I’ve been making lots of new friends over at #bookstagram on Instagram, so I thought - why not start interviewing them?

Nicole Highland has published 12 romance novels (so far) in addition to being a full-time graphic designer and avid reader. She’s taking a break from social media, but when she is on Instagram, she shares beautiful round-ups of her monthly reads, and she reads a LOT!

In this interview, I found out what drew her to romance, who her favorite couple is from her own novels, and her advice for taking a break from social media.

You are a multifaceted talent as both a novelist and a designer. Which came first? How do you balance the relationship of your two creative passions?

For me, being a designer came first, and my design work and my clients are my first priority. In my free time, I write, and I do most of my writing on the weekends, though if I have time during the week, I try to squeeze in some writing time in the evening!

When you first started writing, what made you decide to write romances? 

Romance came the most naturally to me, and I would say 95% of what I read is romance, or has an element of romance to it, usually as a subplot. And my first story was partly inspired by a true story, so it made the most sense to write in the romance genre. 

Do you have a favorite couple from the 12 books you’ve published so far?

I would definitely say without a doubt that Devin and Natalie (from my first series) are my favorite couple of all. They will always have a special place in my heart. 

We first connected on Instagram, where I noticed you read a LOT. For all the readers and bookstagrammers out there, how do you carve out time for reading, and any tips for managing a huge to-be-read pile?

During the week, I usually listen to a couple of different audiobooks, so that’s one way I like to squeeze some ‘reading’ time in! Usually when I read an ebook or paperback, I’ll read those on the weekends when I have more time. As far as my TBR pile, I am trying as best I can to stay committed to getting through those first before buying any more...but damn, it’s hard sometimes! I’ll let myself splurge a little bit every month, but I try not to pick up too many. 

You’ve been transparent with your followers as you create balance in your life between your projects, real life, and social media, especially with the advent of COVID-19. Do you have any advice for fellow writers, readers, or humans who are trying to strike a balance between their passions and healthy habits?

My best advice would be take a break when you need to, and learn to recognize when you’re reaching burn out. I’ve become a lot more conscious of this over the last few years after being diagnosed with BPD, so when I need a need a break, I take one. The world will always be there when you come back, and no matter what, your mental health has to come first.

What are your top 3 book recommendations for someone who hasn’t read any romances before?

It’s kind of hard to say because I wouldn’t necessarily know someone’s sub genre or trope preferences, but I would highly recommend the Ravenel’s series by Lisa Kleypas. That series made me fall in love with historical romance! For contemporary, if you love steam, Alessandra Torre is always a standout with her writing and her characters. Jill Shalvis is another one of my contemporary favorites, too. She always has a nice balance of sweetness and steam with her stories, which is something I strive for in my own work. 

What are you reading right now?

Right now, I’m reading two books. I’m reading Lady Sophia’s Lover, and I’m reading Gerald’s Game by Stephen King.