Writing, Romance, and Real Talk with A.E. Valdez

Author Spotlight: A.E. Valdez

📖Latest Release: North King’s Unexpected Inevitability
📍 Where to Order: beacons.ai/aevaldezwriter
📸 Instagram: @a.e.valdezwrites

A.E. Valdez is a talented contemporary romance author known for her emotionally rich storytelling, multidimensional characters, and authentic portrayals of Black love. Her novels, including All I’ve Wanted, All I’ve Needed and A Worthy Love, explore themes of self-discovery, healing, and deep, passionate love. With interconnected standalones like the Rise & Fall series and Three Kings Billionaire series, Valdez has built an immersive world that keeps readers coming back for more.

We had the pleasure of chatting with her about her writing journey, the inspiration behind her stories, and what’s next in her literary world.

Q1: The Genesis of Your Writing Journey

Your passion for writing was ignited through poetry, eventually leading you to pen novels centered on Black love. How has your background in poetry influenced your prose and storytelling in novels like All I’ve Wanted, All I’ve Needed and A Worthy Love?

A.E. Valdez: I love a good quote—those lines in a book that resonate so deeply you have to stop and re-read them countless times. My love of poetry seeps into everything I do, whether it be dialogue, internal thoughts, or descriptions. It has taught me to be intentional with my words and how to evoke emotion with brevity, which translates into the way I craft my stories.

Q2: Crafting Interconnected Standalone Novels

Many of your books are interconnected standalones within their respective series. How do you approach creating stories that can be enjoyed independently yet offer a richer experience when read collectively, as seen in the Rise & Fall and Three Kings Billionaire series?

A.E. Valdez: Truth be told, I have a hard time letting characters go! Writing interconnected stories means both you and I get to see glimpses of characters we’ve already fallen in love with. I love when things intertwine, and readers can recognize connections between books—it makes the world feel more immersive.

Q3: Exploring Diverse Character Arcs

From Harlow Shaw’s journey in All I’ve Wanted, All I’ve Needed to Marisa Banks in A Worthy Love, your protagonists undergo significant personal growth. How do you develop such multifaceted characters, and are any aspects drawn from personal experiences or observations?

A.E. Valdez: I believe the only reason I’ve been able to write these books is because I’ve been coming back home to myself. Therapy is an integral piece of many of my books, and through my own experiences in therapy, I’ve learned that growth isn’t always something we can see, like a flower blooming—it’s internal, gradual, and deeply personal. That’s how I approach character development. None of their journeys happen overnight; they require time and self-nurturing to evolve.

Q4: Thematic Evolution Across Series

The Rise & Fall series delves into personal discovery and relationships, while the Three Kings Billionaire series introduces elements of wealth and family dynamics. What inspired you to explore these different themes, and how do you ensure each series maintains its distinct identity?

A.E. Valdez: Harlow set the tone for the Rise & Fall series, which led me to explore how her friends would navigate their own journeys. As for the Three Kings, it started with Snow—I only planned to write his story. But then I gave him two brothers, Winter and North, and I knew they had stories to tell as well.

For the record, I love writing about Black people with wealth. They don’t have to be billionaires, but their affairs are going to be in order so they can do what they want, when they want. There’s nothing like Black excellence and success.

Q5: Depicting Authentic Relationships

Your novels are praised for portraying authentic and relatable relationships. What is your process for writing romantic dynamics that resonate with readers, and how do you balance realism with the escapism often sought in romance literature?

A.E. Valdez: I always tell people that it’s not unrealistic to be loved deeply and loudly. Sure, you may not meet a billionaire on the side of a mountain or a well-off man at a coffee shop, but that doesn’t mean the love itself is unrealistic. Love like that exists, and everyone deserves to experience it.

Q6: Setting as a Character

In All I’ve Wanted, All I’ve Needed, settings like Bali and Seattle play crucial roles in the narrative. How do you choose and depict settings to enhance the emotional landscape of your stories?

A.E. Valdez: Washington state is home to me, as was Texas, and I wanted Harlow to take a similar journey. A few years before writing her story, I started my own yoga journey and looked into retreats. I found an amazing one in Bali, though I never got to attend—but I lived it through Harlow. Settings in my books often reflect self-discovery and transformation.

Q7: Addressing Real-Life Challenges Through Fiction

Books like A Worthy Love tackle issues such as public humiliation and personal betrayal. How do you integrate real-life challenges into your narratives while maintaining sensitivity and providing hope?

A.E. Valdez: I research thoroughly and, when possible, speak with people who have had similar experiences. I also recognize that two people can go through the same situation and have completely different perspectives. Keeping that in mind allows me to write about hard topics while still offering hope.

Q8: Evolution of Writing Style and Voice

How do you feel your writing style has evolved over time?

A.E. Valdez: With each book, I learn something new—I’ll always be a student of writing. My storytelling has evolved because I’ve grown as a person. Life itself is my greatest influence.

Q9: Reader Engagement and Community Building

What has been your most memorable interaction with readers?

A.E. Valdez: The messages I receive from readers about how my books changed their lives mean the world to me. Their support gives me the motivation to keep going.

Q10: Future Directions and Upcoming Projects

What can readers expect from North King's Unexpected Inevitability?

A.E. Valdez: Without giving too much away, North King's Unexpected Inevitability gives us a new perspective on the King brothers’ world through North’s eyes.

Q11: Expanding Beyond Romance

Would you consider creating stories outside of the romance genre, or do you feel that romance is your primary lane and one you plan to stick with it? If you were to branch out, what genres or themes would you be interested in exploring?

A.E. Valdez: plan to stay within the romance genre. If I do branch out, the romance element would still be the main focus. I am a true hopeless romantic.

Key Takeaways from A.E. Valdes’ Interview

✅ Love and growth take time – Characters evolve realistically, reflecting real-life journeys of healing and self-discovery.
✅ Interconnected stories enhance the reading experience – Her standalones are linked, allowing readers to revisit favorite characters.
✅ Black success and love matter – She prioritizes writing about thriving Black characters who experience deep, fulfilling love.
✅ Romance is real and possible – Her stories blend escapism with reality, reminding readers that love like this exists.

More About A.E. Valdez

📚 Other Books by A.E. Valdez:

• All I’ve Wanted, All I’ve Needed

• Colliding With Fate

• Snow King Catches His Snowflake

• The Beginning of Forever

• Winter’s Eve: Then, Now & Always

• A Worthy Love

🌐 Website: www.aevaldez.com
📖 Instagram: @a.e.valdezwrites

Join the Conversation!

What part of North King’s Unexpected Inevitability resonated with you the most? Let’s discuss in the comments! 💬

Closing Thoughts

A.E. Valdes’ latest novel reminds us that sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the most inevitable destinations. If you love stories that explore fate, love, and personal growth, North King’s Unexpected Inevitability is a must-read.

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