Author Interview – Misty Rogers

Misty Rogers devours novels of all subjects and sizes and can be found binge-reading romance novels that she finds on the Kindle App or from one of the many physical books she has on the shelves. We enjoyed having this Author Interview – Misty Rogers for our blog. Check out this fantastic author and follow them for more amazing stories.

Misty fell in love with reading at a very young age, devouring novels of all subjects and sizes since she was in elementary school. Misty’s passion for romance developed with Nora Roberts’ endless span of novels. She fell hard for forbidden love tropes, like the ones within the Twilight Saga (hey, they were popular when she was in Middle School!).

Misty also appreciates classic literature, especially the works of Edgar Allen Poe. Misty now loves to find time in her evenings to binge reading romance novels that she finds on the Kindle App or from one of the many physical books she has on the shelves in her home.

When did you start writing?

2021

What was it like growing up?

I grew up with two younger brothers. Our days were full of playing outside, arguing over video games, and watching Spongebob until we could quote the episodes forward and backward.

How was your early life?

I was always enamored with reading and drawing. From an early age, I could be found in my room devouring chapter books or drawing in my sketchbooks. My parents always encouraged my creative outlets, and their support helped me pursue them as a career later in life.

What has been the biggest influence in your career?

When it comes to writing, I’m influenced by the authors who helped me fall in love with romance novels. Nora Roberts will always be my favorite author, but newer, spunkier authors like Larissa Moyer and Jena Lyn inspire me to keep writing. Being an active member on Bookstagram has helped me find a supportive and inspiring community that pushes me to keep writing.

Tell us about your newest release.

The Game Plan is the second book in the Dakota Coyotes series but can be read as a standalone if you didn’t read the first book, From the Ground Up. It’s a sports romance that explores the life of NFL players and their significant others and follows Connor and Maci as they learn to be adults.

This book gives a peek into the way that wives and girlfriends of players are treated by the franchise based on real-life research and reports. This book’s a little different than your typical romance in that it starts out with the couple already in a relationship, and we get to witness them evolve in the midst of sudden fame and fortune. The trials of navigating adulthood take a toll on Connor and Maci, and they must figure out how to work together before they’re pulled apart for good.

Blurb: Connor Bunn is a college football star with pro potential. When he gets drafted to a team that wasn’t on the top of his list, he learns that he has a lot of growing up to do if he’s going to make the roster. He moves himself and his girlfriend out to South Dakota, where they begin their life together in a whirlwind of NFL stardom.

Maci Lewis is the girlfriend of the Dakota Coyotes’ newest rookie quarterback – but is that all she is? Amidst the challenges of moving and starting a life in a new town, Maci has to fight to maintain a personality of her own when her boyfriend’s success overshadows her.

Which book of yours would you call your favorite child?

My first book, Boss Off Limits, will always be my baby. I put my heart and soul into it, and modeled the main character after myself. I had no idea how to write, edit, or format a novel, and I learned it all along the way while writing Boss Off Limits.

What inspired you to write this book?

I wrote Boss Off Limits while coming out of a major reading slump. I Did Not Finish, or DNF’d, several books because I couldn’t find a plot or writing style that held my interest. I decided that if I couldn’t find a good book to read, I would just have to write it. I had experience in copywriting and blog writing, so I used those skills to tap into my creative brain and bring my ideal book to life.

What are you usually found doing when you’re not writing?

When I’m not writing, I love to spend time outside in my garden or working on landscaping. I enjoy traveling with my family, and binge-watching shows on Hulu and Netflix.

What does your writing space look like?

I always need something to drink while I work, whether it’s an iced Macchiato or ice-cold water. Sometimes I listen to music while I write, but it has to be instrumental; I can’t focus on writing if a song has words (blame the ADHD!). Other than those essentials, I can write just about anywhere. I write at work, in bed, on the sofa, and I’ve even used voice-to-text to dictate ideas while in the car!

If you wrote your autobiography, what would you name it?  

Tripping Over A Flat Surface – an ode to my klutziness.

How long did it take to write your novel, and what was your process?

My latest novel, The Game Plan, took two months to write. Typically I take around ninety days to write and edit a novel, but I had a date in mind to release this book, so I had to focus my attention on getting it done a little quicker than usual. Starting off, I always write a paragraph outlining what I want the book to be about. Then I create a document with info like character names and backgrounds, settings, and a general timeline of events. This one was a little tricky because I had to ensure information didn’t clash with the first book, like character backstories and the timeline.

I found myself referencing the first book often to make sure they’re both a part of a cohesive universe, even though the second book takes place before the first one. Next, I draft out each paragraph. Usually, I only get a few drafted at a time while the story starts to unfold. I can usually visualize the whole story once I’ve written the first few chapters, and then I create a detailed, bulleted outline to follow. Then, I write, write, write.

I like to write one chapter at a time and typically write them in order. This novel was the first one where I skipped around a bit, and the epilogue was one of the first chapters I wrote. Having the ending already written helped me to connect the dots from beginning to end. And finally, I edit. I’m no stranger to editing drafts after finishing grad school in 2020, so I used my experience to edit my manuscripts before self-publishing. And then, I breathe a sigh of relief!

Favorite reads?

Lauren Asher’s books, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Poe’s classics

Do you have any book recommendations?

Notable romance reads: • In Our Hands by Larissa C. Moyer • Texas Sweetheart by Jena Lyn Historical fiction: • Champagne Widows by Rebecca Rosenberg • The Girl in the Triangle by Joyana Peters

What’s your next big project?

I’m not sure what my next project will be! I’d like to take some time off this summer to decompress after writing The Game Plan. When I get back into it, I do have a few manuscript ideas I can expand upon, or I can continue with the third book in the Dakota Coyotes series. I don’t like to force myself to start a new project, so I will get back to it when the timing feels right, and an idea sparks inspiration within me.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Just start writing! It doesn’t have to be great because that’s what editing is for. If you have an idea, just get it down on paper then flesh it out from there until you have a story, and you’ll learn a lot along the way. Don’t focus on the technicalities and just write.

Follow Mistsy:

https://www.instagram.com/mistyrogers_author/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22177161.Misty_Rogers https://www.mistyrogersauthor.wordpress.com

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