Brittainy Cherry is a USA Today and international bestselling author of 20+ novels. Published in over twenty countries, she has found her dream career when it comes to writing romance novels. She graduated from Carroll University with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts and a minor in Creative Writing and lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Recently, her Elements series was picked up by Sourcebooks Casablanca and she talked to us about this transition to a more traditional model as well as what makes a great romance read.

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

I knew I loved writing at a young age, as it was my escape from being a shy kid. I wrote my first book as fan-fiction for the Backstreet Boys when I was around twelve, and my first “romance” novel at age thirteen.

What made you decide, originally, to publish independently?

It was a way to get my words out into the world, after being denied by publisher’s over and over again. Self-publishing gave me a way to reach readers that I didn’t have beforehand.

For anyone considering self-publishing, what would you say have been some of the benefits?

You’re in control. You get decide how you run your business, which is very nice. And you can always pivot in a different direction if one thing isn’t working out perfectly.

What are some of the difficulties?

Same as above, haha. You’re in control, which means it all falls on your shoulders. It can be very overwhelming at times, running your own corporation.

Talk to us a little bit about what it was like to have your Elements series acquired by Sourcebooks Casablanca What has been some of the differences during this experience compared to publishing independently?

It’s amazing to see my books on shelves in bookstores across the U.S.! It’s been a dream come true for me. Just seeing how much further reach my books were able to have has been the most exciting part for me. I am reaching a readership that I couldn’t have beforehand.

Do you prefer writing series or standalones and why?

I love a great standalone, but series are fun to revisit characters. There’s something so exciting about seeing main characters from other books show up as side characters in another.

Where do your book ideas originate?

From anywhere and everywhere. I find inspiration in everything I see. From people to music to travel—sometimes it’s simply one song’s lyrics that creates a whole world within my mind.

How do you create a convincing romance?

Great question! For me, what makes a romance convincing is the banter and the dialogue between the two leads. It has to be gentle and relatable in some fashion, but also quick-witted and smart. I try to make my characters as down-to-earth as possible so many can relate to said love story.

As a romance author writing “slow burns”, what do you feel are some of the must-have ingredients for this trope?

Solid banter and storytelling to make the reader almost forget that it’s a slow burn! Then, boom! Seventy percent in, and they are finally kissing.

What are you working on next?

I’m finishing up the third book in my Problems series, and writing a fun Christmas novel, which I am so excited to release! It’s going to be a good one!

The Silent Waters

The Silent Waters (Elements) by Brittainy Cherry

Maggie was ten when she lost her voice and the world around her crumbled. The only one to make her feel safe was Brooks. But then tragedy struck him as well. Fighting against the waters that threatened to pull them both under, this story is about life, death and learning to love yourself.

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