Independent Author Interviews
Questions Compiled by Beta Readers for Author John Reizer
A Conversation with Author John Reizer
Readers often enjoy learning about the inspiration behind a story and the author’s creative process. We sat down with John Reizer to discuss his contemporary romance novella, Somewhere Between Rome and Home, and what it was like stepping away from science fiction to tell a heartfelt story about unexpected connections.
The Interview Questions and Answers
Q: Somewhere Between Rome and Home is quite different from your usual science fiction novels. What inspired you to write a contemporary romance?
John Reizer: Most of my writing has been in science fiction, so I wanted to challenge myself by trying something new. Contemporary romance allowed me to focus on relationships, character development, and everyday life. It was an opportunity to tell a story driven entirely by the people in it rather than by futuristic technology or larger-than-life events.
Q: Where did the idea for the story come from?
John Reizer: The idea started with a simple question: What would happen if two strangers missed their flights home and ended up spending unexpected time together in one of the most beautiful cities in the world? That single thought became the foundation for the entire novella.
Q: Why did you choose Rome as the setting?
John Reizer: Rome felt like the perfect location for this story. It has incredible history, culture, and beauty. It also encourages people to slow down and explore; for Nathan and Stephanie, being stranded there becomes less of a problem and more of an adventure filled with unexpected romantic opportunities.
Q: What interested you most about the characters Nathan Wells and Stephanie Bentley?
John Reizer: I liked the idea of bringing together two people with very different outlooks on life. Nathan is organized and prefers structure. Stephanie is more spontaneous and adventurous. Watching those differences gradually become strengths within their relationship was one of the most enjoyable parts of writing the story.
Q: Was writing romance different from writing science fiction?
John Reizer: Definitely. Science fiction often focuses on world-building and big concepts. Romance requires a stronger focus on emotions, conversations, and personal growth. The challenge was making the relationship feel natural and believable from beginning to end.
Q: What was your favorite part of writing this novella?
John Reizer: I enjoyed writing the dialogue scenes the most. Those moments allowed the characters to reveal who they are. Many of my favorite scenes involve Nathan and Stephanie simply talking, sharing experiences, and getting to know one another.
Q: Did anything surprise you during the writing process?
John Reizer: I discovered that many of the storytelling principles I use in science fiction work just as well in romance. I believe readers will connect with interesting characters and honest emotions regardless of the genre. That was a valuable lesson to reinforce as a writer, now and moving forward.
Q: What themes did you hope to explore in the story?
John Reizer: One of the main themes is that life doesn’t always go according to plan. Nathan and Stephanie both begin the story frustrated by circumstances they cannot control. Over time, they learn that unexpected detours sometimes lead to the most meaningful experiences.
Q: What do you hope readers will take away from the novella?
John Reizer: I hope readers come away with a smile and a sense of optimism. The story is a reminder that opportunities can appear when we least expect them and that some of life’s best moments happen when our carefully prepared plans fall apart.
Q: Do you plan to write more contemporary romance in the future?
John Reizer: I think there’s a good chance. Writing Somewhere Between Rome and Home was a rewarding experience, and it showed me how much I enjoy writing character-driven stories. While science fiction will always be a big part of what I do, I certainly wouldn’t rule out returning to contemporary romance.
Q: Finally, how would you describe Somewhere Between Rome and Home in one sentence?
John Reizer: It’s a story about two people who miss a flight home and discover that sometimes life’s unexpected delays lead us exactly where we need to be.
About the Book
Somewhere Between Rome and Home follows architect Nathan Wells and teacher Stephanie Bentley, two Americans who miss separate flights home from Rome and find themselves stranded in the city for five extra days. What begins as an inconvenient travel delay develops into an unforgettable journey of friendship, self-discovery, and romance.
“Anyone who enjoys romance, chance meetings, and tales about two people finding each other at just the right time should pick this one up.“
—Jennifer Senick for Readers’ Favorite
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