Meet the Author: Rietta Boksha

Rietta Boksha writes medium to spicy open door romance, including rom-coms and suspense romance. You can find her at www.RiettaBoksha.com
or @RiettaBoksha on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook

Tell us about Good Vibes Only
I was excited about this book before I even wrote it. As someone who struggles to reach satisfaction with just sex alone I thought it would give other readers with the same issue feel not so alone and seen. Most books we read with smut scenes climax always happens so easily. I wanted it show it's not always that way but with a lot of humor. I have always been told I'm funny so a RomCom just felt like the right choice. The choose your own ending came to me as I was writing. I accidentally fell in love with both the male characters I had so I thought what if I don't have to choose but the readers does!
 
Share a core memory that made you want to be a writer.
I've always told stories. I used to carry around a tape-recorded and would just record myself all day every day telling random stories. I think I went through like 4 tape recorders. My mom still has some of the tapes. 
 
What was your favorite book as a child?
Oh gosh. I didn't read a lot as a kid. I became more of a reader in college. I mean I read Little Golden Book and I loved those. I still have a lot of them, and they have been passed on to my son. The first book I truly remember reading and liking was Charlotte's Web. I loved all the friendship aspects and as someone who struggles to make friends, those characters felt like my friends too. I also really loved The Giving Tree, but I believe that is considered more of a poem. In HS I was obsessed with Romeo and Juliet, I memorized the whole thing.
 
What was your last five-star read?
First book that came to my mind was Code Name Helene. Which is funny because I don't read a ton of historical fiction, but I just loved it. It had everything. A strong independent FMC. Based on a true story. Love and it was absolutely beautifully written.
 
What finally made you decide to write a novel?
Everyone told me that my husband's and my love story was like a book and I had to share it. I thought for the longest time it was ridiculous until I finally was like no! It's not. My husband deployed and I spent the time he was away pounding out words.
 
What is the most challenging aspect of being an author for you?
Not getting pulled into the negative vortex. I know I was meant to be an author but sometimes you see the comments, or how disrespectful people can be, and it hurts. I have to remind myself daily I am a BA, that the world needs my stories and to keep going!
 
What is something you've learned along the way that might have changed how you wrote your first book?
That my first book wouldn't be my best book and that with every book I write, I get better and better. I have thought many times about going back and rewriting my first one because I feel like now it's not good enough but without that book, I wouldn't be able to see my progression.
 
What piece of advice do you have for a new author?
Just write. Don't listen to anyone else. Don't care about what anyone else thinks/say/does. The world needs your story. Even if you think it has been 'done before' it hasn't because it hasn't been done by you. 
 
What do you need to set the mood for writing? 
It varies on my mood. Sometimes I need to be at my desk with classical music. Sometimes I like to lay in bed with a movie or show in the background that is similar to what I am writing. So, if I am writing romance, I'll put on a romcom or sexy show. If I am writing fantasy, I'll put on something like Spartacus. Sometimes I will lay in my hammock and just listen to the rain! 
 
What is something you'd like readers to know about you as a person?
I've had anxiety since I was six, and there are still moments where I think the whole world hates me and why do I bother putting myself out there. I do it anyway because first off, it's not true and secondly, it makes me stronger every time I prove myself wrong. 
 
How do you get past writer's block or being "stuck"?
I don't really get writer's block per se. I do have moments where I'm not sure where the story is going because I'm a pantser, but I just sit in front of my computer and listen to what my characters want. 
 
What are you working on right now?
I'm working on my first fantasy which I am really excited about! 
 
When did your last book come out? 
My last book was The Operator. Parker Stone planned to retire from the Marine Corps but a near-fatal injury changed his trajectory. Now Parker not only has to battle his past but rescue someone he swore to protect. Will he be able to save the day, or will everything spill over and leave permanent damage?