Steamy Spotlight: Interview with Sarah Hawley

Episode Summary: We had waaayyy too much fun with this one! Join debut author, Sarah Hawley, and I as we discuss her debut release, A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon. She also gives us an inside look at the rest of the series... can you say, "I accidentally summoned a succubus from a stone I bought on Ebay?" Other topics include incorporating current issues and political messaging into paranormal/fantasy romance, lusting after men in black leather gloves, and the emotional rollercoaster of publishing your first book. Enjoy!

Guest: Sarah Hawley, author of A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon

Book Summary:
Mariel Spark knows not to trust a demon, especially one that wants her soul, but what’s a witch to do when he won’t leave her side—and she kind of doesn’t want him to?

Mariel Spark is prophesied to be the most powerful witch seen in centuries of the famed Spark family, but to the displeasure of her mother, she prefers baking to brewing potions and gardening to casting hexes. When a spell to summon flour goes very wrong, Mariel finds herself staring down a demon—one she inadvertently summoned for a soul bargain.

Ozroth the Ruthless is a legend among demons. Powerful and merciless, he drives hard bargains to collect mortal souls. But his reputation has suffered ever since a bargain went awry—if he can strike a bargain with Mariel, he will earn back his deadly reputation. Ozroth can’t leave Mariel’s side until they complete a bargain, which she refuses to do (turns out some humans are attached to their souls).

But the witch is funny. And curvy. And disgustingly yet endearingly cheerful. Becoming awkward roommates quickly escalates when Mariel, terrified to confess the inadvertent summoning to her mother, blurts out that she’s dating Ozroth. As Ozroth and Mariel struggle with their opposing goals and maintaining a fake relationship, real attraction blooms between them. But Ozroth has a limited amount of time to strike the deal, and if Mariel gives up her soul, she’ll lose all her emotions—including love—which will only spell disaster for them both.

Show Notes:
Cocktober came early! Let's chat with paranormal romance author, Sarah Hawley
- The emotional rollercoaster of publishing your debut
- Not every book is for every reader... and that's okay!!
- Authors staying out of readers' spaces (00:09:15)
- The anatomy of a demon cock
- Varying spice levels and a shoutout to my mom!
- Another podcaster turned writer... have you listened to the Wicked Wallflowers? (00:14:34)
- A not-so-brief (but thoroughly entertaining) synopsis for A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon
- Incorporating current issues and political messaging into paranormal and fantasy romance (00:23:50)
- It's funny. It's horny. And good things happen.
- Looking ahead at the rest of Sarah's series (pre-order A Demon's Guide to Wooing a Witch now)
- Two words... GHOST. E-BAY.
- Creating the "rules" and lore for A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon (00:33:59)
- I meant have found an amnesia romance I actually want to read...
- Brown is NOT the new black
- Werewolves in sweater vests
- Do you have a dream project? (00:47:25)
- More paranormal comedies, please!!

Books & Other Media Mentioned:
- Wicked Wallflowers Club (Sarah's podcast)
- Bonkers Romance Podcast
- Remember our Steamy Spotlight Interview with Sally Thorne? Listen for more on haunted dollhouses...
- Revisit our March Tit Talk on "Nostalgic Love: Romantic Updates to Stories We Love"

Links:
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