A Little Something about Marlyn:
Marlyn Love is a vibrant contemporary romance author who creates sexy, heartfelt, contemporary rollercoaster romance stories. Her debut novel came out on September 10, 2021. The second stand-alone novel in her Irresistible series is being launched on April 5th, 2022. Marlyn writes from her home in the Netherlands. The country of mills, tulips, and the state that has more bicycles than citizens. When her mind and body need to release energy, she loves to hit the gym for a good workout. To fuel her energy, she enjoys eating a typical Dutch snack—a slice of brown bread with butter, topped with a layer of chocolate sprinkles.
Questions and Answers:
1. What made you want to be an author?
I kind of rolled into it. I’ve loved reading since I was young and I always admired authors, but never thought I could do it. And at a certain point, after reading many romance books, I started creating my own stories to give life to the characters and the different story line ideas that lived in my mind.
2. Typically, what was the timeframe it took you to write your books?
Without editing, just writing the book. I think around a year and a half for the first book. And the second book in a year and the third in seven months. So, I’m becoming a little quicker. But then again, the books I’ve written are long books with over 100K words. The biggest being my second with 154K.
3. Are you a planner or pantser?
When I started Simply Irresistible (my first novel) I was 100% a pantser. The story developed organically. I had no outline. I just wrote a chapter a week and started sharing this every Friday on Wattpad. Now, I make a rough outline of the story I have in mind, and when I’m satisfied with that, I write and change things as I go. So, I’m a combination.
4. What would you say is your unique writing style?
It’s hard to say about my writing. What I try to do with my romance books is give the reader food for the soul. Romance is so much more than just two individuals falling in love, having passionate sex, and happy endings. In my opinion, it's best when it contains lessons about self-growth, self-development, and shows the difficulties of being in a relationship. My books contain open door sex scenes, and I love to do this to show that sex and intimacy are more than just the physical act.
5. Whether it be traditional, self, or story book apps. How did you find the publishing process?
Up to this day, I still find it bedazzling. I’m making my first miles on the self-publishing road. And it’s an entirely new world than writing a book that you have to figure out as an indie author. It’s not a one-size-fits all process or if I do this, it will guarantee success. There are many aspects that you need to consider and figure out. So, I look into and try different things as I go.
6. How much of your process includes doing research into your subject matter or plot? Well, as soon as I know what I’m going to write about, I start researching the things I know I need more information on. And when I’m writing and coming to a point, I get stuck because I’m missing information. I do the same.
7. How old were you when you first discovered your passion for writing? I’m a late bloomer. The passion and yearning to write has always been there. But I kept it hidden, because my inner critic/ saboteur said that since I’ve never had an education in writing, or taken a writing course, I could not be a writer. It wasn’t until my early thirties that I truly admitted that I wanted to write, and I went for it.
8. When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing with your time?
Well one thing is reading. I’m like a sponge, with information that I’m interested in. Furthermore, I love to exercise in the gym. With covid, I started to do it more at home. Just plug in my earphones and dance to music and do exercises with weight.
9. Is your family supportive?
At first, I kept the fact that I was writing to myself. Nobody knew. But when I realized that this is what I love to do, and people actually like my writing, I told my husband, my mother, and my best friend. And they’re all supportive.
10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned about yourself in creating your books (characters, location, plot)?
With what I’ve written so far, I found myself surprised to be able to create plot twists that readers did not see coming.
11. What is your favorite component about the genre you write?
The fact that love, when used right, heals. Next to that, I love reading about a character's inner struggles, and how their perspective changes as they make mistakes or receive new information. A romance book that shows the growth characters make on a personal as on a couple level is irresistible to me.
12. What advice would you give to help others become writers?
First and most important, write about something that you love and are passionate about. That is key and it will shine through your writing if you do. When you’re doubting your own work, ask for feedback from readers and other writers in your genre, about your work.
13. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I love hearing from readers and followers. I have a small group of irresistible fans that have been following me since I’ve started on Wattpad. And keep supporting me on my self-publishing journey. The feedback I’ve gotten from readers is that they love my writing style and storylines. It evokes feelings and puts them on a rollercoaster journey through their emotions.
14. Do you like to create books for your target audience?
Yes, but I always stay true to myself and what I love. But as for now, it seems to fit my target audience.
15. What pulls you in about a book? Do you read a book based on the cover or the summary?
Well, what pulls me in most are interesting well-rounded characters and a good story line. They are key. And when choosing my next read I first scroll through the covers, if it piques my interest, I read the description.
16. How do you handle writer's block and what do you tell other aspiring authors who may be fighting or fearful about hitting that wall?
When that happens, I stop and try to take distance from it. This can be for a few hours to a few days. Then I return and try again. Hitting a wall happens to every writer, and to what degree is different for everyone. Writing is a creative process that can’t be forced with a magic wand. At the moment I feel right, but I keep writing, even if I think this might be cut out later on. Talking with other writers and voicing what is on your mind can also help get your brain to unstuck. I have a writer friend who I talk to when I feel stuck. This is very helpful.
Final Notes:
I read Simply Irresistible when it was on Wattpad, and I loved that first version. I am looking forward to getting my hands on the paperback version to relive and bask in the glow of the changes she made. The sequel is also a must read for me. Marlyn knows how to capture her readers attention and makes them anticipate more. If you haven't yet discovered her talent, now you can. Check her out on all her social platforms and website.