Q&A with Becca Steele – Author Interview

We’re thrilled to bring you an exclusive Q&A with fantastic author Becca Steele, whose gripping storytelling and unforgettable characters have captivated readers around the globe. Known for her twisty plots, emotionally charged romances, and irresistible dark heroes, Becca has carved out a distinct place in the world of contemporary and new adult fiction. In this special interview, we dive deep into her creative process, inspirations, and the journey behind some of her most beloved books.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, this candid conversation offers a fresh glimpse into the mind of one of today’s most dynamic authors. From behind-the-scenes writing secrets to what’s next in her literary world, Becca shares insights that are equal parts inspiring and entertaining. Get ready to find out more about Becca and maybe even a few surprises along the way.

About The Author

Tell us more about you

Hey! I’m from the UK, although I very briefly lived in Australia and New Zealand. Books have always been my escape from real life, and I’ve been a voracious reader for as long as I can remember. 

When I was little, I used to write my own stories and make them into ‘books’ with stapled pages and my terrible drawings as illustrations, but I never thought that I could become an author. It always seemed like a distant dream, something that happened to other people but not me. Yet here I am! I still can’t believe that I get to do my favourite thing for a living.

What are the three items you’d take on a deserted island?

A satellite smartphone (reading and music apps are a must, plus I can use it to write!), a solar battery charger for the phone, and a case full of cash so I can bribe someone to rescue me. 

Who is your biggest role model?

My late grandad. He was my favourite person in the world, and we shared so many of the same interests. He was so kind and generous, and funny, too. 

What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?

I’m definitely a mood reader so it’s impossible to pick one favourite. But if I had to be pushed, my favourite authors and books would probably be in the fantasy genre. I love the complete escape of being in a totally different world where anything can happen. Off the top of my head, a few favourites are J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, Patrick Rothfuss’ Kingkiller Chronicle, and several of Robin Hobb’s series. And on that note, one of my favourite fantasy book series with romance has to be The Captive Prince trilogy by C.S. Pacat.

Other than fantasy, I love romance in all forms (I’d say around 75% of the books I read are romance), YA (especially dystopian), and a good mystery or thriller is always fun. This year I also made a resolution to read one classic per month, so I’m currently reading The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.

Do you prefer e-books, physical books or audiobooks?

I prefer to read e-books, but I like to own my favourites as physical copies, especially if they have special editions.

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

It’s my full-time profession, although it happened accidentally during the first COVID lockdown, when my previous full-time business had to be closed due to the social distancing rules. I was very lucky to publish a series that took off at just the right time, and I decided to take the leap and make writing my full-time career rather than going back to my previous business. 

What social media platform do you like and use the most?

My favourite platform is Instagram, but I have accounts on all the main social media platforms.

My social channels are:

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

Usually, either an idea will get stuck in my head, or a character will talk to me until I start writing their story. I generally have a vague idea for my romances which goes something like this: X character hates Y character but they’re going to fall in love… somehow. Then I sit down to write and enjoy all the surprises the characters throw at me. I never have a clue how things are going to end up. 

Often, ideas for scenes will come to me just as I’m falling asleep, so I tend to write myself a note on my phone, which I then have to attempt to decipher the following day. For each story, I normally end up with a document full of random notes, most of which I never end up using.

With my romances that incorporate suspense/mystery, I need to have an idea of what’s happening in the suspense part, so I tend to make notes and try to weave those elements into the romance. Of course, the characters never do what I want, so I’m constantly having to change things as I go. But that’s all part of the fun for me.

Where do you like to write?

I can write almost anywhere if I have my headphones to listen to my writing playlists and drown out the outside noise, but the majority of my writing is done either at my desk or on the sofa. 

What do you like most about writing?

I’ve always needed a creative outlet for my overactive imagination, and writing allows me to do that. An unexpected bonus is that it’s become a form of therapy for me, allowing me to process emotions and experiences and gain a new perspective, particularly in relation to mental health. It’s not always an easy process, but when a reader contacts me to say they can relate to the struggles of a character of mine – that they feel seen and understood, it makes it all so worth it. Then there’s the flip side of that process, which is writing to make myself and my readers feel happy. That’s the ultimate goal I aim for whether I’m writing a light-hearted, fun story, or exploring mental health issues or darker themes.

I love losing myself in the lives of my characters, getting to see the world through their eyes and finding out what makes them tick and why they act the way they do. And my favourite part of all – watching them fall in love. 

What do you find stops you from writing more?

My brain is my biggest obstacle. Other than that, the lure of books I want to read and computer games I want to play. And things like family life, outside commitments, etc.

What genres do you like to write and why?

I love writing romance. It’s that satisfaction of knowing that even if real life sucks, these characters get to have their own happily ever after. 

My brain likes to mix things up, so I write in various subgenres from contemporary to dark, but I mainly stick to new adult romance. There’s something about writing characters who are starting out in their adult lives and they’re having to navigate all these new, different experiences, and discover themselves in the process. They don’t always have the emotional maturity to make sensible decisions (side-eyeing Asher and Levi from Savage Rivals…because, you know, kissing your rival because he’s threatening you with his knife is a great idea 🙄) and they tend to fuck up a lot, but that’s what makes them so interesting to write.  

I would actually love to write a fantasy/romantasy book one day (I have pages and pages of notes for a story!), but I’d probably release it under a secret pen name to take away the pressure.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?

Write, and keep writing. One day, you’ll become someone’s favourite author.

Showcase your books!

How many books have you written and if more than one, what’s your favourite?

I’ve published over 30 books, including short stories. I can’t pick a favourite, because they’re all my favourite in different ways. Don’t make me pick! Pleeeease!

How long did Dared take to write?

Around 3 months. That’s my average timescale for a novel, although some can take a lot longer. It all depends on how much writing time I’m able to get and whether I’m feeling mentally able to write.

Lastly, what is your favourite thing about being an author?

Doing something that makes my soul happy. On the publishing side, having people choose to read my books. That’s a privilege I will never, ever take for granted. 

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Other books by Becca Steele