Whether it’s in the supermarket or the airport or the dentist’s office, we all eavesdrop. But it’s likely to be a passing experience. Not so for independent writer Audrey King. A conversation she heard in a gift shop combined with the romantic atmosphere of the town where the shop was located inspired her latest romance book, “Love As It Seems.”

Back in 2009, e-books accounted for only about 3-5 percent of book sales, so a 25 percent royalty didn’t have as much impact on an author’s earnings. Today, e-books represent 25-30 percent of all adult trade book sales, but the e-book royalty has remained the same for most traditionally published writers.

Someone once told Kristina Mathews, a self-professed “sports fanatic,” that romance novels about athlete heroes wouldn’t sell. It’s good she didn’t listen to the naysayers.

In Mae Clair’s latest book, Halloween is scorching hot. “I always wanted to write a tale centered on that holiday,” she said. The result is “Myth and Magic,” a romantic suspense and mystery novel inspired by her childhood fascination about a haunted house in her neighborhood.

I discovered James Salter’s “A Sport and a Pastime” last year, thanks to my writing critique partner’s recommendation. I don’t know how I missed such a beautiful novel all these years, but better late than never.

Michele Stegman, an author and artist, weaves historical romance novels, as well as fabric. Her passion as a fabric artist is reflected in her writing.

When Erin Fanning was learning how to knit a few years ago, she happened to read an article about an Italian woman who occupied herself by knitting when she got trapped underneath her bed after an earthquake.

If you’re a published author and your name is neither J.K. Rowling nor Stephen King, then the results of three recent surveys will confirm what you probably already know—authors are earning less these days.

Palmistry and an odd mark on author Daisy Banks’s palm sparked the idea for “Marked for Magic,” her new release. Banks, a former teacher, has written 10 other books in the “spicy” romance, historical, paranormal, and fantasy genres.

Most authors have been writing since childhood—not romance author Jen Colly. “Writing never once crossed my mind. I didn't even like to read,” she said. Her resistance wasn’t because she didn’t like books, she just didn’t like being told what to read. Luckily for us, Colly eventually took up reading and writing.