When and how did you
know you wanted to be a writer?
Reading has always been my escape. If I ever went missing, you’d find me in the home library, lost in a book. My dad used to joke that I’d either become a writer or a ruthless lawyer—turns out, he wasn’t wrong. I always dreamed of writing, but I never took the leap until 2021, when I lost a bet and published my first novel. I haven’t stopped since.
Did you have any influencing writers growing up?
Not really. I’ve devoured countless books, but I can’t pinpoint just one that inspired me the most. They all left their mark in different ways.
Are any of your characters based on people in real life?
Hell yeah. Every book I write has bits and pieces of real life—mine and everyone else’s.
My motto? Be careful what you say… it just might end up in a book.
Where do you draw your book inspirations from?
It all depends on my mood. Inspiration can strike from a song, a movie, a random conversation, or pure imagination. Sometimes, something just clicks in my brain—and that’s when the magic happens.
Do you use have a basic outline when starting a new story or do you let the characters lead the way?
It’s a mix of both. I outline my stories to speed up the writing process, but—more often than I’d like to admit—my characters take the wheel.
It’s a constant tug-of-war between what I want to write and what they’ll actually let me.
Picture them on each side, humming in disapproval, rolling their eyes at my choices, and making it very clear what’s a go and what’s an absolute no.
When you are picturing the characters in your book, do you have a cheater photo for inspiration?
Not always. Sometimes, they straight-up refuse to show me their faces (rude, right?). But when I’m picking images for my title pages or teasers, they suddenly have opinions—making sure I get the perfect match. Other times, they appear crystal clear in my mind from the start, and let me tell you, that’s a rare and beautiful blessing.
Many people read as a form of escape and relaxation. What is your favorite way to sit back and relax?
Music, baking, and, of course, reading! There’s nothing like getting lost in a story crafted by another author—stepping into new worlds, living new adventures, and feeling every emotion along the way.
Who are your favorite current authors to read?
My TBR list is endless! I don’t care if an author is a household name or an indie gem—if the cover and blurb grab me, I’m in.
Lately, I’ve been diving into books by Gwyn McNamee, Lauren Rowe, Tillie Cole, and Shantel Tessier, and I’m absolutely hooked.
What are your favorite books by others?
Everything romance being it dark or spicy.
Do the locations in the stories have any meaning to you?
Absolutely! I never write about a place I haven’t experienced in some way. Even if I give it a different name, the details—the sights, the atmosphere, the little quirks—always come from places I’ve actually visited. It makes the story feel real, both for me and for the reader.
Do you write in single or multiple POV?
Dual POV. Male and Female’ POVs.
What do you find to be your best research tool?
It’s all about real experience, solid research, and a dash of imagination. That mix is what gives it that genuine, real feel—like you’re living right alongside the characters.
Do you write under a pen name? Also, do you write under more than one name?
Adina is my real name, but my last name? That one holds a personal meaning—one I chose with intention.
What genre do you write and why is this your preference?
Contemporary Romance in all its shades and spice—that’s my jam.
I love diving into everything from Rockstar Romance and Military to MC Romance, Royalty, Sports, Mafia (co-writing with Alexis), and Dark Romance (co-writing with Alexis).
And don’t get me started on spicing it up with Polyamory, BDSM, and so much more. There’s no limit to the drama, passion, and intrigue I’ll explore!
Tell me something about yourself outside of writing. Jobs, accomplishments, family, quirky trait... what led to you being you?
Accountant, wife, and mom—oh, and I’ve got a bitchy attitude when it’s necessary.
I’m addicted to coffee and books (oops, guilty as charged).
I always say I’ve got an Italian heart, a Romanian mind, and an American soul.
I’m fluent in several languages and have a serious love for travel.
Oh, and did I mention I’m also a translator and event organizer? There’s never a dull moment around here!
If you are a duo writing team, how do you share the writing process?
I co-write with Alexis Suttonhale, and let me tell you, our process is like a well-oiled machine. We split up the research and make sure every detail is covered.
The real fun begins when it’s time to plot a story. We both can switch between male and female POVs, but it really depends on how cooperative the characters are. They have a way of steering the ship, and we just hold on and enjoy the ride!
What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?
Write what makes you happy and make sure to keep it real unless you write fantasy and such.
How do you deal and process negative book reviews?
Oof, this is a tough one. As an author, you’re always told not to read reviews, but I do. I take them in stride and use them to improve my writing.
Reviews aren’t really for writers, they’re for readers, and I get it — my books might not be for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. Everyone has their own taste, and I respect that. But if a review helps me grow or gives me insight, I’m all for it.
What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
Wrapping up a story is always bittersweet. By the time I get to the final chapter, the characters feel like family, and letting them go is never easy.
That’s why I always include epilogues — it’s my way of holding on to them just a little longer, keeping them close for a bit more. It’s tough to say goodbye, but those last few pages let me give them a proper send-off.
What do you need in your writer’s space to keep you focused?
Give me water, my laptop and music in the background and I can go on for hours without a break.
What is your naughty indulgence as you are writing?
I don’t set limits for myself because I’m always hungry to learn more. Call it human curiosity. When it comes to writing, I keep it simple. Even in my BDSM scenes, I don’t get lost in every little detail or step-by-step breakdown. Instead, I aim to make the readers feel it, to let their imaginations run wild and experience the moment in their own way.
What is your schedule like when you are writing? Do you have a favorite writing snack or drink?
I tend to write late at night when my husband and son are asleep. It’s the perfect time to focus and really get lost in the pages. Plus, being a night owl is definitely a blessing—it’s when I’m at my most creative and the world is quiet enough for my thoughts to flow freely.
Do you listen to music when you write – what kind of music is your favorite?
Yup, it really depends on the subgenre I’m writing. I don’t usually create full playlists, but I definitely pick a vibe that matches the mood.
For my Rockstar Romance, it’s all rock from my go-to bands. For my mafia stories, I lean into tracks that have that gritty, intense vibe that matches the atmosphere.
Music helps set the tone and get me into the right headspace to write.
What is your kryptonite as a writer? What totally puts you off your game?
Real life, little sleep, and probably a bit of stress. Sometimes, your brain just refuses to cooperate, and all you can do is hit pause and wait for it to come back around. It’s frustrating, but hey, it happens. You can’t force creativity.
Have you ever killed off a character that your readers loved?
I don’t think I’ve ever done it, but hey, never say never, right? You never know what the future holds.
How do you celebrate after typing THE END?
With a glass of wine in hand and a few teary eyes. Honestly, it’s like sending your kid off to college—bittersweet, but you know it’s part of their journey. You just hope you’ve done enough to prepare them for what’s ahead– my betas, editor and readers.
I hope you enjoyed this interview!
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