Interview with Ciara Blume, Author of Playing With Matches

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Playing With Matches?

I’ve been saving this story for the last book in the series because it’s a lot like my own. In the story, Jackson (an AI expert) is paired with Isla (a psychic romance author) to oversee the matches made on a matchmaking reality tv show. Comedy (and romance) ensues. In real life, I met my husband in a comedy improv troupe. He’s a logic guru and AI expert and I’m a vaguely psychic romance novelist, so…

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Playing With Matches, what would they be?

I have a fabulous playlist on Spotify for this book. I think the central song is the one that Jackson serenades Isla with on Karaoke night. It’s a rendition of I’m on Fire by Bruce Springsteen. But there are so many lighthearted fun summer vibes songs I played on repeat while writing.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love funny rom coms and some fantasy/witchcore/light paranormal stuff. Stay tuned for this in my next series!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I am finishing The Adventures of Amina Al Serafi and will be reading Cassandra in Reverse next.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scenes in this book were all the scenes in which Jackson got a bit trounced. He’s been known to be a bit of a jerk in past books and I won’t lie, it was fun to take him down a peg or two. I also love any scene with Marco – it’s hard not to let him steal the show. And of course I loved exploring Isla’s secret psychic powers.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Whenever I get writer’s block I go thrifting. Something about this frees me right up!

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I think I get by mostly with a sense of humor and by persevering. It’s hard not to compare yourself to others and not to get distracted but this really is the thief of joy. I try to focus on what brings me joy.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Whatever made them laugh the hardest.

Ciara Blume is the author of the new book Playing With Matches

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