Meet author Estelle Pettersen author of Flowers for Kate in Rainbow Desire

• What is the best piece of advice you have received, as a writer, to date?

Do not give up on writing. There was one point in my writing career where I wanted to give up due to the imposter syndrome among other things, but I had to push my doubts and anxiety away to keep writing. I have mentors and friends who help me along the way. 

• What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

If you choose to become an author, do it because you are passionate and confident about it. It should be more than just a hobby or career – it’s a passion. Regarding confidence, it is okay to bend a few writing rules to find your own voice and style. Think of authors like Jon Fosse who are appreciated for their unique styles. 

• What are two things your readers do not know about you?

• I am an introvert who likes to keep to myself. I am sensitive to “noise” and I keep away from crowds. 

• I suffer from chronic pain, which I’ve learned to live with. It slows me down a great deal, and I am a full-time working parent in addition to being an author. 

• Let’s talk about sex. How steamy are your books?

My stories vary – my published work is steamy, four to five flames with some BDSM elements. My latest story, Flowers for Kate in Rainbow Desire, an LGBTQ+ anthology published by Black Velvet Seductions, focuses more on the emotional factors in a relationship. It explores happiness, loss, grief, and a discovery of everlasting love. 

Blurb of Flowers for Kate in Rainbow Desire

It’s 1988, a decade after video killed the radio star. Disco’s out of fashion, and pop music dominates the dance floor.

At twenty-two, Kate Calloway is a bangle-loving university student finding her way in life with her friends. She’s allergic to pollen and hates flowers until she meets the mysterious Dahlia, a florist who takes her breath away.

Kate wants Dahlia, but does Dahlia feel the same for Kate? Will they forge an unbreakable bond of love, or will circumstances tear them apart? Find out in this short story about finding true love.

Flowers for Kate is a short story in Rainbow Desire, an anthology that celebrates life and love in its kaleidoscope of exotic rainbow colours. The stories within the book also reflect its vibrant shades of romance from light and dark. The LGBTQ+ anthology features work by international and award-winning authors. 

Book link: https://amzn.to/3ATp0jl or https://books2read.com/u/mYZPQd

Excerpt of Flowers for Kate

This is the moment the protagonist, Kate, meets Dahlia for the first time:

The club’s speakers blared U2’s haunting song, “With Or Without You.” I felt desire running in my veins when I spotted the goddess, Isis, on the dance floor. She was a ripe slice of heaven in tight jeans, an off-shoulder T-shirt, and white high-top sneakers. The dark-haired angel danced with her friends in the most alluring manner, leaving me in a trance. Her slender body swayed in perfect sync to the song while the men dancing near her inched closer. She ignored them, closing her eyes and touching the curves of her sensuous hips. 

Seduce me, I wanted to say to her. 

Seduce me with your dance. 

Seduce me with your body. 

Seduce me with your eyes. 

As if she heard me, her eyes fluttered open and gazed toward me. She slowed her dance almost to a halt and bewitched me with her soft stare. Her eyes, dark and hauntingly beautiful, sparkled with passion as her full lips curved up in a captivating smile. Damn, you’re all woman, and you’re beautiful! I grinned, showing my large front teeth. I felt as if someone had cast an Egyptian love spell on me, and I was spiraling over the edge, losing control.

About the author

Estelle Pettersen is an Australian author and former journalist whose romance stories explore empowerment, freedom, and finding one’s strength. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Journalism and Psychology, from the University of Queensland, Australia. Her second degree is an MBA from Queensland University of Technology, Australia. She is a member of Romance Writers of Australia and is passionate about history, languages, cultures, traveling, food, and wine. She is happily married and living in Norway these days.

Connect with Estelle here:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/estellepettersen

Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/author/estellepettersen  

Author website: https://elusiveromance.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elusiveromance

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elusive_6788

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elusive_6788

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20482227.Estelle_Pettersen

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/estellepettersen

MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/estellepettersen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estelle-pettersen-3716741b1/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/estelle-pettersen

Rainbow Desire anthology book link: https://amzn.to/3ATp0jl or https://books2read.com/u/mYZPQd