Author Interview: Katie Golding

Motocross, no third act breakup, Alexander Skarsgård & more

I just finished Katie Golding’s Falling for the Enemy and I loved it so much. If you’re in the mood for a steamy novella, two characters you’ll fall in love with, and hot banter – this book is for you! I’m thrilled Katie joined me for a Q & A. Falling for the Enemy is my first book by Katie, but certainly not my last.

Read my review for Falling for the Enemy by Katie Golding. 

About Katie Golding

Katie Golding is a racing fan with a writing problem. The recovering cheerleader lives in a small town outside of Austin, Texas, mom to a future philanthropist, and wife to a superman. Her writing playlists range from 80s love songs, 90s grunge, 00s punk, to new age underground in less time than it takes her to burn dinner, and she is currently at work on her next romance novel—unless she’s tweeting about it.

You can purchase your own copy of Falling for the Enemy.

Here is the synopsis:

Sometimes, the perfect guy…
Is the one you hate the most.

Jasper Brooks has everything—with his smooth-talking ways and devilish good looks, he’s signed some of the hottest bands of the moment. If only he could get the wrong-number woman he’s been texting for months to reveal herself.

Blake Harris absolutely hates Jasper with every fiber of her being. Avoiding her professional rival is next to impossible in the Malibu music scene, and when a new band puts them head-to-head, their pent-up frustration explodes in a raw session of hate sex. A mistake they keep repeating.

With feelings spinning out of control, Blake bolts back to the mystery man in her phone, determined to finally meet Mr. Perfect. Not realizing that all along, she’s been secretly falling for the enemy…

Author Interview: Katie Golding

Katie, I’m so excited to talk to you today about Falling for the Enemy. This book is the companion to The Forever Night Stand, but it can be read as a stand-alone. Thank you for joining me for this Q & A. 

Katie: Thanks so much for having me, Sarah!

I absolutely loved Falling for the Enemy. Before I finished it, I downloaded The Forever Night Stand. Can you tell me a little about the inspiration behind these books?

Katie: These books were honestly a gift that came out of nowhere. Some stories I plan to write, based on market and brand, and others just arrive. In the winter of 2020, I was recovering from writing the last book in my other series (Relentless, Moto Grand Prix #3), fighting burn out, and slogged down by the pandemic, and I had a dream about these characters trying to say goodbye after a one-night stand. They just didn’t want to let go of each other, and Luke and Ari were born.

In the process of writing their novella, Jasper showed up onto the scene as Luke’s best friend, and he was texting texting texting. I knew then that I had to keep going in this universe, because I needed the answer as to who was on the other side of that conversation. I loved the way the whole thing played out, and Blake was the perfect match for him. 

This book has some racy texts between two supposed strangers. I loved that element of the story. Did you have any particular inspiration for that element of the story?

Katie: Since Jasper basically showed up on the page with his phone glued to his hand, I knew that texting would be a big part of the story. It wasn’t until later that I decided to frame it as a You’ve Got Mail retelling, which lent itself beautifully to his character and one of my favorite pairing types – rivals to lovers. Replacing the emails from the movie to texts in the book felt the most appropriate route for the epistolary element, especially in the age of dating apps. I honestly had too much fun writing those text conversations, to teasing each other about movies and food choices, offering support through hard times, and the more racy sexting sequences. 

Jasper and Blake both work in the music industry. What are some of your favorite bands? 

Katie: Ahhh you can’t make me choose! Honestly, my music preferences are all over the place, and very much depends on what I’m writing at the time. Radiohead will always be home for me, along with Bjork and The Smashing Pumpkins. But I’m also a huge fan of Two Feet, Emmit Fenn, Maala, Bulow, Die Antwoord, K. Flay, Tool, Deftones, Thrice, Missio, Dorothy, YelaWolf, Trent Reznor, Puscifer, Odesza, Explosions in the Sky, This Will Destroy You, Sleigh Bells, and Ludovico Einaudi (on the classical side.) 

Let’s Chat About Writing – Author Interview: Katie Golding

Falling for the Enemy is an enemies to lovers story with no third act breakup. YAY! I loved your blog post about this topic. Can you tell us a little more about how this was the best route for Jasper and Blake?

Katie: Oh, I love this question! I actually wrote quite a few endings for this book (I never get the ending right out of the gate, and I’ve come to learn that about myself.) So at earlier points in the draft, I actually did have a third act breakup, and I hated it. It was so dark, torturous and angsty, and it wasn’t the tone I wanted for the story. And honestly, it didn’t bode well for the relationship I wanted the characters to have going forward.

I think that when characters start off as enemies, bickering and unable to communicate through their issues, the best way to show their growth would be to undermine the breakup. Keep the threat and the tension, definitely. But it was more important for me to show how this couple would face future issues in their lives. And that meant an honest, loving conversation where they deal with the problems without yelling, slammed doors, or low blow insults. I want my readers to know that this is a relationship that can last, even past the final page. It may be my favorite ending I’ve ever written.

Your writing is addictive and fun. I would love to know if you’re a plotter or a pantser. What seems to work best when you’re working on a new manuscript?

Katie: I am absolutely a plotter! I usually have different stages of outlines, from very thin bullet lists that get me through the major beats and plot points, to eventually having a full blown excel spreadsheet that is color coded to track each chapter, pov, subplot, and minor thread. I’m a bit extreme when it comes to organizing my books – if only I could keep my house this way. 

While we’re on the subject of writing, do you have any favorite snacks, music or rituals for your writing? For instance, are you blasting music or need complete silence? 

Katie: Music is life for me, and the playlist is everything. I often can’t start drafting until I find the right sound that encompasses the vibe – for each character, and the story as a whole. My poor Spotify account is so confused. Like, do you really want South African angsty rap mixed with Country music? Yes, yes I do. As for snacks, I keep Cheddar & Sour Cream Ruffles on hand, and I would shrivel up without a constant glass of Fresca, a bottle of Acai-Blueberry-Pomegranate XXX Vitamin Water, and some Deep Eddy’s lemon vodka for those late night spicy scenes. 

What started your foray into reading and loving the romance genre? 

Katie: Hands down, it was my mom. She was addicted to romance movies, and we watched them constantly growing up. I’ve always been a romantic thanks to her, and it led me right to reading fanfiction as I grew up. Reading other people writing the continuation of love stories for pairings that weren’t getting their due or might not happen in my favorite shows and movies, it was a gold mine of happiness and I was hooked. From there, I wandered into the Romance genre, and it was like coming home. A place where stories overflowed with tenderness, banter, pining, and steam? I’ll take one of everything, please!

Do you have any advice for fellow writers?

Katie: Find your people! From betas, CPs, to a trusty group chat, the writing community is your greatest asset. I would be lost without the people behind me, cheering me on and keeping me in check, and I’m so thankful I have them to lean on, in good times and in my struggles. We’re all stronger together. 

TV Recs & More – Author Interview: Katie Golding

What are some romances on your TBR and/or must read romances?

Katie: Must reads for me would be Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall, The Happily Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez, It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey, The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams, and the taboo series by Katee Robert. I feel like I’m forgetting a million books, but top of my TBR is From the Top by Jaqueline Snow, the Dirty Air series by Lauren Asher, and The Bennett Women by Eden Appiah-Kubi. 

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I love talking about TV and movies. What are some of your favorite TV shows? Or, if you casted an adaptation for Falling for the Enemy, do you have anyone in mind for your characters?

Katie: I am firmly a product of Gilmore Girls, and watched it every day for years and years. My husband quotes it often. New Girl completely stole my heart, The Vampire Diaries got me writing again (and where I found my critique partner!), and Schitt’s Creek is my comfort watch. I fall asleep to Star Trek: The Next Generation every night, and my favorite new show is Raised By Wolves. I also gobbled up Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age, because I love love love period pieces and I’m a Jane Austen forever-fan. 

As for fan casting, I can’t say for Blake. Nina Dobrev could probably do her justice – all that strength and spice! But Jasper was modeled on Alexander Skarsgard, so I wouldn’t be upset about that. He just needs a tongue ring and he’s good to go! 

This is not your first foray into writing series. You’ve also written the Moto Grand Prix series. Can you tell your new readers what to expect from this series?

Katie: Absolutely! The Moto Grand Prix series holds a special place in my heart as I am a massive fan of motorcycle racing, and a Texan to my very core. So it was a gift to share those parts of myself with readers. This series blends the worlds of cowboys and professional motorcycle racing, and it’s full of pining, banter, unrequited love, slow dances, racing hearts on and off the track, and some very steamy moments. If the racing sounds a bit out of your wheelhouse, don’t worry – you don’t have to be a fan of racing to dive in. The series centers around the messiness of love, family, friends, taking your first step into independence, and careers that ask everything of you and may not give everything back. But through it all, true love always prevails. 

One last thing, what are you hoping readers get / understand or feel when they read your books?

Katie: Mostly I just want them to feel – to laugh at the banter, to smile at the sweetness, to share the hurt in the dark moments, and to feel seen through the problems and the drama that comes with experiencing life. My biggest wish is that when the final page is turned, that the books are set down with a smile, a warm heart, a satisfied sigh that the journey is complete, and hopefully some goose bumps. If I can give readers that, then I’ve done my job. 

Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me, Katie! How can readers best connect with you?

Katie: Thanks so much for having me, Sarah! I mostly can be found on Twitter talking about tacos, MotoGP and romance books @KatieGolding_TX, but I’m also on Instagram at katiegoldingtx, Facebook at KatieGoldingBooks, and definitely make sure to sign up for my newsletter at KatieGoldingBooks.com.

Want more Author Interviews? Click here for interviews with April Asher & Hannah Bonam-Young.