L.A. Wayward

• Tell us a bit about yourself:

I’m a lover of dark romance, with an even darker edge of smut and taboo. I also love “I’ll hold your hand” romance books. It depends on my mood.
I love my stories with a whole lot of action, romance and lots of steam.
I try to write pull at your heartstrings books filled with scorching brooding Alpha men and badass women in search of a HEA.
Because let’s face it—who doesn’t like to spend their time fantasizing about hot guys?

• Have you always wanted to become an author?

From the first moment I saw the movie Almost Famous I knew I wanted to be a writer. During my years at UVA I started writing for a music magazine and different music websites. I got to interview countless bands, and spent most of my time going to concerts for free. For years I got to see, and interview some awesome artists and bands. I also got a job as a script reader for a movie production company, I even sold a treatment that never hit the big screen:) I’m a nomad and love to spend my time on the road, I traveled throughout my life with my parents, but after graduating University I bought a big backpack and embarked on an adventure around the world with my best friend. We spent months traveling through Asia, Australia, New-Zealand, Canada and ended the trip with an epic road trip through America.

I had about three half-completed manuscripts and when I came home I knew I had to finish them. I published my first book Make It Burn in 2020 and spent 2021 reading and writing about six books that I hope to release in 2022.

• What was your inspiration for your current book?

I’m a sucker for a good dark romance novel. Ranger Danger is a little bit spicier than Make It Burn. I love forced proximity, instant lust/love books where the main MCs have to overcome their own demons. I believe there is someone out there just right for you, who brings out the best in you, and loves you for all your flaws and demons. Who likes you for you, not because of your job or how much money you have in the bank. Inspiration comes at random times for me, I always write my thoughts down to work on them later.

• What are you working on now

I’m working on Thirst, a dark romance “touch her and you die” kind of book. The MC scares me shitless and sets my heart on fire. It’s going to be another quick read, that I really hope people will like. Writing is an adventure, it has brought me in contact with so many great writers, bloggers and bookstagrammers. My dream was for just one person to read my words, having so many people actually buying my books is mind-blowing. Every day I try to work harder, and make myself and the people around me proud. Success for me isn’t measured in how much money I make as long as I’m happy and healthy, can travel, am able to keep writing my stories, and give people an escape.

• Do you have any quirks while working?

I have a ton;) I can only write when music is blasting in my ears, mostly K-pop. I’m a chaotic mess, so I have to stick to a strict schedule. I usually start with social media and emails in the morning, and write the whole day. There are post-its everywhere with quotes or scenes I still have to write. When I’m in the zone everything around me disappears, I get obsessed and need to finish it even if it means I don’t get a lot of sleep or forget to eat.  

• What are your hopes for the future?

My ultimate dream is to get a book in the Amazon top 100 list and an orange banner. I want to keep traveling the world, write more books, stay healthy, be at peace with myself, be a good friend and make myself and my family proud. We all have our dark days, but it’s what we do with adversity that makes all the difference. I just want to go with the flow, keep growing, keep changing, nothing lasts forever so I try to do a little better every day. Try to find happiness in the little things, happiness doesn’t mean having a lot of material things for me, as long as I can pay my bills I’m happy. I write about love every day, and I do hope there is someone special waiting to share a life with, to enjoy the little moments with. I’m really lucky though, I have a place to call home, friends and family I love and a little success with my books. I really want to go to an NBA game, a Liverpool match, and spend some time in Seoul. And I’m learning Korean at the moment, at a snail’s pace but I’m making process. It’s good to keep dreaming, and challenge yourself even if it scares you. And don’t compare yourself to others, everyone is on their own path, that’s what makes it beautiful.

• Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

Just start writing, don’t compare yourself to others and read as much as you can. With every book you learn something new. It’s easy to get discouraged when you see people having more success than you. But you never know when your big break is going to come, keep going, keep growing and the rest will follow. And reach out to people, I’ve found everyone wants to help you along the way. Ask for help, or a little guidance and pay it forward.

• Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Thank you so much for reading my words and buying my books. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and TikTok. I love to interact with new readers, so don’t hesitate to reach out! Thank you for giving me a chance and making my dream a reality, big virtual hug!