Contemporary romance author Stefanie Castro knows how to tug on readers’ heartstrings—and keep them turning pages late into the night. Best known for her Boston Embers romance series, Castro blends swoony romance with raw emotion and isn’t afraid to explore the tougher topics that shape her unforgettable characters. In this interview, she opens up about her writing habits, the authors who inspire her, and how her nursing background helps her infuse compassion and depth into every story she tells.
In Embers in the Outfield, Kennedy and River have been clashing since their first fiery encounter at a college party ten years ago. Reunited at a wedding, their undeniable chemistry resurfaces—along with all the tension and resistance that once drove them apart. As fate keeps throwing them together, what begins as a fling soon stirs deeper feelings, forcing them to confront the possibility that love might be hiding behind all the sparks.
Q: Who are some of your favorite authors that you feel were influential in your work? What impact have they had on your writing?
A: K.A. Tucker, Elle Kennedy, Jewel E. Ann, and Emery Rose are all authors I adore. They’ve all contributed to my love of books and writing. Their characters have shown me how to fall in love with these make-believe worlds but have reminded me of the many layers a character can have and that I don’t have to be afraid to tackle the tougher topics of life. They’ve shown me that the emotion I want to bring to my own characters is completely safe and welcome. I appreciate that kind of writing.
Q: What’s been the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned about yourself through writing?
A: I always imagined I’d have this concrete idea of what my stories would look like before tackling the story. But I’ve noticed, the more books I’ve written, I’ve really let the story take me on a journey. Many times, I’ve sat down and simply let the characters speak to me. I have a generalized idea of the beginning, middle, and end, but there are times, I will completely change things around and it’s fun to see the story unfold.
Q: What’s one writing habit you can’t live without and one you wish you could break?
A: I need to have my noise-canceling headphones. It’s a requirement in my house to write. I wish I could break the habit of writing until the late hours sometimes because it causes me to sleep poorly. The cycle continues into the next day, unfortunately. I don’t seem to learn my lesson.
Q: Do you find inspiration in other art forms (music, film, visual art)? If so, how does it shape your work?
A: Music moves me. It pulls something out of me emotionally. I’m a mood writer and when I listen to a certain song, it can remind me of a particular character and speak to me in a way that I’ll write an entire chapter simply from listening to a specific song. It’s inspiring and powerful in that way.
Q: Do you have your own circle of writer friends? If so, what other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
A: I have recently connected with an author group and it has been a wonderful way to form a new circle of friends. They have been a great support group and help motivate me when I’m feeling unenthusiastic while writing.
Q: What themes do you find yourself returning to again and again in your work?
A: In the books I’ve written so far, I’ve noticed I’ve done two second chance romances so far. I have found it to be one I love and lean into quite a bit. It’s a trope I particularly love personally and it’s an easy one to write about. There’s so much emotion between the characters and it’s easy to get into the character’s head when writing them.
Q: How do you approach writing characters with experiences different from your own?
A: I think because of my nursing background, I’m constantly having to put myself in my patients’ shoes. Because of that, I’m in a field where I live in a perpetual state of “what if,” leaving me wondering what I would do in another person’s perspective. That gives me the ability to see someone else’s side of things and I appreciate that very much. I really try to weave compassion into my characters, just as much as love and empathy.
Q: Do you ever feel pressure to include (or avoid) certain topics in your writing? Why or why not?
A: No. I actually lean into the discomfort quite a bit. If anyone is familiar with my writing, I am heavily invested in writing about some heavy topics. My biggest focus is to ensure I have my content warnings properly stated for my readers. I care deeply for their well-being and ensure they are properly informed first and foremost.
Q: What’s your go-to snack or drink while writing?
A: I drink a good amount of tea when I write. I think that’s what I miss most in the summer months when I’m writing because it’s too hot. Iced tea just doesn’t hit the same when it’s hot outside. But a hot cup of tea feels perfect when I’m writing and the weather is cold outside.
Q: What’s the most rewarding feedback you’ve ever received from a reader?
A: I’ve had a reader send me a message telling me that I write the twin relationship really well (between River and Clay in the Boston Embers series). I find this fascinating because I’m an only child. I love hearing this because I’ve always loved the sibling relationship and wanted one my entire life. I think the bond between siblings is really special, especially twins. Hearing this made my day. I think when readers send authors positive messages, they should know it makes a really big difference!
Q: Have you ever had to cut a scene or character you loved? How did you handle it?
A: In book two of the If Only series (If Only You Fell), Beau passes away in the prologue. It’s brutal and I cried as I wrote it. It was always something I saw as his fate. I wrote book one knowing I would have that prologue waiting for me in book two, but writing it still broke my heart. I didn’t handle it well and readers still message me telling me how it gutted them. It was brutal, if I’m being honest.
Q: What do you wish readers understood better about the writing or publishing process?
A: This is not a sprint. It’s a marathon. It’s going to take time. But take it, one mile at a time. Don’t give up when you feel tired and down because it will feel overwhelming at times. I would say to surround yourself with strong people that believe in you because you’ll need them to lift you up. I have found a good circle to surround myself with and they’ve helped keep me moving forward. I’ve had to keep learning as I go. Indie publishing is a lot of self-learning, but I find that to be exciting. I’d also say to be open to falling and picking yourself up. Learn to be comfortable with that. Making mistakes happens and it’s part of the process.
Q: What have you written that you found to be the most fun to write?
A: I’ll admit I was apprehensive to write enemies-to-lovers, worried I wouldn’t be good at it. I thought I would not succeed with the characters possibly coming off as rude to one another. But I had a lot of fun, the banter being a lot more fun than I ever imagined. I might have to revisit that trope sooner than I expected.
Q: Do you have an all-time favorite writer, or does your favorite change over time? Who is your favorite writer today?
A: This is a tough one. I can narrow down to three right now, but there is no possible way to give just one: Elle Kennedy, Jewel E. Ann, and K.A. Tucker.
Q: What other books would you recommend to our readers in addition to your own?
A: The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker—my go-to reread!
Q: If you could live in the world of one of your books for a day, which would it be and why?
A: Embers in the Outfield—I really love River and Kennedy. They both have fun energy and I’d love to see them interact in person. Plus, I wouldn’t mind hanging out with their dog, Lola.
Q: If your life were a novel, what would the title be?
A: What day is it?
Q: What’s a new genre or style you’d love to experiment with in the future?
A: Thriller/Suspense
Q: What projects are you working on at the present?
A: I’m writing book four of the Boston Embers series—Embers in Our Souls. This book will focus on Hunter and Indiana. I know a lot of people who read book three were left with a cliffhanger and are eager to know what happens next. This will be the last book of the series. I can’t wait for people to meet Indiana and get to know Hunter more in his book.
Q: What do your plans for future projects include?
A: I have a new series in the works that might have some little surprises in store for my readers that have read my other books. That’s all I can really say right now. I’m really excited to start on that in the months ahead.
Stefanie Castro is a registered nurse and former blogger who began writing to connect with new parents before discovering her passion for romance fiction. She made her romance debut in November 2023 with If Only You Knew, focusing on characters in their forties—a group she believes deserves more space in the genre. Stefanie lives in Southern California with her husband, two children, and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
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Book Summary
When Jack Utley loses his daughter just as his business is about to soar, it seems he’s traded financial gain for Callie’s life. After an encounter with a mysterious woman on the eve of Callie’s funeral, Jack wakes up to find that time has somehow rewound to the morning of Callie’s accident. Jack gets an opportunity that most grieving parents can only dream of – he saves his daughter’s life.
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