1. For readers discovering you for the first time, can you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey into becoming an author?
Hi, I’m C. Shell, a mom of three, a wife, and a self-proclaimed professional worrier. I stumbled into writing in a slightly unconventional way: I read a romance book and absolutely hated the ending. Let’s just say I complained about it a lot. My friends, clearly tired of my rants, dared me to do something about it. So I did. I wrote my own book. And somehow, what started as a little rebellion against a disappointing ending turned into a full-blown passion for storytelling. Writing became my outlet from the stress of the world. I write in hopes of leaving readers with a smile—or maybe even a plot twist they didn’t see coming.
2. You’ve written over ten books—that’s an incredible milestone! What first inspired you to start writing romance?
Writing romance was a bit of a no-brainer for me—it’s the genre I’ve loved reading for as long as I can remember. Growing up, Sandra Brown was my absolute favorite author. Her books had me staying up way past my bedtime, heart racing, pages flying, and I just knew I wanted to create that same magic for other readers. Romance lets me explore those big, sweeping emotions—the joy, the heartbreak, the sparks that make life feel extra alive. Plus, I get to give readers the happy endings I’ve always loved, and honestly, who doesn’t need a little happily-ever-after now and then?
3. Your books Dirty Love & Filthy Lies and Dirty Love & Sweet Revenge sound intense and intriguing. What can readers expect from this series?
The Dirty Love series is intense, messy, and full of twists. It follows a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who falls for a golden-boy football star—rich, charming, and, well… not entirely faithful. When she tries to walk away, his family’s dangerous secrets pull her back, and suddenly she’s fighting for her life. Amid the chaos, she finds an unexpected ally—the man who gave her a tattoo—helping her navigate love, danger, and a whole lot of rebellion. Readers can expect passion, suspense, and plot twists that will keep them turning pages late into the night
4. Your stories are known for being spicy, emotional, and impossible to put down. How do you balance heat with heartfelt storytelling?
For me, the heat and the heart go hand in hand, one doesn’t really work without the other. I love writing those intense, spicy moments that make readers blush, but I also want them to feel for the characters, to understand their fears, their dreams, and why they fall so hard. The emotional stakes are what make the chemistry sizzle, and the chemistry is what makes the story unforgettable.
5. You mention loving bold characters and sharp banter. What makes writing strong, sassy characters so fun for you?
Honestly, writing strong, sassy characters is like giving my imagination full permission to go a little wild. I love crafting someone who speaks their mind, makes the wrong people think twice, and keeps the reader laughing, crying, or maybe even gasping. Sharp banter is my favorite. There’s something so satisfying about having characters clash, tease, and challenge each other while you know, underneath it all, there’s real heart.
6. What inspired the concept behind the Dirty Love series?
The Dirty Love series grew from my love of stories about women who fight to lift themselves up and refuse to let anyone push them down. I wanted to explore what happens when a girl like that falls for someone who seems perfect on the outside but is tangled in danger, power, and family secrets. It’s romance with edge, rebellion, and plenty of sparks.
7. Do you have a favorite character from the series?
My favorite has to be her best friend Becca. She is quirky, lovable, and a little bit wild. She steals every scene, and I’m even thinking about a spin-off about her chaotic life.
8. What was the most exciting or memorable scene for you to write?
The most memorable scene for me was when she got her first tattoo. The chemistry between her and Ashton in that moment was absolutely electric. Writing it, I could practically feel the sparks flying off the page!
9. Romance readers love chemistry between characters. What’s your secret to writing tension that keeps readers hooked?
My secret? Let them want each other but don’t give it all away. I build tension with glances, banter, near-misses, and just enough obstacles to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
10. Your books feature heroines who know what they want and heroes worth the trouble. What do you love most about writing those dynamics?
I love the push-and-pull. The heroine who won’t be pushed around and the hero worth the fight. Watching them clash, spark, and grow keeps the story fun. I want the reader to root for them.
11. As a Texas-based author, does the setting or lifestyle ever influence your stories?
Absolutely! I write what I know, so my stories are always rooted in people, places, and lifestyles I’m familiar with. That said, I do my homework when needed, but keeping it real helps make the characters and settings feel authentic.
12. What does a typical writing day look like for you while balancing family life and deadlines?
A typical writing day is a juggling act with three kids, a husband, and deadlines all competing for attention. I’ve learned to grab every little pocket of time: early mornings with coffee, stolen moments at the kids’ activities, and late nights when the house finally quiets down. It’s chaotic, messy, and sometimes my laptop survives by sheer luck
13. Are you more of a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between when writing a book?
I start out as a plotter, with a roadmap and a plan, but somewhere along the way, the story takes on a life of its own. I like to think of it as organized chaos: I know the destination, but the journey is always full of surprises!
14. What part of writing a spicy romance novel do you enjoy the most?
I love writing about real chemistry. The sparks, the tension, and the moments that make readers’ hearts race, all while keeping the story full of heart and heat.
15. What part of the process is the most challenging?
The most challenging part is keeping the story fresh and original in a market full of romance books. I want readers to feel something new and exciting, even while exploring familiar emotions and themes.
16. What inspired you to write romance that’s both steamy and emotional?
I’d have to credit that to growing up reading Sandra Brown. Her books had this perfect mix of heat and heart, and I wanted to create stories that make readers feel that same rush of passion, emotion, and just the right amount of tension all rolled into one.
17. What do you hope readers feel when they finish one of your books?
I want readers to feel it all—laugh, cry, swoon—and be itching to dive into the next story I’ve written.
18. How has your writing evolved since your first published book?
I like to think my writing has definitely gotten better since my first book. I’ve learned how to dig deeper into characters, sharpen the tension, and make the romance hit harder. Basically, more sparks, more heart, and hopefully fewer plot hiccups along the way
19. What has been the most rewarding moment of your author career so far?
Making the USA Today bestseller list was an incredible honor, but the most rewarding moments come when readers reach out to tell me how much they loved a book. Knowing that my stories sparked laughter, tears, or excitement for someone—that’s the real magic of being an author.
20. Are there any upcoming books or projects readers should be excited about?
Yes! I just finished the third book, Shattered Oaths, in my romantasy series The Shadowfen Chronicles. After that, I’m taking a break from the fantasy world to dive into a standalone that’s been swirling in my brain for too long. It is titled On Air – Off Limits. I can’t wait to share it with readers; it’s full of sparks, drama, and a woman who is challenged on air to prove that love does exist.
21. What authors or books have influenced your writing style?
I read widely, and I think each book I read teaches me something new about pacing, tension, and crafting a story that keeps readers hooked. Over the years, I’ve also been influenced by how romance books have evolved, becoming bolder, spicier, and more fearless in exploring emotion and desire. I love reading authors who create bold characters, sharp banter, and stories that make you feel everything, and I try to bring that same energy into my own writing.
22. What advice would you give to aspiring romance authors?
Write the stories you love, even if they feel risky or bold. Read widely, pay attention to what makes you laugh, cry, or turn pages late into the night, and then figure out how to create that for your own readers. And most importantly—don’t be afraid of rewrites, messy first drafts, or breaking the rules a little. Passion and persistence will always carry a story further than perfection ever could.
23. What has surprised you the most about being an indie author?
How much being an indie author means wearing every hat—writer, marketer, designer, publicist, you name it! I knew it would be hard work, but I didn’t realize how rewarding it would feel to see a book go from an idea in my head to something readers are holding in their hands… all because of my own effort.
24. How do you celebrate finishing a manuscript?
When I finish a manuscript, I celebrate by going out for a night of fun with my friends. Rewrites and edits are the bane of my existence, so once I survive that I need a night to blow off some steam.
25. Where can readers connect with you and keep up with your latest releases?
Readers can connect with me on my website and by signing up for my weekly newsletter on my website. TikTok is where I’m most active. I try to do live sessions once or twice a week to chat with readers, answer questions, and share updates on my latest releases
Rapid Fire Fun ��
26. Coffee or tea while writing? Coffee always
27. Morning writer or night writer? Morning
28. Favorite romance trope? Love triangle
29. Paperback, ebook, or audiobook? ebook
30. Favorite writing snack? Gummy bears
31. One word to describe the Dirty Love series? magnetic
32. Music while writing or silence? silence
33. Favorite comfort romance read? Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren 34. Small-town romance or big-city romance? Big-city romance
35. One thing readers might be surprised to learn about you? I’m actually really shy and an introvert. Writing spicy, bold romance might make it seem like I’m fearless, but in real life, I’d rather be curled up with a book than at a loud party!
