Q & A with Elisa leigh

I’ve always loved reading. That naturally progressed into writing short stories when I was a teenager. Back then, the stories were only for me. I never imagined they would turn into anything more. Writing was simply an outlet, a way to pour my thoughts and emotions onto the page.

Years later, I started seriously writing my first book while sitting in a teacher professional development over the summer. I’ve always been pretty introverted, so during lunch I was sitting alone, bored, when a story suddenly came to me. It was about a teacher who falls in love with two protective men.

That idea eventually became my first book, Keeping Our Forever.

It took me over two years to finish writing that story and finally hit publish. At the time, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I learned everything as I went, figuring things out step by step until the day I finally pressed the publish button.

Since then, my writing journey has been full of trial and error. I’ve made a lot of mistakes along the way, but every single one has taught me something and helped shape me into the writer I am today.

I write romance for readers who love men obsessed. My heroes are protective, possessive, fiercely loyal, and absolutely gone for their women. Add in curvy heroines, high emotion, plenty of spice, no cheating, and a guaranteed happily ever after, and you've got exactly the kind of books I love to write.

My favorite romance trope? Why choose, every single time. Give me multiple men who are completely obsessed with one woman, each loving her in their own way, and I'm hooked. The devotion, the protectiveness, the different personalities all coming together for one epic happily ever after? I eat it up every time.

I've tried both plotting and writing by the seat of my pants, but I always come back to writing as I go. I love discovering the story alongside my characters. It feels more emotional and authentic because I'm riding the same roller coaster they're on, and I think that translates onto the page. The twists surprise me, the emotional moments hit harder, and I end up with a book that feels more alive.

All of the time. 

I want every book to feel like an emotional roller coaster. I want readers to laugh, cry, fall in love, hold their breath, and cheer when my characters finally get their happily ever after. When they reach the last page, I want them completely satisfied with the journey, hopelessly in love with the couple, and immediately reaching for the next book in the series.