If you are a reader of romance drama and bored of the same old “rehashed” retellings of Fifty Shades of Grey, here’s someone who is stirring up the genre with a new soul. Author Sophia Elan, with her Happily Ever After series, brings you something fresh in the romance drama genre filled with thrilling travel experiences, cultural explorations, and much more.
With the release of Sicilian Seductions, the latest addition to her series, we had a delightful chat with author Sophia Elan. She opened up about her personal life, her writing journey, and all the exciting details behind her books.
Before diving into our fun conversation, let’s take a moment to get to know Sophia a bit better!
About the Author: Sophia Elan
Sophia Elan is a passionate author, travel enthusiast, and lover of culinary arts living along the Turkish Riviera. She is a University of Chicago Law School alum and retired corporate lawyer who traded her professional career to feed her soul.
Her literary works include a 7-part book collection called ‘Happily Ever Now’. Sicilian Seductions is one of the books in this collection.
She is an insatiable foodie and an avid health, and fitness enthusiast with a master’s degree in natural health and certifications in fitness and nutrition. She considers herself blessed to be traveling the world with her fourth passport and unquenchable zest for life in quest of simple pleasures. These passions provide her with endless inspiration for her budding writing career.
Sophia keeps summering throughout France and Italy, collecting memories and insights for her Mediterranean Me lifestyle and KISS philosophy.
Tell us about your parents, kids, and family.
My “family” primarily consists of my best friends- my tried and true treasured tribe who have believed in and supported me my whole life- they feature prominently in my novel series as well as in real life. I’m also close with my brother and his family- including my two nephews whom I adore.
When and where were you born and brought up?
I was born in 1966 in Sarasota, Florida. I was brought up in the Mid-West, spent about half of my time in the US in the Chicagoland area and half in the Napa, California area. I have been living and traveling all over for the past two decades- primarily throughout the Mediterranean but also Argentina and Mexico. I’m a “world nomad,” enthralled with immersing myself in different cultures.
What were you like at school? Any childhood memory you would like to share?
I was a consummate procrastinator and multitasker – based on my varied interests – but always crossed the finish line strong.
What are your educational/professional qualifications?
I have a Bachelor’s in Philosophy and Political Science; a J.D. from University of Chicago Law School; a master’s in Natural Health; and International Sciences Sports Association
certifications in fitness and nutrition.
What is your biggest achievement till today?
I think I’d have to say becoming an author. I graduated first in my class from college with two degrees in 3 years and with honors from law school and had a successful career as a corporate lawyer.
I say that not to brag but to highlight the importance of following your heart and making your dreams your reality.
Those accomplishments – and the objective “success” – aligned with traditional societal conceptions of “achievement” based on position, title, and salary.
I have never worked harder or been prouder of anything more than my books because they are a reflection of finally pursuing my passions and my dedication to helping enrich others’ lives.
Which writers inspire you?
Inspirational heroes- like His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Helen Keller – and surprisingly insightful authors like Dr. Seuss. I’m obsessed with motivational quotes.
Writing is stressful at times. How do you relax your mind?
Fortunately for me, writing is often stress-reducing – particularly fiction. I actually have books on stress management too.
Chronic stress is extraordinarily destructive and I am vigilant about engaging in stress-reducing activities (like gratitude rituals, exercise, listening to music, and spending time in nature). I have an array of teas and essential oils that are extremely useful and I have recently started getting diligent about meditating.
What is your favourite motivational phrase?
Ooh, great question- I have several! I’ll go with this one because it is an excellent reminder to me of the importance of cultivating positive energy both personally and for its effect on the world.
“Everything is energy and that’s all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy. This is physics.
~ Albert Einstein
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Be yourself. Find your voice. Follow your heart.
What books do you like to read personally? What are you reading currently?
I love inspirational books and novels in foreign settings. I am re-reading Helen Keller’s The Story of My Life.
If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
The “Book of Joy” by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. I’m particularly drawn to its practical nature with respect to a goal – finding joy – that many find elusive; the fact that it was authored by luminaries of different faiths/philosophies, highlighting the commonality of mutual respect and shared values; and the fact that it can resonate deeply on a personal level while lauding compassion for – and connection with – others.
What made you decide to sit down and actually start writing?
I had been dabbling with writing for a long time. I was working on my holistic wellness guide and realized I was being hypocritical writing about health while I hadn’t healed from my complex-PTSD. That realization prompted me to write my debut book and memoir about my healing, “Roar. Primed for Peace.”
Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
My days are fairly unstructured but also pretty much consumed with “bookish” stuff in one way or another. I have an attention deficit persona, but am quite productive because I’m working on so many projects. When I tire of one, I simply jump to another.
What is the reason you write for; is it for the readers or your own self or some other thing?
My life has been a rather unconventional one. I was a corporate lawyer by trade and was a serial people pleaser. It took me several decades to truly live authentically and follow my dreams and passions- primarily travel and holistic wellness.
I have always been fundamentally happy but following my heart has transformed my life. I am my healthiest and happiest and I hope to inspire and empower others to live their best lives as well.
Note from Author:
I would love to engage with readers and invite them to follow me and feel free to reach out. I’m planning book and speaking tours and will be publishing complimentary book club questions for the books.
I truly hope people find my novels evocative and provocative and I truly appreciate readers and their support!
Want to know more about author Sophia Elan? Connect with the author on Instagram, visit her official website, and check out more here.
About your Book: Sicilian Seductions
Sicilian Seductions by Sophia Elan is a captivating story that blends themes of love, self-discovery, and personal transformation. Set against the backdrop of the enchanting Mediterranean, the book is part of the ‘Happily Ever Now’ collection by Sophia Elan.
The story follows Sofia, a character whose journey is marked by both heartwarming and challenging experiences, reflecting the complexities of life and relationships. The author also captures the essence of the region’s culture, food, and landscapes brilliantly.
Read Full Review of Sicilian SeductionsWhat genre is your book? What draws you to this genre?
My book overlaps genres but I guess I would say escapist romantic drama. I love evocative, provocative novels with happy endings.
What makes ‘Sicilian Seductions: a Mediterranean Love Affair’ stand out in this genre?
I like to think of “Sicilian Seductions” as romance +. It’s a blend of popular themes. It has the cultural immersion and embrace of new beginnings of “Eat. Pray.Love / Under the Tuscan Sun”; a break from societal norms a la “The Graduate” with its championing of simple pleasures over materialism; and some of the spice and steamy romance of “50 Shades of Grey.”
The book (and the Happily Ever Now series) is evocatively immersive- taking place in several Mediterranean countries and locales (including hidden gems) and provocatively intriguing.
It’s a character-driven novel that tracks Sofia’s soul journey and transformation. It invites the reader to cheer for our protagonist while promoting self-reflection and whisks readers away to idyllic places.
It also has extensive exposure to cultures and artistic and architectural periods and philosophical movements.
What/Who was the inspiration behind the character of Sofia?
Sofia is based on myself and my experiences, travels, relationships, and personal transformation.
What should a reader expect from ‘Sicilian Seductions: a Mediterranean Love Affair’?
“Sicilian Seductions” inspires as Sofia follows her heart and her dreams, overcoming a difficult past while determinedly forging a brighter future; encourages readers to embrace life’s uncertainties and rediscover the power of love in all its forms; and transports readers to the breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and simple joys of the entrancing island of Sicily.
The story beautifully merges the act of seeking love and healing from the past simultaneously. What was the hardest & the easiest thing while writing this book?
“Sicilian Seductions” is based on my life. I find writing extremely cathartic – it is simultaneously the easiest and most difficult part of writing. The story reflects my healing to date while also reflecting my ongoing real-time healing.
I am estranged from my parents; they ostracized me for (anonymously) writing my debut book, “Roar”- an uplifting novel of overcoming a life of trauma, including childhood abuse. I’ve had to “mourn” my parents while they are alive- my grappling with this is reflected in my novels in which I say I “lost” my parents to an accident.
A lot of my writing blessedly flows freely. I’m a happy eternal optimist; the novel series reflects how I aspirationally want life to unfold.
Any special experience about ‘Sicilian Seductions: a Mediterranean Love Affair’ that you would like to share.
I fell in love all over again with each of the many settings throughout the novel series. I hope to expose readers to new places while inspiring wanderlust and intriguing readers to explore- new places, cultures, cuisines, etc. I humbly hope my novel series inspires others to find the extraordinary by stepping out of their comfort zones.
Future Plans
What are your ambitions for your writing career?
My mission in life is to make others happier, healthier, and more harmonious via my diverse writings. I write across a lot of genres. I have a memoir, holistic wellness books and my “Happily Ever Now” series which “Sicilian Seductions” is the first in the series. I have endless books in me.
Are you working on your new project? What will be your next book about?
My current focus is finishing this multipart series. The first 5 novels are completed. I’m concurrently working on an immersive Mediterranean travel guide. I fell in love with the Mediterranean- not only as a region but a lifestyle and I eagerly share its magnetic charms.
What does success mean to you as an Author?
Touching readers’ lives in a meaningful and uplifting way. My books are designed to inspire, enrich, empower, and entertain.
What are your views on self-publishing and traditional publishing?
To each his or her own preference. I think there are pros and cons to each. There is more freedom with self-publishing, but it’s a double-edged sword in this highly competitive industry. Marketing is undoubtedly an uphill battle.
One learning that you’d like to pass on to young debut authors.
Simply just start- as with life in general, follow your heart, follow your dreams. Don’t worry whether you think you have something worthwhile to say or not. You simply do. Write authentically from your heart and it will be irresistible to others.
Your opinion about Vowelor.
I believe if executed well, Vowelor’s comprehensive services can be transformative, helping authors to scale quickly with a reasonable investment.