Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m Ana E Ross, and I’ve been reading romances since I was about thirteen years old, and consequently got hooked on the Happily Ever After theory. I always knew that I was born to be a writer, but after years of trying to break into traditional publishing, I set that dream aside to teach Writing and Literature in Middle and High schools.
Thank goodness for self-publishing which finally gave me the opportunity for my voice to be heard and my stories to reach millions of readers across the globe. I self-published my first short story in December 2011, and two more in early 2012.
It wasn’t until May 2012 when I released The Doctor’s Secret Bride – Book One, in my Billionaire Brides of Granite Falls series that my writing career took off. I resigned from teaching in 2013 and have since self-published the other four book in that series: The Mogul’s Reluctant Bride, The Playboy’s Fugitive Bride, The Tycoon’s Temporary Bride, and With These Four Rings. I have also completed Loving Yasmine and Desire’s Chase – Books 1 & 2 in my Beyond Granite Falls series, and I’m currently working on Pleasing Mindy – Book 3. The Beyond Granite Falls series is a spinoff of my Billionaire Brides series. Although the characters in the series are connected, each book can be read as a single title, and out of order, as well. However, reading them in order would produce a more enjoyable reading experience as all the characters grow and learn with each installment.
I was born and raised on the small Caribbean island of Nevis, but now reside in New England. I have one child: a beautiful daughter who’s on her own and making her own place in the world. She has been my inspiration for pushing forward and reaching for my goals.
Thank you for reading and I hope to hear from you.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Desire’s Chase – Book 2 in my Beyond Granite Falls series. I decided to write this story because my fans were curios about Desire Summers, who made her debut appearance as wedding planner in With These Four Rings – Book 5 in my Billionaire Brides series. They wanted to hear more about her family’s ten-year-old feud with Bryce Fontaine, the hero in The Mogul’s Reluctant Bride, and about the crime Desire’s sister had committed against him. So far the reviews have been excellent.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I’m not a plotter and have no idea what will happen from scene to scene. When it’s time to write a story, I know three things: how it begins, the black moment, and how it ends. My characters tell me their story and I write it. However, if other things are happening around me, they don’t talk to me. I have to be balanced and peaceful. That is why it takes me so long to write a 300 + page story. When life happens, my characters take a vacation until they have my undivided attention again. So when I’m deep in storyland, I don’t answer the phone and I tell my daughter to only call me if it’s a life and death situation.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Brenda Jackson, the pioneer of black/multicultural romance, has been my greatest inspiration. I think she was the first author to write black romance. I grew up reading Harlequin and Silhouette romances where all the characters were white, even the secondary ones. I always wondered why there weren’t any romance stories about black people falling in love. Hope was born when I read Brenda Jackson’s One Special Moment. I had the honor of meeting Miss Jackson in New York at the RWA National Conference in July 2011, and at the RT 2016 Conference in Las Vegas. Now I have my own special moments, writing and publishing romances that readers of all cultures can enjoy.
What are you working on now?
I’m presently working on Pleasing Mindy, the third and final book in my Beyond Granite Falls series. Mindy Marshall was first introduced as the garrulous neighbor and friend of Tashi Holland, the heroine in The Tycoon’s Temporary Bride. Mindy’s journey now continues with Galen Carmichael, the bastard half-brother of Massimo Andretti, the hero in The Playboy’s Fugitive Bride. Galen and Mindy will face insurmountable challenges and setbacks from within their respective families as they fight their way to Happily Ever After.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have to say that promoting my books is something I have to work on. I’m very clueless in the marketing department, so places such as Pretty Hot, Awesome Gang, BookSends, and Bookbub among other, have been my main sources for advertising.
However, I was recently introduced to Mark Dawson and Nick Stephenson who are both experts on how to grown your mailing lists and creating FB Ads. I actually took some time off from writing to learn some marketing skills. I hope it pays off.
Also, I think having a presence on both Facebook and Twitter, and joining Facebook Groups where I can promote my books are excellent ways to gain exposure.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Listen to your heart, and don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t make it. I’ve always heard that the difference between an unpublished and published author is perseverance. Never give up on your dreams, and surround yourselves with people who support you and who can help you realize your dreams. Walk away from the naysayers.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You have to tell the truth – Jamaica Kincaid. The Truth for me is listening to my characters and letting them write their stories, even if I don’t agree with them sometimes. I have found that the story-writing process goes a lot faster and easier if I write my characters’ truth.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading My Mother by Jamiaca Kincaid. I’d read it several years ago, but wanted to revist it as it reminds me so much of the way I was raised in the Caribbean. You can say that I’m probably a little homesick. That happens sometimes. Lol.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I finish my Beyond Granite Falls series, I will begin my third series: Billionaire Island Brides, and who knows after that. I will continue writing until the end…
What is your favorite book of all time?
My favorite book of all times is Middle March by George Elliot
Author Websites and Profiles
Ana E Ross Website
Ana E Ross Amazon Profile
Ana E Ross Author Profile Other Bookseller
Ana E Ross’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account