When Embers Find Her
by L. Creeke
Released: Mar 02, 2026
Genre: Historical Romance
Why this book and why now?
This story has lived inside my head for a long time. I would constantly search for the themes and tropes I wanted to see, but never found it. I decided to just write it finally instead.
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
I initially thought it would take close to a year to complete, but the story was brimming inside my brain for so long, it poured out faster than I ever expected. I also never thought side characters would become some of my favorites, but they stole my heart.
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
My novel is a dual POV, so I have two female main characters. I would get along with both easily I believe, but that may just be because I wrote them… or my career in social services.
Do your character names have special significance or meaning?
Yes, they do. I don’t feel elaborating would benefit anyone, but yes, the characters names are important personally and to the story.
Did any real-life events or personal experiences influence the story?
Yes, I drew on my own personal experiences with trauma, healing, love, friendship, and self-discovery.
How does it feel to finally share this book with readers?
It feels terrifying and exciting all at once. It’s a vulnerable experience to put so much of yourself and your passion into something that is open to interpretation and opinions.
Is there anything you wish readers knew before diving into this book?
These stories and characters became the reader’s as soon as they were put on paper. Every opinion and experience is valid. My only hope is that readers enjoy themselves.
What’s one fun fact about your book that most people wouldn’t know?
I have my own Appalachian roots and the language in the book is very authentic, despite being unfamiliar or strange to most people.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Well, my characters live in the year 1890 in the Wild West Frontier, but if they were alive today, I believe that Charlotte would love shows that depict her former life with plenty of sassy female power and spice. Bridgerton comes to mind. Sawyer would probably enjoy anything that brings her outlaw/cowboy vibes to life. Yellowstone or 1883 or some other old western movie.
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
Books and reading are a consistent theme throughout my novel. They both love poetry and the fictional poet in the book is just my own work. I would selfishly hope that both Charlotte and Sawyer would love to read their own novel, but of course, Bloom Town. Always Bloom Town.
What 3 things would your main character want with them if they got stranded away from civilization, and why?
Charlotte would need her book, her quilt, and probably a pack of cigarettes. Sawyer would need her hat, her horse, and again, a pack of cigarettes. Hey, it’s 1890…
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Sawyer is quite the romantic and would most definitely plan a night under the stars.
Which character do you relate to the most, and why?
I relate to both of my main characters. I put so much of myself into each one of them, as well as so much of those I love.
Were there any scenes or characters that surprised you as you wrote?
Jo surprised me because I never expected her to be a big part of Sawyer’s life, but she grew on me quickly and took her personality into her own fictional hands.
Which character was the most fun to write, and which was the hardest?
Sawyer was the most fun to write for me because I pulled so much of my wife for her. Charlotte was healing for me.
If your book were to be adapted into a movie or TV show, who would be your dream cast?
I very much believe that Sawyer and Charlotte evoke Idgie and Ruth from Fried Green Tomatoes. IYKYK. If they had their own adaptation today, ER Fightmaster would be a fantastic Sawyer or maybe Chloe Sevigny in her If These Walls Could Talk 2. With Elizabeth Olson as Charlotte because have you seen Scarlet Witch? I mean, come on.
Did any of your characters surprise you by developing in unexpected ways?
Tommy grew into such a kind and important part of Sawyer’s life. I intended for him to be just a simple side character, but I’m so glad he didn’t listen to me.
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
All of the characters would definitely just shoot back some whiskey. Myself? Diet Coke.
If your book had a scent, what would it smell like?
Burning sage, lavender, probably strong liquor and fire smoke.
If your book had a signature dessert, what would it be?
Just an after dinner smoke.
Your characters are throwing a party—what’s the theme?
Well, western of course.
Do you outline your books in detail, or do you prefer to discover the story as you write?
I outline the characters initially and then I let the story take me wherever it needs to.
Who are your biggest literary influences?
I’ve always loved Emily Dickinson.
What are you currently reading?
I am a mood reader and constantly reading/listening to several books at once.
If you could have dinner with any author, living or dead, who would it be?
Stephanie Meyer because I have to know if she truly thought that khaki maxi skirt was actually sexy…
