This is Ink & Intrigue—the blog where romance ignites, secrets simmer, and every love story hides a twist. I’m your blog host, Sheila Kell, romance author and lover of plot twists, slow burns, and morally questionable book boyfriends.
Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to an author whose stories captivate the heart and leave you smiling long after the last page: Jennifer Vido! If you love sweet small-town romances set against a stunning coastal backdrop, you’re in for a treat.
Jennifer is known for crafting heartwarming love stories filled with authentic characters, small-town charm, and the kind of feel-good storytelling that wraps around you like a warm ocean breeze. Her latest release, Simplicity by the Sea, is the third and final book in the Gull Island trilogy, a sweet Lowcountry romance that brings the beloved series to a satisfying close.
In this spotlight, Jennifer shares the inspiration behind the Gull Island trilogy and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Simplicity by the Sea.
Whether you write love stories, devour them, or dream of doing both, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it and give a warm welcome to Jennifer Vido! 💖
Jennifer Vido’s interview
What drew you to writing romance in particular?
I am a devoted Hallmark Channel fan who has always believed in happily-ever-afters. I love exploring the dynamics between two people and the journey they take to find their way to each other. There is truly nothing better than a story about falling in love. After all, isn’t that what we all want? To love and be loved.
What’s your typical writing routine like—do you write with emotion or outline first?
I am an outliner through and through. I find that mapping out the story before I begin makes for a more engaging read. I also keep a detailed book bible to track my characters and chapters, which helps me stay organized. When you are writing a 70,000-word story, organization is absolutely essential.
Can you tell us about your latest romance and what inspired the story?
Simplicity by the Sea is the final book in the Gull Island series. High-powered marketing executive Delaney Huger is used to calling the shots in Virginia’s growing wine industry. But when a quick trip home to Gull Island forces her to slow down, she finds herself drawn to the simple rhythms of island life and wondering if she has been chasing the wrong dreams all along.
Are your characters based on real people, or entirely fictional?
My characters are entirely fictional, though I believe every person I meet leaves a little imprint on me. I tend to take small pieces of the people in my life and weave them into characters I hope readers will love.
What romance tropes do you love to write, and which ones do you avoid?
I love exploring a variety of tropes. So far, my favorites have been friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers, and second chances. A fake romance is definitely on my list for the future. As for love at first sight, I tend to steer clear of that one. It is a difficult trope to make convincing, though I never say never!
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Never give up on your dream. The difference between a bestselling author and an aspiring one is simple: the writer sat down and wrote the book. If you truly want to follow your dream, the first step is to open your laptop and start writing.
Which books or authors have influenced you the most?
I am a huge fan of Danielle Steel, the queen of romance. I also love contemporary authors like Mary Kay Andrews, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Karen White, and Jenny Hale. They inspire me every day, and I aspire to one day join them on the bestseller list.
What do you like to read in your free time?
I enjoy a wide range of genres, including romance, cozy mysteries, thrillers, women’s fiction, and memoirs. There is always a book on my nightstand.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I write a weekly column on FreshFiction.com called Jen’s Jewels, where I interview New York Times bestselling authors as well as exciting up-and-coming voices. Discovering the inspiration behind other authors’ books is one of my greatest joys.
How do you balance writing with other aspects of your life?
By day, I serve as the executive director of a legal nonprofit in my community. By night, I write sweet Lowcountry romances. My life is highly structured, and it has to be. Writing full-time while holding a demanding career requires discipline and a whole lot of passion.
What are you working on next?
I am currently writing a Christmas romance set in Nashville, which will be the first book in my new bachelorette trilogy. I am very excited about this new direction!
Do you have a dream project you hope to write someday?
My ultimate dream is to see one of my books adapted into a Hallmark movie. My stories are sweet romances that feel tailor-made for the small screen. Fingers crossed!
Jennifer Vido’s Bio
Jennifer Vido Author of Simplicity by the Sea photographed by Robin Sommer of MidAtlantic Photographic LLC
Award-winning author Jennifer Vido delights readers with her Gull Island series, a collection of sweet Lowcountry romances inspired by her love of coastal living and small-town charm. Her debut novel, Serendipity by the Sea, won Best First Book from the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Contest, and she has earned back-to-back wins as Baltimore Magazine’s Best Local Author in 2024 and 2025 and a spot on The Daily Record’s 2026 list of Maryland’s Top 100 Women. A Vanderbilt graduate, Jennifer traded in teaching French to follow her dream of becoming an author and shares her love of books through her popular Jen’s Jewels column. She lives in Maryland with her husband and her rescue dog, Fripp. When she is not writing, you will find her at the beach with her toes in the sand, dreaming about her next romance.
A note from Jennifer Vido
I would love to connect with you! Stop by JenniferVido.com to explore my books and check out my Jen’s Jewels author interview recommendations, where I spotlight New York Times bestselling authors and exciting new voices. While you are there, sign up for my monthly newsletter, where I share the hottest reads, behind-the-scenes glimpses of my writing journey, and all the exciting things coming up next. I am passionate about stories, and I treasure my reader community more than I can say. Reading has always been my happy place, and sharing that joy with others makes it even sweeter. If books are your love language, let’s be friends!
I hope you loved getting to know Jennifer Vido and hearing about her inspirations, journey, and latest release, Simplicity by the Sea. If you haven’t added this to your TBR yet, now’s the time—trust me, you won’t want to miss it. 💖
You can connect with Jennifer Vido here:
🔗 Website: JenniferVido.com
📱 Socials:
🛒 Grab her books:
Thank you for joining me in spotlighting a fellow author who’s giving us all the feels. Stay tuned for more author features, book talk, and behind-the-scenes romance goodness.
Until next time—keep reading, keep swooning! 💖