In light of the current political situation we continue to do everything we can to share our favorite LGBTQ2+ creators. Today the spotlight falls on R.M. Neill. a wife, mom, animal lover and a hopeless romantic. She writes stories to make you smile, swoon and snort laugh, but not necessarily in that order.
Q) I saw that you were starting a new series called Kissing ridge cowboys, What shapes the concept when you are creating a setting for a new group of novels?
This series is actually a spin off from my other cowboy series, The Broken Horn Ranch. I had a character in that series show up from “out west”. Being Canadian, I meant Alberta and that character started an idea for a different friend group that were more into rodeo. Then it kind of spiralled from there.
I wanted mountains so the name Kissing Ridge was born.
That’s the simple version, but honestly, my concepts come from inspiration in daily life more than anything else.
Q) What is it about the cowboy that you think people find so romantic?
I’ve actually polled readers several times about this and the overwhelming response is the way they wear their jeans, LOL. Personally, I like the thought of rough country guys being kind to animals and just being the ultimate cinnamon roll hero. The well honed manners and doing what’s right. And if you’re into it….the southern drawl.
Q) Who are your favorite authors in your genre?
That’s like asking me to pick a favourite child! But if I have to name one click authors I’d say Kelly Fox, AJ Truman and Ava Olsen. And EM Lindsay. Oh, and Aurora Crane.
Q) Do you write from a plot or see where the characters take you?
HAHAHAHA… that’s funny. My characters always lead me. Sometimes I try to lead them, but they rarely listen.
Q) You seemed focused on providing books that provide light and hope, why is that important to you?
Yes, I do. Because the world is not always kind. Especially for anyone LGBTQ. When I started writing, my goal was simple – to provide at least one person a safe place to escape and the message that everyone deserves to be loved. Hope that one day maybe they can find what they’re looking for.
Not everyone wants books filled with angst. I like things lighter because if you’re already filled with anxiety, but want to read romance, you don’t want to trigger that anxiety again with dark themes. I can make you smile even if it’s only for a few hours and if I can make you feel hope for a better tomorrow that’s a super power I’ll cherish.
Q) what is your next project you are working on?
I’m still working on my Kissing Ridge Cowboys series, which is only three books…for now. But I’m starting to think ahead to another cowboy series, a possible return to my lumberjack series and a pnr story that’s getting louder. Oh, and a standalone sports romance I’ve been writing in between cowboys.
Q) If people want more information about your or your projects, where should they go?
I have a website where only books are listed with a signed paperback shop, but if you want to keep in touch and know what I’m working on and stay on top of release days, you can join my free patreon or my newsletter.
https://www.rmneillauthor.com/newsletter
https://patreon.com/RMNeillAuthor
Final four questions –we ask everybody
Q) When the zombies take over the world where will you be?
Honestly, probably on my couch and noticing far too late that it happened.
Q ) What is your favorite Fandom
I’m not really into those. Sorry!
Q) What piece of art, be it in the form of music, a book, a film or picture, do you think people must experience before they die?
Wow, that’s a hard one. But I think Animal Farm by George Orwell is a book everyone should read at least once.
Q) Give one fact that most people would not believe about you?
This is so hard because I’m such a predictable person. So how about a weird fact instead. I only eat tomatoes on a sandwich. Not on a pizza or in a salad or anything else.
Paper Phoenix ink 