Elise Kenny writes with both heart and heat—crafting romance novels that defy convention while exploring deeper themes like grief, disability, gender politics, and emotional healing. From reimagining connection through the “36 questions” test in It’s Me You’re Looking For to flipping the gender dynamic in her thought-provoking novel Double Blank, Elise’s stories challenge norms while remaining deeply relatable. In this interview, she opens up about her creative process, the power of community, balancing motherhood with marketing, and why writing has always been her therapy.
- What inspired you to write “It’s Me You’re Looking For” and “Double Blank”?
I’ve always loved romance books/films so I wanted to write one for myself. And when I stumbled upon the 36 questions test, I couldn’t shake what a great idea it would be to use for a romance novel.
For Double Blank, I wanted to explore gender politics but throw a new spin on it. So I reversed men and women and started writing, trying to examine what it would feel like for men if they had experienced all the discrimination and control women have dealt with over time.
- How did you decide to include a character with a disability in your romance novel?
It wasn’t something I started out with in my head but when I explored Samson’s history and his grief, I felt like his story was that he had lost a limb in the accident that changed the course of his life. It was also good to have a character who’s an amputee in a romance novel, as it’s not the norm, and I liked exploring that.
- How did you find and work with sensitive readers for your books?
There are lots of useful groups on Facebook where you can ask questions about anything you need to know, and also look at what other people have been asking to get more information. I also did some searches on forums to read more about being an amputee for example.
- What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the editing process?
It’s always hard to edit! I think it’s so important to draft in some readers to tell you where the story is lagging or things aren’t making sense because as the writer, it’s always hard to see it for yourself after staring at it for so long! I think deciding how long to make the emails was the hardest part in It’s Me You’re Looking For. As for Double Blank, getting the chronology right was probably the hardest part.
- How do you manage the marketing of your books while juggling other responsibilities?
It’s really hard. I’m also a mum of two and though I like to be busy, it can all get a bit overwhelming! Plus, it feels like you always have to be creating new things and since there’s such a huge range of writing and books out there, it can be hard to stand out. However, I usually just do what I can, when I can. I also try to focus on building relationships with people – readers, other writers – because you never know what can happen.
- What role has mental health played in your writing journey?
Writing is basically my form of therapy, as most writers will probably say! It helps me process the world and writing it down helps my brain feel quieter because I can’t stop thinking about the ideas otherwise. In my romance book, I also wanted to explore grief and it’s effects in a very real way, which I think gives the novel more depth overall.
- How do you overcome creative blocks or moments of self-doubt?
I have them but I try not to dwell on them anymore. I’m sure even bestselling authors have moments of doubt! Sometimes blocks and doubt mean you need a break, so take it, and go back when you feel ready. Sometimes you just need to try something new or make yourself write without editing all the time.
- Have you faced any specific challenges as a woman writer, and if so, how did you address them?
Oh yes! Well being a mum and time has been a big one! During lockdown, I started a writing group for mums because I couldn’t stand all of us not having time to write. It doesn’t exist now but lots of the mums who attended have gone on to write more, be published, set up their own writing ventures, and lots of them remain good friends. So community is key! I always try to uplift other women writers.
- What are some key takeaways or lessons you’ve learned through your writing journey that you’d like to share with others?
Feedback is vital but you can also decide which feedback is warranted and which feedback isn’t. Try not to edit as you go along – it slows you down. Take comfort in community – writing can be a lonely business. And don’t dwell on disappointments for too long – remember writing a book is amazing and choosing to share it at all is brave.
IG and Threads: @elisekennyauthor
W: www.nikkidudleywriter.com
