PHOTO: Wendy Vella, USA Today bestselling author, celebrated for her rich historical romance novels and the beloved Langley Sisters series.
Inside The Creative World Of A Bestselling Historical Romance Author
Wendy Vella shares her journey from inspired reader to bestselling author, her character-driven approach, Regency era research, and how Lady In Disguise blends disguise, romance, and resilience in her Langley Sisters series.
Wendy Vella is a USA Today bestselling author whose novels have captivated millions of readers worldwide with their blend of romance, humor, and richly detailed historical settings. Known for her Langley Sister series, Sinclair & Raven series, and The Deville Brothers series, Vella’s work brings to life strong, relatable heroines and dashing heroes set against the sweeping backdrop of Regency England. Her stories combine heartfelt emotion with wit and sensuality, creating unforgettable reading experiences that resonate with fans of historical romance.
Vella’s passion for the genre began early, inspired by her mother’s introduction to Georgette Heyer’s These Old Shades. From that moment, historical romance became a lifelong fascination. Though her first attempts at writing were rough—her initial novel, penned while working in London, remains tucked away in a shoebox—she persevered. It wasn’t until joining the Romance Writers of New Zealand a decade later that she began to write seriously, eventually winning a competition and publishing her first book in 2013. Since then, she has continued to grow as a storyteller, delighting readers with her heartfelt and complex characters.
A gifted storyteller weaving heartfelt emotion, strong characters, and vivid historical settings into captivating and enduring Regency romances beloved by readers worldwide.
Character development is a cornerstone of Vella’s writing process. She begins with a character’s name, then shapes their appearance and personality. Vella is drawn to heroes with troubled pasts who seek redemption and heroines who are strong and independent, yet find love on their own terms. Authentic flaws and motivations make her characters relatable, adding depth and realism to her romantic narratives.
The Regency era serves as the primary setting for Vella’s stories. Years of immersion in this period have given her a solid foundation of historical knowledge, but she also embraces ongoing research to maintain accuracy. When uncertain about details, she continues writing and later researches to ensure her portrayals are as authentic as possible, using a combination of books and online resources.
Vella’s writing routine is flexible. Rather than meticulously plotting, she writes roughly 30,000 words to find the story’s direction before refining and completing it. Music plays a vital role in her focus; wearing AirPods and listening to a consistent playlist helps her enter the creative zone. She drafts two versions of each manuscript before listening to the book aloud, a technique that helps her catch subtle errors and polish the narrative.
Among her works, Lady In Disguise from the Langley Sisters series stands out for its exploration of disguise and hidden identities. Inspired by her family’s connection to England and her love for Regency stories, Vella created the Langley Sisters to blend passion with historical intrigue. Lady In Disguise introduces the sisters, setting the tone for the series with its themes of love, resilience, and societal challenges.
The heroine’s double life as a highwayman to protect her family adds tension and complexity to the romance. This secret identity deepens the relationship between the heroine and hero, both of whom are shaped by hardship and transformation. Their reunion years later tests their strength and courage as they confront their changed circumstances and the lingering shadows of their pasts.
Balancing historical accuracy with storytelling freedom is key to Vella’s approach. She carefully researches events and societal norms while allowing room to craft a narrative that speaks emotionally to readers. For Vella, authenticity supports the heart of the story, enhancing rather than restricting her creative vision.
Wendy Vella’s novels continue to enchant readers by weaving together love, humor, and history into timeless tales. Her dedication to crafting nuanced characters and immersive settings ensures her place among the foremost voices in historical romance today.
This article was adapted from an interview with Wendy Vella in the latest issue of Reader’s House.
