About Charlotte O'Shay:
The only thing I love more than reading page turning romances is writing them!

I'm an introvert from a big family who grew up and still lives in a big city. THE big city. New York. Growing up, we had little money and I knew I had to make own my way with a career. I selected the law because the only chemistry I understand is within the pages of a romance novel.

Every step along the way of law school, career, marriage and motherhood, I dove between the pages of a romance whenever I needed an escape from my everyday reality.

A few years ago— maybe when I'd read everything it seemed, I finally tried my hand at writing the kind of romance I like to read. My only regret is I didn't start sooner.

I love to discuss books so connect with me on the socials.

What inspires you to write?
I live in a big city, I've traveled a bit and I've met all kinds of fascinating people. Everyone is unique and has a story to tell. Sometimes after a conversation with someone or seeing a news item online or on tv, a series of 'what if' questions will erupt in my mind. Then I weave what I hear (or overhear!) into the stories I write. The universal truth is everyone wants to be loved. Everyone wants a happy ending.

Tell us about your writing process.
First thing for me is the spark of a the question- what if
What if a woman gets jilted two weeks before her wedding? What if she decides to go on her honeymoon alone?
An entire story will grow from a single what if.

I know all of my characters' backstories and personal history even if the smaller details never make it into the book. It helps me to write a person who is a person rather than a character.

I write every day if I can but my family likes me to live with them instead of inside my head so it's usually a 5 out of 7 day writing schedule. I have a huge family and lots of outside obligations so I fit in writing whenever I can. I can block out all ambient noise. It's my superpower developed as a lifelong resident of a noisy city. So while I prefer to be in a quiet room, I could wait forever for that opportunity so I just write wherever I am.

Word count is a funny thing. I try to keep going if I'm on a roll. I also try to keep going even if what I'm writing seems like total $h*! because I think it was Nora Roberts who said you can't edit a blank page.

How do you develop your characters?
My characters talk a lot. Honestly sometimes I will fall asleep and my character will tell me something and I'll have to put a note into my phone for the next day.

I play a little game called WWcharacternameD? What would Samantha do? My characters look at the issues in their lives from their personal perspective not mine. It's up to me to listen and get their details right, their deepest desires, their weaknesses.

One thing I always do for my characters is encourage them. They often believe negative things about themselves and I try to put them into a situation where they realize they are lovable and have strength and agency.

Who are your favorite authors?
So many favorites. I read in many genres though I only write romance.
I grew up on Nora Roberts and JD Robb. I love Diana Gabaldon. They are epic talents in my opinion.
I also like K. A Tucker, Matt Haig, Beth Anne Miller, Wallace Stegner, Lauren Layne, Emma Chase, Colleen Hoover, Julie Garwood, Tessa Bailey, William Styron, Kerrigan Byrne, Harper St. George, Linda Howard and a whole slew of writers over in category romance.

What genres do you write?: Contemporary romance, small town romance, second chance romance, opposites attract romance, enemies to lovers romance

What formats are your books in?: eBook, Print, Audiobook

Where to find out more about the author

Website(s)
Charlotte O'Shay Home Page Link
Link To Charlotte O'Shay Page On Amazon

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All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.