Dear reader,
It’s cute to meet you! Welcome to Love, Underlined, your new online community for romance readers. Each month we invite one of our romance authors to answer a romance-themed Q&A. This month, Danielle Parker, author of Love on Paper and You Bet Your Heart, shares her favorite romance tropes, her book crushes, and more! Read on for the full Danielle Parker Q&A.
Love,
Underlined
What was the first romance novel you read?
Excellent question! I’m not entirely sure I can remember accurately, but I know that the first romance I was obsessed with—and I’m talking used to make collages and art out of the quotes—was Romeo and Juliet. I know, I know. Technically that’s a tragedy but it also counts as a romance, right? It must! Their romance shaped me as a writer.
What romance are you currently reading?
I’m currently rereading Our Shouts Echo by Jade Adia. The romance between Niarah and Mac is one I like to return to again and again. With all that’s going on in the world, the story is very timely and gives me hope and, of course, gives me a comforting love story.
What are your favorite tropes?
I am obsessed with enemies to lovers. I just loooove when an author can make two people who really despise each other slowly fall in love. Every time it happens, I squeal. One bed trope is always fun. Like, oops! How did we end up here? And, of course, I love a good grumpy meets sunshine. Bonus points if the grumpy and sunshine are also enemies.
Who’s your book crush?
Benji Andor from Ashley Poston’s The Dead Romantics is my fictional crush! He’s an editor! He’s a ghost! He’s hot! He’s all the things and I think about him often (yes, I know he’s fictional. Don’t remind me! Haha).
What inspires your writing?
Daily, I’m fascinated with all the wonder that is in my world. But specifically, my young sons are an endless source of play and excitement which spurs inspiration in me. I love seeing the world the way they do—without the daily stress and worries that can often impede my creativity. I am reminded to focus on fun and the beauty in all the little details of life. When I’m able to tap into my childlike openness, I find my creativity blossoming. And in this state, I love to dream up new stories, and if I’m lucky enough, I sit down and write them.
What’s your favorite part of writing romance?
My favorite part of writing romance is creating a satisfying ending, a happily-ever-after that the characters deserve. Usually when drafting, I start with a concept, the middle bits of the story are always hazy, but the ending is my favorite part to craft. Sometimes, I’ll write the ending first because I really enjoy the resolution. And if my characters have gone through a lot, and they usually have, it’s very satisfying to bring them back together and give them a happy ending. With lots of kissing, of course.
Share with us an out of context quote from Love on Paper!
“I don’t know. It’s never been my thing. Never thought I’d be into it.”
“Never been your thing?” Caleb bends at the knees, like he might collapse on the ground. “Cheesecake Factory is, universally, everyone’s thing. That’s the restaurant’s whole vibe—being for everyone.”
