Project Backlist -Carrie Elks

Project Backlist: Start Your Journey with Carrie Elks

Welcome to Project Backlist, Buzzing about Romance’s guide to must-read backlist books! This week, we’re spotlighting Carrie Elks .

Meet Carrie Elks

Carrie Elks writes contemporary romance with a sizzling edge. Her first book, Fix You, has been translated into eight languages and made a surprise appearance on Big Brother in Brazil. Luckily for her, it wasn’t voted out. Carrie lives with her husband, two lovely children and a larger-than-life black pug called Plato. When she isn’t writing or reading, she can be found baking, drinking an occasional (!) glass of wine, or chatting on social media.

Get to know Carrie

Becky: What initially drew you to the romance genre as a writer?

Carrie: I just love love! I’ve been an avid reader since I was a child, and as I grew older, I found myself drawn to the romance in every story I read, no matter the genre. So when I started writing my own books, it felt like a no-brainer to write what I knew—and loved!

Becky: You have been publishing for quite a few years now… is it hard to keep your ideas fresh?

Carrie: My stories are character-driven, which makes it easier to keep things fresh because every character brings their own issues and unique perspective. That said, there are certain tropes I always gravitate towards—single parents, surprise pregnancy, enemies to lovers. I love finding new ways to deliver these beloved tropes to readers while still giving them all the swoony goodness they expect!

Becky: Can you share any writing rituals or habits that help you stay focused and productive during the writing process?

Carrie: I always write first thing in the morning. I light a candle, put on my headphones, and listen to the same playlist every day—Ludovico Einaudi’s beautiful piano compositions. They put me in the perfect headspace for writing.

Becky: What challenges do you face when writing romance, and how do you overcome them?

Carrie: I struggle with writing breakup or angsty scenes. To get through them, I write those parts quickly, then come back to flesh them out later—once I’ve written the happy-ever-after! Knowing the couple ends up together makes it much easier for me to tackle the tough parts.

Becky: How do you handle romantic tropes and clichés to keep your stories fresh and engaging for readers?

Carrie: It’s all about balance. Tropes are popular for a reason, but the fun comes in twisting them just enough to surprise readers while still fulfilling their expectations. For me, the key is in the characters and their emotional wounds. If those are unique, you can take a well-loved trope and make it feel brand new.

Becky: What is one thing you want your readers to take away from your books when they are finished?

Carrie: Honestly? I just want them to feel happy and entertained. That’s my job as a writer and the reason I run to my laptop every morning, eager to create stories.

About WInterville

Becky: What inspired you to write your earliest novels? Were there any particular themes or tropes you were drawn to?

Carrie: I started writing seriously in 2012 when I discovered Twilight fanfiction. I wrote “All Human” versions (no vampires), so while my stories started with Edward and Bella as inspiration, they ended up very different. I’ve always been drawn to the theme of love that’s destined—even when everything conspires to pull the hero and heroine apart.

Becky: How do you feel your writing has evolved from your first release to your most recent books?

Carrie: I hope it’s gotten better! Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about story structure, character development, and tropes, and I hope that growth is reflected in my books.

Becky: What about this series/story that holds a special place in your heart? Why do they resonate with you?

Carrie: I’m a big fan of messy families and Christmas—two things that go hand in hand, both in books and in real life! My Winterville series combines these beautifully. I love imagining life in a snowy town filled with cabins, festive fun, and characters who have lived there forever but are still searching for love.

Becky: Which of your characters in this book or series are you most proud of, and what makes them stand out to you?

Carrie: North, the eldest of the Winter cousins, has my heart. We first meet him in the prequel novella, where he punches the man he thinks seduced his cousin. He’s young and hot-headed, and while he stays grumpy as he gets older, his story shows his growth and how much he deserves his happy-ever-after.

Becky: How do you approach balancing standalone novels with series? Do you find it easier to revisit characters in a series, or do you prefer writing new stories?

Carrie: These days, I exclusively write series, and I love it. Each book focuses on a different couple, so I get to explore new romances while revisiting old friends—it’s the best of both worlds.

Becky: What was the most challenging book in this series to write, and what did you learn from the experience?

Carrie: The last book in the series (Mine For The Winter) was about a brother we hadn’t met before, though his existence was mentioned from the start. I originally wrote him slightly differently, so I had to revisit earlier books to tweak details. It was a bit of a challenge, but ultimately worth it!

Becky: Do you ever see yourself revisiting (second gen or expanding) on this series/story’s characters in future projects?

Carrie: Eventually, I’d love to revisit this world with short stories, especially around the holidays. Writing Christmas books is such a joy, and I’d love to return to Winterville.

Becky: How do you stay motivated to create new stories after having such an extensive backlist?

Carrie: I don’t know what I’d do with myself if I wasn’t writing. I feel incredibly lucky to create stories about characters I adore, and my readers are a huge motivation—they keep me going!

Thank you so much to Carrie Elks for taking the time to answer our questions. Happy Reading!