Today's Read Team 
Colleen Hoover, a name that has become synonymous with emotional, gripping storytelling, made her entrance into the literary world with her debut novel, Slammed. Since its release, Hoover has gone on to become one of the most successful authors in contemporary fiction, known for tackling intense emotional themes, complex relationships, and the highs and lows of human connection. In this exclusive interview, Hoover reflects on her journey as a writer, the inspiration behind Slammed, and the powerful themes she explores in her novels.
A Journey from Self-Publishing to Bestselling Author
Colleen Hoover’s path to becoming a bestselling author was far from conventional. Unlike many authors who are traditionally published, Hoover started her writing career by self-publishing Slammed, which she released in 2012. The novel was initially a labor of love, and Hoover had no idea it would resonate so deeply with readers. “I never set out to be a published author. I started writing Slammed because it was something I wanted to do for myself,” Hoover reflects. “It was a way for me to escape my daily routine and express myself creatively.”
Slammed is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Layken, a young woman who navigates the complexities of grief, love, and family after the death of her father. The novel’s unique blend of emotional depth and romantic tension, coupled with Hoover’s writing style, quickly gained traction online, spreading word-of-mouth through social media and book blogs.
“I wasn’t expecting it to blow up the way it did,” Hoover admits. “I released Slammed on a whim, and it started to gain attention because readers connected with the characters. That’s when everything changed for me.”
The Power of Social Media and Reader Communities
One of the key factors that contributed to the success of Slammed was its ability to reach readers through platforms like Goodreads and social media. Hoover credits her readers for her rise to success, noting that it was the online book community that helped Slammed gain momentum. “The support from readers was incredible,” she says. “It wasn’t a traditional marketing effort; it was word-of-mouth, and the readers were the ones who made Slammed successful.”
With Slammed climbing the ranks of bestsellers, Hoover caught the attention of traditional publishing houses, which led to her signing a deal with Atria Books for subsequent releases. Since then, she has continued to write bestselling novels, including Point of Retreat, This Girl, and It Ends with Us, each tackling challenging emotional themes and complex relationships.
Themes of Love, Loss, and Healing
At the heart of Slammed is a deeply emotional story about love, loss, and healing. Hoover has always been drawn to themes of overcoming adversity and finding strength in difficult times. “I write about characters who go through hardship because I want readers to see that no matter what they go through, there’s always hope on the other side,” she explains.
In Slammed, Layken’s journey is marked by both love and tragedy. The novel’s exploration of grief is especially poignant, as Layken deals with the sudden loss of her father and the impact it has on her family. Hoover’s portrayal of Layken’s grief and the way she learns to navigate her emotions is something many readers have found relatable.
“I think everyone has experienced some form of loss or heartbreak in their lives,” Hoover says. “I want readers to connect with my characters on a personal level. Whether they’ve lost a loved one or been through a difficult breakup, I want them to feel like they’re not alone.”
The emotional depth Hoover brings to her characters is a hallmark of her writing. She is known for creating characters who feel real, raw, and vulnerable. “I try to create characters who aren’t perfect,” she notes. “Perfection isn’t relatable. People want to see themselves in the stories, and they want to see characters who are struggling but are still moving forward.”
The Transition to Mainstream Success
After the success of Slammed, Colleen Hoover continued to build on her reputation as a master of emotional fiction. Her novels tackle tough topics like domestic abuse, mental health, and toxic relationships, as seen in It Ends with Us, which has been hailed as one of her most powerful and important works. Hoover has been praised for her ability to tackle difficult subject matter while remaining respectful and empathetic to the experiences of others.
“It’s really important to me that I handle sensitive topics with care and respect,” Hoover explains. “When I write about something like domestic abuse or mental health, I do a lot of research and try to portray those experiences as authentically as possible. These are real issues that affect people every day, and I want to write about them in a way that helps others understand the complexity of those situations.”
Despite her mainstream success, Hoover remains grounded and appreciative of the support she’s received. “I never expected any of this to happen. It’s been a whirlwind, and I’m just grateful for the opportunity to keep writing,” she says. “Every time I hear that a reader connected with my book, it makes it all worth it.”
What’s Next for Colleen Hoover?
Colleen Hoover shows no signs of slowing down. She’s currently working on several new projects, with plans to continue writing books that explore complex emotions and relationships. “I’m always working on something new,” she says with a smile. “Writing is a passion for me, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Her next release, Reminders of Him, is set to explore themes of redemption, second chances, and the complexities of forgiveness. Fans of Hoover’s previous work can expect another deeply emotional and thought-provoking story that will leave a lasting impact.
As Hoover’s literary career continues to soar, her ability to connect with readers and craft stories that resonate with the human experience is undeniable. Whether through tackling grief, love, or the strength to overcome personal struggles, Colleen Hoover remains a force in contemporary fiction.
In Conclusion
From self-publishing her debut novel to becoming a bestselling author with millions of copies sold worldwide, Colleen Hoover’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the bond between authors and readers. With her knack for creating emotionally charged stories that resonate deeply with audiences, Hoover’s books continue to inspire and captivate readers across the globe.
As she moves forward in her career, it’s clear that Colleen Hoover’s voice will remain an important one in the world of contemporary fiction. For those who have yet to discover her work, Slammed is just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable literary journey.