Kylie Scott grew up in Australia devouring books like Anne of Green Gables and anything by Jane Austen. As an adult, Scott combined these romantic influences with her other passions for rock music and B-grade horror movies to create several series that blend suspense, science fiction, post-apocalyptic settings, and romance. Her raucous Dive Bar series earned her fans around the world and time on the New York Times bestseller list. Since 2017, Scott has been reaching those fans directly through self-publishing with new work that breaks into even more genres. She spoke with us about being a hybrid author with global reach and about what she loves in a good romance.

How have music and movies influenced your writing?

My first published series was about a zombie apocalypse and my second about a rock band, so I guess the influences there are pretty clear. People talk about needing to fill the creative well, and I think any kind of art does that. Story is everywhere. In songs, films, books, paintings…you name it.

When did you first want to be a writer?

I always loved books and carried around a notebook from a young age, making up all sorts of short stories. But I first got serious about writing about 10 years ago and started attending courses at the state writing center, attending conferences, and working with a mentor. We all seem to have a tendency to think our first work is genius and not a single precious little word should be changed. That belief has to go for you to get anywhere. It was a steep learning curve.

What drew you to the romance genre in particular?

My favorite books growing up were ones with a reasonably strong romantic relationship threaded through them. I read broadly, but I always return to romance in the end. A guaranteed happy-ever-after isn’t any more formulaic than the dead body in a detective book or murder mystery. Anything could happen between the beginning and the end. And it does.

What made you decide to try self-publishing?

It was a YA book and therefore a little off-brand for me back then. When my then publishers passed on it, it seemed like the perfect time to try self-publishing. I enjoy getting to be fully in charge of the process, from picking covers to which editor, etc. to work with.

Do you intend to keep working as a hybrid author?

The traditionally published romance landscape has changed a lot in the last few years. It’s often hard for traditional publishers to compete with the price point and turnaround time a writer can manage self-publishing. But getting onto bookstore shelves as a self-published author can be a problem. I think there’s definite benefits to both, and I enjoy working with different editors and marketing teams, mixing things up.

How do you find new readers in other countries?

Scott Lies Facebook and Instagram seem to be the most effective right now. Being professional yet authentic online was the best advice I ever received on that front. Build relationships, make friends. And hopefully sell some books while you’re at it.

What do you think readers like about your Dive Bar series?

I think the sense of community or family you can establish in an ongoing series adds an extra level of emotion and richness to stories. You get to watch characters grow and evolve over time. Then there was the fun of tattoos and beards and the hipster scene.

What are you working on next?

I just finished my first action romance in years, which was fun. Next up is a novella with the wonderful 1,001 Dark Nights ladies, and then I’ll see what story is speaking to me the loudest. If I plan too much, my muse inevitably says no. She’s a contrary thing. But as long as I’m writing something, I’m happy.

Rhett Morgan is a writer and translator based in Paris.