Yesterday, Shelia Goss invited me to do an interview inside her Facebook – Writer Boss Babe.
I wanted to share the interview here:
Writer Boss Babe Presents: Your Turn Thursday
Spotlight Author: LaShaunda Hoffman
This week, we’re celebrating a powerhouse who proves that it’s never too late to explore new creative galaxies, LaShaunda Hoffman.
Best known for helping writers build visibility through her SORMAG (Shades of Romance Magazine) platform and her Virtual Tea with LaShaunda coaching brand, she’s now stepping into an exciting new role – romance author.
Her latest release marks her debut in science fiction romance: a bold, imaginative story that blends heart, heat, and futuristic flair. This new journey showcases her courage to evolve as a writer and reminds us all that creativity has no limits.
LaShaunda has always been an advocate for authors finding their voice and audience. Now, she’s leading by example, showing what it means to follow your passion fearlessly, even when it takes you into uncharted worlds.
What inspired you to combine science fiction and romance for your debut novel?
To be honest, I didn’t even realize I was writing science fiction until a reader told me how much they loved my sci-fi romance!
My mentor, Sylvia Hubbard, encouraged me to join the Kindle Vella platform. She told me it was time to bring my stories out of the closet. At first, I was hesitant and stuck to my comfort zone by uploading my nonfiction Building Your Readership series. Then my writing bestie – Paulette Nunlee challenged me to write a romance—and that’s how this journey began.
The Love in Space series actually grew from a middle-grade story I wrote years ago about two kids who discover their father is an alien from another planet. I thought, why not tell the adult side of that story—what happens when humans move to Purpera? That’s how this world was born.
I’ve also been watching a lot of reality matchmaking shows, so I thought it would be fun to create my own version—just set in space.
Writing episodic fiction on Kindle Vella was an adventure all by itself. I had to learn how to end each episode with a strong cliffhanger and keep readers hooked, which was a new challenge for me.
I’ve always loved romance and expected my first book to be a contemporary one, but I’m so glad I started with science fiction. It stretched my creativity, let me dive into worldbuilding, and reminded me that trying something new can be exciting and rewarding.
Through my years running Shades of Romance Magazine and coaching authors, I’ve met so many talented writers and learned a lot from them—what works, what doesn’t, and how to connect with readers. That experience shaped how I approach my own stories.
How has your experience as a literary coach and magazine founder influenced your storytelling?
It taught me the importance of authenticity—writing what you love and trusting that the right readers will find your books and enjoy them. It also gave me a strong understanding of the business and marketing side of publishing, which helps me promote my books more strategically.
What advice would you give to writers who are scared to switch genres or start fresh?
Don’t be like me and wait 20-plus years to publish your first novel! It’s okay to try something new. If it doesn’t work out, you can always pivot to something else.
The most important thing is to write what you love. I’ve met authors who weren’t happy because they were only writing what was selling. Readers can feel that disconnect. So yes, understand the market—but make sure you enjoy what you’re creating.
Read deeply in your chosen genre, see what’s already being done, then ask yourself what fresh twist you can bring to it. And most of all, have fun with it. I always tell authors in my promotion classes: if you’re not having fun, you’ll burn out fast. Writing is an adventure—so go ahead and take that leap.
Were you a science fiction reader?
I read more fantasy than sci-fi. However, I was a huge sci-fi TV show and movie geek. My love for Superman is the inspiration behind the Purpera series.
My editor would call me on when I was using today’s terminology vs 3500 terminology.
Did you find writing science fiction different from the concept of writing a down on Earth story?
It’s actually harder because you have to remember to stay in the mindset of the future.
What I love about it is my imagination can go wild and no one can say that can’t happen because it’s my world.
If you ever find yourself stuck at the midpoint, what do you do to come out of that midpoint era?
I will download a book and read it; sometimes that inspires me. My favorite thing to do now is binge-watch K-dramas. They are my go-to when I’m stuck. I get so much inspiration from the different shows. They are the best when it comes to cliff hangers. I also have a writing bestie with whom I can brainstorm with when I get stuck. She always pulls me out of my slump.
I’m available for interviews, articles, and presentations. Contact me – hoffmancontent@gmail.com
