Teddy:
Let’s start with your background. How did you get into writing romance?

Erika:
I’ve loved romance for a long time—probably 20 years. I started reading romance back in high school and fell in love with paranormal romance. That’s when I knew this was my genre. I loved consuming the books, attending author events, and eventually, I wanted to try writing them myself.

About ten years ago, I started doing National Novel Writing Month each November, just to see if I could translate my love of reading into a love of writing. I enjoyed the challenge—playing with tropes, finding my voice, and trying to improve. Then, after I had my son about six years ago, I really reevaluated how I wanted to spend my time. I realized I wanted to make writing a real part of my life, even if it meant carving out small corners of the day to do it.

Teddy:
Are you writing full-time now, or are you still juggling it with other responsibilities?

Erika:
I’m definitely still juggling. Writing full-time is the dream, but I have a well-paying day job that takes priority—and then of course parenting comes next. So it’s about finding those small pockets of time. I wake up early to write, sometimes sneak in a few words on the train, or jot things down on paper whenever I can. I don’t even need to open my laptop anymore—I write on my phone a lot. It’s all about being flexible and creative.

Teddy:
I spoke with Michael DeLaron recently, and he does the same thing—writing on his phone using apps like Sudowrite. What does your writing process look like when you do have more time?

Erika:
I always start with the tropes. That’s the first step for me—figuring out which ones I’m working with and how I can put a spin on them. That helps me shape the characters.

I also love writing interconnected standalones. As a reader, I enjoy picking up a book and jumping right into the story without having to read ten others first. I want my readers to have that same experience. But I also sprinkle in characters that might appear in the next book, so you get those fun connections. Like, “Oh, here’s the hot brother—we’ll meet him again soon!”

Teddy:
So they’re loosely connected, but each book can stand on its own?

Erika:
Exactly. You’ll see familiar faces from other books, but each story is complete. I’m 30,000 words into the next book in my billionaire series, and those characters were introduced in the last one. I love teasing the next story without requiring readers to follow a strict order.

Teddy:
That sounds a bit like a TV soap, with different characters weaving through each other’s stories.

Erika:
Yes! I used to love Days of Our Lives as a kid, so maybe that influenced me more than I realized.

Teddy:
You mentioned you start with tropes. What are some of your favorites to write?

Erika:
Lately, I’ve been loving billionaire tropes. Forced proximity is another favorite—anything that puts two people together who have to spend time with each other. Maybe it’s a bodyguard situation, or someone needs a place to stay—those setups create natural tension.

I’ve also written single parents—like a young single dad in my newest book, or a single mom in one of my Christmas novellas. I try to blend three or four tropes in each book. It helps me create a richer story and it makes the book easier to market. Readers want to know what they’re getting. Tropes help you deliver on the promise of the premise.

Teddy:
That’s a great point. A lot of authors focus solely on the story and forget about how they’re going to sell the book. In romance, especially, readers want a clear promise.

Erika:
Exactly. Surprises are great, but you still have to stay within certain parameters. Tropes help guide that balance.

Teddy:
Where did you learn to approach stories this way—with tropes, reader expectations, all of it?

Erika:
Honestly? Podcasts. I listen to a lot of writing and craft podcasts while I drive. They inspire me, get me excited to write, and they’re helpful because writing can feel lonely sometimes. It’s great to hear other authors share what they’ve learned. And the more you write, the more you can test those lessons and find what works for you.

Teddy:
Who are some of your favorite romance authors?

Erika:
If I could have Meghan Quinn’s career, I’d be thrilled. She’s so fun, prolific, and really engages with her audience. I also love J. Saman—she writes medical romances that feel effortless, even though I know they’re not. And I’ll always be a fan of Nalini Singh and Patricia Briggs—their paranormal work is amazing.

Teddy:
Let’s talk marketing. What’s helped you the most when it comes to getting your books out there?

Erika:
Everyone always says to build your list, and they’re right. My mailing list has become essential. At the end of every book, I now include a bonus epilogue that’s only available through my newsletter. That’s been a great way to get readers to subscribe and stay connected.

I didn’t do that at the beginning, and I regret it—it was such a missed opportunity. Now, it’s non-negotiable. I always write that extra content. I’ve also been testing different newsletter services and ad platforms to see what converts best. It’s a lot of experimentation, but that’s what helps me grow.

Teddy:
Your newest book, The Billionaire Bodyguard Next Door, sounds like a fun one. Can you tell us more?

Erika:
Sure! The hero and heroine met ten years ago and had a very fun, steamy night. She gave him her number—which she never does—and then he didn’t call. Fast forward to now: they reconnect, there are hard feelings, and a lot of misunderstanding.

But I want to say the misunderstanding is resolved early in the book. I know readers hate when a plot hinges on something that could be solved with one adult conversation. So they do have that talk early—but the tension remains because of their history. She’s growing her career, he’s a single dad now, and they end up as neighbors. He’s protective, she’s fiercely independent, and, of course, it leads to a happily ever after.

Teddy:
I love that. What’s next for you?

Erika:
I’m working on the next book in the billionaire series—again, with characters readers will have met already. I always have to hold myself back from diving in too soon when a new idea hits. But I have a few books planned out, and right now, I’m focusing on increasing my release cadence.

I want to build a strong backlist and keep the momentum going. That means being disciplined, testing different marketing strategies, and continuing to grow my readership.

Teddy:
Do we get a sneak preview of the next book?

Erika:
Sure! The heroine is Margo Madison, and she’s a bodyguard for a former boy band member. He doesn’t want a female bodyguard, so there’s immediate tension—but they’ll have to live together for her to protect him. I’ve also included a cute animal they take care of together, which helps bring them closer. It’s been a fun one to write.

Teddy:
That sounds amazing. Thanks so much for joining me, Erika, and best of luck with the next release!