Dana Wayne Interview Published on: 11, Sep 2026

I’ve always loved the romance genre and the guaranteed happilyeverafter that comes with it. I admire strong women who don’t let life’s challenges keep them down. They fight for what they want and never settle for less, and I love giving those kinds of women their moment to shine.

I write stories that explore the full range of human emotion — love, loss, courage, hope — through characters who face trials that test their spirit. Whether set on the rugged frontier, in the modern world, or in the heartpounding shadows of suspense, my books celebrate strong women, wounded heroes, and the belief that second chances are always possible.

Second chances are at the core of what I write because so many of us want to believe they’re possible. Even in the darkest places, hope can take root. Knowing that second chances exist is what keeps many of us pushing through the troubles we face, and I love giving my characters — and my readers — that sense of renewal.

The key is never losing sight of the humanity of the characters. Staying true to what they believe, what they want, and what they’re searching for helps me maintain that balance. I honestly couldn’t tell you exactly how I do it — I just “feel” when it’s time to raise the suspense or ease off, when I need more emotion or more tension. The story itself guides me.

Research depends on the story. For period pieces, I start with basic information: what was happening during that time, what the weather was like, and whether any major events might affect the story. For example, in Mail Order Groom, I needed to know when the Katy Railroad reached Fort Worth and when Hereford cattle were first introduced in Texas. That took a few days of digging. If I hit a point where I need more details, I stop, research, and then continue writing.

Max Logan, the hero in Chasing Hope, and Maddie Ward, Sky’s daughter in Hope. Max was such a wounded soul and giving him his second chance was incredibly uplifting. Young Maddie’s unconditional love for Max and her resilience made her unforgettable.

I’m a pantser all the way. I don’t plot or outline. I get an idea, sit down, and start writing until the words stop. Sometimes they come in droves, sometimes in single sentences, but they always come. I “listen” to the story as it unfolds, and that helps me decide where to go next.

Romance is a niche genre, so it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. I approach every event knowing not everyone will enjoy what I write, so I’m never disappointed when someone says, “Oh, I don’t read romance.” It’s simply part of the journey.

My stories are very characterdriven. Since all my characters are different, their stories are different too. Giving each character their own values, quirks, wants, and needs keeps every book fresh and unique.

I love it when a reader tells me my characters felt real — like a neighbor or a friend. When readers connect with a character deeply, I know they’ll enjoy the story. And when they reach “The End,” I want them to think, “I hated that the book ended. I want more.”

My ninth book, Into The Storm, a contemporary romance, will release this fall — possibly late October. The story follows MacKenzie “Mac” Martin, a charter pilot, and Chase Osborne, a wealthy CEO who becomes her client. A pilot fighting for her future and a CEO drowning in obligations are thrown together when a deadly storm forces an emergency crash. Surviving the storm isn’t the hardest part; it’s what comes after, and walking away may be the one thing neither can do.

My books are characterdriven rather than plotdriven. I can’t point to any one author or experience that shaped my style — it’s simply my personal preference. Characterdriven stories have always been more appealing to me.

Don’t make your characters perfect — make them human. Perfect characters are boring. If they have no flaws, there’s no conflict, and without conflict, there’s no story. Know your characters inside and out. Every little nuance matters.

I’ve been very happy with AllAuthor. I’ve learned a lot, had success with promotions, and I’m excited to see how else we can work together to showcase my work.