Finding Success in Paranormal Romance Writing
Gemma Rue didn’t start out knowing she’d one day be a published author on Galatea—but a summer writing contest at her local library sparked something that never faded.
Now, her paranormal romance series The Marked Mate is winning over readers with unexpected twists and memorable characters.
In this interview, Gemma talks about her writing journey, how she builds strong characters, and what’s helped her stay motivated through it all.
Inkitt: What inspired you to become an author?
Gemma Rue: My local library played a pivotal role in my journey. The teen librarian encouraged me to join a summer writing contest and took me to my first author meet-and-greet, which sparked my passion for storytelling.
Inkitt: How has your writing evolved over time?
Gemma Rue: While my genre has shifted as I’ve matured, I’ve consistently incorporated fantasy and paranormal elements into my romance stories. Each new project showcases significant growth in my craft.
Inkitt: How did you discover Inkitt and what led to your Galatea contract?
Gemma Rue: I discovered Inkitt through Galatea in January 2024. The turning point was challenging myself to keep my work published despite my nervousness. Seeing readers consistently following my stories provided crucial motivation.
Inkitt: Tell us about your paranormal romance series.
Gemma Rue: “The Marked Mate” features numerous plot twists that readers have enjoyed. “The Rogue Resistance” follows Simon, a character from my first book “The Rogue Alpha.” Developing his character was challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Inkitt: How have reader analytics influenced your storytelling?
Gemma Rue: Inkitt’s engagement features helped me identify potential plot holes and discover what readers enjoyed. Reader feedback inspired me to incorporate more twists into “The Marked Mate” than I initially planned.
Inkitt: What writing contests have you participated in?
Gemma Rue: “The Marked Mate” was part of Inkitt’s summer writing challenge, which helped attract readers and motivated me to complete the story to earn the completion badge.
Gemma Rue, author on Inkitt and Galatea
Inkitt: What’s your advice for aspiring romance authors on Inkitt?
Gemma Rue: Don’t doubt yourself. It’s easy to become your worst critic, but every story has an audience. Continue writing and sharing—you never know which of your stories will resonate with readers.
Inkitt: How do you approach character development in your paranormal romances?
Gemma Rue: With my psychology background, I focus on what motivates my characters, their thought patterns, and how they cope with difficulties. This foundation helps me create realistic responses to the challenges in my paranormal worlds.
Inkitt: What’s your writing process like?
Gemma Rue: I create a cozy environment with blankets, candles, and music. I start as a “pantser” letting creativity guide the story, then outline around the three-quarter mark to ensure a satisfying conclusion for the romance.
Inkitt: What themes do you explore in your paranormal romance stories?
Gemma Rue: Empowerment is central to my work. My characters aren’t perfect, but they all emerge as stronger, better versions of themselves through their journeys in these paranormal worlds.
Final Thoughts
Gemma’s story is a reminder that every writer starts somewhere—and sometimes, hitting “publish” is the biggest step forward.
Her thoughtful approach to storytelling and her connection with readers helped shape The Marked Mate into the standout series it is today. If you’re curious about paranormal romance with real emotional depth and characters who grow stronger along the way, her series is definitely worth checking out on Galatea.
