Thirteen Reasons I Love Writing Romance1. The "spark": You know what I'm talking about. The idea that wakes you in the middle of the night, the scene that gets you excited to get back to your story, that piece of dialogue you have to write down on a cocktail napkin so you won't forget it.
2. The "promise": Ever get in the zone? Where words pour out of you faster than you can type? And when you finally sit back, drained, there's so much hope inside you--for the story, for your characters, for tomorrow. God, what a great feeling!
3. The research: I'm a geek. Always have been. And I love doing research for my stories. For The Bonds of Matri-money (available now), I researched the island of Bali, survivalist techniques, bats, senile dementia and a host of little things that fascinated or repulsed me. For A Little Slice of Heaven (coming soon), I spent time at a local pizzeria and shopping in Bergdorf Goodman's. Every day brings a new adventure.
4. The community: No writers are more generous, supportive, or fun than romance writers. Don't believe me? Come to a meeting with my local chapter, the LIRW. Go to RWA's National Conference. Join us here at RWU or at the Romance Divas. Romance Writers Rock!
5. The sub-genres: No matter what sub-genre you love to write or read (comedy, suspense, inspirational, sci-fi, paranormal, erotic, etc.), you'll find a story in Romance.
6. The fans: Whether it's someone you know, or someone you've never met, is there any more satisfying feeling than when a reader tells you she loved your story, your character, your favorite line of dialogue?
7. The End: Ah, those two words! That sense of accomplishment. That feeling of success and hope and excitement when you realize you've finished a story and are ready to take the next step on your journey.
8. The hope: Okay, so it sucks to get rejections. But there's always that promise. This time the editor or agent will like your story, this time you're going to win the contest, this time you'll finally get The Call, this time your story will propel you to the next level. Whatever the dream, we keep reaching.
9. The Call: Or the email. That moment you hear, "Yes, we want to acquire your work." It's like winning the lottery. A moment to be celebrated, whether it's for the first time or the hundredth.
10. The Cover: It's another one of those butterflies in your stomach moments where you can't wait to see what the art department has conceived for you. Whether you rush to click on that jpg or do so slowly, holding your breath, the moment is filled with possibilities.
11. The Release Date: You count the days, your friends count the days, your fans count the days. The only other event that can possibly compare is giving birth. It's exciting, nerve-wracking, and something to remember for the rest of your life.
12. Your book in a store: You see your name on a shelf or a website. Or better yet, an acquaintance or family member sees your name on a shelf or a website. Or even better, someone who's mistreated you (an ex, those high school bullies, an estranged family member) sees your name on a shelf or a website. Oh, the joy!
13. Happily Ever After: Are there three nicer words in the English language? I think not.
Labels: Romance Writing, Thursday 13
posted by Gina Ardito aka Katherine Brandon at 5:26 AM
