I wanted to explore how initial impressions aren’t always what they seem and a lot can be going on beneath the surface as is the case with these two characters.
Heather Cumiskey – 10 March 2026
The Back Flap
Seven months after her boyfriend and parents die tragically on the same night, eighteen-year-old Brynn—once an aspiring singer, now desperate for any paying gig that will keep her from ending up on the streets—sets out to rebuild her shattered world. At her new ad agency job, she’s distracted by enigmatic twenty-year-old Micah. Their enemies-to-lovers attraction ignites as both struggle with secrets that could jeopardize far more than just their budding relationship.
After things turn romantic with Brynn, Micah’s psychosis becomes harder to conceal. Living with his disorder has cost him relationships before, including with his estranged father; now he fears Brynn will become the next casualty.
Things are already complicated enough before a mystery girl from Brynn’s boyfriend’s past comes forward with threatening information and unfinished business of her own. Will she reveal Brynn’s secret—and steal Micah away from her in the process?
About the book
What is the book about?
It’s a suspenseful new adult romance that’s also a love triangle. Readers are immediately introduced to the first protagonist, eighteen-year-old Brynn who’s reeling from the loss of her parents and boyfriend who die tragically on the same night. Grieving and desperate, she sets out to rebuild her life and meets 20-year-old Micah. After a contentious first encounter, they’re both drawn into an unexpected attraction. Things soon become complicated when a mysterious woman from Brynn’s late boyfriend’s past comes forward with unfinished business that could expose her secrets and destroy her second chance at love.
When did you start writing the book?
I began writing just before COVID and actually welcomed the shutdown in some respect as it provided plenty of quiet time to pour myself into those earlier drafts. Because we weren’t able to travel, I was also feeling homesick for New York City where I used to live and dated my now husband. So creating a NYC romance was not only fun for me, it helped with the longing I felt for the city and those earlier days of our relationship.
How long did it take you to write it?
About four years. Lots of drafts and rewrites until it became a story I couldn’t let go. How these three characters evolve in the novel propelled me to getting their stories right.
Where did you get the idea from?
I kept seeing in my head a young man and a woman who meet in an elevator. They don’t directly speak, yet their obvious attraction soon segues into annoyance as the girl stops to help an elderly woman and makes them both late. I wanted to explore how initial impressions aren’t always what they seem and a lot can be going on beneath the surface as is the case with these two characters.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I felt a responsibility to portray Micah’s psychosis in a way that did not perpetuate stereotypes or misconceptions of schizophrenia. I carefully researched and interviewed people living with mental health challenges and found those most helpful in understanding that no two experiences are alike. However, they shared a commonality in that living with a psychosis can make one feel lonely and separate from others. That notion of loneliness due to feeling detached from others we can all lean into.
What came easily?
I’ve worked as an advertising and marketing copywriter for years. So, creating an ad agency world came easily, including Brynn’s experience pitching a cosmetic client which was inspired by my time as an assistant buyer in retail. How Brynn learns to write copy was also inspired by my own personal experience starting out in advertising.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
They stem mainly from my imagination. The character of Dr. Val is inspired by the friends I know through Athletes Serving Athletes, an organization I volunteer with that helps individuals living with limited mobility train and participate in mainstream running events.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I love books by Rainbow Rowell, John Green, Jennifer Niven, Jason Reynolds, Becky Albertalli, and Angie Thomas. I enjoy realistic fiction and when a story is written in deep POV where the author’s voice disappears and I’ve stepped in the shoes of a character and I have an up-close personal experience through their eyes.
Do you have a target reader?
I think readers ages 16–29 and beyond who read upper YA and NA and enjoy an enemies-to-lovers, love-triangle, angsty romantic suspense set in New York City. It’s also for those seeking stories focused on young adulthood experiences and navigating careers and relationships. They’ll enjoy it if they’re already fans of Colleen Hoover, Carly Fortune, Rebecca Yarros, Paige Toon, Abbi Glines, Mia Sheridan, Emily Henry, and Lucy Score.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I’m best in the morning and write in chunks throughout the day. I also work full-time. So my writing time has become especially precious. I think about my characters a lot when driving in the car. It helps me flush them out and come up with ideas with what happens next.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I never start with an outline. I’m a proud “pantser.” I like to go and write the scenes I know, then I start piecing them together. I guess you can say I jump around a lot. I like making a mess on the page and seeing where my characters take me.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
Ideally, I try not to edit especially that first draft because it stalls my writing. I do get caught up in re-reading earlier sections to pick up a thread of the plot and try my best not to start rewriting. It can be difficult, but I try.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I worked with an editor through my publisher She Writes Press, an imprint of the Stable Book Group, who’s been with me for all three of my books. Krista Laggos is wonderful. She’s easy to work with and I trust her judgement.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I don’t listen to music. But if I need a certain vibe or the essence of a feeling, Only You by Yaz gets me every time.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes, several. On this book, I worked with one in particular who was very helpful but in the end it wasn’t the right fit.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
A friend of a friend went through She Writes Press and I decided to query them. I soon learned that signing with an indie publisher provides you with more creative control especially when it comes to your cover. I wasn’t prepared though for how committed my publisher would be in educating its authors about all aspects of publishing, publicity, and book marketing. I don’t think that’s typical in publishing from what I’ve learned from others who went with a traditional or larger press.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
The creative team at She Writes Press created the cover. I’ve had very positive experiences working with them.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I plan on doing a mix of paid and non-paid ads on social media and placing advertising elsewhere.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
I would tell anyone to consider going with a reputable indie press. I learned so much about the publishing world through a smaller press. And I had far more creative control. However, not every indie press is like She Writes Press. So I recommend thoroughly researching other indie presses and speaking to writers about their experiences to see if it’s the right fit.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Garden City, New York on Long Island, a suburb of Manhattan.
Where do you live now?
West of Baltimore in Maryland.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I enjoy exploring messy characters who are going through real struggles in the hopes that my books spark compassion and conversation. As an avid reader, I obsessed with learning about others to gain understanding and empathy for lives unlike my own. If everyone read stories about people who didn’t look like them or living in worlds and circumstances different than their own, I think we’d have a better understanding and respect for our differences and appreciate how similar we all really are.
What are you working on now?
I’m excited about this one! One of Us Is Lying meets The Usual Suspects, it’s a YA novel about four delinquents sent to a high school that doesn’t want them who become suspects when a student dies in a school bathroom.
End of Interview:
For more from Heather Cumiskey visit her website and follow her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bluesky.
Get your copy of The Sooner I Go from Amazon US.
