Header Promotion
Babies in Romance – Love ’em or Hate ’em?
Hi, everyone, this is my first blog for the Romance line so I hope you’ll all come out and play…
I am currently way behind on deadline, but with a sick son, husband and house cleaning to do (we’re moving and have 3 lots of prospective tenants coming through the house tomorrow), I tried to think of something interesting to say. I drew a blank…but my lovely critique partner Rachel Bailey, new and excellent Desire author, suggested babies as I am lead author for a new series next year for Romance, Outback Babies, along with good friends and very talented authors Michelle Douglas, and an outstanding new author for the line, Nikki Logan.
For me, when I was asked to kick-start this series, it was a no-brainer. Everyone in my family adores kids, we have three of our own and have happily semi-adopted many other kids. Our house was the place where all kids came to hang out and do weekend sleepovers, calling us Mum and Dad and asking where we’d put the good, non-healthy peanut butter (hi Lani!). And I’m a total sucker for a baby, whether in fiction, on TV or in real life. I’m not a grandma yet, I’m happy to say (since we currently live across the world from my married daughter), but when I become one, I’m going to be a total sap. We have many friends with babies and I just can’t keep from cuddling or touching them, much to one friend’s daughter’s disgust. The 3 year old told me very indignantly not to touch her brother because I probably have swine flu. I thought it rather cute seeing her protecting her baby brother so fiercely.
How about you? Do you love babies in Romance, or do you feel they get in the way? For me, nothing melts me as a reader faster than a strong Alpha brought to his knees by a drooling toothless smile, a touch of a grubby finger. Especially when it isn’t his baby, and he realizes that paternity doesn’t mean love, and vice-versa. What’s your opinion?
Melissa
Melissa James, Harlequin Romance
ONE SMALL MIRACLE, "Outback Babies #1" - April 2010
THE SHEIK'S DESTINY, July 2010
MY UNFAIR LADY (wt), TBA
Babies
It honestly depends on how they are worked into the novel. I mean this is a romance novel after all. Humm yet sometimes romance can lead to a baby. As long as the story line seems real I am good. I can handle the whole getting a baby sitter thing but I don't wont to sit and read all about how mommy can do this, this, this, and this without mention of the child. If the child is going to be there then make the child seem to be a real part of the relationship too.
Jessiecue
January 2010 Member of the Month
http://community.eharlequin.com/category/tags/wayrn-2010-0
Hi!
Oh I love babies in Romance. Or in any line. Maybe babies in books in general. I agree with you, there's something about the big tough hero, melting for a drooling little baby. It's too cute, especially when they spent the majority of the time fighting it!
When I have a little money I buy books. If any is left I buy food and clothes. -Erasmus
-Nicole-
I don't mind
babies being in books.... I also don't mind if they're not. This is coming from a woman who loves kids but who also chooses not to have any. I know some lines seem to be more geared towards the stories having them, and I read some from them, but I also read from those who are more geared to not have them. I guess it all depends on the mood I'm in.
Hugs,
April
November 2009 MEMBER OF THE MONTH
I'd rather...
...the hero be brought to his knees over a puppy/dog or kitten/cat, horse, etc. In other words, a fur "child." I tend to steer away from stories that feature children, especially babies. Sometimes when the child is older it's okay--they are more independent and allow the heroine to go off and do her own thing. But babies are high maintenance, and while I admit the image of a big, strong man gently cradling a tiny baby is somewhat appealing, I'd still rather they were non-human babies.
Can you tell I am childless by choice? LOL.
-Kim
Fuzzy Tales: http://keas-fur-family.blogspot.com/
Babies are people, too
Congrats on your first e-harl post, Lisa, and thanks for the generous plug ('outstanding' eh? Remind me to put you on the payroll :) )
Jessiecue has it right when she says that the baby has to be a character unto itself, not just a plot device. If I'm going to fall for a hero who's falling for a baby (along with the heroine) then I need to understand what's so loveable about that baby.
We're lucky in the Romance line that kids or pets (or wild animals!) are welcomed by readers which opens up aspects of the character that might not otherwise be explored.
Bring on a well-written, well-motivated baby I say.
www.nikkilogan.com.au - A Romance with Nature
http://lovecatsdownunder.blogspot.com
"Lights, Camera...Kiss the Boss" - Harlequin Romance - February 2010
"Their Newborn Gift" (Outback Babies) - Harlequin Romance - June 2010
I Love Babies!
I really love a family aspect to romance. Sometimes a baby or toddler just brings the right magic to a story. Just as sometimes furry babies do too. (Yes, I'm a sucker for animals in books as well)
~My book blog: http://achickwhoreads.blogspot.com
Babies
I don't mind babies in books. I wouldn't want to read them all the time though. As long as the baby is relevant to the story, I don't have a problem with it.
Linda Henderson
The Romance line is a
The Romance line is a perfect place for babies to be part of the storyline - I'm thinking of Barbara Hannay's Adopted: Outback Baby - which the baby was the reason for the hero and heroine reuniting after many years apart. It has to suit the story I believe, same with our 'furry' children.
Melissa - I agree, the image of an Alpha going all mushy is a great one. And I love the 3 year old protecting her baby brother - how cute. :)
Great first blog - congrats!!
~ Eleni
http://elenikonstantine.com
http://eleni-konstantine.blogspot.com
Babies
Well, I'm battling with one at the moment and I've have my share in books, but I agree, if the baby is in the story then it has to be there for more than decoration. One of the reasons I rarely put dogs in my books is because I will keep forgetting about them and they need walking all the time (just like the real thing!).
It is important not to forget that the book is a romance, though -- and while the baby may have brought the H/h together, there has to be more than that to keep them together.
CHRISTMAS ANGEL FOR THE BILLIONAIRE/HER DESERT DREAM
Annie and Lydia; two women, trading places, changing lives...
LOVES ME, LOVES ME NOT, Mira, Feb paperback
LORDS OF THE DESERT, with Susan Stephens & Alexandra Sellers, Feb
http://www.lizfielding.co
Wow
So many varied ideas here! I guess I'm a both person - I like stories with babies, but without is fine, too. It depends - Kea, I agree babies are high maintenance and it's hard to create a realistic balance with it. Heehee, you'd love Nikki's stories, she works in a zoo and adores animals and it comes through in her books.
Sorry, will answer more as I can but having computer problems where the net shuts down without notice.
Melissa
Melissa James, Harlequin Romance
ONE SMALL MIRACLE, "Outback Babies #1" - April 2010
THE SHEIK'S DESTINY, July 2010
MY UNFAIR LADY (wt), TBA
Nicole
I'm with you...seeing a man who didn't want the child interfering in his life or plans...that's what ONE SMALL MIRACLE is about. A man on a mission, a man with a plan doesn't see that his fixation with a million hectares and a son is destroying his estranged wife. And then he's brought to his knees by truth, and one tiny girl who ruins all his plans and saves his marriage. Without a word, she shows him what's really important in life.
Melissa
Melissa James, Harlequin Romance
ONE SMALL MIRACLE, "Outback Babies #1" - April 2010
THE SHEIK'S DESTINY, July 2010
MY UNFAIR LADY (wt), TBA
Nikki
A well written, well motivated baby...I can just see the kid wailing and saying "NO" at the top of their lungs...
But you're right. A baby is a person with a personality from the start, and that's what an author should bring to life: the reality of each person, no matter their age.
Payroll, eh? Sounds fun! Money money money...LOL, can hear my 3 year old niece singing ABBA now (Keira loves Mamma Mia)
Melissa
Melissa James, Harlequin Romance
ONE SMALL MIRACLE, "Outback Babies #1" - April 2010
THE SHEIK'S DESTINY, July 2010
MY UNFAIR LADY (wt), TBA
Babies and Animals
Hmmm...you know, Moodylady, I don't think I've done an animal. That's a really good thought! My current book is set in Switzerland, where I live...hmmm. What about a St. Bernard?
I totally agree on motivation, Seriousreader. I had *3* kids in A Mother In A Million, my 2008 release, and each child was necessary and with a unique personality. I had to motivate each child in every scene or it would never have worked.
Melissa
Melissa James, Harlequin Romance
ONE SMALL MIRACLE, "Outback Babies #1" - April 2010
THE SHEIK'S DESTINY, July 2010
MY UNFAIR LADY (wt), TBA
Eleni
You're right...because there's no set love scenes in Romance, we have more time for extra characters, and to make a baby real and necessary, you need that space. I have a scene where the baby prefers playing with dust bunnies to toys, and I loved writing it. And she loves the animals in the stable.
Thanks! I have to get back to my wip and packing (moving soon...ick, but love the new apartment!), but I've enjoyed blogging way more than I thought, because so many came and talked to me. Thanks, everyone!
Melissa
Melissa James, Harlequin Romance
ONE SMALL MIRACLE, "Outback Babies #1" - April 2010
THE SHEIK'S DESTINY, July 2010
MY UNFAIR LADY (wt), TBA
Liz
Fabulous point on animal addition, Liz...thanks! And on the motivation for the hero and heroine. They have t be mature people willing to work at love, just as we all do.
And note to self: WALK THE ST. BERNARD...
Melissa
Melissa James, Harlequin Romance
ONE SMALL MIRACLE, "Outback Babies #1" - April 2010
THE SHEIK'S DESTINY, July 2010
MY UNFAIR LADY (wt), TBA
Hi Lisa
Am chuckling at your post (and the fact you managed to get an ABBA reference in one of your replies!)
I have to admit that I love writing books that have babies in them -- I love how they can distill all that is most important for a hero and heroine.
In reality, though, I'm happy to skip the dirty nappies and sleepless nights
The Cattleman, The Baby and Me - Harlequin Romance May 2010
http://www.michelle-douglas.com
Michelle
LOL, I bet you are! I remember writing, trying to submit etc, when my son was a baby. When he got whooping cough (he couldn't take the immunisation, it gave him asthma) and pneumonia, of course I didn't write at all. I love and adore my kids, but little ones impact on writing time. I remember talking to Cathy Mann once with her husband away on duty and two kids with flu, and she had a tight deadline. That woman amazes me, she really does.
Melissa
Melissa James, Harlequin Romance
ONE SMALL MIRACLE, "Outback Babies #1" - April 2010
THE SHEIK'S DESTINY, July 2010
MY UNFAIR LADY (wt), TBA
Babies in Books?
I love them. Maybe because there's always a baby in my family and that little one inspires me.
But they are warm and soft and cuddly and cause everyone to do things that they genuinely wouldn't ever guess they would do.
And, yes. I love to see that soft side of a hero that comes out at the most wonderful moment in the book!
susan
susan meier
THE MAGIC OF A FAMILY CHRISTMAS, Harlequin Romance, 11/09
Susan
You're so right about babies pulling you out of the norm, Susan - they can't think of what to do for you, so you must think less of yourself...and from then it's a lifetime journey of thinking of them, not you (as just proven in my difficult and ultimately useless conversation with Mr. 16...sigh). But yes, all my babies, kids, have taught me to be a better person.
Melissa
Melissa James, Harlequin Romance
ONE SMALL MIRACLE, "Outback Babies #1" - April 2010
THE SHEIK'S DESTINY, July 2010
MY UNFAIR LADY (wt), TBA
I love babies in books
Some authors really can give a baby a great personality. I think they are the ones with lots of kid experience. I don't have kids but just love stories about them and their H/h.
February 2009 Member of the Month
When I get a little money I buy books, and then if any is left I buy food and clothes..-- Erasmus
Cats can work out mathematically the exact place to sit that will cause the most inconvenience.--Pam Brown
Kaelee
Babies do have personalities, right from the start - my kids have barely changed in essentials since they were tiny. I think you're 100% right, Kaelee, to write babies/kids well you should know and love them. :-))) I guess it's like anything though, you can research it well if you don't have them or know them (easy enough with babies everywhere!). I did seven years' research before writing a book set in 1000 BC. I can't know I'm right, but research helps.
Hope you all love our Outback Babies series - it's something different to the traditional pregnancies or secret baby stories. Real 21st century stories here! We're very proud of what we achieved in this series.
Melissa
Melissa James, Harlequin Romance
ONE SMALL MIRACLE, "Outback Babies #1" - April 2010
THE SHEIK'S DESTINY, July 2010
MY UNFAIR LADY (wt), TBA
I'm a sucker for a baby, in
I'm a sucker for a baby, in books and in real life. I don't want a baby to take over the story, but then, I don't like it when real life children rule the household either.
I cannot recall a child in a HM&B that does take over the story. I suspect editorial keeps babies and children in line.
Nancy
January 2009 Member of the Month
Participant in Date with Destiny 2009
Participant in Pass the Plot Spring 2009
Babies
I love a baby in a romance, especially, yep, if the hero melts around the baby. And if I see him with the baby in the story, I know he'll make a good father for children if he and the heroine have them later on. But with most things in a romance, it's all in the execution. My favourite authors can write about pretty much anything and I'll read it, babies or no babies.
Congrats on your first post, Melissa!
www.rachelbailey.com
Claiming His Bought Bride, Desire, Jan 2010
The Blackmailed Bride's Secret Child, Desire, Feb 2010
http://lovecatsdownunder.blogspot.com/ 7 New Cats on the Blog!
Nancy
Nice to hear from you again! Swotting away at a partial due Monday (so far totally set on the Swiss ski slopes near where I live, with not a baby in sight) but yeah, I love baby stories if done well - and our editors are very good at keeping us focused with them. In A Mother In A Million, I originally had a scene in Tim's POV (the hero's oldest child) and my editor said it lowered the beauty between hero and heroine, and to change it to the hero's POV. It worked far better. They know what they're doing.
Melissa
Melissa James, Harlequin Romance
ONE SMALL MIRACLE, "Outback Babies #1" - April 2010
THE SHEIK'S DESTINY, July 2010
MY UNFAIR LADY (wt), TBA
Rachel!
Hey, Rachel! Yeah, those babies melting a big, tough Alpha...love it. Thanks for stopping by!
Melissa
Melissa James, Harlequin Romance
ONE SMALL MIRACLE, "Outback Babies #1" - April 2010
THE SHEIK'S DESTINY, July 2010
MY UNFAIR LADY (wt), TBA
Babies
I have mixed emotions about babies in romance. I have to agree with your statement:
A man who is tender and who loves animals, babies, and old people really warms my heart. I love men who have a weak spot for people and creatures who are weaker than he, helpless, or in distress (and, of course, for his heroine), and I think kindness and compassion are not only sexy but essential in a love interest.
On the other hand, I read romances for the relationship between the man and the woman. So, while I certainly have nothing against babies, I'm really looking for the relationship to be the most important one in the story. So, it's important that the baby not be the focus of the story or detract from the love relationship between the H & h too much. If they are included and do not steal the limelight too much, then I'm happy to have them included.
Adopt a shelter pet. Save a life; gain a best friend for life.
View my DD's very public video acting debut at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E-v05kMucw.
July 2009 Member of the Month