PHOTO: Bestselling author Stacey Wallace: the creative mind behind stories that make readers laugh, cry, and fall in love.
USA Today Bestselling Author Shares Her Journey, Writing Process, And New Series
Stacey Wallace shares her journey from writing YA to steamy romance and magical realism, discusses her creative process, and unveils her much-awaited Manzanita Beach series launching May.
Stacey Wallace is a literary force whose vibrant storytelling and heartfelt characters have captivated readers across genres. Known for her steamy contemporary romances and occasional ventures into magical realism, Stacey brings a unique blend of humour, emotion, and passion to her work. Her talent for crafting stories that make readers laugh, cry, and fall head over heels is unmatched. From her humble beginnings as a YA author to her transformation into a powerhouse of romance and magical realism under multiple pen names, Stacey has proven time and time again that her creativity knows no bounds.
With a life as full and dynamic as the characters she writes, Stacey draws inspiration from her family, her travels, and even her delightfully chaotic garden. Her ability to infuse authenticity into her stories by grounding them in places rich with personal memories, like the magnificent Oregon coast, adds a distinctive warmth and charm to her narratives. This May, Stacey returns as Stacey Wallace with her highly anticipated Manzanita Beach series, beginning with Battles We Fought. Her legion of fans, who have eagerly awaited her next venture into steamy romance, are sure to be swept away by this new chapter in her writing journey.
It takes a skilled author to strike the perfect balance between laughter and tears, and Stacey Wallace has mastered this art. Through this exclusive interview with Reader’s House, we delve into the mind of this creative powerhouse, uncovering her inspirations, her process, and her hopes for her readers. Prepare to be inspired by Stacey’s words and the worlds she builds, where every page brims with passion, drama, and undeniable charm.
Stacey Wallace masterfully creates stories that blend heartfelt emotion, compelling characters, and humour, leaving readers entertained and deeply moved.
What inspired you to start writing steamy contemporary romance and magical realism?
I began my career in 2010 as a YA author and by 2013 knew I wanted to age my characters up a bit. Luckily, NA was becoming popular (I wish it had stayed that way!) so I moved on to that. The Magical Realism is what I write when I get tired of happily ever after.
“I specialize in engaging stories that make my readers snort-laugh, ugly-cry, and fall in love with my characters.” Stacey Wallace
Can you share insights into your writing process and how you develop your characters and storylines?
I have too many ideas! I keep a running list on my phone. Then I choose 3 or 4 that work together to make a series and come up with titles and character names. For plotting, I use Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes and plug in a paragraph for each beat. Lately, I have been skipping the Dark Night of the Soul. Misunderstandings annoy me.
Are there any upcoming books or projects that your readers can look forward to?
I’m launching a new series, Manzanita Beach, in May. The first title is Battles We Fought. It has been several years since a new Stacey Wallace book as I’ve been writing sweet romance as Roxie Clarke.
How do you decide on the settings for your stories, and do they hold any personal significance?
I set my stories in places I’ve lived or can easily visit. I grew up in Missouri, but have spent most of my adult life in the Portland, OR area. I recently took a trip to Manzanita on the Oregon coast to walk around town and take photos of the types of businesses I want to include in my new series.
What do you hope readers take away from your stories after finishing them?
My hope is that they laughed and cried and were entertained enough to tell their friends.
