Interview With Author Lola James
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Lola. Just Lola, the chick who loves to write romance in the most inclusive way possible. I’ve been writing forever, both professionally and in the self-publishing realm but this is my first venture into writing as Lola James, through SirenBookstrand Publishers. I’m a basic chick with basic needs. I like diverse characters who tell stories for everyone, I love spicy romantic scenes, and I adore angsty, funny, melt-your-panty moments. Real life isn’t always great but if I can get my readers lost in a make-believe world where the ending is a guaranteed happy place, then I’m ecstatic. I love traditional MF romance, MM romance, FF romance, LGBTQ+ romance, and pushing the boundaries of what is ‘normal’ because I believe in diverse love. My characters will always be different but no matter what they have to go through, they always get their happy ending because that’s what makes my heart sing. I’m ready to learn from everyone so if you give me a chance and come across something in one of my books that you feel I should work on, I’m open to suggestions. Any and all LGBTQ+ feedback is welcome. I’m no expert, just the chick who wants to read and write great diverse romances. I want everyone to feel included and loved. As my granny once said ‘You can change the world one smile at a time’. I hope what I write makes you smile.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Loco’s Angel is my first traditionally published MC romance as Lola James. It’s about a girl who got her heart broken years before and finds herself returning to her old love for a second chance at love. It’s traditional, but it’s meant to be the first book in a diverse romance series (MC) and the other books are my attempt to break into the world of LGBTQ+ romance. I was inspired when I first met Henry, a transgender man who had spent twenty years living his life as his truest self. He’d started life as Henrietta, but soon realized that he wasn’t gay, but a heterosexual man who had just happened to be born in a female body. He fell in love as Henry, lived twenty years of his life being ‘married’ to the love of his life ad Henry, and then one day his secret was outed by people he had thought were his friends. It broke my heart to see him ostracized and to know that some would judge him based on an uneducated opinion instead of his actions as a good, caring man who would help anyone in his community. Writing Loco’s Angel was a response to Henry’s heartache and while he isn’t featured in Loco’s Angel, he joins the ‘gang’ in book 2. Book 1 is simply an introduction to the Midnight Reapers MC, a motorcycle club that I hope will represent every culture, race, multiracial couple, gender orientation, and every pronoun. I don’t think I’m an expert. I’m just a person who happens to think that reading diverse romance will make us better people. It’s time to stop ‘tolerating’ and to embrace the fact that we are all different, but in the end, we’re people who all need love, kindness, and understanding. So really, what inspired me was the plight of a transgender man who needed his story told. Someone who is kind, giving and loving and deserves to be judged based on his character instead of judged for being…wonderfully different.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think it’s unusual to writers, but I will often have a full conversation with a character while I’m writing. Sometimes they think I should go in a different direction or hold back when tackling a particularly controversial subject, so we’ll hash it all out together and then I’ll try to explain why I won’t hold back when I’m fighting against hate speech, gender arguments or racial issues. My family thinks I’m a little crazy, for obvious reasons, but it works for me. Oh! And I eat the whole cupcake while I’m writing. Yep. The paper too. That’s where the best flavor is!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a lot and I will give all authors at least one chance. So far I’ve read JR Ward, K. Webster, and Laurann Dohner…the list is huge, but I like the diversity in their characters and the natural way they offer inclusive romance. I’m a huge gay romance girl, meaning I love to read about people who have tackled familial and societal pressures and been brave enough to get their guy or girl in the end. I also love a really gritty character, with a great sense of humor, which K.Webster does brilliantly.
What are you working on now?
I’m mid-write on three Midnight Reapers books! I know. Finish one before I star another…but their lives are so interconnected that sometimes I sut need to write something before I continue with something else. The characters talk to me constantly and when they want a great one liner written or a sexy, steamy scene, I do it. I’m currently writing Book 2 (Fall from Grace), Book 3 (Riding Red) and Book 4 (Dancer’s Redemption).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I usually post on Instagram. It’s hit and miss, but I am trying to navigate promotion.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Eh? I’d take advice. Saying never stop writing seems a little trite, and unnecessary. Right now I’m still ting to navigate collaborations. I’m open to all authors who would like to work with me!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One smile can change the world. Smile when you’re happy. Smile when you’re sad. Eventually, someone will smile right back.
What are you reading now?
J.R Ward-B.D.B Legacy-Blood Fury-that’s a re-rad but it’s so hot!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Collaborations? That’s my dream. To write with someone wonderful who will totally get my style. And like it.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Kresley Cole-Any of her books.
K.Webster-ANY one. They’re all wonderful.
Jane Austen-Northanger Abbey-Because she’s got one old, bt witty sense of humor.