To elaborate, I’ve always been fascinated by what our society calls popular culture. You know, if there’s a relationship between them, then I think the balance of influence flows from my writing toward my academic work, rather than vice-versa. To have it sanctioned by a whole bunch of people who have never met you but think you were right to pursue it – that feels nothing short of miraculous.Īs a doctoral student in anthropology (the best major btw), how has your academic life influenced your work? Do your peers and professors know you write romance novels, and have you ever felt pressured to write “real literature”? For most of us, writing for publication is a dream we’ve nursed for a very, very long time. But once I’d acknowledged and set aside the pressure attendant on producing on a schedule, what replaced the anxiety was a sense of gratitude bordering on awe. There are obviously potential downsides to this. What had felt, for so long, like a very intimate endeavor had now acquired a public dimension. Suddenly I had deadlines, and professionals waiting (and wanting! what a headtrip!) to see my work, and – most amazing of all – readers inquiring about it. In my experience, being published wreaks its own transformation on the writing process. In what ways has your life changed since becoming published? This year, you have two back-to-back releases. Last year The Duke of Shadows, your debut and winner of ’s Romance novel competition, was released.

Bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran