Interview with Kelly Finley, Author of All For Him
05 Apr 2023
What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write All For Him?
I was inspired to do a steamy Cinderella retelling. A dark tale with a scandalous prince, but this time, the rebellious princess saves herself.
I was also inspired by my trips to the Lowcountry and the indigo artists I’ve seen working there. Indigo has a complicated history in the South and I wove that theme into the story as well.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of All For Him, what would they be?
I create playlists for all my books. The ALL FOR HIM playlist can be found on Spotify.
My song for Silas, the MC would be “Just Say Something” by Nathan Ball. That song started this book. For Eily, the FMC, her theme song is “Cinderella’s Dead” by EMELINE. There are honestly so many songs that inspired this story. Enjoy!
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I read what I love to write—contemporary romance with suspense. After decades of reading non-fiction and academic texts, I crave the escape and stories. I’m always so impressed with the sultry worlds authors can create for us.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Highest Bidder by Sara Cate; Dirty Truths by Brittanee Nicole; Until I Get You by Claire Contreras
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
You’re going to make me pick? If I have to, it’s the meet-cute with Silas and Eily. She’s a klutzy, funny artist with a mouth she can’t control and he’s a sexy, confident man who loves it. He’s absolutely smitten and has no idea that she’s been in love with him for years. That he was the prince who saved her when she was a girl.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I prefer to write very early in the morning. I drink coffee then green tea and write until lunch time. I try to protect that time and shut the world out, even my phone.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
“Just keep writing.” I think of Dori in “Finding Nemo.”
I used to say it too my daughter when she’d get discouraged and now I say it myself when all else fails. I just keep writing.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I started writing contemporary romance because I wanted to read the kind of FMCs I wish there were more of—women who save themselves. They have passionate love in their lives, but above all, they love themselves. I also like writing strong men who aren’t afraid to love, who celebrate strong women.
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