C.M. Wyllie is a retired stay-at-home mom and breast cancer survivor who turned a lifelong dream of writing into a full-time career—thanks to a lot of coffee, stubbornness, and relentless hard work.
She’s genre-hopped her way from a beloved children’s book series to two raw, unfiltered nonfiction books about her cancer experience, and now she’s diving headfirst into the world of new adult fiction—where heartbreak meets healing, and love gets a second (or third) chance.
Like most fiction authors, her story began with a dream in childhood. Back then, she’d rush through her schoolwork just so she could scribble out plays for her and her friends to act out after school. Then she discovered Judy Blume and fell headfirst into her world. Blume’s stories made her feel seen, like she’d cracked open real life and handed it back with heart and humor.
As Wyllie got older, she wanted that same emotional honesty, but with a little more heat. She’s always been a hopeless romantic, and she truly believes everyone deserves a happily ever after—especially the ones who don’t see it coming. Her dream was to become a “spicy Judy Blume,” writing love stories that feel real, tender, and a little messy.
And that’s how the For Ever series was born. Sweet and spicy, full of heart, and impossible to put down, this new adult romance is the culmination of years of hard work. We sat down with C.M. Wyllie to talk about the series, her inspirations, and her writing process.
Book Title: Waiting For Ever, Book 1 For Ever Series
Genre: New Adult & College Romance
Website: www.wylliegirl.com
Hey C.M.! Thanks for chatting with us. Let’s start with a brief overview of the For Ever series. What can a reader expect from these books?
Lots of angst and slow-burn anticipation! It’s a love story about second chances and a happily ever after.
However, that slow-burn will only be in the romance. The series itself will be published in quick succession because patience is not my love language.Also, my fiction mentor (cough, Ramy Vance) suggests publishing debuts back to back to gain and keep reader engagement. I’d like to believe I’m a good student so I’m following that advice.
You mentioned you’ve been dreaming of writing this sort of story for a long time. Why was now the right time?
It was always the dream! When I became an empty nester, it was finally my turn to chase that dream. Having a family was also a dream, and it came with an expiration date. Writing did not.
When I found selfpublishing.com, they taught me all the things on how to write and publish my book without the need for a publishing house’s approval. Before I got around to my romance books, I took a detour into breast cancer and that journey became the first bestseller I wrote: Chemo Pissed Me Off.
Now on the other side of that journey, two nonfiction bestsellers and a bestselling children’s book series later, I’m finally chasing that dream of being a spicy Judy Blume.
Who did you write this series for (aside from yourself, of course)?
The For Ever series is for anyone who roots for love and believes in second chances and happily ever afters.It is a slow-burn, emotional romance about grief, redemption, and the power of unexpected love. It’s perfect for fans of small town settings, broken-but-healing characters, undeniable attraction, green flags, and forced proximity.
What authors or books have influenced you?
I love romance authors Meagan Brandy, Chloe Walsh, and Colleen Hoover. And of course my beloved childhood favorite, Judy Blume.
What was the writing process like?
I’d love to say I’m an organized plotter, but I discovered that in fiction I very much fly by the seat of my pants. With the series, I thought I was telling the story of the female main character, but as it developed, I realized it might actually be more of the male main character’s. And I’m loving every minute of the plot twists. Pun intended.
What has been most rewarding about writing fiction?
Finishing the rough draft and realizing I held a whole book in my hand! That dream came true.
Second was holding the final physical book in my hand, and now it’s any time someone tells me how my words have affected them. Best. Feeling. Ever.
Is there a particular scene or passage you’re incredibly proud of?
In book one, my favorite is the flashback scene when the male main character is grieving the loss of his high school girlfriend. I recommend you check it out!
Which character/aspect of your book do you most closely identify with and why?
I think there are elements in every character that reflect my own thoughts or character traits, so each one has a little piece of me somewhere.
What themes or tropes do you find yourself repeatedly exploring in your work? Any reason?
Redemption. Trauma bonds. And I hope to always represent mental health. It’s a hot topic near and dear to my heart.
How did your personal experiences shape this book?
Oh, that’s a loaded question! The best way I can answer that is by saying I do not believe we are the sum of the things we’ve done wrong. I love a second chance love story.
What are the top 3 things you hope a reader will take away from your stories?
- Romantic fiction is REAL reading.
- Books DO make everything better.
- Sometimes all you need is to get lost in a story.
Has Carol’s story inspired you to share your own? Learn more about the book writing support, editing services, book coaching, and more she received as a part of the Author Advantage Accelerator Elite Program? Schedule a consultation today or take the quiz above to find the right program for you and your book!
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