Early Beginnings in Writing
Liv’s career into writing began while she was working full-time at a major bank in Australia. Despite the stability of her job, she found her days uninspiring.
“My passion had always been writing since I was in school and making up picture books,” Liv said.
At her mother’s suggestion, Liv enrolled in a creative writing course. In the 10-week program, she was surrounded with like-minded individuals. After speaking to the teacher, she believed that she could become an author.
In 2014, Liv balanced her day job with intensive writing sessions. She would set a timer for 25 minutes and write non-stop, break, and repeat.
Her persistence paid off when she began placing in short story competitions and anthologies. In 2019, a publisher accepted her spicy romance story, “Law & Disorder,” followed by her novel “Etched in Stone” and its sequel “Stepping Stone.”
Writing Romance Books
Liv started writing in hope to get into children’s books. However, she shifted her attention to erotic romance.
“Writing spicy scenes is a lot of fun. I love the guaranteed happy endings in the romance genre,” Liv said. “Everyone deserves mind-blowing sex.”
As a sex advice expert for Cosmopolitan, Liv provides insights from the female perspective. Despite societal taboos around sex positivity, she uses her platform to challenge misconceptions and encourage open discussions about sexuality.
“Writing about sex is fun and educational. But people often think sex is like a big secret. It is a part of human nature, ” Liv said.
Mental Wellbeing and Fiction
Writing not only allows Liv to escape into different worlds but also helps manage her generalized anxiety disorder.
Through her writing, Liv aims to bridge gaps for more understanding toward mental wellness. There is not only one technique to manage anxiety. She practices techniques like The Wim Hof Method and cold therapy, and physical activities such as Brazilian jiu jit-su and Muay Thai. These practices have helped her focus on the present, helping her taper off anxiety medication and reset her mind.
Addressing Real-Life Issues in Books
Liv’s novels stand out for their unique blend of romance and real-life issues. Her stories highlight the importance of consent, mental wellness, and sex positivity. Drawing from personal experiences, Liv weaves narratives that entertain while raising awareness. Her characters often reflect the complexities of mental health, inspired by people she’s met, such as an acquaintance who served in Afghanistan and battled PTSD.
In “Stepping Stone,” Liv explores the dynamic of a heroine supporting her husband through PTSD while exploring her sexual desires. These narrative challenges the stigma around discussing and embracing one’s sexuality, particularly for women. The male protagonist’s struggle with PTSD highlights the often-overlooked mental health issues faced by men, challenging the traditional notions of masculinity.
Liv donates a portion of her profits from “Stepping Stone” to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). They have useful resources on managing mental health. She writes realistic characters that people can relate to and advocates for mental health though her platform.
Recognition from Peers
Liv’s received endorsements from New York Times bestselling authors like Cherry Adair, Meredith Wild, and J. Kenner. They praised her ability to address tough subjects with compassion and authenticity.
“In Stepping Stone, Arnold brings her readers on a journey of love, suspense, sexual awakening, and healing. This story pulls on the heartstrings while tackling important social issues,” said Meredith Wild, #1 New York Times bestselling author.
Future Projects and Aspirations
Liv is currently transforming her novella, “Olive Lim’s Series of Awkward Moments Between Drinks,” into a screenplay. The story is about finding love later in life. Additionally, she is working on “No Stone Unturned,” the third book in her “Invested in You” series, and editing her Young Adult fantasy novel “Beyond the Mirror,” inspired by Asian mythology and popular culture references like Star Wars and Dragon Ball Z.
For Liv Arnold, success is about making a difference. Her stories not only entertain but also inspire, educate, and promote a more empathetic world. Through her writing, Liv continues to challenge norms, advocate for mental health, and champion sex positivity.
Team Credits:
Model and author: Liv Arnold @liv_au
Photographer: Mark Fitzgerald @markjfitzgerald
Hair and Make-up: Kanisha Beauty @kbstudioss_
PR: Public Status PR @publicstatuspr