“Mia Sosa delivers wish fulfillment with off-the-charts sparks.”—Entertainment Weekly

About the Book

Crashing Into Her
by Mia Sosa
Series
Love on Cue Series
Genre
Adult
Contemporary Romance
Publisher
Avon Impulse
Publication Date
February 19, 2019
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Author Q&A with Mia Sosa

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your current release?

Sure! I’m a recovering lawyer who recently decided to finally finish the first chapters that had been residing on my desktop for years. So now I’m a contemporary romance writer, and as a result, I’ve traded my pantsuits for loungewear (okay, okay, they’re sweatpants). When I’m not writing, I watch lots of reality television—for research. Ahem.
My latest book is Crashing Into Her. This is Eva and Anthony’s love story. Eva’s a fitness instructor; Anthony’s a Hollywood stunt professional. This fun (and fun-loving) duo hook up at a destination wedding, neither wanting nor expecting a repeat performance. But when Eva moves to LA and signs up for stunt training at Anthony’s school, they try and fail to keep each other at arm’s length. Expect banter, a reggaeton scene that’s not to be missed, numerous descriptions of delicious Puerto Rican foods, and sexy times.

How has your writing process changed since publishing your first book?

When I first started writing, I had all the time in the world to meander through the creative process. I was a “pantser,” as opposed to a plotter, so I wrote pages and pages before the story would reveal itself to me. Now my process is driven by deadlines, so I can’t pick lint out of my navel and eat M&Ms all day (bummer, I know). If I did, I’d never finish a book. Now I begin with the basic premise and a rough outline of the major plot points, and I devote part of the process to figuring out my characters’ histories and motivations. I don’t plan the book from A to Z, but I don’t wing it anymore, either. I still eat M&Ms, though.

Do you recognize a common theme in your books? How important is that to you and where do you think it stems from?

I’m so glad you asked this question! One theme that’s common to all my books is family. I’ve read plenty of books in which the main characters’ families play almost no role in the romance—and I love them—and books where families are front and center—and I love those, too. But in each of my published stories, either the hero or heroine grapples with an issue related to his or her family. I think it stems from the central role my family plays in my life, both as a source of love and support and as a connection to my Latinx heritage.

If you could tell a non-romance reader one thing about reading/writing romance, what would it be and why?

Every few months or so, someone writes a dismissive article or writes a snarky comment about romances and the people who read them. Often, the person making the comment has never read a romance and refers to books that aren’t even romances as evidence of whatever point the person is trying to make. I’d tell a non-romance reader to disregard those romance detractors. Romances are wonderful life-affirming stories about love and hope. Romances offer readers funny stories that will make them laugh out loud, suspenseful stories that will leave them on the edge of their seats, and sexy stories that will make them swoon. Try reading romance. I promise you won’t be sorry.

When and how did you learn that language had power?

I don’t think I truly realized language had power until I heard Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech in its entirety when I was in high school. That speech communicates volumes about injustice, about hope, about the obligation of Americans to stand up against inequality. It’s been a source of inspiration for many for decades, and it remains relevant today. 

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Here’s what I’d say to my younger writing self: Everyone won’t love your writing, and that’s okay. It may be a difficult concept to accept, but it’s true; no writer can satisfy every reader. So write from the heart and focus on finding the readers who love your work. They’re out there, I assure you.

Does a big ego help or hurt authors?

In my humble opinion, it hurts us. Writers need constant feedback to grow, and if a writer is resistant to critique or change, they’re likely to flounder in this business. Humility is key. As authors, we work with dozens of people to get our words on the page and into the world: editors, publicists, bloggers, reviewers, marketers, bookstore owners, writing peers, and readers. Everyone in the process is important, and if you’re not able to listen to their expertise and suggestions, your ego is getting in the way of your success. I’m not suggesting that confidence is a bad thing, but a big ego is a problem. Plus, we should never forge
t one golden rule: Don’t be a jerk.

Do you Google yourself?

Yes, occasionally I do! In fact, I recently I discovered that Google’s bots had concluded I was an 86-year-old writer from Guatemala. Excuse me, what? I’m around half that age (*coughs*), and I was born in the United States to a Brazilian mother and a Puerto Rican father. Now I’m just listed as “Author,” and I’m cool with that.

Does your family support your career as a writer?

Yes, yes, yes. Without my husband and girls’ support, I wouldn’t be able to publish books. Honestly. My husband is a full partner in our household, and when I’m on deadline, he works double time. He gives me advice when I need it and a comforting hug when I’m feeling down. He also reads all my books. My girls, too, are super supportive. They ask me all kinds of questions about my experiences and offer to do small chores around the house when I’m super busy. They know mami writes romance books, but they haven’t read them—yet.

What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?

Coffee. And trust me, that’s saying a lot. I LOVE coffee. For most writers, it’s essential. But if I could become a better writer simply by giving up coffee, I would. Thankfully, that isn’t within the realm of possibility, so I’ll continue to enjoy my coffee for the rest of my days.

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

Yes, I read book reviews. I know some authors don’t, but I’m eager to see how my work is being received, and reviewers often provide insights that I consider when I write my next book. Bad reviews aren’t fun, but I’ve learned not to take them personally, and I’m always mindful that a review isn’t for me but for other readers. Whether a review is good or bad, the person writing it spent time reading my book (assuming they read past the first chapter, lol), and I appreciate that. As for the good reviews, if a reviewer brings it to my attention, I thank them profusely. And if the reviewer wants to squee about my book, I’m all for it!

Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?

I do write under a pseudonym! It’s not a fail-proof way to ensure your privacy, but it’s a layer of protection that I thought was important when I started writing. It also helps to remind me that I’m not defined by my writing. Publishing is too random and fickle for anyone to tie their self-worth to what others in the industry think of them; for me, using a pen name underscores that writing is just one facet of a very full life.

What was the best money you spent as a writer?

This is an easy one: purchasing a membership to Romance Writers of America. I met my critique partner and friend, Olivia Dade, through an RWA forum. By joining the organization, I also gained access to a network of knowledgeable and business-minded people; resources such as workshops and conferences that have played a pivotal role in my writing career; and amazingly supportive friends.

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About Mia Sosa

MIA SOSA was born and raised in New York City. She attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications and met her own romance hero (spoiler alert: she married him). Mia once dreamed of being a professional singer, but practical considerations (read: the need to generate income) led her to take the law school admissions test instead.