Interview with Author Mina Myles
Mina Myles is a romance author whose current home base is Los Angeles, but if you’ve read one of Mina’s books then you know her heart is still in Boston.
Mina’s characters will have you kicking your feet, but don’t move the tissue box too far because pain and angst are never too far behind. After all, what’s the sweet without a dash of salt and a little spice?
What was the inspiration for the Devils & Dreamers series?
When I started The Devil and Her Details, I genuinely had no intention of making it a series. I figured I'd scratch the itch of writing a mafia romance and go back to my two contemporary hockey series (which I promise I will return to one day for those who are waiting). But if you know me, you know I ALWAYS get attached to side characters (whenther its in my own books, or in the books I read, shows I watch etc.). So once I added some fun side characters with big personalities, I knew they also deserved their own stories.
What made you want to dive into mafia romance?
The opening scene of The Devil and Her Details popped in my head almost a decade ago, and I knew one day I would have to write it. Specifically (trying to keep this as low-spoiler as possible), I envisioned a scene where two powerful mafias were coming together to discuss their new bosses and all of the men in the room don't even blink twice at the only woman who's seated at the table. Except for our MMC who almost immediately realizes that she's the one with all the power and control. What happens next...you'll have to read my book ;). This scene was playing in my head for years, and one day I finally decided to just write the book. I needed to get it out there and it was the most fun I've ever had writing, and the book I am proudest to release. Going back to the actual question...I love the morally grey aspect and also the lack of rules you have to follow in a Mafia universe. Things that would never fly in a contemporary space are totally okay because *well duh, they're literally in a mafia*, and I feel the lack of limits opens up for a lot of fun plot twists and intense moments.
What do you hope that readers take away from this series?
I hope from all of my stories my readers take away that you do not have to sacrifice your own dreams, happiness, and well-being just to be "valued" by others. People who really love you and want to be there for you want to see you happy and support you in any way that they can. I also want all my BIPOC/WOC readers to know that your stories, especially stories where you are loved and supported, deserve to be shared.
How do you set the vibe when you are writing?
Scout's honor when I was drafting my first book (The Ice Out, a second chance hockey romance), I had Briarwick's Second Chance candle burning the entire time (which makes it even more surreal to have my own candles now). Typically I have lots of different beverages (teas, water, juice), snacks (sweet and salty), a candle burning, and an ambience going in the background (water/rain sounds are my favorite).
What made you want to be an author?
I've always been in love with learning about people and their stories. How someone can change, grow, and show resilience? Suffer and struggle, but still be able to push forward. I love romances especially because not only can you see characters learn more about themselves, heal, and be loved, but you can also see the happiness in the end. And in this world that's not always a given.
What are your favorite tropes to write?
I LOVE angst, hurt comfort or sick comfort, forced proximity, he falls first (and harder), man obsessed, YEARNING (not sure if that counts as a trope but I looove yearning).
What is your favorite thing about indie publishing?
Ooo, this is a hard question. I love being able to write freely about tropes/topics/themes that I want to work on that other markets may be more hesitant to discuss. I also love centering love stories with BIPOC characters, which have traditionally been underrepresented in trad spaces.
What is some advice that you'd give to fellow indie authors?
Being an author can be so lonely, so building a community is ESSENTIAL. I've learned so much just from talking to other authors, and so many authors are 1) willing to share about their journey and 2) also looking for a buddy they can lean on. A LOT of author's "over night" successes are usually years in the making (and even if they're not - that's okay! YOU GOT THIS). People may treat you differently when you first get started vs when you start to achieve more success - remember those who stood by you from day one. Publishing is both deeply personal (sharing your art is one of the most vulnerable things you can do) AND a business (if you want it to be). When businesses want to sell products, they have to market, market, market...which means as an author, if you want to sell....you have to do the same. (I know, I know, it's not fun. But I've started viewing it as part of my "job" as an author instead of this big scary beast I'm scared of, and it's helped a bit).
What are some other indie romances that we need to read?
Emilia Emerson's Empire of Royals Series (Mafia), TJ Maguire's Bravta Series (also Mafia). I also have to shout out Courtney Corlew, Michelle Naomi Mosley, Ruby Rana, and Marzy Opal!
What is the best way to support you as an indie author?
Reading my books on Kindle Unlimited, and also ordering paperbacks from indie bookstores who have chosen to stock my books (which I love them dearly for). Some that I've worked with most recently include Heartbound Bookshop, The New Romantics, Scribbles Bookshop, Slow Burn Books, Enchanted Raven Books, and Steamy Lit!
If you want to make sure to stay up to date on Mina's books & news, there are plenty of ways to do so! You can follow her on Tiktok at @minamylesauthor & @minamylesbooks and on Instagram at @minamylesbooks!
What’s next for you?
The second book in my Devils and Dreamers mafia series of interconnected standalones (you heard it here first but the title is *drum roll* The Archer and Her Prey). This book follows the second in command of the Persian Mafia, and lethal assassin, Azula and disgraced second of the Irish Mafia, Aidan McAlister. The two are forced to work together to uncover who is targeting their families and the book will be filled with SO much angst, tension, and enemies/hate to lovers :)
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