Hello API Romance Authors!

This month, we have picked "The Sister Zone" by ChristinaAnnRiley for Book of the Month. If you'd like to read this story, we encourage you to check it out in our Shattered Memories reading list.

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Logline:

Vanessa Hayes-Wong has just received the worst Christmas gift from her best friend-slash-secret-crush, Oliver Morrison: a mug that says World's Greatest Little Sister. Now, Vanessa must do everything in her power to get out of The Sister Zone.

Excerpt from the Book:

Calm down, Vanessa. So he doesn't want to kiss you. Big deal. He must have a good reason for it. Such as not wanting to ruin your friend—oh my God. As much as I try to fight it, one awful thought forces its way into my head. Is it because I'm half-As—

"Ness, are you okay?" Ollie chases after me, but I speed up my steps, guilt washing over me for even thinking that Ollie might be one of those awful people. "Listen to me. It's not that I don't want to k—"

"I-it's fine, Ol." It's not your fault that I'm a big-headed, bunny-mochi hybrid. It's fine. It's perfectly fine. "There's absolutely no need for you to ex—"

Ollie catches my wrist and spins me around to face him. Putting a hand on the back of my neck and another around my waist, he yanks me toward him and crashes his lips onto mine.

Yes. He silences me with the most clichéd way to shut a girl up.

About the Author:

Christina Ann Riley is a couch potato who loves writing romantic comedies and cozy mysteries. She first joined Wattpad in 2016, and in 2021, her story The Sister Zone was shortlisted in the Wattys. When she's not writing, she enjoys doing puzzles, watching murder mysteries and romcoms on TV, or fighting over the TV remote with her cat.

Interview:

1. What influenced your story? What inspired you to write it?

I've always loved rom-coms, so I decided to try writing one. There are lots of stories about friend zones, and I thought it'd be funny to kick it up a notch and put the MC in the Sister Zone instead. Vanessa's ordeal was inspired by my experience as a girl of mixed heritage. Having dealt with self-esteem issues, I want to tell a story that can brighten the readers' day, boost their confidence, and inspire those going through the same struggles as I did.

2. What were some challenges you faced while writing your story?

While Vanessa is one of the most fun characters I've created, getting into her mind was a real rollercoaster ride. I also don't live in Los Angeles, where the story takes place, so I had to do lots of research to make the story as authentic as possible.

3. What message do you hope to convey with your story?

Love yourself! It doesn't matter how you look or where you come from. Your heart is what matters the most.

4. Do you have any advice for other authors who are interested in writing Asian & Pacific Islander Fiction?

The small details matter. For example, in my story, Vanessa was forced by her mom to take piano lessons as a kid, as musical education is valued in lots of Chinese households. It's such a small detail, but I believe those small details are what makes a character and their story interesting.

5. If you could write another story to be featured on the profile, which of our reading lists would you write it for?

Probably Hidden in the Stars. I love mystery romance!

6. If you are an author of Asian and/or Pacific Islander descent, what's one cool fact about your culture you can share with us?

In Chinese culture, many foods hold special meanings. For example, jiaozi (dumplings shaped like gold ingots) symbolize wealth and good fortune; mooncakes symbolize family reunion; noodles symbolize longevity (which is why lots of people of Chinese descent like to eat noodles during their birthday celebrations), and many more!

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Thank you ChristinaAnnRiley for giving us the opportunity to interview you and chat more about your book!

We'll see you all in the next Book of the Month.