Author Spotlight: Anna Barroso
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a Christian, a wife, and a mom of two. I’m the middle child of three. I met my husband while we were in middle school, though we didn’t seriously start dating until after high school. I love chocolate–probably too much. My favorite animal has been a panda since I was probably four-years-old, though, admittedly, having a favorite animal as an adult is a lot less fun than it was as a kid. I also love dogs. I grew up with dogs and my husband and I rescued a dog just after our first year of marriage. We’ve had Libby for six years now.
What genre(s) do you write?
I’m a multi-genre author, though I never set out to intentionally do that . . . it just sort of happened. I have a children’s picture book called “Ash Learns to Roll,” a collection of poetry called look for yellow, and my debut novel, a YA rom-com called “Seas the Day” comes out on January 28, 2025. I would also love to write a fantasy novel. I don’t see myself writing any other genres, though.
Are you traditionally or independently published? Or both?
I am independently published. And as much as I love being an indie author, I wouldn’t mind working with a publisher if I felt that we were a good fit.
If you could use five words to describe your writing style, what would they be?
Raw, heart-warming, cozy, relatable, and witty.
Who inspires you most as a writer?
My favorite romance author is Sarah Adams, before she started writing open door books, and my favorite fantasy author is Victoria McCombs. Sarah creates characters that feel real and have depth, without being too heavy. Victoria has incredible pacing and a great use of figurative language in her storytelling.
Reading the Bible also inspires me. It may sound fluffy and cliche, but it’s true. God is the Author of all creation, and honestly, I never would have imagined some of the events that have happened. Reading through the Old Testament narratives inspire me because of the constant battle between good and evil, man and sin, and the looking to the Messiah to save them.
What is the hardest part about writing?
Drafting. I’m so much of a perfectionist that I want to get it all right the first time. For that reason, drafting is really difficult for me. And, because I’m so Type A, I want to plan everything out. I’ve learned that I’m way more of a panster than a plotter. I usually start with the big plot points and about where they will fit in the story, and then everything else sort of happens spontaneously. Drafting truly just one, long internal battle for me.
What is your favorite passage of Scripture and why?
“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 is my favorite verse. I so regularly struggle with wanting to be in control and trusting that God is in control, so much so that I have the phrase “be still” tattooed on my wrist. I love this verse because it reminds me that God will be glorified, and that all He does it right, and all I’m supposed to do it obey.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on drafting a cozy fantasy. It’s like Studio Ghibli meets Halloweentown. I’m excited for this project, but right now, I have no idea when it’ll be done.
If you could recommend three clean books to others, what would they be?
“The Raven’s Cry” by V. K. Dixon. It’s technically the third book in the series, but it’s my favorite of hers. The whole series is good though! (There is mild language use.)
“It Couldn’t Be You” by Rebecca Jo Jackson. This is my favorite Indie romance book. Becca Jo is the best indie romance author that I’ve ever read. The pacing and story-telling in this book is unlike any other.
“Mortal Queens” by Victoria McCombs. This book is a romantasy-lover’s dream. It’s fast-paced and instantaneously captivating.
Besides reading and writing, what are your hobbies?
I love to be with my family. I love quiet, slow weekend mornings where we have no plans. I love to sit in the backyard and just watch my husband and our toddler play. I love to go on walks. I love to spend time with friends, just simply talking in someone’s living room. I really just like the simple, slow “in the now” moments of life.
