Today I welcome to the blog, author Jenna Moreci, for an interview about her new book, How To Write Romantasy. A writing craft book to help all those who want to learn the art of blending romance and fantasy in their stories.
Q01 What made you want to write How to Write Romantasy?
I had a massive list of topics I wanted to cover in different writing craft books, and the art of writing romantasy was one of them. I honestly wasn’t sure which topic I was going to tackle next.
Then Zoey Brandt, an editor from Ten Speed Press, contacted me and asked if I’d be interested in writing a romantasy guide through their imprint. Talk about a difficult decision made simple!
After some back and forth and a bunch of contract negotiation, I signed on and whipped up How to Write Romantasy. It was an absolute joy to write.
Q02 What was the most difficult part of writing How to Write Romantasy?
To be honest, this was probably the easiest book I’ve ever written. That’s not to say there were no struggles, but the fantasy romance genre has been one of my special interests since I was a child.
Writing this book was basically my chance to nerd out over a topic I’ve been obsessed with since elementary school. Probably the hardest part was knowing when to rein it in.
If Ten Speed wanted me to write an individual chapter on every subgenre under the romantasy umbrella, I probably would’ve! But that would’ve resulted in an encyclopedia-length book. I don’t think anyone wants that.
Q03 How much planning did you have to do for this book?
I feel as though I’ve been planning for this book since I was six years old. But to keep it simple, most of my research essentially involved a whole lot of reading, which is the most enjoyable research there is.
After that, it was really easy to whip up an outline breaking down the most common trends, tactics, and steps employed in a successful romantasy book. The more you read, the easier it is to find common structural tactics between works, no matter how different or unique the stories are.
Q04 What part of the book was the most fun to write?
I love discussing and analyzing all things romance. The chapters that break down chemistry, intimacy, and crafting a power couple were my absolute favorites to write. I especially enjoyed analyzing the differences between building romantic chemistry and sexual chemistry between characters.
Many people don’t know the difference between the two and often conflate them, which is a huge issue in real life romances as well as fictional ones. It’s great to write lustful characters and saucy sex scenes, but a romance is supposed to be just that—romantic!
The characters need to have chemistry on an emotional level too, and skipping that can leave readers feeling as though something pivotal is missing from the story.
Q05 How To Write Romantasy is traditionally published, how has the experience been different to self-publishing?
I think the biggest difference is the lack of control, which is both a positive and negative thing. It’s been so nice not having to worry about every step of the business process.
I didn’t have to select my editors or cover artist, I didn’t have to copyright the book, distribute it to retailers, or share it to NetGalley—my publishing house handled it all for me. And I still retained control in the areas that mattered most to me, like approving the final edits and cover art design, which I absolutely love.
I think the only areas where it has been a pain is not having access to ongoing sales data and having to get some of my marketing decisions approved by a third party. Every publishing path has its pros and cons.
Q06 I believe this is your 5th book and you have a 6th in the works. How has your life changed since you published your very first book?
Well, the biggest change is that writing is my full-time career now. When I first embarked on this process, my goal was for writing to become a lucrative side gig. I never thought I’d ever reach six-figure-author status or that my books would hit bestseller lists or win awards.
I’ve got fan art hanging around my house and merch in my closet. I’ve wanted to be an author since the first grade, so I’m not exaggerating when I say this is a dream come true. I’m so grateful to every reader who helped me to get to this place today.
Q07 Based on your experience, what’s the biggest obstacle facing most people who have a desire to write a book?
We tend to be our biggest obstacle. Self-doubt, laziness, and ego can absolutely derail a writing career before it begins. The publishing industry is full of systemic obstacles, so you really don’t need to add any more hurdles to the process.
Just because you feel insecure about your writing doesn’t mean it’s not worth pursuing. If you quit every time you don’t feel like writing, you’ll never get the book done. And even the greats need beta readers, critique partners, and editors, so never assume you’re too good for help.
If you can avoid being your own worst enemy, you might have a shot in this industry.
Q08 You’re a writer, a youtuber and a caregiver. How do you stay disciplined and organized?
Accountability, flexibility, and honesty. I’m in charge of multiple responsibilities and I wear many hats, so I have to make sure I hold myself accountable and get the work done even when I don’t feel like it.
I have to be flexible with my workflow and schedule, because some weeks my calendar is loaded up with my husband’s doctor appointments, and other weeks I’ve got back-to-back interviews and writing events.
That means I have to fit my writing sessions in the free space, wherever that may be. And lastly, I have to be honest about how I feel and what I’m capable of. I have CPTSD and OCD, which means sometimes my lethargy doesn’t come from lack of motivation—it’s a physical response to trauma and overwhelm.
In those moments, it’s important that I honor my body and relax, because nothing destroys your productivity—and your health—quite like burnout.
Q09 On average, how long does it usually take you to write your books, from ideas to polished manuscripts?
It depends on the project. I can whip out a nonfiction writing craft book in a couple months.
Fiction, on the other hand, takes much more time, in part because it requires much more creativity, but also because my fiction novels are much longer than my writing craft books. My romantasy books on average have each taken about two years to write.
Q10 Can you tell us a little bit about what you’re working on now?
I’m releasing the third book in my romantasy series, The Savior’s Army, in early 2026, so be on the lookout! I’m also in the process of writing my very first rom com, which features fake dating, a black cat/golden retriever dynamic, own voices rep, and he falls first.
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About Jenna Moreci
Jenna Moreci is an award-winning romantasy and writing craft author and YouTube sensation. Her first installment in the Savior’s series, The Savior’s Champion, was voted one of the Best Books of All Time by Book Depository.
Following the release of her first writing craft book, Shut Up and Write the Book, she’s been asked to speak for many literary communities and affiliations about the writing process and romantasy genre, including Robinson College at Cambridge University, the University of Groningen, and the London Screenwriters’ Festival.
Born and raised in Silicon Valley, Jenna spends her free time snuggling up with her charming husband and their tiny rescue pup, Buttercup. Her second writing craft book, How to Write Romantasy, releases in October 2025.
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How To Write Romantasy
Blending Fantasy and romance into One Heart-Stopping Adventure
Learn the craft of creating a page-turning romantasy novel in this easy-to-follow guide from writing expert and renowned author of The Savior’s Series, Jenna Moreci.
In How to Write Romantasy, Moreci takes you from your first kernel of inspiration through the resolution of your novel, ensuring you hit all the key elements along the way. Chapters are organized around specific plot points, necessary skills, and common questions, covering topics such as building a fantasy framework, creating compelling characters, learning the art of the tease, and bringing home the happily ever after. Each chapter is followed by a summary that you can use for quick reference. You will learn:
• How to marry the fantasy plot with the romantic storyline
• How to write a marketable book that romantasy readers will love
• How to create a shippable pairing that makes fans swoon
• How to build romantic and physical chemistry
• How to pace the story if you’re writing a series
Delivered with a hefty dose of humor, Moreci’s clear and simple methods are accessible for writers of all experience levels. With How to Write Romantasy, you will walk away with a deeper understanding of the genre and plenty of inspiration to build your very own romantasy novel.
Buy The Book | Free Digital Workbook (with proof of preorder)
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Big thank you to Jenna, for joining me today on the blog. Wish her all the best with her new release and please take the time to check out her links above.
Happy reading
Ari
Sources: Title Image from Canva
Author photo & book cover supplied by Jenna Moreci
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