Interview: Molly E. Lee, author of LOVE BETWEEN ENEMIES

Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?

I write young adult and adult books because that is what I love to read. Especially romance. I’m a sucker for a great romantic plot, so when I started writing, I knew I’d have romance in every story.

Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc. come from?

I fell in love with reading before I could actually read. I was lucky that my mother read to me all the time and developed a deep love for stories. By the time I was in second grade, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. An author. My teacher had given us a new assignment—write and illustrate our own stories into little hardback books. Now, I couldn’t draw, but I did fall totally in love with the process of creating a story (mine was about aliens), and after that, I was hooked. I’ve never wanted to be anything else, and I’m beyond grateful I get to live my dream.

How long have you been writing?

Since I learned how to scribble on a page. ☺

What do you think most characterizes your writing?

Romance with strong female leads, and the men who aren’t afraid to follow them. I love having characters who challenge each other, who make each other better, stronger, sharper. That is something that is recurrent in all my books—the exploration of character development between two people, who couldn’t help but fall in love, and how that experience strengthens them.

What was the hardest part of writing this book?

It was hard to write both parental dynamics within the same book. Gordon’s dad is extremely supportive of his dreams whereas Zoey’s parents have already made up their minds of what they want her to do. So nailing the completely opposite voices for each was difficult.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

I loved writing these two voices—these rivals who have been at each other for years. It was fun watching them slowly realize they were a match in every way. It was also fun to return to the grad night party and experience it from a different point of view.

Who are some of your favorite authors that you feel were influential in your work? What impact have they had on your writing?

This is SUCH a hard question! I’m a fan of so many wonderful authors, but my absolute favorites would include: J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, Kimberly Derting, and Molly McAdams. Each of these authors has taught me something through their work, and each of them have the ability to create such amazing characters the reader can’t help but blow through the books in one sitting. Every time I pick up one of their books I’m inspired to be better, to improve my craft, and to adapt a unique style all my own.

Are you a full-time or part-time writer? How does that affect your writing?

I’m a full-time writer and a full-time mom. I’m the luckiest woman on the planet. I may also be the most exhausted, but it is all absolutely worth it!

What do you like to read in your free time?

I love to read fantasy and paranormal romance! I read across all genres, but these two are my favorites.

What projects are you working on at the present?

Right now, I am focusing on finishing the final book in the Grad Night series, which I am super excited about because it is Lennon and Jade’s story. I’ve been dying to dig into their characters since book one!

What do your plans for future projects include?

I have a new secret young adult contemporary project I’m working on, but can’t say anything specific yet! Once I can I’ll be excited to tell everyone about it! Also, someday far in the future, I’d love to write a paranormal romance just because I love reading them so much!

Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? What is it?

I never say never. The books I choose to write really choose me. They’re characters with voices all their own and a story to tell. I’m not sure if there is anything that would hit me where I would say “no, I can’t do that.” The more a subject scares you, moves you, or saddens you…the more likely the story will be just as intense for the reader.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Oh, this is a tough one! I suppose I’d have telepathy? I have a knack for reading body language (I used to play poker…a lot. It paid for my books in college), and so that could be translated as a superpower. Though, that wouldn’t be as cool as flying or having super strength. LOL!

If you were a superhero, what would your name be? What costume would you wear?

It would probably be something super simple like, The Reader, and then I’d have a wicked cool, super comfy costume made from fabric with all my favorite books written on it. ☺

Thank you so much for having me!!!

About Love Between Enemies:

Zoey Handler is ready to put an end to her decade-long rivalry with Gordon Meyers. They’ve traded top spot between valedictorian and salutatorian for years, but all that’s over now. Right? But after a crazy graduation speech prank gets out of hand, suddenly their rivalry turns into all-out war. Time to make peace with a little friendly payback.

Step one? Make him believe they’re now friends.

Step two? Show him the time of his life at an epic graduation party.

Step three? Don’t fall for his tricks.

Step four? Absolutely, positively, do not kiss him again.

So what if he’s cute? (Okay, hot.) So what if he’s charming? (Heaven help her, tempting.) So what if he apologizes? (That has to be fake.) She knows the real Gordon. And no matter how much her heart begs her to stop, there’s no turning back.

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains one epic party, complete with every high-schoolers-gone-bad shenanigan, and two rivals who discover maybe they could be something much more…if only they’d stop fighting long enough to notice it.

Buy link: https://entangledpublishing.com/love-between-enemies.html

About Molly E. Lee:

Molly E. Lee is an author best known for her debut novel EDGE OF CHAOS, and as a mentor at Pitch Wars – a program which connects promising writers to established authors in the community. Molly writes New Adult and Young Adult contemporary featuring strong female heroines who are unafraid to challenge their male counterparts, yet still vulnerable enough to have love sneak up on them. In addition to being a military spouse and mother of two + one stubborn English Bulldog, Molly loves watching storms from her back porch at her Midwest home, and digging for treasures in antique stores.