Q&A with TL Clark – Author Interview

Dive into our exclusive Q&A with TL Clark, the brilliant mind behind Love Habit and other captivating reads! In this insightful interview, she shares her inspirations, writing journey, and the secrets behind crafting unforgettable characters. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering her work for the first time, this is your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process. Don’t miss it!

About The Author

Tell us more about you

Something people always raise their eyebrows in both interest and surprise when I tell them: I’m a Reiki Master.

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

Wifi connection, a phone and a delivery service? LOL, I’d be useless without my creature comforts. I need to be able to order food, books and coffee at the very least.

Who is your biggest role model?

Jane Austen. She was a brave, snarky pioneer of romance novels. 

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

My favourite book is Jane Eyre, which is maybe a bit of a cliché now, but I love the emotional rollercoaster. Also, it mentions “automaton” in an old book which always gives me a geeky thrill.  

Favourite author? I don’t have just one. But I will always 1-click buy Duckie Mack books. After the last few years, I welcome adorkable characters, low angst and some steam. Mainly M/M but there are other reps. Her books are like getting a blankety hug.

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

I love all books; they all count. But I tend to read ebooks, as I can buy more and carry a whole library with me wherever I go.

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

Neither. Writing is my vocation; the thing which lights up my soul. I try to run it as a business. But, as I’m not reaching EL James level royalties, I work temp jobs to help keep the roof above my head – literally! I had to replace our whole house roof a few years ago.

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

I can usually be found lurking on Instagram, but I pop up on Threads and dabble with TikTok.

My social channels are:

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

I’m a Pantser – I make it up as I go along. My stories tend to come to me in that place between sleep and awake. I start with the image of a scene, then listen to my characters as they tell me their story. It’s a lot like channelling Reiki for me, just on a slightly different frequency.

Where do you like to write?

I need peace and quiet, so I write at home, usually comfied up on my sofa.

What do you like most about writing?

I love watching my stories unfold, falling in love with my characters and sharing them with others. Y’know, spreading the love.

What do you find stops you from writing more?

Life! Whether I have to go out to work if my energy’s been drained, illness, or motivation – there are many obstacles one faces when trying to write. The good news is that they can all be overcome with sheer determination and chocolate.

What genres do you like to write and why?

I’m a romance author but I hop around its sub-genres like a loved-up froggy. I’m fascinated by the many forms of love there are, even though it’s just one word. Also, I might have ADHD so my attention appreciates variation.

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

Write because you love it. Because making actual money from books is incredibly difficult. It needs to be your passion if you want staying power.

Showcase your books!

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

I’ve written 13 novels, 2 short stories and 1 non-fiction. Don’t make me choose – they’re all my babies and special in their own way. I’ll default to my most recent if pushed, which is Love Habit. I’m actually super proud of it, as it’s hoping to spread the word that LGBTQIA+ folk were more accepted in the past than we’ve been led to believe. Plus, the guys are super sweet and quite steamy. You’ll never look at candles the same way again!

How long did Love Habit write?

One of my books took me two months, another took me two years. 

Love Habit took me one year. I’d already done a lot of medieval research, but I still needed to do more, particularly about how monks lived. 

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

Being an author is who I am. It feels right and, like I already said, it lights my soul up. Being true to oneself is the greatest gift ever.

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