Contemporary romance author and artist Nadia Han discusses the importance of curating a creative approach and following both your heart and your mind when building a fictional world.
How would you define your specific writing genre and niche? What first got you interested in this writing style and how did you decide to pursue this niche in your authorial approach?
I write steamy romantic suspense. Right now, I’m focused on my billionaire romantic suspense series, which features diverse characters. I enjoy the flamboyant and exaggerated lifestyle of these billionaires who have flaws and vulnerabilities like all of us. These complex men need strong women to help them define what love is. Love is the torch in the darkest night, and that’s what I highlight in my fast-paced romance novels. I believe that if you write what you love to read, the readers will see that love and dedication in your stories.
How did you first get into writing romance novels – why romance? Do you have any stories you’d like to share about your initial experiences in this particular genre and how they have influenced your journey going forward?
My first romance novel was a sci-fi romance under a different pen name. I adore otherworldly stories, but I also love contemporary romance. I guess you can say that I prefer walking the blurred edge of the fantastical and realistic worlds. I like to delve into both worlds, and being in the middle ground allows me to step over to either side when I feel the pull. I can tell you that I have an Asian Romantasy coming soon in 2025.
What does your writing process typically look like? Where do you gain inspiration from, especially because there is a depth and complexity to these stories that set them apart from traditional conceptions of romance novels?
I always start off with a blurb. If the blurb sounds good, then I start the story from that blurb-map. I also create a loose outline of major scenes I want to add. Sometimes I even create a one-line description for the early chapters and see where things go. My outline isn’t strict. I’m an artist, so I understand the need for fluidity, change, and intuition. Writing is more mental, while art is more heart. Because of that, I like some organization to help me streamline my stories so they’re not all over the place. The mind can be tricky if you don’t train it well.
I look at my story structure through the eyes of an architect. My blurb is the foundation. The outline is the framework of the story. And all the fun details—like the plumbing, electrical work, and interior designing—come after the foundation and framework are established.
Do you read other authors? Can you read other authors while you’re writing? Do you draw inspiration from your contemporaries or other authors in your genre? Do you listen to audiobooks?
Yes, I read other authors. It’s a great escape to give my mind a rest. However, I don’t read books while I’m writing because I don’t want to distract my workflow.
I draw inspiration from everywhere—real life experiences from me and those around me, the news, movies, dreams, a walk in nature, the color of a dress, or a texture on tree bark. Anything can inspire me. The world is full of wonders, and if you pay attention you’ll find something extraordinary.
I love audiobooks. They give my eyes a rest.
How much of yourself—if any—do you put into your books? Have your experiences and interests as a reader influenced what or how you write?
I think it’s difficult not to put yourself into a story. The creator of any work always sprinkles aspects of themselves into their work. The choice of words, the tonation, the messages whether they’re obvious or not, and the overall energy of the book are all part of the creator’s offer to the readers.
How do you come up with the names for your characters? What about the titles of your books?
Sometimes a name will pop into my head. Other times, I scroll through baby naming websites to see what I resonate with. For book titles, I pick a name that captures the essence of the book.
How do you approach determining the nature of the plot or the trope(s) that you pursue in a given novel? Do you tend to stick with what is popular among readers or what is trending at the moment? Are there other key decisions at any point in the writing process that you tend to struggle with?
I usually have an incomplete visual of what the book is about. The blurb helps clarify that incomplete image. I like tension and suspense in my books so I try to create scenarios that encompass those things while sticking to some popular tropes. Sometimes I struggle with a new idea that would take my book down an unforeseen path. The uncertainty is there. Do I take that path or stay on the route where I know what will happen? When this happens, I usually take a day off and hone into my intuition.
Would you consider branching out into a different niche? Do you fear pushback or the loss of an audience from doing so?
I have a wide range of interests so I’d get bored if I wrote the same thing all the time.
As I mentioned earlier, I write otherworldly romance, so when I need to step away from romantic suspense, I hang out with my paranormal, sci-fi, and fantasy characters.
I don’t fear pushback. I can’t control what others think of my work so I don’t want to waste energy on those things. All I can do is write the best book I know how and do it with love. I believe you can’t go wrong when you’re true to your heart.
When writing a novel, how do you decide whether or not it will become a series? Is it sometimes difficult to envision a future for a narrative or characters, or do subsequent books come naturally? Do you plan to write a series in advance/prior to starting the process, or is that a decision that comes later?
I usually have an idea if a book will become a series.
It can be difficult to envision a future for the characters but that’s where the fun is. The challenge is to create a compelling story. Sometimes, a story comes easily, and sometimes it doesn’t. Every book is different and requires different things. Books are like children. Every child has a specific personality that needs a unique approach.
How do you curate a cohesive aesthetic and visuals for your stories and series? What about the creation of merchandise that pairs with your stories? What sorts of artists and creatives do you normally have to consult for your vision to be realized?
Most times, I create my own aesthetics to ensure they’re cohesive.
Going off of this, explain the process of seeking out and attaining cover photos/art for your books. What is it like to choose designs and models that best fit your story? Do you find it troublesome finding real people that align with the characters in your mind? Do you pick the model(s) before or after writing the character or couple? What about illustrated/discreet covers and special edition covers?
I love working with artists for my character art. As for book covers, I like to create my own, whether it’s a cover model or an abstract design cover.
To what extent would you say that writing in this genre is a group effort? Or how does having a greater network of writers and collaborators benefit your work and help you grow as a writer?
For me, I think it’s great to connect with other authors to discuss what’s working for them or just to talk about the lonely lifestyle of authors. We live in our heads most of the time, so it’s nice to talk to those who understand the process.
It’s also fun to collaborate on special promotions so that we can all benefit together.
What is your experience with newsletters and the impact of participating in newsletter swaps for increasing visibility? Tell me about events and conventions in the romance writer community. How have these shaped your time as a writer? What has your personal experience/take-away been from attending as an author or even as a fan/participant?
In the beginning, I participated in a lot of newsletter swaps. But those things take time and energy. I didn’t see an increase in visibility so I’ve stepped back from them.
I enjoy going to book signings where I can meet readers and other authors. But I don’t attend a lot of events because they can drain your energy, and I’m trying to conserve my energy to write.
Social media, particularly TikTok in recent years, has played a huge role in book promotion with the advent of “booktok” and the progression of online fandom activities that have existed for decades. How has social media provided a platform for promoting/marketing your books and creating a fandom space for your novels? Do you have any notable stories in mind about your works going viral or skyrocketing in other ways through TikTok, etc.?
TikTok has been a great platform to promote books to readers around the world. I’ve connected with so many readers. I’ve had some viral videos on TikTok. I believe consistency, a good hook, image, song, and luck will help a post go viral. I try not to obsess over my posts going viral. I do my best, and leave it to the Universe to do the rest. This way, I can stay focused on my writing and my family. Do I wish that my work will skyrocket with the help of social media? Of course. Who wouldn’t? But will I obsess over it? No. Life is too short, my friend.
Readers are more connected to authors than ever through social media and independent publishing. How do you feel about this sense of connection and attainability? How do fans and their feedback (i.e., reviews) impact your writing process, whether directly or indirectly? Describe what it’s like having an ARC team, beta team, etc. and being able to receive trusted feedback from your readers.
I think it’s great that fans can reach authors easily, but that has its positive and negative effects. I think it’s crucial and healthy that you set up boundaries for yourself. I usually read a few reviews when a new book is released. But after that, I’m already writing a new book and don’t have time or energy to see what others think. Keeping a healthy mindset is important to me, and I do what I can to maintain that.
I love my PA, ARC team, beta readers, and street team. Their support is unmatched and I’m forever grateful for them.
What impact do book influencers have on your own marketing and writer experiences? Are there particular influencers whose presence is particularly notable? Is it inspiring to have mood boards and other content made about your books? What about being included in “to be read” lists or “currently reading” lists?
I’ve used a few PR companies to help me promote my books during the book release.
Some are better than others. I haven’t used any notable influencers as their fees are very costly.
I love that readers create mood boards for my books. I love using Pinterest to create the mood for all my books. It gives me a quick snapshot of what the book is all about.
To be included in a “to be read” or “currently reading” list is like a thumbs up or a nod from readers. It makes me smile.
Do you feel a sense of pressure having a dedicated fanbase who cares about your stories? Discuss any concerns you might have that come with this, especially since sharing your narratives with the world can be an extremely vulnerable exercise.
In the beginning of my writing journey, I felt the pressure. But now, I’m just concerned about writing a good book.
Although social media has definitely helped to dismantle negative perceptions of romance novels (i.e. views that “they’re not real books”), what is your stance on these sorts of beliefs? Furthermore, how do you think the genre more generally, or your particular niche of romance novels, disproves popular stigmas?
Society has conditioned people to believe a certain way. It’s going to take time to show and prove that romance novels can be “intelligent” and compelling like other books that are deemed so.
I define a “real book” as a story that pulls at your emotions, offers you a new perspective on something, and has captured a place in your heart or mind. Love is the most powerful emotion that’s timeless and has various shades. Love that is unmanipulated and unattached to ego can truly heal and transform us as an individual and as a society. Everyone needs love, like a plant needing the sun and rain. Look at the corrupt world today. If more genuine love were given and understood, this world would be in a better place. Don’t you think?
My readers tell me that my books offer lessons and symbolism that they appreciate. I’m grateful that they’re able to find those nuggets in my books.
I personally think that people who disapprove of romance books are secretly reading and loving them behind closed doors. Lol.
Does your Vietnamese heritage influence your approach to writing?
Yes, it does. I think it’s hard to detach from that, nor do I want to. My family were immigrants, escaping a war to find a safe place to live. This experience has helped me look at things differently and with more compassion.
In what ways do you think romance novels are significant for readers to engage with or have access to, whether this be in terms empowerment, gender dynamics, representation of diverse backgrounds, exploration of sexuality, or otherwise? What power do you think these stories can have for readers and communities at large?
I think romance novels allow people to explore what they like, dislike, want, and don’t want in relationships. Love stories can liberate and empower people to accept their own feelings and desires while also respecting other people’s viewpoints.
If reading a romance novel is your perfect escape after a rough day at work, then that book has become your non-invasive remedy. I say more power to those who know what they want. We need to live life to the fullest.
Describe what it’s like to be an independently published novelist. What obstacles have you encountered with this approach? Advantages? How do you handle the “business” aspect of being not only the author, but the publisher and promoter of your stories?
It’s a lot of work being an independently published author. I have an author assistant who helps me promote my books and manage my street team. I try to stay organized, but I’m still learning every day. Being adaptable to changes has helped me immensely.
Do you work with a PR company? If so, how have you navigated that relationship in order to get your books promoted?
Yes, I work with The Author Agency. Communication and validation are important to me. So far, they’ve been great to work with.
Are you publishing your books in audiobook form? If yes, what has this process been like?
I have four audiobooks available. The process of creating the audiobooks with the publisher had been wonderful.
To learn more about Nadia and her books, please visit her website here. You can contact Nadia via email at nadia@nadiahan.com or via her publisher: Nadia Han, c/o Prose & Concepts, LLC, 210 Park Avenue, Suite 280, Worcester, MA, 01609. You can also support Nadia on social media!