Author Interview: Colette Rhodes

Welcome to 'Author Interviews with Monster Smut Sticker Club', where we spotlight the brilliant authors behind your favourite monster romance novels. In each post, you'll discover the inspirations, challenges, and creative processes that shape their extraordinary stories. Whether you're a devoted reader or new to the genre, these interviews will provide a unique glimpse into the heart of the author and monster romance storytelling.

Meet Colette Rhodes, the author of monster romances like Luxuria and Run Riot. Let's get to know their stories and inspiration.

Colette Rhodes is a paranormal romance author from New Zealand. She loves to write about love in all its forms, and adores imperfect heroes and heroines who find perfection in each other. You’ll often find her trying to justify her degree by including ancient history and mythological influences in her work. If she’s not writing, then you’re almost certain to find her reading—ideally with a cup of tea in hand and a scented candle burning to match the mood.

Their books are available on kindle unlimited, and you can find physical copies on their website.

What lead you to realise you wanted to be a writer? And when did it occur?

COLETTE: My new year's resolution for 2020 was to write a book. While I'd always loved the idea of being a writer, it wasn't something I thought would be feasible for me as a career so I'd basically dismissed it out of hand. In late 2019, when I was finishing up my maternity leave, I decided on writing a book as a goal to push myself and rediscover who I was and what my interests were after having a baby. I definitely didn't foresee it taking me on the journey it has over the past five years!

What was the most surprising lesson or self-realisation you encountered while writing your books?

COLETTE: Possibly what a chaotic person I am. I'd always thought of myself as a very Type-A and organised in my previous life as a marketing exec. Turns out that as soon as anything creative is involved, all of those of time management skills vanish from my brain.

Which authors, if any, do you draw inspiration from? And why?

COLETTE: Probably every book I've ever read has inspired me in some way or another! I tend to read different subgenres from what I'm writing, so I've been mostly reading historical romance recently. Some of the old-timey phrases have definitely found their way into Shade vernacular.

What is your favourite moment from your series (Shades of Sin) and why?

The very first spark of an idea for the Shades of Sin series was a shadowy horned monster crawling up the bed over a woman lying down, with red lace panties in his mouth that resembled blood. That moment happens in Luxuria, and it's still probably my favorite scene.

What important advice would you give a first-time author?

COLETTE: It sounds so hokey to say 'believe in yourself', but I firmly believe it's the most important piece of advice. Believe that you're going to Write That Book. That it's going to get done. That you're going to write the next one, and the next one, and the one after that. Finishing that very first book clears such a huge hurdle in your mind. After that, you know you can do it.

Out of the available stickers in Sticker Drop 03, which is your favourite?

COLETTE: "Smut Summoner"

Here is Colette's latest release: Acedia–book 7 and the final book in the Shades of Sin series