Hello, my hearts. One of the first authors I fell in love with on Bookstagram is my next interviewee. I am fangirling just a little bit as I introduce you to Mariah Ankenman. I first found her because she hosts two great author challenges: #AuthorAugust and #AuthorApril. They were just the thing I needed to get started on Instagram as a baby author!

Bestselling author Mariah Ankenman lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her two rambunctious children and loving spouse who is her own personal spell checker when her dyslexia gets the best of her. Mariah loves to lose herself in a world of words. Her favorite thing about writing is when she can make someone’s day a little brighter with one of her books.

Mariah, thank you so much for joining me! Let’s start with the basics. Who is your favorite author, narrator, and cover artist?

MARIAH: My favorite authors are Talia Hibbert and Jamie Wesley. For narrators, I love Connor Brown. And for cover artists—Leni Kauffman.

JEN: Connor Brown narrated all your firefighters audiobooks, right? He did a great job! Who inspires you?

MARIAH: So many wonderful creator friends! My neurodivergent writers group is the best for talking things through, celebrating wins, and commiserating losses. Love them!

JEN: Let’s talk about writing. Your process. Do you listen to music when you work?

MARIAH: I love music, but I can’t write to it—unless you count karaoke sessions as writing. [laughs] I write to thunderstorms instead.

JEN: Oh, I’m jealous. I live in the desert—I desperately miss thunderstorms. In fact, I often put on on an ambient YouTube video of a thunderstorm while I’m writing. Tell me more about your writing routine. What’s your go-to snack or drink when you’re working?

MARIAH: Coffee is a must—unless I’m writing a spicy scene. Then it’s a dirty martini!

JEN: Are you a early bird or a night owl?

MARIAH: I’m a permanently exhausted pigeon. [laughs]

JEN: I can relate! When you’re not writing, what do you do for fun?

MARIAH: Aerials, bottle walking, and vodka infusion.

JEN: Oh, we get to see that on Instagram! I love watching your reels. Your publishing journey is so interesting. Are you traditionally published, self-published, or both?

MARIAH: I’m a hybrid author! I started with small presses and began self-publishing last year. I love doing both.

JEN: Who—or what—inspired you to start creating?

MARIAH: I was raised by a professional clown so entertaining has always been in my blood. I just love making people happy.

JEN: What themes do you most enjoy exploring in your work?

MARIAH: Disability. I love showing that disabled people deserve love for all that we are—and that love doesn’t need to "cure" us.

JEN: Can you walk us through your creative routine?

MARIAH: I start by getting the kiddos to school, then I write until lunch. After that, I post on socials, tackle chores, run errands, and handle admin work in the afternoon.

JEN: How does creating energize—or exhaust—you?

MARIAH: I love bringing people joy through my work, but the constant need to create can be a drain on the creative well sometimes.

JEN: Where do you get your ideas?

MARIAH: From everywhere, but mostly from my dreams.

JEN: Have your previous jobs or education influenced your writing?

MARIAH: I’m a house manager, meaning I handle all the unpaid labor of running a household. It’s taught me a lot about multitasking and finding inspiration in the everyday.

JEN: What’s been your toughest criticism—and your biggest compliment?

MARIAH: My editors keep telling me I need to make my bleak moments bleaker, but I hate hurting my characters even if they are imaginary. [laughs] The best compliment was when a reader cosplayed one of my book characters because they love them so much (I saved all the videos and watch them on rough days to feel better).

JEN: What advice do you have for aspiring creators—or your younger self?

MARIAH: Don’t compare your journey to others. Everyone’s path to success is different.

JEN: What’s next for you?

MARIAH: My next book, Can’t Help Falling in Love, comes out in February 2025!

JEN: Thank you so much for sharing your story, Mariah!

My hearts, if you’re looking for romance with heart, humor, and heat, Mariah’s books are a must-read. Please visit her website, sign up for her newsletter, and follow her on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky. Join us both live on Instagram, Saturday, Nov. 23, at 10 a.m. Pacific, for a fun chat about romance, writing, and more.

I’ve read all her audiobooks and loved them. And I read the two that are up for a 2024 Indieverse Award! So good. I hope she wins some delicious awards on Dec. 4!

• Somebody to Love

• Crazy Little Thing Called Love

• The Wedding Dilemma (Mile High Firefighters Series, Book 1) Narrated by Connor Brown

• The Dating Dilemma (Mile High Firefighters Series, Book 2) Narrated by Connor Brown

• The Firefighter’s Dilemma (Mile High Firefighters Series, Book 3) Narrated by Connor Brown

• The Best Friend Problem (Mile High Happiness Series, Book 1) Narrated by Charlotte North

• The Best Man Problem (Mile High Happiness Series, Book 2) Narrated by Charlotte North

• The Roommate Problem (Mile High Happiness Series, Book 3) Narrated by Charlotte North

• Claiming Her Crown

• Driving Her Wild

• Love in the Air (Nominated for Indieverse Awards 2024)

• Falling for You

• Love on the Sweet Side

• Love on the Wild Side

• Love on the Risky Side

• Love on the Forbidden Side

• Love on the Free Side

• Daemon Uprising

• Daemon Deception

• Daemon Reckoning

• Perfect Imperfections (Nominated for Indieverse Awards 2024 Best Romance Novel!)