TikTok fell head over heels for Elena Armas’s self-published romance, “The Spanish Love Deception.” Now she’s on her sophomore novel, “The American Roommate Experiment,” and listeners still can’t get enough of her charming, spicy love stories.
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Katie O'Connor: Hi listeners, I'm Audible Editor Katie O'Connor, and today I'm privileged to be speaking with Elena Armas, bestselling author of . Her latest novel, , is a, you guessed it, roommates-to-lovers tale that will charm the earbuds right off of you. Welcome, Elena.
Elena Armas: Hi, Katie. Thank you so much for having me.
KO: For our listeners who might not be aware, you have a remarkable origin story. You originally self-published The Spanish Love Deception, and then it blew up on TikTok with a hashtag that now has, after I checked this morning, over 165 million views. You earned a book deal, became the Goodreads Choice Award winner for Best Debut Novel of 2021, and the rest is history. Can you talk a bit more about this journey?
EA: Sure. I mean, the rest was really history [laughs]. I don't know. I get this question a lot, “Tell us about how crazy this journey has been.” Because it has indeed been super crazy, so much that I don't think I have processed everything yet, so take that as a warning. When I first wrote The Spanish Love Deception, I wasn't even sure that I was going to publish it. It was just a book for myself. So, I wrote it without any kind of expectations or plans or nothing, just, you know, for fun. And then, when I self-published, when I decided to take the leap, I, again, didn't even think that this could happen. And in fact, the book-blowing-up-on-TikTok thing didn't happen until months after the book was out. So, it was a surprise. It was a shock. I think shock is a better word.
KO: Maybe that slow burn that you're so good at writing.
EA: [Laughs] Maybe. I have no idea what it was about it. So, maybe the slow burn. I mean, that would be great. I'm a huge fan of slow-burn books in general.
KO: And your story really represents a shift in the publishing landscape. What do you think the future of publishing is? Do you think it's up to the author to find or even cultivate their audience?
EA: Not necessarily. I don't think so. I think everything is so new that I don't think we are able to predict how it's gonna go yet. I mean, I was a blogger when bookstagram—Instagram for books—started. And I got to witness not the whole journey, not the whole thing, but I was there pretty early and I got to witness everything. Even then, there was a shift on how publishers would market books and how those marketing campaigns were done. At least from my perspective as a blogger, I saw that change. So now it's kind of happening again, but with a different app, with a different set of conditions that I don't know if we are able to know how all these things are going to behave long-term. So, I don't think that it's up to the author. I also don't think it's up to the publisher. I also don't think it's up to the reader. I think it's just a whole new wave of social media that we have to still learn.
"When you're writing, you're leaving little pieces of yourself in the story."
KO: Yeah, you never know what's next, truly, right?
EA: Yeah.
KO: There's some unknown app probably already percolating that will change this yet again.
EA: Maybe. Look at when TikTok started. Not everyone, but a lot of people were laughing at it because, “oh, the dancing app. Yeah, I will never get on it.” And now all these influencers have moved into doing these dances. And apparently it's not just a dancing app, it's an app that can make it or break it for products and people and everything. So who knows?
KO: Well, let's pivot to The American Roommate Experiment. I absolutely loved the novel. It was utterly charming. And I couldn't help but notice some parallels between you and our heroine, Rosie. So she worked at an engineering firm. You have a degree in chemical engineering. She's pursuing her dream and becoming a romance novelist; you are as well. Did you base parts of Rosie on your own life?
EA: Little parts of Rosie, yes. The main and biggest difference between Rosie's character and my journey is that I didn't go through this writer's block that she undergoes for her second book. So, I was lucky enough that that never happened to me. There was still a lot of pressure, but when I started writing this book, my second book, it was right after The Spanish Love Deception was released, so before the TikTok blowup took place. So, I never experienced that kind of pressure that I might be experiencing right now with book number two. So that's the main difference between Rosie and I. But yes, for the most part, her journey and my journey are very similar. And obviously I was inspired by my own life to write Rosie, yeah.
KO: That's so funny. That was going to be my next question, if you ever suffer from writer's block and how you push through it. But I'm glad for our own sake that that's not been an issue with you. So glad to hear that we'll have more from you.
EA: Yeah, yeah, at least for now [laughs].
KO: So, of course, the other star of this story is our hero, Lucas Martín. And unlike in your first novel, we get to experience a dual point of view in The American Roommate Experiment. Did you prefer writing a dual point of view in this instance versus the single point of view for The Spanish Love Deception?
EA: Not necessarily. I think both writing experiences were very interesting. And I don't prefer one over the other one. To be honest, everything is a learning curve because The Spanish Love Deception was the first book I ever wrote. I don't want to say I didn't know what I was doing, but kind of [laughs]. So, everything is learning for me. And when I decided to write The American Roommate Experiment in both points of view, I did it because I wanted to learn as a writer and I wanted to see how I did with it. I just wanted to have the experience. Usually in a series or in companion novels, they have the same structure, at least it's what I've seen as a reader, which I am a huge romance reader [gestures to wall behind her]. I have pointed at my shelf behind me.
KO: Yes, she has a beautiful bookshelf behind her with lots of wonderful, I can see, rom-com covers.
EA: There's so many romance books. So, I just wanted to have the experience to teach myself, to learn, to see how I did. It wasn't easy, because it takes a different kind of effort to be in two characters' heads. But it was fun. And I don't prefer one over the other one.
KO: I love that you used it to explore your craft more. And I'm kind of curious how you approached the actual writing as well, with this in mind. So, were you writing the novel linearly, just going back and forth between Rosie and Lucas? Or were you sort of writing a bit and then reflecting and saying, "Hey, you know what? I could really benefit from Lucas's voice there, or I could really benefit from Rosie's voice there," and then inserting chapters from earlier parts?
EA: I think it's a mix of both. I'm still learning a lot, and that also includes my writing process. I don't really have a process. I go with my gut a lot. Thankfully, I think I have sort of a good intuition on what the story is asking in the moment, you know, when I am in that moment. For The American Roommate Experiment, I never sat down and created a structure or defined which POV is where. I was going with the flow a lot when I was writing, which is also something that I find myself doing a lot with characters. I never define them or their back stories or their personalities a lot. I just have, like, some features, some things about them to guide myself, and then I let them take me by the hand through their own journey, which is a nice metaphor.
KO: It is. That feels very Lucas, that metaphor.
EA: Yeah, it does, it does.
KO: Now, Lucas Martín, of course, is the cousin of Catalina, the heroine of your first novel. And I love that, as a Spanish author, you have given us two main characters who are also Spanish, both living an expat life. Or I should say a pseudo-expat life for Lucas.
EA: Yeah.
KO: Do you think you'll ever set a story in Spain? Or if not, what draws you to exploring this expat dynamic?
EA: Everything comes down to the fact that because I'm Spanish, to me, setting a story in Spain is not exotic, you know? Like, to me, that's not attractive as a reader. I would rather pick a cowboy romance than a romance that is set in Spain, which I understand that's completely opposite to most of the American or British or any kind of audience outside Spain. I get it. Spain is fun, you have this picture in your head, but to me, it's home. To me, it's normal. So that's why I find it so cool and so much fun to explore the expat life.
Also because, until two months ago, I was an expat myself. So, I can draw from my experience, which is good. When you're writing, you're leaving little pieces of yourself in the story, so it's easier, especially if you're starting to write, to kind of have this solid thing to grasp, that is one’s experience. So, I don't know. Maybe one day, who knows, I write a story set in Spain. For now, I don't have plans for it.
KO: I love that answer. I love that you're sort of like, “eh” [laughs]. “Spain? Whatever.”
EA: Yeah.
KO: It's so true, though. It's all about perspective and where you're from and what's familiar to you and what you feel is exciting or not. So, through Rosie, you explore some of the stereotypes that romance authors and the people who love romance novels face. What would you say to those who feel they need to couch this passion as a guilty pleasure or something lowbrow versus embracing it?
EA: To be nice, I would say that there's really no point in hiding or not being proud of what you enjoy. I cannot see how that's useful in any way. This taboo, you know, this thing that has been around romance and romance novels and spice and steamy and explicit romance novels and all that stuff, I just find it so stupid [laughs], if you allow me the word, because, I mean, in normal human being relationships, when you are in love, you experience all the things that happen in a romance novel. So I really don't see the point in being ashamed of enjoying reading about those things in the same way that you shouldn't be ashamed of listening to a true crime podcast if that's something that floats your boat or whatever. Just enjoy what you enjoy and don't call it guilty pleasure. That's so silly.
KO: Insert applause here.
EA: [Laughs].
KO: You have had some wonderful narrators perform your audiobooks. Scarlette Hayes performed The Spanish Love Deception, and now Jennifer Jill Araya and Noah B. Perez are on The American Roommate Experiment. And I particularly love how effortlessly the Spanish is included in the audio. It's just so beautiful to listen to. Have you listened to their performances yet? And what's it like to hear your characters come to life in this way?
"In normal human being relationships, when you are in love, you experience all the things that happen in a romance novel. So I really don't see the point in being ashamed of enjoying reading about those things."
EA: Yes, I have listened to them, to both. So, I was lucky enough to listen to an early copy of the audiobook for The American Roommate Experiment. And it's chef's kiss. Both Jennifer and Noah, they do such an incredible job. I recorded myself listening for the first time to Noah's chapters from the audiobook because I wanted to post it on social media. I thought, “Maybe this is fun.” Oh my God, like, I am squealing on camera. He is exactly what I pictured in my head that Lucas would be like. His voice is incredible. I think I'm gonna have a lot of screaming DMs when the audiobook comes out. Then Jennifer, also amazing job. I realize I'm not talking about the Spanish in the audiobook, I'm talking about something else. But I have to say, also the Spanish is great [laughs].
KO: You're like, “Yeah, that part too, but Lucas!” I know. Hearing Noah as Lucas, it was a scorch-the-earbuds type of moment, right? He was so, so good.
EA: Yeah. Oh my gosh, yeah. There's a particular chapter that is in his POV that might or might not contain some spice. It was amazing to listen to that. I was dropping off my chair, literally. It's on camera. You will see it if you follow me on social media.
KO: Oooh, I love it. And speaking of coming to life, congratulations on your movie deal for The Spanish Love Deception. It's so exciting. Is there anything else that you can share with us about this right now?
EA: Unfortunately not. I'm being kept in the dark, which I think is a good thing, otherwise I would be literally obsessing with this 24/7. The only thing that I got to do, which was, again, amazing, was reading the screenplay. And, I mean, happy sigh. It was a very strange, in the best way possible, experience to read your story and your words on something that is supposed to be adapted for film. It's just, yeah, it was great. And the world is not ready for that to be onscreen. I had the best time reading that screenplay.
KO: Well, I feel very ready for Aaron and Lina, for one. And I will be lining up to see it when the time comes. I can't wait for any casting news. I think it'll be a lot of fun. But we can guess in the meantime, right?
EA: I know. I mean, sure.
KO: Make our best guesses.
EA: So, is your guess, uh, Henry Cavill? And why? [laughs].
KO: [Laughs] Maybe the tall striking figure.
EA: I mean, why not?
KO: So, as a romance novelist, I have to ask you, what is your favorite trope? Because you've given us so many good ones in your novels.
EA: Um, I hate that question [laughs]. I always get it. I never know what to say. I also feel like I always give a different answer. The thing is that it depends on the day. It depends on the mood that I am [in]. I am a huge mood reader. I don't know if I can be, like, a mood writer. I guess not, otherwise I would have 10 books started and not even one finished. But there is one trope in particular that always gets me, and it usually doesn't depend on my mood, which is the broken hero. It is a specific one, and at the same time, it's not really specific, it's just, like, a vibe, but I love vibes. So yeah, the broken hero. It will always get me as a reader. I mean, my heroes are kind of broken, not too much. They do have some flaws. But yeah, maybe one day I will write a truly broken, shattered hero.
KO: So, you mentioned that you're really into different tropes based on your mood and you threw your hands over your shoulder to highlight your amazing bookcase. I have to ask if you have any listening recommendations for us and for our listeners.
EA: The thing with me is that, okay, I'm gonna be real honest. When I listen to audiobooks, I usually pick nonfiction, which is strange because I'm a fiction writer. But I enjoy the nonfiction audiobooks the most. I have my eyes on I'm Glad My Mom Died.
EA: Yeah, Jennette McCurdy. Yes. And I'm really, really excited. I listened to a sample, and it's her, the one who's narrating the audiobook. And I was like, “Wow, this is something that I need to listen to,” because I was immediately drawn to the story and how she's narrating everything. So, I haven't quite listened to it, but that's my recommendation.
"There's a particular chapter that is in [Lucas's] POV that might or might not contain some spice. It was amazing to listen to that. I was dropping off my chair, literally."
KO: Next on your list. I do find that that happens often, though, that what you read can be different from what you listen to, right? You might want to get immersed in something one way, you know, with a physical copy or with your Kindle, but then it's a different matter with what you choose to listen to. I think that happens a lot. For the books behind you, is there one that you would recommend?
EA: Oh, I can recommend all of them. Especially if they're my books. No, no, no, that was a joke. I mean, I'm a huge fangirl of Tessa Bailey, so any book by her I'm going to immediately buy. I'm also a big fan of Ali Hazelwood. I think she's an incredible storyteller and she's so witty and, I mean, also women in STEM, hashtag #forthewin.
KO: All of them. Go out and listen to all of them. Side note, I had an early copy of the new Ali Hazelwood on my Kindle, and I was traveling somewhere with my husband and literally, he was like, “The plane landed. Like, can you—?"
EA: Oh my gosh.
KO: I was all, eyes down. It was pretty funny.
EA: “Tell them to take off again. I'm not done.”
KO: I know, like, “I've got only a few more pages.” Well, we can't wait for even more from you and your upcoming novels, which I heard will be soccer-themed. Can you tell us more about your works in progress?
EA: Yes, I can tell you a little bit. And I hope I don't get into trouble. I mean, I'm going to try not to say too much. The thing is, I talk too much. So, this novel, it is about two people that are from the same world, so, from the soccer world. But at the same time, from very, very different worlds. It's not exactly like an opposites-attract kind of dynamic, but they're gonna be very different in a lot of ways. And they're gonna clash a lot. And because they're gonna be forced to work together on something, there's gonna be a lot of witty banter. So far, it's reminded me a lot to the banter between Aaron and Lina, so I'm very excited about that. Like with all my books, there's gonna be a lot of self-discovery, so, like, a personal journey as well for both characters.
KO: Can I ask you where it's set?
EA: Yes. So, it's going to be set in a small town. Both main characters are going to be from big cities, and they're going to be used to the big city life, and they're going to find themselves in this small town for different reasons. And they're going to have a complete different approach to being in that small town as well. And I will not say where the small town is yet. I'll reserve that for the future, because it might change.
KO: I love it. I love the fluidity of the creation process.
EA: Oh. I change things until the last minute, so much that I think my editor kind of hates me a little bit [laughs]. Yeah, I love to change. I’m a changer.
KO: I think that's great. It's about sort of what you think is working in the moment, and that might change. And I think, too, as you reread what you've written, or even if you read it out loud and see how things are coming to life—you mentioned the witty banter. Your dialogue is so great. And sort of seeing how those characters play off of each other. That can always take things in a new direction. So I, for one, can't wait. I'll be ready to listen no matter where you take us on this next journey.
EA: Oh, thank you so much.
KO: And thank you for your time today.
EA: Oh, no, thank you for having me.
KO: And listeners, you can get The American Roommate Experiment by Elena Armas right now on Audible.
