Author Interview – Ashley Snyder

1. For readers discovering you for the first time, can you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey into becoming an author?

Im Ashley Snyder from Erie, PA, I write sweet and spicy romance. I started my author journey when my husband was deployed because I needed something to focus on and keep me busy. I had started writing a book a decade ago but never did anything with it, maybe Ill release that one in the future, but I had the idea for Stars In Her Eyes and I haven't stopped writing since. 

2. You’re the author of the Lakeshore Love Series. What can readers expect from that series?

The series begins with Stars In Her Eyes where we meet Olivia, Nate and Anders. We meet all of the characters for the series in that book. I originally never planned on writing Nates Redemption but I had so much feedback from readers and on TikTok that demanded Nates story. Nate's Redemption can be read alone, they all can, but for the best reading experience I tell readers to start with Stars In Her Eyes or Breaking All The Rules. 

3. Your book You Will Be Mine has been getting attention alongside the popularity of books like Heated Rivalry. What makes your story stand out in the romance genre?

The popularity of Heated Rivalry has opened up readers who may not have read MM before. You Will Be Mine follows Jake and Trevor, their story begins in Breaking All The Rules. While YWBM has some similarities to HR I would say Jake and Trevor lean into how they feel, they arent ashamed of it, it also isnt a slow burn and it doesnt take them ten years to confess their feelings but they definitely go through alot to reach their happy ending. While their relationship is kept private from the media, all of their friends and families are aware of their relationship and are 100% supportive. 

4. What originally inspired the story behind You Will Be Mine?

We meet Jake and Trevor in Breaking All The Rules where they are competing for the attention of Kenzie. She dates them separately and then one night, Trevor exposes that he and Jake have both been dating her. The three of them agree to keep things casual and set rules. As I was writing it, I changed my original idea because Jake and Trevor spoke to me and I knew they would be together. Writing the “Why am I still thinking about him when Ive always been attracted to women?” scenes were my favorite. Instead of MM books where the MMC may feel ashamed or scared or feel wrong for feeling that way, I had them lean into it. I loved them so much I had to tell all of their story in You Will Be Mine.

5. Your books balance spice and strong storytelling. How do you approach writing romance that’s both steamy and plot-driven?

I always start with the plot and overall message of the book I want my readers to walk away with. In Stars In Her Eyes, its not to settle for someone who isnt giving you what you need. Someone out there will put in the effort. Breaking All The Rules message is that love can look different than the way we thought it would. Nates Redemption is about letting go of the past because its closing the door on a world of opportunities. I have that message and outline how I want the book to go but along the way, as with any kind of relationship, sex is involved along the line. I love spicy romance, I feel like it makes it more believable, there is clean/closed door romance or smut with no plot and Im trying to break the rules and be somewhere in the middle. I tried to write the series so if a publisher says, hey we want to take out or modify the sex, that Id still have a story and if they wanted more sex, I could expand on what is there. 

6. You mentioned that every book contains pieces of your own experiences. How do real-life moments influence your characters and stories?

 I take inspiration from past and current experiences I've had. I also write about the kind of friends and family I wish I had in my own life. The Lakeshore Love Series is a group of friends who all support each other no matter what and I have very few people I rely on and trust so making up characters is fun. I write strong females who are independent and don't rely on a man, the men compliment their lives. I have healthy communication in my books, my characters talk about their issues and address them. I want to show readers romance and love stories, not characters who can't communicate and fight, or break up and get back together.

The final book in the Lakeshore Love Series, Beyond The Horizon, came from a very personal place for me. It follows Hannah and Ethan, Hannah has always been a wild child, has never set roots anywhere, she's a pro surfer, a workaholic and she fears that settling down with Ethan and calling Chicago home may change her. I feel like a lot of women will be able to relate to Hannah. Ethan is supportive and tries to assure her that he will never try to tame her and that just because life throws challenges at you, doesn't mean you need to give up your dreams. 

7. Do you have a favorite character from You Will Be Mine?

 Oh that is hard! Besides Jake and Trevor and the characters from the Lakeshore Love Series, Id say its a tie between Jake's sister Paisley and his brother Rhys. Paisley will be our FMC in book one called Lucky Shot in my next series, the Lakeshore Lunactics series. Paisley is sassy, smart, and the sports psychologist for Trevor's team so their bond and banter was fun to write! Rhys is the older brother of Jake and his total opposite. Rhys has black cat energy and he's in a rock band with dark hair and tattoos. He will be our MMC in book two of the Lunatics series.

8. What was the most fun scene to write in that book?

The one that comes to mind most will spoil the ending, so Ill go with the celebration scene in the man cave between Jake and Trevor…lets just say a pool table, hockey tape and a magic marker are involved 🥵

9. Romance readers love strong chemistry and tension between characters. What’s your favorite way to build that dynamic?

I try to play out what I write like a movie scene. While I don't write slow burns, I do love to create a ‘will they, won't they, when will they?’ dynamic. If I'm kicking my feet and squealing or need to pause for a cold shower after a chapter, I know I'm on the right track. If I get bored of a chapter when I'm editing, I know the reader will become bored too, so I re-write it. 

10. Your first standalone novella Speed Dating Hating has such a fun title. What can readers expect from this new story?

Readers have been begging me for standalones and I needed a break from writing Beyond The Horizon. I'm a sucker for a meet cute and it is not fun to write about finding someone on a dating app. Daisy is a heart surgeon and doesn't have time to be swiping so she signs up for a Speed Dating event and ends up hating it, hence the title. She meets Garrett and he helps run a racetrack with his family and is a former racecar driver so the ‘Speed’ part comes in and they also waste no time in hooking up, but it turns out to be sweet and it's my least spicy book. Again, strong badass female at the top of her career and the man who is willing to support her dreams.

11. How does writing a standalone novella differ from writing a full-length novel or series?

I still wanted to create a setting and side characters. I wanted both characters to have backstory and a history and I wanted to leave readers wanting more but also let their imaginations decide what happens with Daisy and Garrett. I am stealing a character from the book for my next standalone but it isnt going to be connected to Speed Dating Hating in any way. 

12. Your books include fun facts and behind-the-scenes insights at the end. What inspired you to add those for readers?

I always loved behind the scenes features in movies and I wanted a way for readers to learn about me if they don't have social media. I'm an avid reader and I love when an author tells us the inspiration behind their stories. 

13. What part of writing romance do you enjoy the most?

I love getting messages like ‘my husband thanks you for writing this’ or ‘bring these men to life for me’ or messages like ‘I didn't think I was bisexual but Jake and Trevor made me brave enough to embrace that I am’ . Having an impact on people whether it is funny, serious, or just knowing that they took something away from your book makes all of the hours and sleepless nights worth it. I also enjoy reading reviews, I can't become better without some constructive feedback, I value every readers opinion.

14. What part of the writing process tends to challenge you the most?

The ending!! It's so hard to write an ending because I do create characters that I love. I think that's why I started my writing journey with a series. I've spoken to other authors who can't wait to end the book they are writing so that they can move on to their next project and I cant relate at all, I think thats why Beyond The Horizon has been the most challenging book to write for me is because I'm ending the series, not just the book.

15. When you begin a new story, do you start with a trope, a character, or a specific relationship dynamic?

 I start by reflecting on past situations in my life or things I've gone through in dating and relationships and how to make the outcome into a romance novel. Or I'll see a Tiktok of something cute at 2am and immediately write down the idea. I have a whole Pinterest board of character inspirations, names I like, and ideas.

16. Are you more of a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between?

I start out with the general idea: how they meet, dates, their challenges, backstory, quirks, and the ending but once I start writing and have the characters going through me, they tell me what they want and it can completely change. 

17. What does your typical writing routine look like?

 I wish I had a smart answer for you but lately…I have no routine. I work full time so there are days I get home and I'm into making all of my marketing graphics or building my Etsy store, or trying to book signings and other days where I need to write and I can get through five to ten chapters in one day. I find that if I force myself to write I end up hating what I wrote when I read it again.

18. What authors or romance books have influenced your writing the most?

I love Abby Jimenez, Kate Stewart, Cara Bastone, Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen. I'd say my writing is like Abby and Cara with make you cry, pull at your heartstrings, laugh out loud moments but I have a lot more spice than any of their books. Kate balances the spice and plot very well and because of the hockey aspect, Elle and Sarina but my characters are adults, not in college. 

19. What do you hope readers feel after finishing one of your books?

I really want them to just feel something. The worst part of reading a book is when you get that ‘meh’ feeling about it when you're done or you DNF it. I've never had someone hate my work (that I know of) but at least it's an emotion. Luckily, I've only received positive feedback thus far and the few reviews that weren't 3-4 I've taken the feedback and improved my writing since.

20. You mentioned being part of a live podcast panel at the Romance in CNY Pages With Passion convention. What was that experience like?

It was so much fun! We sort of knew what questions may be asked but I forgot everything I rehearsed when I got up there haha 

21. What do you enjoy most about connecting with readers through events and the romance community?

 I love book signings!! Readers don't just buy your book, they want to spend their money on someone they like and connect with so I keep that in mind. I try to guide readers when they come to my table to find the best fit for them. If what I write doesn't fit their preference then I refer them to other authors who may be a better fit at the event. I don't take it personally or get bummed about not selling a book because the next person who comes to the table may buy the whole series.

22. What has been the most rewarding moment of your author journey so far?

I'd say having people come to book signings and buying the next book(s) in the series because they loved the one they got before or hearing “Oh I know you! I read all of your books and loved them!”. I try to act cool about it but inside, I'm happy dancing.  Another rewarding thing is having people love my covers and marketing materials or merchandise. I design all my own marketing materials and merch. I've partnered with women artists for character art, table decor and stencils for my painted edges but Im the one covered in paint and packing orders at all hours. I wish I had a magical team of fairies to do it 🧚♀️ 

23. What are you most excited about in the future of your writing career?

I'm excited to finish the Lakeshore Love series and begin focusing fully on the Lakeshore Lunatics three book series (all three are outlined) and two standalones. One is started and I'm hoping to have it out this fall titled The Heart Of It All the other is in the idea phase with no projected date. 2026 and 2027 will be very busy for this girl!! 

24. What advice would you give to aspiring romance authors?

If you have an idea, run with it. Don't worry about what is popular. If you get bored of writing it, readers will be able to tell. Have a plan, even if it changes.

25. Where can readers connect with you and keep up with your latest releases?

 Instagram is the best place, or TikTok my handles on both are @authorashleysnyder

 

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Rapid Fire Fun 🔥

26. Coffee or tea while writing? Iced coffee
27. Morning writer or night writer? Night writer during the week, early morning on the weekends
28. Favorite romance trope? Enemies to Lovers
29. Paperback, ebook, or audiobook? Lately, audiobook because I listen at work
30. Favorite writing snack? Swedish Fish
31. One word to describe You Will Be Mine? Healing
32. Music while writing or silence? Music!! Usually Taylor Swift or Sleep Token depending on the vibes that day.
33. Small-town romance or big-city romance? Since I wrote my books with a Chicago setting I guess big city :)
34. Favorite comfort romance read? Anything by Abby Jimenez
35. One thing readers might be surprised to learn about you? I do a lot of research for my books even though nobody cares if the places, settings, what the weather was like that day, matches with the date in my book. I want my books to feel real so that requires real places and events.