Welcome to another exciting feature on Mes Curls Reads!
I had the pleasure of interviewing the talented Kacey Sophia, author of Resort to Romance.
Kacey Sophia is a young, British/Mauritian indie author with a love for Jane Austen. She owns three cats and is often found with her nose in a good romance book. Her An Artist series is available on Amazon; these books follow the romance of Kaia and Maverick, who both have been on a tough journey.
She published her third book, Resort to Romance, in December 2024, and this is part of a series, 'The Duttas, ' which follows the siblings and their paths to romance. Kacey explores mental health within her books and writes about diverse and loveable characters who keep you on your toes.
She hopes to continue to inspire her readers and be an anchor of support for others who need it. She does have a full-time job but will always love writing and will continue to do so.
Let's dive into her world, explore her latest book, and gain insights into her thoughts on writing and life.
About the Book
Felix Bauer was left at the altar six months ago, and ever since then he swore he will never fall in love again. He has lived in Austria all his life, currently working for a travel agency, and is unable to make room for anyone else in his busy lifestyle. That is, until Alisha crashes head-over-heels into him on a ski slope- will she be able to thaw the ice in his heart and allow him to trust again?
Alisha and Felix bring out the best in one another, but is this just a fling or much more? Every holiday romance has to come to an end…. Or does it?
The Interview
Introduction to Your Writing Journey
Q: Can you share a bit about your background and how you became an author?
- Absolutely. I was born in the UK and I’m part Mauritian. I started learning French when I was 15 and now can speak it fluently. I absolutely love reading, writing and singing. My dream when I was younger used to be a singer but I realised it’s a tricky industry to get into. I’ve always had a passion for writing, my teachers at school used to call me a daydreamer. I kept a diary when I was 13 and it helped to document my thoughts. I think that’s probably where my passion for writing came, being able to express myself on paper without judgement. As the years went by, I did find other passions but it was until I was about 25 years old when I decided to write my first book ‘An Artist’s Dream’. Two years later and I am so proud of how far I’ve come, publishing my third book and outlining my next one. Dreams can come true!
Writing and Inspiration:
Q: Resort to Romance explores the themes of healing and trust after heartbreak. What inspired you to write this story, and what message do you hope readers take away from it?
Q: You’ve mentioned a love for Jane Austen. Did her works influence the way you craft your characters and their relationships? If yes, could you share how?
About Resort to Romance:
Q: Alisha Dutta is an aspiring journalist who steps outside her comfort zone, while Felix Bauer is healing from being left at the altar. How did you develop their contrasting personalities and make their relationship feel authentic?
- I wanted these two characters to be different but also at the same time, to have a lot of similarities. They both care about their families and want to fulfil successful careers. I wanted their interactions to be truthful and realistic; perhaps some might say it’s love at first sight and in a way, perhaps it is. But at the same time, they both go on a journey of self-love and I think that’s important to highlight.Q: The setting in Ischgl, Austria, is unique and picturesque. Why did you choose this location, and how does it shape the narrative?
- I went there in December 2023 for a ski holiday with my partner. At first, I was very anxious, as I had never skied before. But I conquered my fears and discovered it was so much fun. Alisha’s experience is very relatable, and I wanted to depict that in an honest way. What she feels is what I felt. Q: The book explores the idea of holiday romances. What do you think makes such romances so magical yet challenging?
- Holiday romances are not perfect, in fact any romance isn’t. Throughout the book, we saw the challenges that Alisha and Felix face and we know that by the end of the book, Alisha must return home. It’s a harsh reality but one the two characters need to accept. It doesn’t stop them having a beautiful relationship though.
Q: Alisha Dutta is an aspiring journalist who steps outside her comfort zone, while Felix Bauer is healing from being left at the altar. How did you develop their contrasting personalities and make their relationship feel authentic?
Q: The setting in Ischgl, Austria, is unique and picturesque. Why did you choose this location, and how does it shape the narrative?
Q: The book explores the idea of holiday romances. What do you think makes such romances so magical yet challenging?
The Writing Journey:
Q: Resort to Romance is part of The Duttas series. What made you decide to write a series focusing on siblings, and how do you plan to differentiate their love stories?
- I feel I am partly inspired by Bridgerton; I love the sibling dynamic in the series. But also, it reminds me of the relationship with my own sisters. The next three books follow Zane, Aadi and Kiya and I can’t wait for you to read their stories.Q: As a young indie author with a full-time job, what does your writing routine look like, and how do you stay motivated?
- As I work full-time, it is incredibly hard to find time to write. But usually when I have holiday breaks, I take the time to outline, draft and then write. I usually just write when it comes to me without forcing it. Sometimes I’ll have sparks of motivation and then there are days where I don’t write at all.
Q: Resort to Romance is part of The Duttas series. What made you decide to write a series focusing on siblings, and how do you plan to differentiate their love stories?
Q: As a young indie author with a full-time job, what does your writing routine look like, and how do you stay motivated?
Personal Touch:
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve received as a writer, and how has it influenced your journey?
- I would say to write what you feel, what you want others to be inspired about and connect with. Share your voice and be proud of the journey you go on. I have no regrets, and I am thankful to have met many talented indie authors along the way.Q: What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting their writing journey?
- I would say to take that step to write, it can be scary but it’s worth it. Don’t be afraid as well to reach out to other aspiring writers/authors because honestly we love connecting with you!
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve received as a writer, and how has it influenced your journey?
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting their writing journey?
Future Projects:
Q: With The Duttas series underway, do you have plans to explore other genres or storylines in the future?
- Good question! I’m not too sure yet, but I’ve had a few ideas. I’m just going to see where the road takes me.Q: How do you envision your writing evolving over the next few years, and what kind of legacy do you hope to leave for your readers?
- I would imagine that perhaps I may not be as descriptive or perhaps I may be. The type of legacy I want to leave is that you are worthy and appreciated.
Q: With The Duttas series underway, do you have plans to explore other genres or storylines in the future?
Q: How do you envision your writing evolving over the next few years, and what kind of legacy do you hope to leave for your readers?
Fun Questions
Q: If you could have dinner with any author, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
- Oh wow, well it would have to be Jane Austen! And then Ana Huang, I love her books.
Q: What book are you currently reading, or what’s on your to-read list?
- Currently reading Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage. I hope to read some more holiday romance books as I’ve seen some really interesting ones.
Closing Thoughts
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers of Mes Curls Reads?
- Just a big thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, I am so grateful. I wouldn’t be able to do this without you.
Thank you so much for this interview, Kacey! Resort to Romance is a heartwarming read, and we're excited to see what you have in store for us next.