Belle Calhoune writes heartwarming, inspirational romance novels set in small, cozy towns. 

Tell about yourself, family, pets, favorite foods, hobbies, where you grew up, etc., and 1-3 things about yourself that have nothing to do with writing.

I grew up in a small town (Milton, Massachusetts) located ten minutes south of Boston. I moved to my current state of Connecticut after the birth of my youngest daughter, who is now attending college. So, I’m a lifelong New Englander. I live with my college sweetheart husband, Randy, and our youngest, who is in college. Our oldest has been living in New York City for over a year now. We have two very spoiled dogs. Copper is a mini poodle and Beau is a black Lab. My favorite foods are shrimp, Spaghetti Bolognese, pizza and lobster. My hobbies are reading, watching classic films and traveling. I love the ocean, so anytime I have the opportunity to be around it, I’m thrilled.

What genre(s) do you write?

I write contemporary romance in the inspirational and sweet genres.

Are you Indy, traditionally published, or both?

I am a hybrid author. The best of both worlds.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a proposal for a series featuring three brothers. I’m crossing my fingers that it will be well received.

Do you read outside of your genre? If so, what other genres do you like to read?

I do. I love thrillers, probably because they are so far removed from what I write. I love the excitement and the mysterious aspects. They are pulse pounding thrill rides.

Did the first book you wrote get published? How long were you writing before you were published?

No way lol. When I was in my twenties, I wrote a book that I tried to sell during my maternity leave with my oldest daughter. I received a really nice rejection letter with some sweet compliments. At the end of my leave, I went back to work and focused on work, raising my baby and supporting my husband as he went to law school. There really wasn’t time to pursue my writing dreams. Fast forward and I had my second daughter and moved to Connecticut. After settling there, I decided to pursue the dream again. About thirteen years ago, my dream was realized. So, the lesson is, if you’re meant to be a writer, you won’t be able to let it go.

When you are writing, do you like complete silence, or do you like to listen to music? If so, what kind of music do you like? What are your favorite writing snacks?

I tend to listen to music to set a mood, such as Christmas music for a Christmas book and r and b for a romantic moment in the story. Those are my faves along with Adele, Sade, Luther Vandross, Prince and Pink. And for oldies, I love Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole. They are timeless. My favorite snacks are popcorn, fruit and cheese-crackers. I’m trying not to snack as much these days.

Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?

I grew up across the street from a public library, so books were easily accessible for me. When I was around twelve years old, my older sister brought me a book home from a book sale. It was The Golden Unicorn, a gothic romance by Phyllis Whitney. I fell in love with the book and the wonderful author. In my early twenties, I wrote Whitney a fan letter, and she wrote me back in a handwritten letter. She was in ill health, but so lovely and positive. I will never forget her grace or kindness. I have a huge collection of her books on my shelf. She inspired me to write and to be a good person as an author. I respond to every email I receive.

Which do you prefer, writing or editing? Why?

I prefer writing the book, one hundred percent. I receive edits from my editor and a copy editor and it’s difficult sometimes to have words and ideas changed, but over time I’ve learned to accept the process and not feel defensive. In short, edits make the book better. And as an author, it’s my goal to put out the best product I can each and every time.

What is your favorite writing craft book?

I love the book GMC (Goal, Motivation, Conflict) by Debra Dixon because it has solid suggestions that never lose their power. Knowing the goals, motivations and conflicts of our main characters is vital to creating a book filled with conflict and strong back story. I always go back to this when I’m writing a book. Knowing what our characters want and what is getting in their way is everything.

Does anyone in your family read your books? 

My sweet dad reads all of my books which means the world to me. He is a prolific reader, and it’s great to see him enjoying my books.

When did you fall in love with reading?

When I was in first grade, I struggled a bit with reading. My mom used to love telling me the story of my experience. My first-grade teacher clearly wasn’t very thoughtful because she had three levels of reading groups… the cows, the lions and the foxes. Clearly, the cows were the slowest and clumsiest readers. Insert eyeroll. Well, I did not want to be a cow, so I worked overtime to get better. One day I came charging home screaming, “I’m in the lions. I’m in the lions.” Weeks later I came home screaming, “I’m in the foxes. I’m in the foxes.” Goal achieved. From that point on, I was an avid reader and growing up across the street from a public library cemented it.