Behind the Scenes of a Passionate Pen: Discovering the World of Romance with Author Rebecca V. Archer

Rebecca V. Archer is a contemporary romance author based in Florida. Her stories revolve around characters who struggle with their own emotions. Read on as she offers insights into her writing process, shares her personal experiences with boudoir, and so much more!

Share a bit about your background and what led you to become an author.

I’ve been coming up with stories ever since I was a little kid. I remember getting a little notebook when I was in the first grade and writing stories about the monsters that lived in my basement. I’ve always been an avid reader. I just love stories so much!

What inspired you to write romance novels?

I started writing romance in 2020. I had been writing fantasy (with romantic elements), but had been struggling with my projects. I picked up a romance novel and found that it helped with the anxiety I was having. Since genre romance novels must end with a Happily Ever After (HEA), it felt like that was something that I could trust and rely on. I realized I love love and wanted to write those kinds of stories. Ones where the people might struggle a lot, but I know that it will all work out in the end.

How do you approach creating and developing your characters? Are they inspired by real people or purely from imagination?

Purely from imagination. It’s probably a cliche, but they just come to me.

What challenges do you face as an author, and how do you overcome them?

Most challenges are finding enough time to write and balancing the rest of my life. I feel like I’ll never have enough time to write all the stories I want.

How do you hope your work resonates with readers, and what kind of impact do you aim to make?

I hope that readers feel connected to the characters. I hope that they can see characters struggling and find the belief in themselves to overcome any similar challenges. In my current work in progress, one character struggles with taking risks, so I hope readers feel seen because risks are scary. But also that they get the courage to maybe take a leap in their own lives. I also just hope that readers find joy and hope in my work. Romance novels are a great escape from daily life. and I think that can be enough to take away from a book.

Do you draw from personal experiences when crafting romantic storylines?

Nothing specific for plot points, but being married to a wonderful man whom I believe wholeheartedly is my soulmate, makes me want to demonstrate that kind of love in my stories.

Are there specific themes or messages you aim to convey through your romance novels?

A lot of these kinds of themes happen accidentally, rather than intentionally. But I have noticed I’m writing a lot of women standing up for themselves in all kinds of relationships. Work, family, friends, etc.

How important is the setting in creating a romantic atmosphere in your stories?

Setting is so important. In my novella, Staged, it takes place mostly at a nightclub. That setting took my female main character, Alma, out of her comfort zone and allowed her to explore a different side of herself. My work-in-progress takes place in a beach town. The friend group, the landscape, and the tourist attractions all work to push my two characters together.

Can you share insights into your writing process when working on romantic scenes?

Spicy scenes are really hard to write! Not just because of the physical mechanics at play, but also because of the emotions and character work that happens too. I take them one round of revisions at a time, making sure I know exactly what each character is feeling emotionally and where their head is. These scenes are high stakes for the writer but also for the characters. I go over them so many times, line by line, to make sure they are absolutely perfect.

How do you handle feedback from readers, especially when it comes to the romantic elements in your books?

I understand that not every reader is going to connect with my work. But I know its value. I focus on the positive reactions that I get and move on.

Have you ever done a boudoir shoot? If so, what was your takeaway? Was there anything that surprised you?

I have! I highly recommend it, especially if it’s just for yourself. So much in life, women are told to be small and to take up less space and to hide. But in a boudoir shoot, those limitations are gone and we can be as loud and as truthful to ourselves as we want.

What makes you feel empowered, bold, and beautiful?

1. Wearing clothing and makeup that feels authentically me, even if it’s a T-shirt and leggings. 2. Doing something well, like finishing a draft and knowing that it’s currently the best version I can make. 3. Getting out of my comfort zone, even if it’s just trying a new restaurant.

Can you give a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or works in progress?

My next book is called Rum Sips and Salty Lips. It is the first in a series set in a fictional Florida beach town. It will be out in late Summer 2024. It is very spicy!

Where can we grab your book?

Staged is available on Amazon. Spellbound Books in Sanford, FL also has signed physical copies.

Where can people connect with you?

Check out my website here. Or if you’re the social type, I’m mostly on Instagram but you can also find me on Threads, TikTok, or Facebook

Anything else you’d like to share?

I just love romance novels so much. I think it’s a wide genre and there is a book for everyone to fall in love with.