Danika Bloom Shares How To Write Amazing Romance Novels

The Realities of Romance Writing: An Interview with Danika Bloom

Romance fiction is one of the most beloved and prolific genres in publishing, yet it's often misunderstood. To uncover what really goes on behind the scenes of a successful romance writing career, I sat down with bestselling author Danika Bloom. Over the course of our conversation, we explored her writing journey, the business side of being an indie author, and the evolving landscape of romance publishing. Whether you're a reader, a writer, or somewhere in between, Danika's candid insights offer both inspiration and practical wisdom.

Danika's Path to Romance Writing

Danika didn't start out as a romance author. In fact, she came to both romance reading and writing later in life. Originally a communications graduate with a focus on film production, she made her first creative mark with a student documentary that won an award. From there, she ventured into ghostwriting and curriculum development in the nonprofit sector, building a career in writing long before fiction became her focus. It wasn't until 2016 that sh released her first novel, and even then, it was a deeply personal pivot.

I realized I had a lot more ego tied up in my writing that I thought.

she admitted, referring to the vulnerability that came with publishing her first fiction work.

Taking Risks and Finding Freedom

One of the most pivotal decisions in Danika's life was leaving a secure, well-paying job to become self-employed. With a young child and a new mortgage, the choice was not without risk.

The downside was no stable income for 25 years, but the upside was creative freedom.

That trade-off - between financial security and the ability to pursue meaningful work - is something many creatives wrestle with. For Danika, the ability to be a present parent and a full-time writer made the leap worthwile.

What Makes Romance Memorable

When asked what separates great romance from the forgettable, Danika didn't hesitate: character transformation.

The stories that stay with me are when the characters transform each other

She loves characters who are flawed, quirky, and fully human - ones who evolve through their relationships, becoming better versions of themselves through love. That emotional depth and realism, she believes, is what turns a romance into something truly unforgettable.

Craft, Process, and Email Marketing

Danika describes herself as a discovery writer, preferring to uncover her characters and story through the act of writing rather than extensive outlining. However, she does spend a lot of time developing characters upfront using resources like the Emotion Thesaurus. Beyond craft, she emphasized the importance of connecting with readers.

Be a character in your emails

she said, describing how her authentic, personal newsletters invite responses from readers who share their own stories. It's not just about building a list; it's about building community.

Lessons from Failure

Success in publishing doesn't always follow effort. Danika learned this the hard way after investing heavily in a book launch that underperformed. Despite a well-executed marketing campaign, the book didn't resonate with readers - and she had to pause the entire series as a result.

There's no point continuing a series if the first book doesn't land.

It was a painful lesson in both reader expectations and the risks of misalignment between content and genre.

The Future of Romance Publishing

As the publishing landscape shifts, Danika sees a trend toward autonomy. With increasing challenges around censorship, discoverability, and retailer control, more authors are moving toward direct sales, email marketing, and platforms like Kickstarter.

We're on really fluid ground right now.

While big distributors still dominate, indie authors who build strong personal brands and direct relationships with readers are better positioned for long-term sustainability.

Coaching New Writers

In addition to her writing, Danika runs a coaching program called Author Ever After for pre-published and early career romance authors. With a small but thriving community, she's proud o writers at all stages of their journey. Rather than highlighting a single 'success story' she points to the collective growth of her members.

I have a shelf of their first paperbacks

she said, glowing with pride.

Redefining Success

For Danika, success is no longer about sales figures. It's about connection - both with readers and fellow writers.

Romance may not save the rainforests, but it's changing lives.

And that, to her, is a worthy legacy. In a world that often dismisses romance as fluff, Danika champions it as a genre of empowerment, healing, and social change.

Danika Bloom's story is a testament to resilience, risk-taking, and reinvention. Her insights remind us that writing is more than a profession - it's a calling. And for those writing love stories, it's a path paved with both challenges and deep rewards.