Era Mable

1. If you were forced to live the rest of your life as one of the characters from the book, who would it be and why?

If I had to live as a character from a book, I’d choose Hermione Granger from Harry Potter. She’s smart, brave, and is always there for her friends. She is facing challenges head on and uses her cleverness to overcome them. Hermione also cares about justice. All those are the qualities which I admire. Living as her would mean a life full of adventure, friendship, and making a positive impact on the world, along with the perk of living in the magical world of HOGWARTS.

2. What’s the most challenging part of being a romance writer? 

The most challenging part of being a romance writer is, you have to create fresh and exciting storylines while also meeting the expectations of your readers. People want a blend of something new and something they’re familiar with in the stories they enjoy. Balancing these elements is the tricky part.

3. What role do you think female characters play in empowering readers, particularly young women and girls?

Romance books with strong female characters can make readers, especially young women and girls, feel more confident and empowered. These characters are more relatable too as they face challenges head on, follow their passions, and focus on personal growth. They inspire readers to embrace their strengths, pursue dreams, and be proud of their quirks and break stereotypes, while focusing on self-love, self-care, and gaining confidence, creating a sense of empowerment.

4. Can you discuss the importance of depicting female characters who are both strong and flawed?

It’s crucial to have stories with women who are strong and also have flaws. This makes the characters feel real and relatable because in real life, nobody is perfect. It’s breaking the stereotype that we usually see in movies and TV, where women are shown as flawless and perfect. Because in reality, being a woman is not a walk in the park. Showing both strength and imperfections tells us it’s okay to be strong and not perfect at the same time. It also makes the characters grow and develop, which is good for the story line.

5. What advice would you give to other female writers who want to create impactful female characters?

When writing strong female characters, it’s important to show the complexity of human emotions. Also, including diversity of different backgrounds and personalities in your characters is really important. Understanding who your character is and what makes them unique, including their flaws is an important aspect. Flaws are actually helpful because they make the character more interesting and make their story more exciting. Lastly, let your characters be real by letting them make their own choices and mistakes. Let them tell their own story.

6. Are there any specific traits or qualities you tend to avoid when creating female characters?

I usually avoid creating shallow characters who lack their own voice. I ensure the character has a clear motive and a distinct voice, and is only acting in a certain way because there’s a compelling reason behind their behaviour.

7. Can you discuss any instances where real-life women or historical figures have inspired the creation of your female characters?

Certainly! The strong impact of my female friendships has influenced how I write and understand my characters. I get inspiration from the real, complex, and ever-evolving relationships in life. Different people inspire me, such as my late grandmother who was too kind and patient, my best friend who teaches me to be super-confident in everything, my humble aunt and my mom who puts their heart into anything they do.

8. Can you discuss the role of female friendships and relationships in your stories?

I like to keep my characters and their emotions real in my stories. Female friendships and relationships are crucial in my writing, just like they are in real life. They shape the story, making it more interesting. These relationships aren’t just side stories; they impact the main characters’ growth. I want to highlight the highs and lows of female connections to show how women can lift each other up and empower each other in love and self-discovery.

9. Do you see any change or development of female characters and writers in the past 10 years? 

Absolutely! In the last 10 years, female characters in stories and the writing of women have changed a lot. Now, these characters are emotionally stronger, smarter, braver and more adventurous. Just taking a bit of their traits and choices from stories can help in making real-life decisions easier.

10. Lastly, What’s the one message you want to give to the woman out there?

Just be yourself! Embrace everything that makes you unique, even your quirks – they make you strong. Follow your passions and dreams because there are so many possibilities waiting for you. Stay strong, stay true to who you are, and always remember: you have the power to make a big difference in the world.