Interview with Author Clio Evans
We have been a fan of today's Indie Author Spotlight for a long time and we are so excited to be speaking with Clio Evans! Clio is mainly known for their monster romances (which is where we first read their books), but they also have a huge catalog of contemporary romances that are queer-normative, very spicy, and filled with happy endings. They spoke with us about being an indie author, advice for aspiring indies, the inspiration behind their stories, and so much more!
Clio Evans writes contemporary and monster romance books that are kink-positive, queer-normative, steamy, and full of heart. They’re from Austin but are now living their best life drinking lattes and writing happy endings in Chicago. When Clio isn’t writing, she’s either painting, swing-dancing with her partner, or discovering new coffee shops in the city.
First and foremost, how do you write so many books?
I've been very lucky to be doing this full time since 2022! I don't have kids or pets, and so I'm able to devote most of my time to writing. When I'm working on a manuscript, oftentimes I'll write 4-12 hours 5 days a week. I also do a lot of pre mental work on the story before I get to it, and that usually helps the words flow. Recently, I've been so busy in my personal life though, so I've actually slowed down some. I'm still figuring out that pesky work-life balance, but I've embraced rest this year.
What made you want to be an author?
I've wanted to be an author since I was a kid. I was always a very avid reader and used to tell everyone I wanted to be an author when I grew up. Making that happen has been deeply fulfilling!
What is your favorite thing about indie publishing, and what is some advice that you'd give to aspiring indie authors?
I love that I'm able to go after an idea if it strikes! There's a lot of wiggle room to add something to my schedule if I'm inspired, and I love that. Don't use genAI and hire an editor! Editors make such a huge difference. But also, do it! Write the book. It's so much fun!
Advice you have for writing romance?
I think if you are new to writing, reading craft books on romance, and craft books in general, are always very helpful. Understanding plot structure and what your character's wants, needs, and flaws are will help you write a better romance story. Two of my favorite craft books are 7 Figure Fiction by T. Taylor, anything by Becca Syme, and Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes. I also think picking up books that have been big hits and reading them from a craft standpoint is always very helpful.
What is one writing rule you believe in and one that you think is meant to be broken?
Every romance needs a HEA is one rule I believe in!
One to be broken.... Hmm. When I started writing Creature Cafe a few years ago, I remember a couple authors telling me I was making a mistake by writing multiple sexualities and pairings in the series instead of making every book MM. I'm so glad I didn't listen to them and did what I wanted to do. I don't think this is really a rule anymore, but it certainly felt like one then!
We LOVE Monster Romances. What are your favorite creatures to write about (and are they the same as your faves to read about)?
I love writing werewolves and vampires. I know they’re sort of the generic monsters of monster romance, but I just love them so much. And then of course—anyone who has wings OR tentacles. I think they’re the same as what I love to read too.
What do you hope that readers take away from your stories?
I hope that they take away the feeling that they deserve love and acceptance. Most of my stories center queer character's finding their HEAs, which is something we all absolutely deserve. Also, maybe an interest in discovering new things they might be into (BDSM wise).
When you are writing books with polyamorous relationship dynamics, how do you ensure that each character & relationship is fully fleshed out within the story so that the relationships between everyone are not overshadowed?
A lot of that has to do with how I break down the chapter POVs. I always make sure that each character has an individual sex scene with each other, and that their romantic arcs are individual as well. Some characters don’t require as many emotional key points, but I still like to lean into everyone’s needs, fears, and wants. I think having a focus on consent, honesty, and the character's happiness also helps.
What was your inspiration for writing the Whynot series?
I grew up in Texas and for the first portion of my life lived in a small town. I really wanted to write a queer romance series that captures all the things I love about Texas, while leaving some of the bad things at the door. Whynot was named from my idea of ‘why not have this cute and lovely small town where everyone can be together if they want?’ It’s been really fun to write.
You have quite a backlist. Where should readers start if they’re brand new to you and your stories?
If you love monster romance- Creature Cafe is a great place to start. OR wait until Moon Bite comes out ;) It’s going to be knotty.
If you love contemporary romance- Broken Beginnings, Mine: An Age Gap Romance, or Cactus Heart are all perfect places to start.
Other indie books that we need to read?
Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe is one of my favorites! GO READ this book! It's a dark dystopian enemies to lovers romance that's absolutely amazing. More authors I recommend are Elizabeth Stephens, Yinn Quirós, T.C. Kraven, Jo Brenner, and O'Junea Brown.
What is the best way to support you as an indie author?
There's so many different ways to support me and I appreciate whatever folks can do! Reading on KU, buying direct from my website, and sharing my books on social media are always amazing.
What’s next for you?
The second book in the Whynot Series, Thorn Kiss, releases on February 17th! For the monster lovers, I have an omegaverse werewolf bodyguard romance called Moon Bite releasing May 26th.
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