We were lucky to catch up with Sharae Teria recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Sharae thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
One of the biggest risks I took was deciding to write sweet romance novels, even though a lot of people were urging me to go for the edgier stuff. For a while, I felt the pressure to fit in and follow the trends, but I realized I just wanted to write the kind of romance that makes my heart happy—full of warmth and positivity. So, I took the plunge and embraced my own style. I totally respect writers who choose different paths; we all should be free to do what works best for us. The cool part? The feedback I’ve gotten has been amazing! Readers seem to really connect with my stories, and it’s been so rewarding to see that there’s a place for my voice in the literary world. Choosing to stick to my guns has turned out to be a great decision, and I’m excited to keep going.
Sharae , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m an avid reader and have loved books for as long as I can remember. My mom, a retired teacher, really instilled that passion in us kids, so it felt natural that I’d want to become a writer someday. Life took me on a few different career paths, but in 2016, I finally decided to dive into self-publishing. It took me a bit to find my writing voice; I spent too long trying to fit in instead of realizing I was meant to stand out.
Right now, my brand focuses on celebrating Black love with a Hallmark-style twist. I want to create feel-good stories that revolve around the magic of falling in love and connecting deeply. While I do have plans to branch out, for now, this is my jam. If I ever venture into edgier territory, it’ll be on the mild side—I really want to keep the focus on that heartwarming romance.
When I’m not writing, you’ll probably find me watching sports, singing my heart out at karaoke, or enjoying my favorite TV shows and movies.
What sets me apart? I think it’s the way I blend relatable characters with uplifting stories that highlight love in all its beautiful forms.
I’m really proud of the positive feedback I’ve received from readers who connect with my work. I want potential fans to know that my stories are all about celebrating love and connection in a way that feels genuine and heartwarming. If you’re looking for a sweet escape into the world of romance, I’m here for it!
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
When I first started my writing journey, I had no idea there were so many resources available for aspiring writers. I found myself overwhelmed by all the information about structure, story beats, and outlining. It felt like a lot to tackle on my own.
But once I decided to really dive in and learn my craft, I discovered tons of helpful online resources and a supportive writing community. I wish I had known about these sooner! Connecting with other writers in my niche and tapping into their experiences made a huge difference for me. If I’d had that guidance from the start, it would’ve made things a lot easier. So, for anyone just starting out, don’t hesitate to reach out and explore what’s out there. It can really help you on your journey.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a writer has definitely been the positive feedback from readers. When I first started writing sweet, behind-closed-doors romance, I was worried that people would hate it. I was scared of rejection and felt unsure about how my stories would be received. But it didn’t take long to realize that my fears were way off base. The encouragement and love I’ve gotten from readers has been so positive, and knowing that my stories resonate with people makes it all worthwhile. It’s a great reminder that there’s a place for the kind of romance I want to write.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @authorsharaeteria
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SongBirdWrites
