Indie Romance Feature Friday: Ambar Cordova

Indie romance authors being interviewed about their books? Yes, please!

Cross-posted on my website.

Ambar is a new indie author who you are definitely going to want to have on your radar. She’s not only an amazing writer of swoon-worthy romance, but she’s also a teacher and an awesome person. She and I connected on Instagram a little while ago, and I personally cannot wait to meet her at Romance Con this September! She’s here with us today to talk a little more about her debut, her work in progress, and her writing process. Without further ado, here’s Ambar!

When did you start writing? What inspired you to start?

I've always liked writing one way or another. I used to write songs for my students and short stories to go with our lessons but it wasn't until 2023 that I started thinking about writing a book. There are so many books out there but I struggled to find one that had main characters that shared a love story like mine. I kept saying I was going to write it one day and I finally did!

Describe yourself in three words!

Enthusiastic, Hard-Working, and Loyal

Describe your book(s) in 3 words!

Heartfelt, emotional, binge-worthy

What is your subgenre of romance? Is (are) your book(s) spicy? If so, how spicy?

Sports and multicultural. Yes, it is. This first book has 3 explicit scenes, however, I offer the readers a closed-door option. I added a symbol to signal the open door and the reader is able to skip until the following chapter without changing the plot. The character development might be affected, but the plot will remain.

What comes first for you, the plot or the characters? Is this different for each book you write? Why do you think that is?

The characters! My stories are heavily character driven so that's what pops in my head first. I hear (in my brain) their emotions, their thoughts, their challenges, and their passion first. Then, I play around with the plot. For my second book, coming out in September, the plot actually kept changing because the characters were loud in what they wanted.

Why do you write?

I love telling stories. I think there's something magical about being able to share with others your thoughts and hopefully inspire.

What is your favorite part of the writing process and why?

Probably reviewing the editor's feedback! I love reading what she thinks would make my book better and considering it for the story to be polished and easy to read. But I really love when arc readers start getting the books and shouting about it. I loved holding my book in my hands for the first time. Loved seeing my husband who doesn't usually read, read my words. Working with illustrators for scenes and stickers too! Marketing is hard but I let my creativity run wild, and I love that.

Describe your writing space.

My husband built me my dream library for our ten year anniversary. We call it The Babe Cave or Writing Cave. It's a she shed, completely insulated, with a sofa bed, a mechanic adjustable table with stools, all of my books, a fridge, coffee and wine bar, and more. I never want to leave that place. I also write a lot from the living room, while my littles are running wild. I sit on a recliner with a lap desk.

What is your least favorite part of the writing process and why?

Drafting! English is my second language so drafting sentences from scratch is really difficult. I know what I want to say but then when I see it in writing, I hate it. I second-guess myself so much when drafting. I think it's the loneliest part of the process too, and I'm a people person.

Tell us a little about your book(s)! What are they about? What inspired them? When were they/will they be published?

My series Baker Oaks is a small-town multicultural series based in Florida. My first book, The Truth Never Spoken, was heavily inspired by my husband and me if we were raised in the same town and with some drama, of course. I took our story and all my favorite tropes and made it into one book. It is a football, dual timeline, second chance romance and it's available now. The series continues following a group of friends from the same town, Book 2, The Trail Often Crossed is coming out Sept 10th. It follows two of the characters we meet in book 1 as they find they are rivals in a big Hare Scramble (motocross) race.

You can buy Ambar’s books here, special editions here, and snag a signed copy here!

What is the biggest lesson you've learned from writing and publishing your book(s) so far?

It takes grit! You need to want this. You need to put in the work. It's beyond incredible but you must want it with all your heart so you don't lose the fight on the hard days.

Which of your main characters would you most like to be friends with in real life and why?

Roe! My FMC in book 2! I wrote her after my best friend. She's fierce, loyal, and the ultimate hype girl, as long as you're on her good side!

Do you eat or drink while you are writing, editing, or doing other writerly things? If so, what's your go-to snack and drink?

Coffee and whatever my husband feeds me. Cashews, Vicki's BBQ potato chips, grilled cheese, are his usual go to when he needs to make me a writing snack at midnight

When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?

Music! A lot of my scenes are heavily inspired by songs. I often make the playlist first, listen to the songs in a loop, and get writing.

Has writing and publishing a book changed the way you see yourself? If so, how?

I didn't know I was this brave. I didn't know I had it in me to reach out to strangers and ask them to give me a chance. Also? I still can't believe I'm an author. Sometimes I want to pinch myself to see if it's all real. I've looked up to authors my whole life and the chance that I might be that person for someone else one day is beyond incredible.

What does success as an author look like for you? 

I set goals for myself because I need measurable data to consider success. Every time I meet one of those goals, I think I'm being successful. But the ultimate goal is to be able to make this a sustainable career.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Study your genre and comp authors! I don't mean write what they write but start looking at people writing the things you want to write as well, not for comparison but for inspiration. Also, MAKE A NEWSLETTER! The newsletter is the only way you OWN that you can contact and reach your readers. and last, know that there's room for everyone in the publishing world, as long as you're kind!

What was your last 5-star read and why did you love it?

False Start by Kandi Steiner. I love a good football romance and this one also had a single mom and the cutest kiddo. It was perfect!

Thank you, Ambar, for joining us today! All of you should absolutely follow her on Instagram and check out her other links for more updates!

If you are an indie romance author who would like to be featured, or if you know someone who fits the bill and would be interested, you (or they) can fill out the interview form here! Filling out the form is not a guarantee you will be featured. Please read all disclaimers on the form carefully before submitting. Thank you!