Is Caroline Wright your real name?
Caroline Wright is my pen name. I chose it to allow my writing to have its own identity, separate from my other professional ventures.

How did you choose your pen name?
I wanted a name that felt grounded, warm, and timeless, and is instantly recognizable. As a young girl, Caroline is the name I wished I had; Wright is a play on the word "write" and also a nod to the fathers of flight (the Wright Brothers). While purely coincidental, I believe this was the right decision, given I put care in each line I write!

What do you write about?
I'm a modern romance writer and poet, so I write romantic comedies and poetry centered on reinvention, longing, identity, and the complicated hope of becoming a better version of yourself. 
 

Why romantic comedy? And why poetry?
I love rich, deep, narratives that balance vulnerability, happenstance, and humor. I believe happiness and romance can reveal who we are just as much as sadness and heartbreak can. 
 

Are your stories autobiographical?
Not directly, but many emotions and observations come from real experiences, conversations, and questions I’ve carried for years.
 

What inspired Deal-Breaker List?
I established a collection of dating stories on my archived blog, Dating a Poet, so when back-to-back entries were about red-flag deal-breakers, I decided it was time to break away from poetry exclusively and center a novel around a woman who was “playfully prescribed” a deal-breaker list to fix her dating life. 

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What’s your favorite rom-com trope?

I have a few. In fiction, I enjoy reading about unexpected love interests (Sophie Cousens’ Is She Really Going Out With Him?), second chance love (Katie Bailey’s The Quit List), and fate versus free will (Rebecca Serle’s Expiration Dates). 

 

In film, I like “big lie” rom-coms like You’ve Got Mail, The Proposal, The Wedding Date, and While You Were Sleeping as well as alternate timeline stories like Sliding Doors.

 

What’s always in your writing playlist?

When I need to concentrate, I play soft instrumental background music that isn’t distracting. For good vibes, inspiration and creative ideas, I love listening to alt-pop (upbeat, catchy alternative tunes).

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What’s one deal-breaker you secretly stand by?
No soda before coffee & breakfast!