I have always been a reader...but I didn't know I was a writer until I read a romance novel.
It was River's Edge by Nora Roberts, way back when the year still started with a one. It's about a woman who has lived through something terrible and found solace in nature, and a man who can't help but seek the truth, even it upsets her fragile peace. It's still one of my faves--you can't go wrong with La Nora. And it made me realize something had had never occurred to me, all those years reading adventure stories and mystery stories and fantasy stories:
You could write a whole book about the sexy parts.
The best parts! I mean, no one cares if Ilsa survives the war: we want to see her kiss Rick! Sure, the planes in Top Gun are cool and all, but what I really wanted is Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis making out on a motorcycle. Don't even get me started on Han and Leia in that hallway on Echo Base. Those had always been my favorite elements of any book or movie, but it had never occurred to me that the romance itself could be the story.
Which ... duh. For most people, their romantic relationships are some of the most significant in their lives. The terrible ex, the one that got away, the first big crush. Who we love is who we are. Love helps us become who we wish to be. And the steamy bits, well, that's what makes life worth living! I love that in romance novels, women come first ... and often.
When I read that first romance novel, I knew I wanted to write stories like that: ones that had all the adventure and mystery and fantasy I liked, but centered the romantic stories I loved. Sharing those stories with you is my greatest pleasure!
I live in Denver, CO, USA, with my handsome husband and adorable animals. When I’m not fueling my creativity with shocking amounts of diet soda, you can usually find me in a movie theater (in a carefully-selected reclining seat) or hosting bar trivia at my local food hall. I love to travel, read, and spend time with my life-long friends.
What Got You Hooked on Romance Novels? Let me Know!
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