Community & Access: The Keys to Growing Your Author Career

A Conversation with Romance Authors Dr. J and Angel M. Shaw

Written by Angel M. Shaw

In the world of indie publishing, finding the right community can be the difference between struggling alone and thriving with the support of like-minded peers. For many aspiring romance authors, Danika Bloom’s Author Ever After community has become a cornerstone for success. 

At least, it certainly has for me. 

This vibrant and supportive network is more than just a group of writers—it’s a place where budding authors can learn, grow, and ultimately publish their romance novels with confidence. 

Writing as Angel M. Shaw, I published my first dark billionaire romantic suspense, Shadowplay, alongside books two and three in my trilogy, Oathbreaker and Reverie, this summer. All three titles hit the Top 100 in New Releases for their primary category in the US and the UK. During Reverie’s release week, Shadowplay hit the Top 100 within the Multicultural & Interracial Romance category in the US and the Top 50 in the UK.

This summer, my friend Dr. J. also published her first romance novel, Shadows and Silhouettes: Cards of Passion, and her award-winning non-fiction resource guide, The Fiction Writer’s Sexuality Guide: Sex—It’s More Than a Scene. Not only has The Fiction Writer’s Sexuality Guide hit number 3 in the Genre Fiction Writing Reference category, but both titles have also received industry accolades and bestseller status since their release a few months ago. The Fiction Writer’s Sexuality Guide received first place at the International Firebird Book Award and an honorable mention at The San Francisco Book Festival.

For both of us, the support of the Author After Ever community and leader Danika Bloom has been an integral part of this success. 

Author Ever After offers a blend of community, mentorship, and hands-on learning tailored specifically for indie romance writers. Whether you’re coming to the community with a plot bunny and dreams of publishing that you're determined to make a reality, or you have your manuscript in hand and need help to get over the finish line, this community provides the resources and connections needed to succeed.

In this article, I had the pleasure of speaking with my friend and fellow member of Author Ever After, Dr. J., to discuss our experiences within the community and why it’s been so impactful for both of us.

Interview:

Angel M. Shaw: Dr. J., to kick things off, could you tell us a bit about your background? Who is Dr. J.?

Dr. J.:  Dr. J. is my pen name, and it’s a culmination of my professional world as Dr. Donna Jennings.  It all started with dropping out of college because I didn’t want to take my parents' money. I had no idea what I wanted to do, and when I got clear, I ended up with three degrees. It was the real-world experience of working in a sexuality company that helped me find where I wanted to be. Everything from sex education to a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy specializing in sexual health and then finishing out a teaching career in human sexuality brought me to where I am today in writing. My students were the ones who encouraged me to write and tie all my teaching stories together. My first writing effort was writing short erotica stories. Writing the Fiction Writer’s Sexuality Guide felt like my sexuality writing dissertation. It’s a culmination of all my professional experiences.

Angel M. Shaw: That’s fascinating. I totally agree that writing short is the best way to build that muscle for longer works. My background is in English literature and communications, where I focused a lot on short stories, and I've spent the last decade in digital marketing where brevity is a requirement for success. I think mastering that economy of words and crafting tight plotlines really prepares you for writing more dynamic and extended works. Speaking of writing, what’s the difference between erotica and steamy romance?

Dr. J.:  That’s an interesting question. Erotica is essentially written to arouse. The sexual journey is at the forefront—it’s the main focus. In contrast, steamy romance prioritizes the relationship and the happily ever after, with sexuality as a significant but not the central element. In erotica, the arousal component is primary, and while you can have a happily ever after, it’s not the primary goal. In steamy romance, the emotional and relational journey is just as important as the sexual one.

Angel M. Shaw: That’s a great distinction. I think there’s often a lot of confusion around that, especially from non-romance readers. They tend to lump anything with sexual content under a negative label like “smut,” which really devalues the genre. I’ve always been passionate about defending the depth and value of romance fiction.

So, Dr. J., how did you transition from teaching to writing fiction?

Dr. J.:  It’s funny because sexuality is such a broad topic that encompasses everything from sex to intimacy and affection. Initially, I started writing stories centered around sexuality, which naturally led to erotica. But the more I wrote, the more I wanted to explore these themes within the context of relationships. That complexity, the interplay between different aspects of a relationship, was what drew me into writing romance. It allowed me to bring in all the knowledge I had from teaching and make my stories richer and more layered.

Angel M. Shaw: Let’s talk about your latest release, Shadows and Silhouettes: Cards of Passion. Can you share what inspired this book?

Dr. J.:  Absolutely. This book was a bit of a journey. I had been asked to write a sexuality journal for women, and in the middle of that process, my co-author’s partner passed away, which put everything on hold. To finish the project, I created a deck of cards called Purple Passion Reflections for Women, which ultimately inspired the fictional story behind Shadows and Silhouettes. The book centers on a sex educator and a landscape photographer, both dealing with physical ailments that impact their sexuality. It’s a story about rebuilding desire and arousal in a realistic and relatable way, and it’s set against the backdrop of a romance that grows from these challenges.

Angel M. Shaw: I love that. It’s refreshing to see characters who aren’t 20-somethings but have lived full lives and are navigating new transitions. There’s definitely a demand for more stories like that in the romance genre.

Switching gears a bit, how did you find your way into the Author Ever After community?

Dr. J.: I was part of another writing group when someone suggested that I connect with Danika Bloom. We hit it off immediately, and I joined Author Ever After in January 2023. The community has been incredibly welcoming, and Danika’s generosity in making connections and sharing her expertise has been a game-changer for me. She’s also introduced me to opportunities I never would have found on my own, like speaking engagements and collaborations.

Angel M. Shaw: I completely agree. Danika’s community has been a lifeline for me as well. I joined about seven months ago, searching for a supportive environment where I could work alongside other writers. My neurodivergence requires me to body double to get anything done, and the Author Ever After community has provided the fellowship I needed to write and publish three books in seven months. Danika’s knowledge is vast, and her willingness to share it, along with the resources she’s compiled, has been invaluable.

Dr. J.: Exactly. The Author Ever After community is a place where you can find everything you need, whether it’s advice on publishing, marketing, or craft. It’s like having a one-stop shop for all things indie romance publishing. And the way Danika facilitates the group, encouraging collaboration and support, has created an environment where we can all grow together.

Angel M. Shaw: Absolutely. The mastermind sessions have been particularly helpful for me. It’s a space where we can share our challenges, get feedback, and learn from each other. Even though we’re all at different stages in our writing careers, there’s a shared understanding and respect for each other’s journeys.

Dr. J.: I think that’s what makes it so special. We’ve all built this trust within the community, where we can be vulnerable and support each other. The weekly mastermind sessions begin and end with celebrating wins and each of us acknowledging that success—even if the win is simply showing up for the call. It’s a rare thing to find, and Danika has done an incredible job cultivating that.

Angel M. Shaw: So, what would you say to someone considering joining Author Ever After?

Dr. J.: I’d say it’s one of the best communities you can join if you’re serious about indie publishing. It offers everything from craft and marketing advice to emotional support and mentorship. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your writing to the next level, Author Ever After provides the resources and connections you need to succeed.

Angel M. Shaw: I couldn’t agree more. For me, it’s the combination of practical guidance and emotional support that makes Author Ever After truly unique. Danika has created a space where you can grow as a writer and as a person, and that’s something incredibly special.

Conclusion:

Joining the Author Ever After community means stepping into a space where you’re not alone in your publishing journey. Whether you need help with the nuts and bolts of indie publishing or a supportive environment to keep you motivated, Author Ever After offers it all. As Dr. J. and I have both experienced, the community isn’t just about writing—it’s about connection, growth, and finding your place in the world of romance publishing. If you’re ready to take the next step in your writing career, there’s no better place to start than Author Ever After.

Danika Bloom is offering a free, 30-minute coaching call to the first ten readers who book a session through this newsletter. (Please note that October is fully booked, but as long as the link is live, there are still coaching spots available!)

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