Sophie Bernbaum

“Hey everyone, and welcome back. As if you didn't know, I’m your host, Ajay, and today I am beyond excited to welcome our next guest, please give a big, cozy welcome to author Sophie Bernbaum!”

Hi Ajay! I’m so happy to be here.

“All right, Sophie, let’s jump in. First off, how much research do you usually do for your books?”

I research all the time while I’m writing. Nothing super deep so far. Just last night I looked up the flight path from Phoenix to New York.

“Good to know I'm not the only one who does that. Like, how long would it really take my character to sulk dramatically on a plane?”

Exactly. And does it give her time to rethink her entire life or just binge one sad playlist?

“Love it. So, you write YA romance, right? What draws you to that genre?”

I love YA and I love romance, which explains why YA romance is my favorite to write. There’s something about that yearning that only being seventeen carries. It just gets to me.

“Ugh, yes. That breathless, everything-is-life-or-death kind of love. Okay, describe yourself in one word.”

ADHD. 🤣

“The most honest answer I’ve ever heard during these interviews. Here’s a juicy one. What’s something surprising you learned while creating your books?

That I’m actually capable of writing a book. I had no idea. I thought I’d never finish it, let alone write more.

“That first finish line is such a wild feeling. Like, wait... did I just do that?”

Yes. Total disbelief.

“Now tell me, does writing energize you or exhaust you?”

Both. Sometimes I’ll go on these wild writing runs and spit out thousands of words in one sitting. Then I finish and feel like I sprinted a marathon.

“I feel that in my soul. And when you hit a block, what’s your go-to move?”

I write badly until I get an idea that doesn’t suck.

“Yes. Permission to write garbage is honestly a superpower. Throwback time. Favorite 90s or early 2000s song?”

I honestly can’t remember my life before Taylor Swift, so probably something from her early work. Maybe I’d Lie.

“A deep cut. Respect. Now, how do you handle criticism?”

Fairly well. I’ve got thick skin when it comes to my writing. I know I’ve got a ton to learn and I’m looking forward to learning it.

“That’s the spirit. Growth over ego. Okay, slightly morbid but fun. You’re on death row. What’s your last meal?”

Fresh bread and butter. So much bread. So much butter.

“Carb queen behavior. I support it. How about task management? How do you keep track of it all?”

Lists. I have a bullet journal where I keep track of everything. Every week has its own task list.

“You and my Type A heart just bonded. Now, reviews. How important are they to you?”

I think they’re important for marketing purposes, definitely. They’re great for my ego too, if they’re good. Rating and reviewing is such an easy way to help an indie author, even if it’s just a morale boost.

“Preach. People don’t realize how much a single review can brighten our entire week. So what’s your writing routine like?”

I write in micro-spurts during the day. I’ve got three young kids and a full-time job, but sometimes the words just have to come out. At night, after the kids are in bed, I’ll put a fireplace on YouTube and write in my husband’s office while he plays video games. About twice a month I meet up with a fellow indie author, Honi Olmedo, and we write at a coffee shop for a few hours.

“That sounds so dreamy. Coffee shop writing dates are my favorite form of self-care. Favorite motivational phrase?”

Just do it.

“Short, iconic, unstoppable. Last one. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?”

Read a lot. Write a lot. And remember, the only job of a first draft is to exist.

“Yes. Say it louder for the perfectionists in the back. Sophie, this has been such a joy. Thank you for sharing your time and your voice with us.”

Thank you for having me. This was so fun.

“Thank you for joining me. This has been such a fun and honest conversation. From flight paths and bullet journals to writing in micro-spurts with a YouTube fireplace, (I will have to try that) your process is as real and relatable as it gets. Thank you for sharing your time.

To the readers:

Be sure to follow Sophie on social media, links are down below. Show your support by grabbing a copy of their books, diving into those fantasy worlds, and most importantly, leave a review. We live for that feedback, and it helps more than you know.

Until next time!”