Thank you so much Lisina for the author interview. I discovered The Brightest Light of Sunshine on TikTok and fell in love with the story.

Interview

• What was your inspiration for The Brightest Light of Sunshine?

I’ve always been a big advocate of sex positivity, and I wanted to do my bit in the book world. I’m also a firm believer that everyone’s healing process is different, and we shouldn’t shame each other for moving on too fast or too slow after a traumatic event. Making people feel seen in their healing journey was my main goal with this book. And, thanks to countless messages from survivors I’ve received since the book came out, I’m happy to say it was a success. 

• What was your process for writing a dual pov story?

Getting to be inside my characters’ heads was incredibly fun. Since I knew Grace and Cal like the back of my hand before I started writing, once I started typing, switching between them was a walk in the park most of the time… But I’ll admit it was challenging to keep track of what the characters said out loud, versus what they thought to themselves (or maybe I’m the only one struggling with this LOL).

• How did your main character develop over the course of brainstorm to actually writing the novel?

Fun fact–Cal was going to be a single dad at first! Little Maddie was going to be his daughter. But I quickly realized I didn’t want to deal with ex-girlfriend drama, so I made her his sister instead. And honestly? I love that change. I think it’s quite unique and, since Cal is a father figure to her anyway, I didn’t have to get rid of that initial DILF energy.

• What was your process for character and world building?

The story takes place in a fictional city on the East Coast of the US. I used Boston and smaller towns in that area for inspiration, as well as my own imagination. 

Grace and Cal popped into my head one day, totally out of the blue, and refused to go away. When I sat down to brainstorm their personalities, inner conflicts, backgrounds, and goals, it took me less than a day. Their voices were incredibly loud, and I believe it’s because this is a book I was truly meant to write.

• How would you describe The Brightest Light of Sunshine  in five words?

A hopeful and spicy romance.

• What was your favourite book growing up?

All 13 books of A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket have a very special place in my heart. They were the first books I ever read in English (it’s not my first-language) and they helped me improve my reading and grammar skills so much, and so quickly too! I was pretty much fluent by 15 thanks to books.  

• What is your favourite genre to read?

I’m a sucker for contemporary romances (duh) but I also adore romantasy. I’ve been reading some historical romances as well lately. It’s pretty safe to assume I won’t read a fiction book unless there’s romance in it!