What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I wanted With You in My Dreams to be a story about holding on to who you are and what you believe in, even when life feels like it has completely fallen apart. I’ve noticed that many young adults who are thinking about marriage struggle with figuring out what they truly want in a relationship and what they’re willing, or not willing, to compromise on. Harper and Denver both have to ask themselves what kind of love they believe in and whether they’re willing to go after it. They’ve both been hurt by love in different ways, and that shapes the choices they make. But sometimes being hurt doesn’t mean you should give up on love. Sometimes it means learning what you truly want, staying true to your values, and being brave enough to give someone, and love, another chance.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
“Here Without You” by 3 Doors Down. There’s something about the longing in that song that reminds me of Harper and Denver. Their connection has stayed with them through the years, even when they weren’t together and even before they fully understood what that connection meant.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I love women’s fiction, psychological thrillers, romantic suspense, and thrillers, so no, what I read isn’t always what I write. I write clean and wholesome romance because I believe a great love story doesn’t need explicit intimate scenes for readers to fall in love with the characters. For me, romance is about the emotional connection, the tension, the banter, the longing, and all those little moments that make you realize you’re falling for someone. In real life, I think those are some of the most exciting moments at the beginning of a relationship: the anticipation, the uncertainty, and slowly discovering that someone might feel the same way about you.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
My TBR pile is always growing! Right now I have Bloodlust by Sandra Brown, Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden, Woman Down by Colleen Hoover, The True Meaning of Love by Danielle Steel, and Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The scene where Denver takes Harper to the swing beneath the giant maple tree. Growing up, we had a swing in our backyard, and I loved standing on it and swinging with a friend. There’s an incredible feeling of freedom and joy when you’re swinging high into the air. Even as a memory, it still feels a little magical to me. I wanted to capture some of that feeling in Harper and Denver’s scene: the freedom, happiness, and simple joy of being completely present with another person.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I keep a beautiful five-inch coral-colored conch shell from the Caribbean Sea on my desk. Sometimes when I’m imagining a scene, I pick it up and just hold it or admire all its tiny, intricate details. There’s something grounding about it. It reminds me that something so simple, hidden beneath the sea, can be incredibly beautiful. Holding it helps quiet my mind and brings me back into the moment when I’m trying to disappear into the world I’m writing.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
Forgive the people who have hurt you and move forward. Holding on to hurt only keeps you tied to the past.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Be yourself, know what you believe in, and don’t be afraid to stand by it. Harper knows what love means to her, and she isn’t willing to compromise those values simply because falling for Denver would be easier if she did. Denver has to reach a place where he’s ready to believe in love for himself. I hope readers come away remembering that you shouldn’t have to give up an important part of yourself to be loved. The right kind of love should give you room to be more fully who you are.
Mila Moss is the author of the new book With You In My Dreams (Falling for Her Grumpy Boss)
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