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Unconventional Love

Liz Ellyn Author Interview

Willful Parties follows three law school graduates, bound by a shared secret & intense love, who face challenges from adulthood and are searching for a way to reconnect emotionally & physically. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

My inspiration for exploring themes like navigating life in your twenties and the challenges of establishing a career stems from my own personal journey. After graduating from law school, a series of unexpected events led me away from the traditional role of practicing law, and that shift has deeply shaped my perspective.

Like many demanding careers, being a lawyer often comes with the challenge of balancing personal life, including relationships. As for the threesome aspect in my novel, I consider myself an open-minded person and believe in promoting a healthy, open perspective on unconventional relationships.

These themes run throughout my book series, with the first installment titled Overruling Judgment. I’m excited to say that Book 3 is on track for publication in 2025.

Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?

I believe the novel provides a meaningful arc for both the characters individually and their relationship as a whole. All three main characters find their own inner strength, enabling them to work towards a strong bond between them. I’m excited about the possibility of continuing their journey by exploring new challenges and testing their bond further in a future novella.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Acceptance of unconventional love

Struggling with prioritizing others’ needs over your own desires

Confronting societal and familial biases against bisexuality

Navigating the pressure of familial expectations

Exploring sexual identity and self-discovery

Navigating challenges of defining career paths early in life

What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?

I’m currently finishing the next book in the series, which also features a love triangle, though in a very unique way. Book 3 delves into different LGBTQIA+ issues. All of my books are stand-alones. This one will focus on three new characters, but two were briefly introduced in earlier books. I hope to publish book 3 in 2025.

Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Website | Amazon

Seth is the vibrant bisexual marathoner who sparked the relationship with Kat and Dylan. He remains undeterred in pursuit of their perfect love, even when confronted with a devastating blow. Kat, their sharp-witted pixie, treasures good moments as gifts due to past experiences. She hesitates to wholeheartedly commit based on a deep-rooted fear of heartache and pressing her luck. Dylan exudes irresistible confidence and brilliance and is marked for an impressive political future. However, his internal struggle with identity and career decisions poses a significant hurdle in committing to their love affair. They share a sizzling three-way passion but are destined to part ways after graduating from their Chicago law school. Legal battles, heart-wrenching losses, and mounting obligations challenge the prospect of reclaiming their love.