Author Q & A with Bethany Monaco Smith

Bethany is an Indie Author writing both adult standalone romances & YA/NA romantic series. She really likes to write stories that feel honest, real and grounded. You can expect sweet moments, swoony boys, strong heroines, and some seriously emotional moments that may or may not make you ugly cry.

Social Media Links

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/bethanymonacosmith/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/bethanymonacosmith

Twitter- https://twitter.com/bmonacosmith

Question 1 If you could pick one thing to remove/change from any of your books or book what would it be?

All the tiny little things I find after the fact that I’d change. A dialogue tag here or a repetitive word there.

Question 2 What part of the book was the most fun to write?

Usually, I say the first kiss. But Freaking Love comes in on a well-established relationship. One of my favorite things to write about in this book was the relationship between the main character, Maia, and her dad. They have such an honest, genuine relationship and I loved writing their scenes together.

Question 3 What is the significance of the title?

Honestly, Freaking Love was not the original title of this series. I started it as a screenplay and it was called something else. But when it came to books, that didn’t feel like the right title. I spent two days trying to get just the right title… Freaking Love occurred to me out of nowhere and it ended up informing the blurb and has become a phrase I call back to throughout the book.

Question 4 If you’re planning a series, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it

Freaking Love is the start of a three-book (and possibly eventually more) series. The series chronicles the life and love lives of Maia and her best friends (and family) over the course of three years. Each book tells the story of about a year in the life of these friends. It’ll be an emotional roller coaster to be sure, but I can promise that there will be lots of happiness throughout & especially at the end of it all.

Question 4 What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

Every fall we visit the Adirondack Mountains in upstate NY. They’re about four hours from us & absolutely beautiful. Gorgeous views leaves changing, cute little towns… it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Question 5 What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?

Coffee! And Chocolate!

Question 6 If your book were made into a movie, which actors would play your characters?

I have so many characters, but I actually do have a list for this because I made a set of stories on Instagram about it once. I’ll tell you a few of the characters and who I’d love to see play them. As the main character, Maia, I’d love to see Bailee Madison. Her dad, Leo, was originally inspired by Gerard Butler, but I’d also love Ed Quinn as Leo. As Maia’s mom, Veronica, I have always see Connie Britton. And for one of Maia’s best friends, Nick, well, let’s just say his name and part of his inspiration was definitely from Nick Jonas.

Question 7 What was your favorite song while writing this book? Do you have a playlist I can share?

I have a whole playlist for this book, but Scenes from an Italian Restaurant by Billy Joel is what I consider the theme. Here is the link to the playlist for Freaking Love

Question 8 Describe your writing space?

My writing space is basically my living room, but I sit in a cozy recliner that used to be my grandfather’s. It’s what I consider my writing chair. It’s nestled in a corner so I can put my headphones on and focus on writing.

Question 9 What advice do you have for writers/authors?

Connect. Connect with other authors. Connect with readers, reviewers, editors. Those people are the ones who will be helping you up when you’re falling, supporting you, shouting you out… all of it. You need a team behind you to start this journey and keep walking this road. Connect with other people & find your tribe.

You can connect with Bethany Monaco Smith and a team of authors in her Facebook group Down the Romance Rabbit Hole.

Question 10 If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, but all your human needs—such as food and water—were taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you?

A solar charger and my cellphone. Then I can keep reading all the books on my kindle app. And talk to people, too, I guess.

Question 11 f you could compare yourself with any animal, which would it be and why?

A panda. I wish I could tell you why. But I don’t know. I’ve just always felt like pandas are my spirit animal.

Thank you Bethany for this Author interview you can find her books on Amazon on her Author Page. I loved her recent books and look forward to reading more by this author. I have had the privilege of reading and reviewing Freaking Love, Reckless for You, and Faking it for the Holidays. I do look forward to more in the Ida Romance Series. So take a look at her books and her latest release and leave your review for this Indie Author,