Get ready to learn more about the book Held In Her Storm in this discussion with sapphic author E. Rosa.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz E. Rosa about Held In Her Storm, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Royalty category in the 2025 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write Held In Her Storm?
I always turn to literature when I’m feeling down, and I was going through a bad moment, but I also happened to be in one of those moments where we can’t just bring ourselves to read something. So I decided to write instead. I wanted something light, but with yearning, a then Held In Her Storm was born.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
Willow! She’s so fun, she was fun to write, and IMO she’s fun to read (I’m biased, though). I don’t think I’m similar to her, but I do think she reminds me a little bit of my actual best friend, who’s free spirited, and fun, and just overall a joyous person.
What was the biggest challenge writing this book?
Not making Ellara a sweetheart. She is an ancient queen, and one of the most powerful beings in the world, but there was just something about her that made me want to write her as a complete sweetheart, but that just wouldn’t do, so I had to fight against her and turn her into the character I envisioned.
What part of Held In Her Storm was the most fun to write?
Anything Willow-related was extremely fun to write. Especially the chapter in which she complains about a mad-man with a bird fetish stealing her sanity. I had so much fun writing it.
What is your favorite line from your book?
Willow groaned and turned to Selene, dramatically wiping her brow. “I’m glad you’re safe, but my sanity may have been just stolen by a madman with a bird fetish.” OR “You absolute reckless, brilliant, infuriating—” She couldn’t finish. Words dissolved into another broken sob. “You are everything I’ve ever hoped for.”
What is your writing process like?
I write a semi-open plot, then follow it very loosely. It’s just somewhat of a guide, really, but I NEVER followed through, not once, and I’ve been writing for years.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
It’s not a favorite snack for when I’m writing, per se, it’s more a comfort food, but I HAVE to leave the recipe here! Brazilian brigadeiros are THE BEST. 1 can of condensed milk (it HAS to be brazilian, the ones from other countries just don’t taste the same, so any other would botch the recipe), 2 table spoons of butter, 1 pinch of salt, 2 to 4 table spoons of chocolate powder (70% is my favorite), and stir till it stops sticking to the side of the pot.
Do you have a pet who helps/hinders your typing?
Yes!!! Her name is Porca Espinha, she’s black cat (though she’s kitten sized). She’s around 8 years old, and she’s a cuddle bug, only problem is she loves to cuddle when I’m writing… or Studying… Or doing anything productive at all. So I normally end up having to stop what I’m doing to cuddle and pet her.
What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book?
My inconsistency (due to my ADHD) has both helped and hindered. Sometimes I write A LOT, like 6k words in a single go. Sometimes I spend WEEKS without writing a single word.
When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?
Whenever I’m writing an emotional scene, I normally just put on some epic music, lower the lights, and just write non-stop. I ignore any mistakes, I ignore my own thoughts, I just kinda let my fingers dance on the keyboard. I do this until the scene is done, and what comes out of it is normally a DISASTER, but a beautiful disaster, one I can shape (edit and rewrite) into a very good scene, normally.
Have you ever cried when writing an emotional scene?
I once cried ’cause I accidentally killed a butterfly, so it’s safe to say I cry easily. Yes, I’ve cried. In Held In Her Storm, I cried towards the end, when Ellara expresses how proud she is of her daughter even though Willow is turning away from the crown.
What type of books do you enjoy reading the most?
My tastes change ALL the time (I’m really inconsistent sometimes). Lately I’ve been feeling more like mystery and paranormal. But normally I’m ALL for fantasy.
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
Actually, what made me got into writing (and into reading) was a tv show, The Vampire Diaries. I started reading fanfics about it, then started writing my own.
What books did you grow up reading?
I wasn’t a reader as I grew up. I think the first book that I actually ENJOYED reading was Percy Jackson. As for my writing, I always tend to automatically (it never happens cause I want to) adapt to the writing style of whoever I’m reading. Some people say it’s a good thing, some say it’s bad. I don’t know.
