Sawyer Bennett Shares How She Crafts Unforgettable Stories Across Romance Subgenres

Photo: The New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Sawyer Bennett: A Literary Trailblazer Reshaping the Romance Genre.

Building Worlds, Creating Strong Heroines, and Inspiring Readers

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett discusses her legal background’s influence on storytelling, blending romance subgenres, crafting authentic characters, and offering insightful advice to aspiring authors on building a lasting writing career.

Sawyer Bennett is the kind of author who reminds us why stories matter. A New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling powerhouse, she has mastered the art of creating heartfelt narratives that resonate with readers across a spectrum of subgenres. Whether she’s diving into the fast-paced, emotionally charged world of sports romance, crafting intricate urban fantasies, or exploring poignant themes in women’s and general fiction, Sawyer’s writing is a testament to her boundless imagination, dedication, and versatility.

As the Editor of Mosaic Digest Magazine, I have had the distinct honor of interviewing remarkable luminaries in the literary world, but few embody such a rare combination of storytelling prowess and personal authenticity as Sawyer Bennett. Her journey from a successful legal career to becoming one of contemporary fiction’s most beloved and prolific authors is both awe-inspiring and deeply relatable. Sawyer brings the grit and determination of a trial lawyer into her craft, infusing her characters with strength, resilience, and a spark that makes them unforgettable.

With bestselling series like Cold Fury, Arizona Vengeance, and her newest Race Fever series tackling the high-octane world of Formula One racing, Sawyer invites readers to experience deeply emotional, character-driven stories that not only entertain but inspire. Her commitment to authenticity, whether through meticulous research or genuine human emotion, shines in every book she writes. Add to that her ability to tackle complex themes—grief, mental health, triumph over adversity—and it’s no wonder Sawyer’s works resonate with such a wide audience.

In this exclusive Mosaic Digest Magazine interview, Sawyer takes us behind the scenes of her creative process, shares how her unique background influences her storytelling, and offers invaluable insights for aspiring authors. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering her books for the first time, one thing is certain: Sawyer Bennett is a literary force who isn’t just writing stories—she’s making a lasting impact on the romance genre and beyond. Let’s dive into her world.

Your writing spans multiple romance subgenres, from sports romance to romantic suspense to urban fantasy. What draws you to explore different facets of the genre, and how do you adapt your storytelling style for each?

I love exploring different subgenres of romance because it keeps my creativity fresh and challenges me as a storyteller. It allows me to push boundaries and experiment with new themes, worlds, and character dynamics. Fantasy, in particular, is exciting because there are no limits—I can build entire universes from scratch and let my imagination run wild.

“I love exploring different subgenres of romance because it keeps my creativity fresh and challenges me as a storyteller.” – Sawyer Bennett

While the settings and stakes may change from one subgenre to another, my storytelling style remains consistent. I stick with first-person narration to create an immersive experience and my main priority is always on deep character development. The one element that remains consistent through every one of my books is I have to write a strong, independent heroine.

Your journey from a legal career to becoming a bestselling author is inspiring. How has your background as a lawyer influenced your approach to writing, particularly in crafting strong-willed protagonists?

My background as a litigation attorney played a huge role in shaping me as a storyteller. For 16 years, my job was to present compelling narratives to juries, persuading them to see things from my client’s perspective. I even attended a specialized trial lawyer’s college that focused on storytelling techniques, teaching me how to engage an audience by speaking in first person—something that translated seamlessly into my writing style.

“My background as a litigation attorney played a huge role in shaping me as a storyteller.” – Sawyer Bennett

Beyond the technical skills, my personal journey also influences my characters. Putting myself through undergrad and law school, then building my own law firm from the ground up, required grit, determination, and resilience—all qualities I naturally infuse into my protagonists, especially my heroines. In many ways, they are a reflection of me—strong-willed, driven, and unafraid to fight for what they want.

Many of your books, including the Cold Fury, Arizona Vengeance, Pittsburgh Titans hockey series and now your new Race Fever series which is a take on Formula One racing, feature dynamic, emotionally complex athletes. What research or personal experiences help you bring authenticity to these sports-driven romances?

Both my hockey and Formula racing series were born out of a genuine love for these sports. As a longtime fan, I already had a solid foundation of knowledge before I started writing, but I’ve also done extensive research to ensure authenticity. I love weaving real elements of the game or the race into my books—not just to enhance the action scenes, but also to give readers a deeper understanding and appreciation for the sport itself.

To bring even more realism to my stories, I’ve consulted with people in both industries, getting behind-the-scenes dynamics that fans don’t always see. Of course, as with any fiction, I take creative liberties when needed to serve the story, but my goal is always to strike the right balance between accuracy and entertainment, making readers feel like they’re right there on the ice or track alongside my characters.

With your prolific publishing schedule, how do you maintain creative momentum while ensuring each story remains fresh and emotionally engaging for readers?

Honestly, I’m not sure how I do it either! I just have one of those minds that can take a simple idea and organically build outward from there. I think a big part of keeping my stories fresh and emotionally engaging comes from the way I write—I don’t plot in advance. I’m what’s called a pantser, meaning I let the story unfold naturally as I go.

For me, it’s all about diving deep into my characters—their backstories, emotions, and motivations—and letting them take the lead. I tend to write about intensely emotional topics like cancer, mental health issues, grieving, loss and that fuels my creative momentum because I feel it so deeply.

You’ve built an impressive author brand with a dedicated readership. What advice would you give to aspiring romance authors on building a successful and lasting career in the industry?

I’ve been self-publishing since 2013, which was right at the start of the big indie author boom. Timing certainly played a role in my journey, and the landscape has become far more competitive, making it even more crucial for aspiring authors to approach this as a serious business, not just a hobby. If you want a lasting career in romance writing, you have to be all in—treating it like a full-time job with the dedication and consistency that any successful career demands.

One of the best things you can do is immerse yourself in the author community. There are so many fantastic groups filled with invaluable advice, resources, and support. Learning from others and staying adaptable in an ever-changing industry is key.

But above all—write, write, write. You can’t build a career on just one book. Longevity comes from continually producing quality stories, growing your backlist, and treating this like a marathon, not a sprint. Success in this industry isn’t just about talent; it’s about persistence, discipline, and the willingness to keep showing up for your readers.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Formula Chance by Sawyer Bennett is a thrilling mix of romance and high-speed drama. Nash and Bex’s second-chance love story is emotional and captivating, with sizzling chemistry and heartfelt tension. Set in the adrenaline-fueled world of formula racing, this page-turner delivers on passion and plot. A must-read for romance fans!