Romance Sub-genre(s): Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy romance
Steam Level: I would say 3-4. They have multiple open-door scenes that are descriptive but don't usually use graphic terms for body parts and actions.
---
Describe yourself in three words.
Curious, introverted, and empathetic.
What are three fun facts about you?
That's an interesting question. I don't know if they're fun, but I was a food scientist in a former life, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said "scientist or writer", and Hellraiser is one of my comfort movies.
What do you do for fun when you aren’t writing?
I do a little gardening, watch TV, and cuddle any of the cats that have decided to claim my house at theirs at the time (there are currently five strays plus two that I've adopted).
How did you discover writing as a possible career?
In about 2015, I read that there were magazines that would pay for short stories and that's where I started. One day, I wrote a story that had a couple of steamy scenes. The editor who read it said it was well-written though they didn't accept it. It spurred me to explore self-publishing on Amazon! That became 'Experiments in Love'.
How did you choose your pen name?
I just wanted a name I liked that wasn't already out there and 'Rianne Burnett' was it.
Where do you find inspiration for your stories?
Everywhere! I read and watch a lot of supernatural things so ideas will pop up out of nowhere all the time.
What trope is your favorite to write?
Is 'I didn't know I'd fall for a monster' a trope? It should be. I also like enemies to lovers, fated mates, and forbidden love.
What is your favorite thing about being an author?
I love being able to bring the characters and worlds I've thought of into reality. It always makes my heart swell when I can look at my book babies on Amazon.
What is your writing process?
Calling it a process makes it seem a lot more organized than it actually is, honestly. I write the general idea down and go from there. I might do a vague outline or I might not. I might write the story in order or I might just write down the scenes that are clear in my head and stitch them together later.
What time of day are you most creative?
It varies. I've learnt to go with the flow and write when things are happening.
What is your ideal writing environment?
Cool and comfortable. That's really all I need.
As an author, what challenges do you face?
Marketing kicks my butt every day! There are so many different ways to market books and I don't think I'm good at any of them. I try my best, though.
What is your least favorite part of being an author?
Did I mention marketing?
If there was one thing you could change about the writing/publishing industry, what would it be?
I would love there to be more diversity in the types of books that are given the spotlight. I know that many indie authors would fit this bill but getting eyes on their books aren't easy.
What advice would you give aspiring authors?
Have a plan before you start writing. It's impossible to know everything before you put your books out there but at least start by knowing what niche you want to write in, who your potential audience is, and how you're going to market to that audience. There was so much I didn't know when I started publishing and it made for a rough start.
What is something you’d like to write, but haven’t yet?
I'd love to write a high fantasy romance series someday.
Which parts of yourself are reflected in your characters?
Apart from their fascination with monsters? I would say most of my characters have a high level of curiosity and are interested in finding out who they are.
Which of your characters have special meaning to you?
I will always have a special place in my heart for the sea witch in 'Before He Was King'. Even as a child, I found it hard to accept that Ursula was a villain, so I wrote her side of the story.
How do you come up with character names?
Sometimes, the names come when I'm thinking of the story idea. Other times, I do what many writers do - look up baby names or make something up.
What is something you love to hear from your readers?
I love it when readers pick up certain subtleties in the story.
When you read, which authors are your go-to authors?
Oh, that's a long list! I love reading Clio Evans, Beatrix Hollow, YD La Mar, Lizzy Bequin, Kyra Keys, and Kaylee Pike.
Where can readers find you online?
You can find me here: https://books.rianneburnett.com/
Do you have any current ARCs or free downloads readers might be interested in?
You can download free books when you join my newsletter here: https://storyoriginapp.com/collections/851e78d1-10c6-4c98-bcbf-989c732b81e0
What is your latest/upcoming release?
My latest is 'Tempting the Reaper' and you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5YN8DB9