Q&A with Author Cecelia Mecca

Some authors are like several authors in one. They write completely different subgenres of romance under different names, and I find that absolutely fascinating. It’s a wonderful strategy to keep reader confusion limited when it comes to different subgenres, and it really allows them to develop each writing style and personality free from the expectations of the other. Cecelia Mecca does that brilliantly, writing steamy historical romance as Cecelia, PNR as C.L. Mecca, and contemporary romance as Bella Michaels. I loved reading her Q&A responses and learning a bit more about her.

I also love stalking her social media because her world travels are epic and I enjoy living vicariously through her journeys.

Whether you’re new to Cecelia or a seasoned fan, of one or all of her subgenre writing pennames, this Q&A is sure to bring you a great variety of information about Cecelia and why she loves doing what she does.

How did you get started writing?

I was an English teacher for twenty years and have always appreciated great fiction. I was also a medieval studies minor in college, and am a bit of an Anglophile, and have loved romance books since Sweet Valley High. As you can imagine, a medieval romance author is a dream career for me.

Where do you recommend a new reader start in your backlist?

If they are a historical romance reader, I sometimes start reads with book one of my four-book Order of the Broken Blade series, The Blacksmith, before jumping into my original and spin off series which are much longer. For contemporary readers, I’d jump into book one of my first series, Last Call from the Boys of Bridgewater series.

Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/part in novel you've written?

There is a scene in one of my contemporary novels, Meet, Play, Love by Bella Michaels, I particularly enjoy. Walking along the colonnade in Cefalu, Sicily I looked out at the beach lidos and noticed the prevalence of changing rooms right on the beach. Since I was already partially setting my book in Sicily, I decided to have the pre-wedding dinner at one of the beach lidos using the changing room as a setting for the first time our H/h get together after. Sicily is such a magical spot and to see the scene come to life, in my head at least after seeing the exact spot it would occur knowing I wanted to make their first hookup special, was so much fun.

Is there a part of your career as an author you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful?

The big leap from my education career to being a full-time author. I thought I would have a lot of regret about that having trained for so many years, just having finished an Education PhD, but it’s been a surprisingly “never looked back” transition.

Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as an author, reader, or listener?

I’m definitely drawn to strong friendships helping to navigate heartbreak and specific tropes such as enemies to lovers and forced proximity. Oh, and drinking. Whether it’s medieval or contemporary, my characters love taverns and inns and vineyards, places to congregate, enjoy some ale or vino rosso and enjoy each others’ company.

What is your favorite part about being an author?

Being my own boss and having the ability to tell the stories I see everywhere around me. Whether it’s a vacation or a girl’s trip, every experience in my life begs for a story to be told, and doing this as a career offers that opportunity.

What do you like to read/listen to? Any favorite authors you want to send a shout-out to? I

’m currently reading romantasy as I’m jumping back into that genre with a third pen name (C.L. Mecca) but adore Maria Luis and my friend Tina Gallagher’s books when I’m reading contemporary.

Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?

So many people. I had two “mentors” of sorts, historical romance authors Emma Prince and Keira Montclair who are good friends that I co-wrote Scottish time travel series with as well. I also have a small author group, Tiki Pals, of five authors that have been amazing supports in so many ways. This can be a solitary career, so connecting in any way possible with colleagues is essential, especially for this extroverted author.

How have your life experiences influenced your career as an author?

It’s unavoidable that they effect every facet of what I write, from the first book I picked up and enjoyed without being forced, The Hobbit, kicking off my love of fantasy, to my friends whose adventures inform my contemporary series set mostly in wine country and very much drawing inspiration from our own shenanigans, to everything in between, some more serious themes and lighthearted ones alike.

This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related:

Kindle or Paperback - Kindle

Beach or Mountain Vacation- Beach

Dogs or Cats - cats

Ice Cream or Cake - cake

Action Flick or Rom-Com - rom-com

Tea or Coffee - tea

Road Trip or Air Travel- air travel

Connect with Cecelia:

You can find more information about Cecelia, her books, and how to connect with her on social media here:

https://ceceliamecca.com/