From 4am Writing Sessions to a HarperCollins Deal
3 Lessons on success from Holly Brunnbauer
Holly Brunnbauer went from writing in secret to scoring a book deal with HarperCollins—and she’s doing it her way.
In this week’s episode of Writes4Women,
chats with about writing her debut rom-com What Did I Miss, navigating rejection, and finding your voice in a genre that’s often underestimated. From competitions to character arcs, Holly’s journey is a masterclass in persistence, heart, and hilarious honesty.🍿 For paid subscribers: Holly opens up in our bonus segment about the art of writing sex scenes that reveal emotional depth—not just spice. Plus, she shares her writing routine, process, and how a spreadsheet called Get Shit Done keeps her grounded.
Here are the top three takeaways from Pam’s conversation with Holly:
1. Let your character lead the story 🎤
For Holly, it all starts with voice. Mikayla—grumpy, bold, competitive—arrived fully formed in Holly’s head, wardrobe and all. Everything else followed.
💡 Takeaway for Writers: If you know your character inside-out, the plot will unfold around them. Start with who they are, then discover what they want.
2. Craft sex scenes with emotional purpose 💘
Holly doesn’t write “spicy for spice’s sake.” Instead, she uses intimate scenes to chart Mikayla’s emotional growth—from disconnected and defensive to soft and open.
💡 Takeaway for Writers: Every sex scene should serve the story. Ask: what does this reveal about the character at this moment?
3. Structure + Routine = Writing Joy ☀️
Holly writes 4–7am daily, aiming for a full scene each day. She uses planning templates, beats, and scene goals—then rewrites with intention.
💡 Takeaway for Writers: You don’t have to write fast—you just have to write consistently. Routine and planning can free your creativity.
Connect with Holly Brunnbauer
Connect with Pamela Cook
✨ Subscriber Bonus: Sex, Structure & Staying Consistent
In the bonus segment, Holly breaks down how she approaches intimate scenes that reflect character growth, how she plotted What Did I Miss, and her no-nonsense writing schedule. Plus—how she found joy in spreadsheets and a six-page cover brief.
💛 This full bonus chat is available for paid subscribers ($7/month) and includes behind-the-scenes access to more interviews, creative deep dives, and writerly real talk.
🎧 Get Inspired. Get Encouraged. Get Writing.
Happy writing! 🎉
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