I get asked this sometimes, usually gently, sometimes less gently: "Have you ever thought about writing something spicier? You'd probably sell more."

Lately, a few people have messaged me with some version of the same questions: How does this writing and publishing thing work? Where do I start? Is it even possible?

First things first: I am a slow writer. I have made my peace with this the way you make peace with a persistent houseguest who stays long past their welcome — grudging acceptance, the occasional deep sigh, and resigning to set an extra place at the table.

New here? Landed on this site from a friend's recommendation, a Goodreads rabbit hole, or one very specific TikTok that you now can't find again? Welcome! Let's figure out where to start.

Here's a thing that's been bothering me for a while: romance has given the American South an entire universe. Sweet tea, wraparound porches, a grandmother with Opinions, a small town where everybody's business is everybody's business and somehow that's charming instead of exhausting. I love it. I have read forty of these books. I will read forty more.

Romance tropes come and go. But grumpy/sunshine is not going anywhere. And honestly? Good.

Let's just say it: a romance with a four-legged matchmaker has an unfair advantage.