Q&A with Author Annie Dyer
Connecting with authors is a huge deal for me when I’m trying to pick a new-to-me author to read. I want to know what they write, sure, but I also like to know where they’re from, what shared experiences or hobbies we may have—what’s going to draw me into their stories and capture my attention and heart. That’s why I love these Q&As. (And yes, it was absolutely the tea comment in her This & That section below that made me smile the brightest). Not only do they give me some insight into who the authors are, why they write, etc, but the part I really love is finding out where their heart lies within their stories. Which ones they return to over and over as recommendations for readers and wonderful memories of the stories they’ve gifted us.
This week’s Q&A is with the wonderful Annie Dyer. I am currently prepping for a serious series binge of her books. I’ve heard and read so many incredible things about them and I cannot wait to dive in!
Here’s some insight into Annie, her books, and why I know once I dive in, I will be a truly smitten kitten.
How did you get started writing?
I’ve been writing stories since I could mark make. I remember having one of my mum’s notepads and a pencil and making squiggles, then telling her the story that I’d written. As a kid, I’d collect things like rubbers (erasers, you dirty minded person!) and create a village out of them, which would turn into a soap opera. I wrote school stories when I was at primary school (age 7 - 11) and then teenaged murder mysteries. It continued from there, and now I can’t stop writing!
Where do you recommend a new reader start in your backlist?
Probably Engagement Rate as that’s where you first meet the Callaghans, and it’s free on all ebook platforms. Or Sleighed - which is another series starter. All the series pretty much are interconnected.
Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/part in novel you've written?
Anything with Max and Seph Callaghan together. There’s also a scene in Compromising Agreements with Max and Victoria and a window which is very steamy. That was a favorite book to write. There’s also a very moving scene in Lovers Heights that I cried through when I was writing 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?
I didn’t know what to expect when I started out self-publishing. My favorite part is the ideas before you get started and my very favourite is writing The End. I love that part - closure!
Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as an author, reader, or listener?
As an author I like to write complex characters and understand their psychology, their childhood traumas and relationships, not just romantic ones. People’s attachments intrigue me as does neurodiversity, so most of my characters are somewhat neuro-diverse, have attachment needs or trauma that has shaped them.
As a reader, I love police procedural crime fiction very much. I’m also a HUGE slow burn fan, and I adore a good enemies to lovers.
What is your favorite part about being an author?
Writing stories that other people take pleasure in reading. I love creating worlds and people finding escape in them.
What do you like to read/listen to? Any favorite authors you want to send a shout-out to?
I love crime fic. My current favourite is the Maeve Kerrigan series by Jane Casey. I’m also very keen on romantic suspense and adore Karen Rose (I so fan-girled over her when i met her a few years ago!). I totally adore LJ Evans too.
Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?
There have been many people who’ve shown kindness on the way and continue to do so. In terms of influence, I like to explore my own path and more often than not choose to do it my way. I still work full time at a very demanding job, so writing is my outlet.
How have your life experiences influenced your career as an author?
Yes! I used to write crime fiction, but my day job means that crime writing can be too similar to what I am exposed to IRL. I made a choice to write romance because it was complete escapism! I work with neurodiverse children and children with additional needs and trauma, which means I work alongside therapists and other professionals where we analyse behaviour. I think this understanding influences my character creation - I don’t just want to write the what and how, I want to write the why.
This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related:
Kindle or Paperback - ebook! (not necessarily kindle!)
Beach or Mountain Vacation - beach
Dogs or Cats - cats
Ice Cream or Cake - cake, ideally lemon
Action Flick or Rom-Com - rom-com
Tea or Coffee - tea, but made properly, english breakfast (ideally Yorkshire tea) with a dash of milk
Road Trip or Air Travel - air travel
Connect with Annie:
You can find more information about Annie, her books, and how to connect with her on social media here: https://writeranniedyer.com/
