Meet The Authors Showcase Edition #3 (3 of 3)

A showcase with @ lillybrookswrites author of: A Mask and A Shitty Exam

1 what inspired the idea of your story?

I've always loved the idea of writing a medical school romance and the idea of MSE actually came to me right before bed (because isn't this when all the good ideas come lol). I just wanted to write a really trope-y, fun story that ended happily but that had a little message tucked in about life along the way. 

2 what is something you struggled constructing with your story?

I struggled with finding a way to balance medical information/analogies with the storyline. Medical school is a really large component of a med students time and I wanted my story to realistically reflect that without going overboard. Also, making sure my characters were likable even though they did cringe-y things or maybe weren't always easy to like was another thing I struggled with. 

3 what did you enjoy writing most of your story?

 I LOVE the planning phase of any story. That being said, now I'm getting more into the middle of it and I find it exciting to play with themes and trying to get to the heart of what I want to say. Because yes I wanted this story to be fun and embody all of the things I love about romance, but I also want to say something (at least in my opinion) meaningful with it. 

4 what's the overall response of your story from your readers?

Most of the readers who have been engaging with me seem to be liking it so far! And I absolutely love it when readers comment, even if it's not some grand long comment, because it keeps me going. <3 

5 is your story a stand alone novel or a piece of a series ?

a stand alone novel

6 what would you like your readers to take away from your story?

 In the least spoiler-y way possible (because there's a few twists in there), the main message of this book is realizing that your past does not define and that just because you've been hurt before, does not mean that it has to happen again. 

7 what advice would you provide to fellow writers, when it comes to focusing on their own story?

This one is hard because I feel like it's so easy to look around and compare. But at the end of the day, focusing on yourself and your own story will make you a stronger writer. I would say focus on what makes your story unique and why you want to tell it. It'll be easier to stay motivated that way too!

8 does your main character share any similarities to yourself?

My main character shares so many similarities to me! Mostly in unique personality quirks.  However, I'd say we are fundamentally different people even though we share certain small things. And it's fun to write someone so different to me!

9 what is something about your story you believe would draw in new readers?

 It starts off relatively cliche with all the things about romance stories we love, but morphs into something that isn't. So if you like stories with the following tropes - enemies to loves, best friend's brother, forced proximity, one night stand, fake dating, and academic rivals - but with a twist, then you'll like this book! 

10 do you have any future projects?

Yes! A few more chapters into this book or maybe after I'm done with this one, I'll start posting my next book. It's a very different vibe from this one and I'm excited to get started on it! It's titled Stars and Scars and the cover reveal will be going on my Instagram (@lillybrookswrites) soon!