Silencing Sofia
by Crystal Lopez
Released: Mar 10, 2026
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Why this book and why now?
Being a survivor of sexual trauma, writing has always been a way for me to heal. I’ve always wanted to share my writing, but never felt that it was quite good enough. About two years ago my wonderful wife started to really push me toward writing a book and finally Silencing Sofia was birthed from my head and onto paper. As terrifying as it is to show my soul on paper for everyone to read and judge, I’m super excited and I’m proud of myself for seeing it through.
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?
Oh, it was a WHOLE thing! I had an ending in my head… an entire court case showing the injustices of the failing “justice” system, but the ending turned into something else and I have to say, I LOVE IT.
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
Absolutely. She IS pieces of me.
Do your character names have special significance or meaning?
Aside from going through a million to find names that I feel “fit” them, no.
Did any real-life events or personal experiences influence the story?
Absolutely. I am a rape survivor, so the story is parts of my soul on paper. The pain, the emptiness, the rebuilding. It’s written from the aches deep within me. I do not glorify the trauma that happens in the book, I don’t think sexual violence should ever be glorified, but it is in there as truth.
How does it feel to finally share this book with readers?
Amazing and terrifying all at the same time.
Is there anything you wish readers knew before diving into this book?
It has depth that builds. It’s like an onion… it has layers. I love emotion, emotion will always have a huge place in all my writing.
What’s one fun fact about your book that most people wouldn’t know?
The songs used in the end of the book are actually songs that my wife and I walked down the aisle to. I felt that a little piece of our love story deserved to be in there at some point, as a tribute to my amazing wife.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Sofia would def binge some Home Town (she loves making things beautiful) & The Bachelor (because who doesn’t love some good trashy reality?!), Allie would lose braincells while Sofia watched The Bachelor, but she loves her Softball
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
Sofia – The Notebook because it’s a beautiful, emotional love story. Allie – The Crave Series because it’s a guilty pleasure of hers
What 3 things would your main character want with them if they got stranded away from civilization, and why?
Her camera to capture all the beautiful moments, her family because she can’t live without them, and an unlimited supply of raspberry cream cold brew coffee
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Allie would find a shady spot under the biggest tree she could find along the lake to place a thoughtful sunset picnic on. The basket would feature all of Sofia’s favorite foods, her iced coffee, a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers and peonies (her favorites), some slow jams and a couple pillows and blankets so they could cozy up together and watch the stars. To Allie, romance isn’t about expensive things, it’s about the connection, the small moments.
Which character do you relate to the most, and why?
Sofia for sure. We have things in common, little pieces of me were rebirthed in her. I think she’s sweeter than me though and definitely prettier.
Were there any scenes or characters that surprised you as you wrote?
The kitchen scene. I still cry every time I read or listen to it (yes, an audiobook is coming)
Which character was the most fun to write, and which was the hardest?
I think Cami, Sofia’s little sister was great to write. She is very much like my niece and her attitude (though a lot) is fun. The hardest? Eleanor. I really had to place myself on the other side of trauma and that was difficult at times.
If your book were to be adapted into a movie or TV show, who would be your dream cast?
Jasmine Villegas as Sofia, Allie I’m still trying to figure out. There aren’t a whole lot of options available.
Did any of your characters surprise you by developing in unexpected ways?
Eleanor. It wasn’t a part of the original ending, but I’m in love with Eleanor now.
If you could spend a day with one character from the book, who would it be and why?
I’d have to say Eleanor. Part of my heart still bleeds for her in unexpected ways.
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.
An Espresso Martini. One… because I’ve never had one and I want to. Two… because we fancy.
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
I think I’d have my good friend, Ginger, play Feels Like Home. It has a very special place in my heart for numerous reasons both inside and outside of the book. That song will forever be “home” to me.
If your book had a scent, what would it smell like?
Lavender and Vanilla. IYKYK
Your characters are throwing a party—what’s the theme?
Florals and Fiction
Do you outline your books in detail, or do you prefer to discover the story as you write?
It comes as I write. Most of it lives inside my head for a long time before I put it to paper. I spend time developing it inside my head first, so it flows pretty easily once I get writing.
Do you have any writing rituals or habits?
I like to play music that fits the scene I’m writing. If it’s an emotional scene, I dive into emotional music, something that will draw those emotions even further. If it’s intense, I go for some intense instrumentals or some darker tunes.
What are you currently reading?
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
If you could have dinner with any author, living or dead, who would it be?
Tracy Wolff. She’s a friends fiance and I’d love to meet her and pick her mind a little.
