Welcome

Remi Varlow

For my next Author Spotlight I’m joined by the wonderful Remi Varlow. We talked about writing everyday, even if it’s just for fifteen minutes, emotional character arcs, and always being fascinated by stories.

Take it away Remi…

First things first, please introduce yourself!
I’m Remi Varlow. I am a contemporary writer of MM romances from Austin, Texas. When I’m not writing love stories about sexy, dangerous men, I bartend at a live music venue.

Tell us a little bit about your writing style.
I write stories about bad boys in love. A little bit of action , some adventure and lots of steam and snark.

Describe your books in only three words.
Intense. Sexy. Fun.

What’s your next book about and when is it coming out?
Now, the sequel to One Day is releasing on October 11th. Cash and Johnny’s story continues as they fight for their second chance at love and revenge.

Out of all your books, which one are you most proud of?
Since One Day was the first book I’ve written that I published, I think it will always be special to me. Writing a book is a hell of a lot of fun, but it is also a process full of doubting yourself. Every time I see One Day’s cover anywhere, I feel proud that I didn’t let that doubt win.

What or who (or both) has influenced you most as a writer?
There is not enough room here to include all the MM authors who have inspired and influenced my own stories. There is a whole lot of talent in this genre. Lucky me, I get to learn to better my craft while reading books I love.

What inspired you to start writing?
Being born. From the time I can remember I was fascinated by stories in books and on TV. I always wanted to create my own.

What’s your writing process like? Do you have a typical “writing day”?
My work schedule is crazy and unpredictable. Some days I have fifteen minutes to write and then other days I can devote all day to it. I find I lose my rhythm if I skip a day so now I try to write every day. Even if all I can manage is just writing one scene on my phone’s note’s app while I’m on a break from work, it keeps me connected to the story.

What comes first for you – the plot or the characters?
Definitely the characters. I usually have a pretty good idea of the emotional arcs I want them to go through, but the rest is total pantsing.

What’s a book that you wish you’d written?
Any book by Lily Morton. Everything she writes is full of heart, sexiness and fun.

If you could only write one trope for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Right now the answer is Enemies to Lovers. I’m writing that currently, and it is just so much fun.

What would be your three desert island books?
Lily Morton’s Rule Breaker, any book in Eliot Grayson’s Mismatched Mates Series, Blueprint by S.E. Harmon.

If one of your books could be made into a movie/TV series, which would you choose and who would you cast?
When I was first writing One Day, I pictured a young Tom Hardy as Cash and a young Jared Leto as Johnny.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Do you have a secret passion or hobby that we don’t know about?
When I’m not working I love to read, see live music, and hang out with my besties.

Finally, what’s your favourite dinosaur?
Okay, I have to admit I had to Google for a list of Dinosaurs to answer this, but once I did , I found an easy pick. Since I love all things feline I choose Aquilos Americanus, a horned cat like dinosaur.