Monster Meet-Cute: Q&A with Author Jenifer Wood

Maybe being abandoned on an orc alien planet isn't a bad thing!

Feb 28, 2025

The following profile was made possible in partnership with Monsterotica Book Con.

You can meet authors such as Jenifer Wood at this year’s Monsterotica Book Con, which will take place on May 8-10, 2025 in Baltimore, MD.

Quick Monster Bites

Meet the Author: Jenifer Wood

The mastermind behind: Abandoned on Niflheim

First monster crush: Robinhood from the Disney cartoon.

Describe your books in three emojis: ❤️🍆💦

Team claws, team horns, or team tentacles?: claws

Your ideal writing soundtrack: I listen to the same songs over and over like a serial killer.

Favorite writing fuel: Dirty chai latte

The Monster-Maker’s Secrets

How did you fall in love with the monster romance genre?

I was on the alien to monster pipeline. I was reading Ruby Dixon and found myself wanting more and more monstrous creatures. I think the first that I read that actually counts as a monster was My Minotaur Husband. For a long time I said no to a cow face. Then I read My Minotaur Husband and there was no looking back.

Do you prefer writing scary, swoony, or sassy monsters?

Swoony for sure, my characters tend to be cinnamon rolls.

What’s the weirdest or most surprising monster you’ve written about?

I am still a beginning monster author. I started with orcs and am in the process of writing my first wolfman, which is a dark little red riding hood telling. I didn't think I could make murder cozy, but it is happening.

Monster romances often challenge romance norms—what’s one trope you love to reinvent?

One of my most popular books, Steve's Barmaid, has a virgin MMC. It isn't as unconventional now, but it used to be. Having a MMC experience everything for the first time, especially if he isn't used to human norms (kissing, blow jobs) is a lot of fun.

Who would play one of your favorite monster MCs in a movie adaptation?

This is hard because I like my monsters pretty monstery, so picking a human actor doesn't really fit. I suppose if I had to pick a monster from a movie to play it would be the bunny from Zootopia. The fox can GET IT.

If Your Life Were a Monster Romance…

Your monster alter ego would be?

I would love to be a tiny little goblin that lives in dark corners and scares people.

Who’s your ride-or-die fictional monster BFF?

Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon

The craziest date you’d go on with your favorite monster?

Dragon and I would want to go for a ride (both kinds)

What advice would your favorite book character give about surviving love (monster or human)?

Always carry your anxiety meds on you, you never know when you will be abducted. Ask about birth control IMMEDIATELY.

Behind the Pen

What brought you to Monster Romance?

Romantasy, alien romance, monster romance pipeline. Monster romance is my home.

What’s the biggest challenge of writing monster romance?

I suck at building tension. I LIKE a well done slow burn, but I want my characters to get down and dirty right away. But I have to admit a slower burn is much more satisfying then they met, they fucked, it was great.

What do you hope readers take away from your stories?

You don't need to be perfect to be loved, you don't need to be conventionally attractive, you don't even need to have your shit together. You can be loved for exactly who you are and have your partner not only understand you wants and needs, but actively look to meet them.

What’s next for you in the world of monster romance?

Enemies to lovers small town romance... except he's a minotaur douche canoe and she's got a giant chip on her shoulder.

Monster Speed Round

Favorite monster from pop culture: I feel like I don't know a lot of monsters from pop culture. Am I too old? Elder millennial. I WOULD fuck ghost face.

Go-to comfort read: Programmed for Love by Lyonne Riley

Book trope you’ll never get tired of: One bed, one cave, one horse. FORCED PROXIMITY. Premature ejaculation. Inexperienced main characters.

Dream book con destination: Honestly, Orange County. It's where I live and I'd get all my friends to come stay with me and we'd love it.

What’s next?

What do you want to plug for your fans and wannabe readers right now?

Fenrik's Fate is an Abandoned on Niflheim prequel. It is short and steamy and takes place in 1991. It can be read as a standalone. It comes out February 4.

Where do you want readers to find you?

@authorjeniferwood on insta - it is where I am most active. But my patreon is pretty poppin too. Sexy Little Red Riding hood retelling right now.