnerability between the lovebirds. Your characters need to reveal an intense shame, regret, or sadness. This strengthens their bond, because now they have a safe space where they can be their most raw, exposed self.
This type of scene plays double duty, as it adds depth to your characterization while also making readers root for the romance. We all want to feel accepted even in our most vulnerable moments.
Shut Up and Write the Book is known for its no-nonsense tone—what motivated you to take such a direct and humorous approach to writing advice?
Direct and silly are probably the two adjectives that describe me best. I like to crack jokes, and I don’t beat around the bush. Shut Up and Write the Book is a reflection of my authentic voice.
The worldbuilding in your novels is intricate and immersive—how do you go about constructing your fantasy realms, and what are some common mistakes writers should avoid?
I’ve found that a great place to start is with your five senses. What colours are the characters wearing, how humid is the climate, does the scent of hazelnut carry in the air, what is the flavour of their breakfast, and what music are they listening to at the local inn? We use our five senses constantly during the writing process, so referring to them is a great way to immerse yourself in your fictional world.
One of the most common world-building mistakes, quite frankly, is not knowing when to shut up. Just because you did the research doesn’t mean the reader needs to know about all of it. Share your world as it becomes relevant, and learn when to rein it in.
How has your YouTube platform influenced your writing career, and what have you learned from interacting with such a large community of aspiring authors?
My channel allows me to reach hundreds of thousands of readers daily. I didn’t go into YouTube thinking it would take off, but I’m grateful my content has resonated with so many people, and I’m honoured by their support.
Interacting with so many writers has taught me just how diverse the community is. We always assume our ideas are too niche to succeed, or no one will care about what we have to say, but our minds are not as obscure as we assume. There really is something for everyone, and if you’re interested in telling a particular story, chances are there’s an audience for it.
With your books tackling both craft and storytelling, how do you switch mindsets between writing instructional content and fiction?
I’m always working on multiple projects at a time, so switching voices has become a regular part of my process. When I write fiction, I immerse myself in the characters’ mindsets, personalities, and points of view. But when I’m tackling a craft book, I write as if I’m having a casual conversation with the reader. My goal is to be straightforward and to the point with a hefty dose of humour added to the mix—and fortunately, that’s my normal communication style. It’s not hard to go back and forth between playing the part of a character you created and simply being yourself.
What advice would you give to other authors trying to break into the romantasy genre while staying true to their unique voice?
I’d encourage them to check out my book, How to Write Romantasy. But outside of that, I’d say it’s absolutely possible to marry your passion with the market. What sort of story do you want to tell? What character types, themes, and worlds do you want to explore? Next, take a look at your future readership. What are they consuming? What’s resonating with them? Now, combine these elements. You don’t have to write everything that’s trendy, especially if it doesn’t appeal to you. But you can easily take marketable concepts and mix them with your passion project to create something that both you and your audience will adore.
