Q&A with Author Wren Charles
Call it kismet, dumb luck, or right place right time, but whatever force of nature brought Wren Charles into my life has my eternal gratitude. And trust me when I tell you, the real force of nature is Wren herself.
Mere weeks after I said I was never taking another cold-call client, I got a submission form on my website from a brand new author, and something said I needed to take this call. It was a simple note: “Saw Michelle Fewer’s name on an acknowledgements page, wondered if this site provides editing services for a first time novelist Thank you.”
I responded to her request and came to find out she saw my name in No Easy Dare by Samantha Christy. At that point, I knew we had to connect.
And the rest, as they say, is history. And very much the present too, as I’m getting ready to dive into edits on Wren’s fifth novel.
As it turns out, Wren lives in Yorkshire, England, so after emailing back and forth, we figured out the time difference and set up a Zoom call. And spent nearly 2 hours chatting about books and characters and favorite authors… and her dream of becoming an author. Wren disclosed she had nearly 200,000 words written in a story, maybe two stories. And those words wound up becoming three stories—three incredible, intense, beautiful, seriously spicy romance novels. Wren can weave a tale to perfection, leaving you breathless and submitting to emotions you never expected possible toward a fictional character.
I remember telling a friend in the industry if they ever wanted input on writing a seggsy scene, they needed to reach out to Wren. Not even joking. The steam Wren infuses in her intimate scenes is exceptional. And I have so much respect for Wren sticking to her guns on her debut MMC. Marcus is not everyone’s cup of tea. But he is exactly who he needed to be for Wren’s story. And for her FMC. Which, btw, her debut FMC—seriously fierce! And her MMC for book three of that trilogy, Xander, holds court as one of my top book boyfriends of all time. (Well, until James gets his book. Because, damn y’all. I don’t think any of us are truly ready for James yet).
Yeah, you want to go grab those books now, don’t you? Just make sure you start with Heart Thief. The series is a true trilogy and must be read in order. Not ready for Marcus, Evie, and crew yet? Grab An Angel’s Share—Wren’s newest release at time of this blog post. It’s a beautiful story with intrigue, mystery, fierce attraction, stellar seggsy time and more gorgeous words.
Through our many chats about her characters and their stories, Wren and I have become more than author and editor, we became friends. I have loved watching her take words from ideas to published novels. Being part of that process has truly been incredible. And now she’s getting ready to head to the States for Charm City Romanticon and I’ll get to meet her in person! To say I’m giddy would be a terrible understatement. I am fangirling already. And her Q&A made me smile knowing where it all started, seeing where she is now, and knowing there are so many more amazing things to come from and for Wren.
How did you get started writing?
Had never written a thing until two years ago, never wanted to. I tell everyone the Menopause made me do it. Which is true in a way, as one year I read 382 books. Went out to tea with a friend and decided we’d write a story. I did, she didn’t. But I am still waiting for her to do it. And I haven’t stopped writing since. It’s my positive take from the menopause experience.
Where do you recommend a new reader start in your backlist?
At Heart Thief. I only have one series out at present, and that is the first book.
Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/ part in a novel you've written?
In my second novel Love Thief there is a scene where my main female character jumps on the back of a motorbike and goes hell for leather down a track onto a beach. I can hear the waves, smell the countryside, and see the sun setting when I think about it. I love it.
Is there a part of your career as an author you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful?
Finding the time to write. Making room in my life for my characters. I have a demanding job role and felt I wouldn’t have time to be creative and write. But it has been amazing to steal back time, and actually prioritise writing over other things. That has been amazing.
Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as an author, reader, or audiobook listener?
Romance. I am a romance junkie. And I love breakups and make ups. Angst and drama. The more angst the better. I love it when you’re thinking oh no don’t do it. And they do. Hurrah!!
What is your favorite part about being an author?
Talking about my characters. I love to debate with my friends about their thoughts and feelings on my characters. What they were thinking, why they acted this way or that. It’s fabulous the amazing differences that everyone takes away from reading the same book.
What do you like to read/listen to? Any favorite authors you want to send a shout-out to?
Jodi Ellen Malpas. Jaine Diamond. Jane Austen. Samantha Christy. Jilly Cooper. All different but all romance. If I am browsing in general, I just look at the covers, I don’t mind who the author is. I’ll give it a go.
Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?
My mum. Who encouraged me everyday I was writing the first book to keep going. Lindsay Tingle the woman who instigated the writing. Michelle Fewer—who was the first ever contact form I filled in. I never do it normally, I’m too impatient—who has helped and guided me in a world I knew nothing about. Julie Collier, who again has made things so much easier, when you don’t know what to do or how to do it, these people have been invaluable and supportive.
How have your life experiences influenced your career as an author?
Lots. I get involved in all sorts of crazy things. Am always up for off the cuff trips, anything interesting and I like to get involved. I think it’s important to take every opportunity you can, you never know who you will meet on the way or what story they will tell you.
This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related:
Kindle or Paperback- Kindle. 382 so yeah.
Beach or Mountain Vacation- Beach. I love the sun.
Dogs or Cats- Dogs but really horses.
Ice Cream or Cake- Oh god. Okay, ice cream.
Action Flick or Rom-Com- Rom com.
Tea or Coffee- Tea!!!
Road Trip or Air Travel- Air travel.
Connect with Wren Charles
You can find more information about Wren, her books, and how to connect with her on social media here:
