Spark
by Paige Blanchet
Released: Nov 25, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Why this book and why now?
I love the idea that competition doesn’t have to mean someone loses. But I think the best outcome is when everyone wins together.
I wanted to write a Christmas romance where the conflict isn’t about coming out or family acceptance—it’s just about two competent women figuring out how to stop being stubborn long enough to fall in love. And setting it during a festival gave me an excuse to write about small-town community, family dynamics, and the magic that happens when people come together for something bigger than themselves.
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?
Rosa (Mac’s mom) was supposed to be a minor character. Originally, she ran the tamale booth and maybe showed up twice. But Rosa kept inserting herself into scenes, feeding everyone, asking pointed questions, and generally being the heart of the story. She became this wonderful force of nature who sees through all of Mac and Elena’s nonsense from day one and just… waits for them to catch up.
Did any real-life events or personal experiences influence the story?
I live in a small town, and I’ve been to more small-town festivals than I can count. There’s always this pull between “this is how we’ve always done it” and “maybe we could try something new.” It’s interesting how communities navigate that balance—honoring tradition while staying relevant.
Were there any scenes or characters that surprised you as you wrote?
The computer crash scene surprised me. I didn’t plan for Mac’s computer to die and Elena to save everything with her backup systems. But when I was writing that moment of panic where Mac realizes she might lose all their work, I knew Elena would have backups. Of course she would. And that scene became this perfect demonstration of why they need each other—Mac’s creative chaos and Elena’s organization complement each other perfectly.
Which character was the most fun to write, and which was the hardest?
Rosa, hands down, was the most fun to write. She gets to say all the things everyone else is thinking but being polite about. She’s that perfect combination of loving and meddling, and writing her was a joy. Every scene with her just sparkled because she’s so unapologetically herself.
If your book had a signature dessert, what would it be?
Tres leches cake with a twist—traditional Mexican tres leches (representing Mac’s heritage and the festival’s roots) but elevated with fresh berries and edible flowers (representing Elena’s modern innovations). The two elements together create something better than either would be alone.
If your book had an official mascot, what (or who) would it be?
Rosa. (Can I pick a person?) Absolutely Rosa. She’s the beating heart of the town, the embodiment of community and tradition and unconditional love. She feeds everyone, welcomes everyone, and sees through everyone’s defenses straight to what they need. If this book had a mascot, it would be a woman with a tamale in one hand and a knowing smile on her face, ready to hug you and then ask when you’re going to stop being stubborn and admit you’re in love.
Do you outline your books in detail, or do you prefer to discover the story as you write?
I outline religiously, but then my characters ignore about forty percent of what I planned. So I pretty much outline to give myself a roadmap, but I hold it loosely enough that when characters want to take the scenic route, I let them. The outline is permission to explore, not a prison.
What are you currently reading?
I just started The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun—everyone keeps recommending it and I’m finally getting to it. I’m also reading a craft book—Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody—because I’m always trying to improve my structure and plotting. The writer brain never turns off. (I’m not complaining, though!)
