We chat with author Britney S. Lewis about Blood Moon, which is a dark and thrilling, intensely romantic ride, a fresh take on a werewolf love story for a new generation of paranormal romance readers, and is the first book in a series.
Hi, Britney! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m a Kansas Native! I’ve spent my entire life living in different parts of the area, finding new ways to fall in love with the Midwest. After changing my major six times—because I truly didn’t know what I wanted to do, besides write books—I graduated from university with a Bachelor’s of Arts and Science in corporate communications, and an emphasis in business and art. Nowadays, I edit, conceptualize, and write greeting cards for Hallmark, and spend most of my free time walking my dog, exploring the city with my husband, or competing in West Coast Swing.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I’ve always been a writer. When I was in third grade, I received my very first diary from the Scholastic Book Fair, and every day after, I wrote about my days and all the drama I was up to. I didn’t decide I wanted to write books until I was seventeen. I was in a deep reading slump, and I figured the best way to find the next story I wanted to read was to write one.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon
- The one that made you want to become an author: Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
Your latest novel, Blood Moon, is out September 9th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Vampires and werewolves, oh my!
What can readers expect?
Readers can expect to discover a new take on werewolves and vampires and why they have settled in Kansas City, of all places. They can also expect to fall in love with the main character, who is a stubborn, witty girl, determined to be the hero of her own story. And along the way, they might even find themselves rooting for two different love interests.
Where did the inspiration for Blood Moon come from?
I love telling this story. I had a rough idea for Blood Moon back in the fall of 2022. I knew it would have werewolves and vampires at a university, but that’s all I knew. It wasn’t until that winter, while rewatching The Vampire Diaries, when I found myself a bit enraged. My favorite character, Bonnie Bennett was pushed to the side and given the short end of the stick over and over again. Because I wanted better for Black girls in paranormal fantasy, I immediately started writing Blood Moon.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Of course, I loved getting to know Mirabella, the main character. She was so fun and complex, and it was interesting seeing how a character like her might interact in the world. However, some of my favorite scenes to write were definitely the romance sequences.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
So many challenges. I’d never written a paranormal romance, let alone a series! There was so much additional planning I had to prepare myself for. As well, there was the crushing fear that maybe no one would like this story at all. What helped me overcome my challenges was the reminder of why I was writing the book. I was doing it for the younger version of myself who would have given anything to read a fantasy romance with someone that looked like her in the center of it. And, I was doing it because I genuinely love these characters and the world I’ve created for the to live in.
What’s next for you?
More in the Blood Moon universe! I’m writing the second book in the series, and it’s been my biggest challenge so far, but it’s been so fun getting to know the characters again as they take on a new adventure.
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?
This year, I’ve enjoyed The Book of Azrael by Amber Nicole, Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma, and We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds.
