Exploring The Heart, Soul, And Creative Genius Behind Nearly 40 Bestselling Novels
Pepper Winters discusses her creative process, inspirations, and the emotional depth of her stories, offering insights into her journey as a bestselling author and her passion for exploring complex relationships.
Pepper Winters is a literary force to be reckoned with, a masterful storyteller who has carved a unique niche in the world of contemporary romance and dark fiction. With nearly 40 books translated into nine languages and a staggering number of appearances on prestigious bestseller lists like USA Today, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, Pepper’s work resonates deeply with readers across the globe. Her ability to weave intricate tales of love, resilience, and redemption has earned her accolades for Best Dark Romance, Best BDSM Series, and Best Hero, solidifying her place as one of the most compelling voices in modern romance. Whether exploring the raw depths of human emotion or crafting unforgettable characters, Pepper’s stories are a testament to the transformative power of love and the indomitable strength of the human spirit.
In this exclusive interview with Reader’s House Magazine, Pepper opens up about her creative process, her inspirations, and the themes that drive her storytelling. From her idyllic life on a farm surrounded by animals to her passion for delving into the complexities of relationships, Pepper offers a glimpse into the mind of an author who doesn’t just write stories but creates worlds that linger in the hearts of her readers. Join us as we dive into the mind of this extraordinary author and uncover the magic behind her unforgettable works.
“Pepper Winters is a literary powerhouse, crafting deeply emotional, award-winning stories that captivate readers and redefine modern romance.”
EDITOR, READER’S HOUSE
Your stories often explore intense emotional journeys and complex relationships. What inspires you to dive into these intricate dynamics, and how do you approach crafting such layered characters?
I love diving deep into human psyche and what makes us fight, give up, love, hate, and survive. I love writing romance like a battleground where two people come together to either hurt or heal each other throughout their journey to becoming better people together. I find the harder the journey to win the affection of the other, the better the swoon and feelings. I love nothing more than using fiction to dive into aspects I would never wish to experience myself and am very lucky that I get to write about subjects that can often seem too dark. I’ve never been able to write fluffy romance and almost all my books–dark romance, coming of age, fantasy romance–all deal with topics that can be quite confrontational, not because I enjoy writing such things but because (hopefully) not many of us will experience the true darkness of the world or have to claw back to the light through a series of unfortunate events. Love can heal all things, all people. Love is the true magic in this world and I think that is the core value I hope to portray.
“I love writing romance like a battleground where two people come together to either hurt or heal each other.”
– Pepper Winters
You’ve developed a strong fanbase in the dark romance genre. What drew you to this style of storytelling, and how do you balance darkness with moments of light or redemption?
I suppose I sort of answered this question above. I find the darker the subject, the more emotion you can wring from the character, and yourself as a writer. I don’t write the dark romance genre to glorify it but to shed light that it does happen, it’s not easy for those trapped in such circumstances, and to attempt to put certain characters in unwinnable situations in the hope of redemption and love.
Many of your books explore themes of power, control, and healing. How do you go about researching and representing these themes in a way that resonates deeply with readers?
I do a lot of research on the reality of a situation. Such as, if my character has a wound or circumstance to overcome, I try to base as much of that in reality as possible. However, when it comes to how the character reacts, responds, and ultimately grows/fails in the face of whatever they’re trying to overcome, I leave that purely to the muse. When I’m writing, I suppose I ‘channel’ the character I’m penning. It’s not my thoughts or feelings, it’s theirs. Their dialogue and reactions are often a surprise to me too, so writing the book is just like reading it and if a scene punches me in the heart with emotion, then I hope it does the same to a reader.
With so many successful books, how has your writing process evolved from your first novel to your most recent releases? Do you have any rituals or routines that help you stay creative?
I still have the same routine, actually, and that is no routine. I’m not one for fancy offices or desks. I have a laptop table that I use on my favourite recliner chair and a laptop that’s seen millions of words written. With just my laptop and a table, I can write anywhere. I’m often in the car while my husband surfs at the beach, or in the paddock while my horses sleep in the sun, or just in the garden under an umbrella. I love the freedom to write anywhere! I don’t have rituals or routines. I typically start writing around midday for 4 to 5 hours. In the morning, I do my animal/farm chores, run/yoga, learn Thai and Chinese (learning two languages is great fun), and then get stuck into my manuscript. I’m a firm believer in moving your energy, being outside, and training your brain to stay healthy and happy.
If you could pick one of your characters to spend a day with, who would it be, and what would you most want to learn from them or experience together?
Oh that’s a tricky question! I think I’d love to hang out with them all! But if I had to choose, I’d probably hang out with Ren from The Ribbon Duet. He’s everything that I envision a good man, husband, and protector should be and it would be an effortless day of hanging out at Cherry River Farm with him.
Thanks so much!
