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- Are writers in control?06/01/2008 - 20:07
Are writers in control? Where did the ideas for His Captive Lady come from and how did you develop them?
I don’t think writers are in control, not all of the time. This one certainly isn’t…
One of the readers on the eHarlequin Community who had read The Novice Bride asked if the hero’s comrade (Sir Richard of Asculf) was going to have a story of his own. The answer was yes, Sir Richard was going to star in the third Wessex Wedding, which was going to be about Saxon rebels banding together against England’s Norman invaders. This was the plan.
It is good to have a plan, isn’t it? Yes, it is. So…when An Honorable Rogue was finished, I started on Sir Richard’s story.
The plotting was going well until I visited our local bookshop and stumbled across Richard Fletcher’s book Bloodfeud - Murder and Revenge in Anglo-Saxon England. No sooner had I finished reading Bloodfeud than a couple of completely new characters jumped into my mind. The first was Wulf, the hero of His Captive Lady.Wulf told me, in no uncertain terms, that his story had to come next. He refused to wait in line. I tried telling Wulf that Sir Richard was his superior and therefore his story should come first, but Wulf wasn’t having it. Sometimes these warriors can be very persistent.
The second character to spring to mind was Lady Erica. She was equally determined but her approach was more subtle than Wulf’s. The leader of a band of Saxon rebels, she, Lady Erica and her followers, were also involved in a grim bloodfeud with another group of Saxon rebels – as she quietly informed me.
No, no, no! (I tried to argue my case). You can’t add an ancient bloodfeud to a story about Saxon rebels fighting the Normans. Besides, Wessex Weddings was planned as a three book mini-series…
But, as you can see, between them Wulf and Erica talked me round to their way of thinking and His Captive Lady became the third Wessex Wedding. (The novels are stand-alone books, loosely connected by the fact that the central characters marry in Wessex, the ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdom that ran across Southern England.)
And Sir Richard? I am working on his story at the moment, and all I will say is that it in no way resembles the one I had originally planned! Furthermore, two entirely new characters have appeared. Already they are speaking to me. (That is code to cover up the sad truth that they are ordering me about). Perhaps their story might come after Sir Richard’s - I can see I will have to ask my editor if she thinks two more Wessex Weddings are a good idea!
Are writers in control? Hmm. Recent experience seems to suggest that it’s characters who dictate events…. - 05/26/2008 - 09:36(or why I write for Silhouette Special Edition)
As a romance author trying to stay in the game in the early twenty-first century, I'm definitely an odd duck. Why? Because I like writing stories about real people finding love in a real world - you know, the one where most of us live?
I'm thinking anyone who hasn't been hiding out in a cave - alone, with no text messaging capabilities - knows how much drama there is in the average human experience. That scoring happily-ever-after is challenging enough without adding fangs and fur and murder-most-foul to the mix. But for those of us who love to write - and read - these stories (which my grown niece once described as "You know, stories about normal people, where stuff gets messed up, then fixed!") finding a fang-and-murder-free contemporary romance these days can be problematic. Especially since single title straight contemporary romances aren't exactly thick on the ground.
However...mosey on over to the category romance racks, and...ta-da! Real people! Real life! Real romance! Not in and Romance and Silhouette Special Editon...yep. There they be. Sure, the books may be short reads, but short doesn't necessarily mean shallow, or that characterization and emotion have been given short shrift - or even that story itself has been sacrificed. Instead, one of the great things about writing for SSE is that I can really focus on the characters' growth throughout the story, and consequently the developing romance.
Good things in small packages, yadayada.
What especially fires my jets about being an SSE author is that there's virtually no limit on the kinds of characters I can write about - especially the heroes. Betas, blue-collars, guys-next-door...SSE says, "Bring ‘em on." Which I love, because, you know, what makes a man heroic has nothing to do with his social status or Dun and Bradstreet rating and everything to do with the kind of man he is. The Greek root for "hero" means "sacrifice," something I keep in mind as I'm developing my guys: It's not what they have, it's what they're willing to give up, that defines their manhood.
That's not to say I haven't written my share of rich dudes - Grant Braeburn in DEAR SANTA, for instance, is a hedge fund manager who describes himself as "insanely wealthy." Blake Carter (MARRIAGE, INTERRUPTED) and Troy Lindquist (PRIDE AND PREGNANCY) are partners in a frozen desserts empire. IOW, they ain't hurtin'. But my fave characters are those average joes who're just trying to get by, like their counterparts in real life. Some more than others - Kevin Vaccaro (BABY, I'M YOURS) is a recovering substance abuser who, at the beginning of the story, has virtually nothing he can call his own - no job, no home, no bank account - except his recently discovered baby daughter. Hero material?
A man who has to get his rear in gear, like yesterday, to prove - to himself, mostly - that's he's worthy of fatherhood?
You betcha.
At the same time, even my well-off heroes are, well, pretty normal. (Most of them, anyway. The aforementioned Grant does have his issues.) Many didn't start out life rich: they've worked their butts off to earn their wealth, and having money hasn't changed their core personalities or values. They'll just...men. Okay, maybe not just men, they are romance heroes after all, they're sexy as hell. Still. These are guys I could actually have a conversation with and not feel weird and self-conscious around. Once I got past that whole sexy-as-hell thing, at least.
But my point is...at heart, SSE is a great place to find stories about real people dealing with real-life situations, stories about family and friends and kids and, yes, babies, because that's what life is for a lot of readers. That's not to say those who prefer more escapist category reads won't find plenty of sheiks and princes and such - another great thing about SSE is the variety within the line, in character types, tones and sensuality level - but when you've got a yen to explore romance from a more down-to-earth angle...
Step right this way. ;-) - 05/22/2008 - 22:33
LOVE HIM OR LEAVE HIM?
Dear Gabby,
I know that workplace romances are always a bad idea but I somehow managed to forget that long enough to not only get involved but fall in love.
I was attracted to this man from the beginning but, until recently, I didn’t have any idea that he felt the same way. Recently we’ve been spending more time together and growing closer, but the situation is really complicated because he’s my boss and he’s a single father.
I’ve always admired his dedication to his job but lately I’ve realized that he works even harder at being a good dad. In fact, it was probably his commitment to his children that propelled my feelings beyond serious infatuation to the all-encompassing love I feel for him now.
He’s way out of my league—I know that, but I’m head over heels anyway. My best friend is worried that he’ll break my heart and she wants me to find another job before that can happen. I know that’s a risk, but I think it’s a risk I’m willing to take. I know for sure I don’t want to leave him.
What do you think I should do, Gabby? Should I walk away? Or should I follow my heart and hope for a future with a man who is even more than I ever dared to dream about?
Signed, Royally Confused
Dear Confused,
Wow, I’ve only read your letter and I’m halfway in love with this guy myself!If you have any doubt that he’s prince material, you only need to look at the similarities between his life and that of HRH Rowan Santiago. Following the tragic deaths of his brother and sister-in-law, the hunky prince left a successful career as a financial advisor in London (and England’s loss is definitely our gain!) to take over the running of the country and assume custody of his niece and nephews. In my opinion, any man who demonstrates that same commitment to family is a man worth risking your heart for.
My advice? Go for it!
VERDICT: This man is definitely a PRINCE! And if it doesn’t work out for you, please give him my number!
- 05/22/2008 - 08:09
TO SAIL OR NOT TO SAIL?
Dear Gabby,
A friend of mine had an extra ticket to a gala at the yacht club, where I met this really cute guy. We had a couple of drinks together and talked, and he told me that he’d been part of the national team for last year’s America’s Cup race. I don’t remember what he said his job was because I don’t know all that much about sailing, which I should have realized could be a barrier to any potential relationship between us because sailing was all he talked about.
When he asked if I sailed, I admitted—a little self-consciously—that I can’t even float on a blow-up raft in a swimming pool for too long without feeling seasick. Well, obviously he wasn’t listening because where does he take me for our first date? To the marina!
I was apprehensive, but I really wanted to spend the day with him, so I stepped onboard his boat. Within five minutes, the shifting of the deck beneath my feet is making me feel queasy. He promises I’ll feel better if we go below-deck, so I think he’s got some anti-nausea medication I can take. No—he thinks that kissing me is going to make me forget the motion, but when I close my eyes (because everything else aside, the guy is a really good kisser) my stomach starts to pitch and roll even more and I have to pull away from him to be sick. And then he gets mad at me for throwing up on his freshly-polished teak floor.
Since then, he’s left two messages on my machine asking me to call him, but I haven’t because I don’t know—what am I supposed to say to him now?
Signed, Lonely Landlubber
Dear Landlubber,
Tell him to take a long walk off a short pier.
I don’t have any inherent objection to sailors—in fact, anytime I see a clip on television or a photo in the paper of Prince Eric in his naval uniform, my heart can’t seem to help but go pitter-patter—but I do object to men who are self-absorbed.
I’d say you were pretty clear in telling him you didn’t do well on boats, and he didn’t hear what you were saying or chose not to believe it. Either way, I would say his obsession with water is proof he’s an amphibian.
VERDICT: FROG
- 05/20/2008 - 12:07
WHAT IS ROMANCE?
Dear Gabby,
My boyfriend and I met at university, although we didn’t start dating until after we’d both graduated. We’ve been together for five months now and when he promised me a romantic evening, I was thinking he would take me to a fancy restaurant where there would be candlelight and wine. What I got was a picnic basket and a blanket on the beach.
I can’t believe he could be so cheap. I realize that we’re both just starting out in new careers and that finances are tight, but after five months of pizzas at home with rented movies, I thought I deserved a little more than bread and cheese with a side of sand.
Were my expectations too high?
Signed, Disappointed in Davenport
Dear Disappointed,
If you’re disappointed, imagine how he must feel to have made such an effort that obviously went unappreciated.
A picnic on the beach? Maybe it’s not expensive, but it’s certainly romantic.
Too many women make the mistake of thinking that a man’s feelings for her are reflected in the amount of money he spends when he takes her out. Romance doesn’t—and shouldn’t—have a price tag.
It’s easy for a man with a lot of cash and connections to sweep a woman off her feet. The prince regent’s cousin, Prince Cameron, is a case-in-point. He might have a royal title and the perks that go along with it, but he’s also reputed to have the heart not even of a frog but of a snake. He’s always seen on the town in the fanciest restaurants and the most exclusive clubs, always with a beautiful woman, always with a different woman. And I bet if you asked any one of those women who let themselves be seduced by the elaborate bouquets of flowers and private candlelight dinners and gifts of glittery jewelry, she would gladly have given it all back for a man who cared about her.
Your guy might be frugal, but he’s thoughtful and considerate, and you need to realize it’s the sentiment behind a gesture that is truly priceless.
VERDICT: PRINCE—but not the right prince for you. - 05/15/2008 - 12:37LOVE HIM OR LEAVE HIM?
Dear Gabby,
I know that workplace romances are always a bad idea but I somehow managed to forget that long enough to not only get involved but fall in love.
I was attracted to this man from the beginning but, until recently, I didn’t have any idea that he felt the same way. Recently we’ve been spending more time together and growing closer, but the situation is really complicated because he’s my boss and he’s a single father.
I’ve always admired his dedication to his job but lately I’ve realized that he works even harder at being a good dad. In fact, it was probably his commitment to his children that propelled my feelings beyond serious infatuation to the all-encompassing love I feel for him now.
He’s way out of my league—I know that, but I’m head over heels anyway. My best friend is worried that he’ll break my heart and she wants me to find another job before that can happen. I know that’s a risk, but I think it’s a risk I’m willing to take. I know for sure I don’t want to leave him.
What do you think I should do, Gabby? Should I walk away? Or should I follow my heart and hope for a future with a man who is even more than I ever dared to dream about?
Signed, Royally Confused
Dear Confused,
Wow, I’ve only read your letter and I’m halfway in love with this guy myself!
If you have any doubt that he’s prince material, you only need to look at the similarities between his life and that of HRH Rowan Santiago. Following the tragic deaths of his brother and sister-in-law, the hunky prince left a successful career as a financial advisor in London (and England’s loss is definitely our gain!) to take over the running of the country and assume custody of his niece and nephews. In my opinion, any man who demonstrates that same commitment to family is a man worth risking your heart for.
My advice? Go for it!
VERDICT: This man is definitely a PRINCE! And if it doesn’t work out for you, please give him my number! - 05/15/2008 - 12:14WHAT IS ROMANCE? PART II
Dear Gabby,
Recently my boyfriend said he wanted to surprise me with a special date for our first year anniversary. He didn’t tell me where we were going or what we were doing, just that I would absolutely love it.
I always dress up when we go out—I work in landscaping, so I enjoy the opportunity to put on a dress and fancy shoes to go dancing. So I chose my outfit carefully for this date, opting for a halter-style sundress and a pair of high heels with ties that criss-crossed up my calves and that the salesgirl promised would make any man whimper.
And sure enough, my boyfriend’s eyes nearly popped out of his head when he saw me, and he told me—as he always does—that I looked fabulous. What he didn’t tell me was that he’d mapped out a walking tour of all of the places we’d gone on dates in our first year together.
Sure, it was a nice idea, but walking five miles in three-inch heels is not my idea of fun!
Now I’m the one whimpering as I soak my feet and wonder if I want to spend another day—never mind another year—with him. What do you think?
Signed, Blisters in Bellavia
Dear Blisters,
My thought is that your man is sweet—if a little clueless.
When he saw what you were wearing—as he obviously did (and kudos to him for always complimenting you!)—he should have either: (a) explained that his plans for the evening required a lot of walking and given you the opportunity to change your clothes and footwear, OR (b) arranged for transportation so that you didn’t have to walk five miles in three-inch heels—a horse-drawn carriage or bicycle taxi would have upped the romance factor incredibly! (You might not be old enough to remember, but Prince Julian hired a bicycle taxi to take the future Princess Catherine around town to show her the sights of the capital before he proposed. Their taxi driver was the first to know of the engagement!)
That being said, it sounds as if his heart was in the right place and, in the future, you might want to make sure you communicate your wants and needs clearly. Because a man who even remembers all the places you’ve been together in the past twelve months is definitely a man worth hanging onto—although you’ll probably want to bandage your feet before you take that next step forward.
VERDICT: PRINCE (undoubtedly!) - 05/15/2008 - 11:52WOULD YOU CHANGE HIM IF YOU COULD?
Dear Gabby,
I met someone at a party—a friend of a friend—and we hit it off right away. I’m a librarian and he’s a corporate raider, but our differences didn’t seem to matter in comparison to the chemistry that sizzled between us from the start.
At the end of the night, he offered me a ride home—on the back of his motorcycle. I’d never been on a bike before and though I was a little hesitant at first, I couldn’t resist the challenge in his eyes—or the opportunity to extend my time with him just a little bit longer. I have to admit I loved the experience of the wind in my face and my arms wrapped tight around him.
Since then, we’ve gone out together three more times. We’ve been hiking, canoeing and we’ve played laser tag. We have another date planned for Saturday afternoon—he wants to take me parasailing, but I’m afraid that might be a little too far outside my comfort zone.
Our previous dates had seemed, at least to me, a fun change of pace, but I’m getting the impression that those kinds of things are his pace. He seems to live every day as if it’s an adventure while I appreciate routine and stability, and now I’m beginning to wonder if there’s any hope for a lasting relationship between us.
What do you think?
Signed, Hopeful in Helena
Dear Hopeful,
I have to admit, there is something about a bad boy that appeals to the adventurous side of us all. Tesoro del Mar’s very own Prince Marcus is a prime example—dark and sexy with just a little bit of a dangerous edge that tempts a woman to try to be what he wants.
But too often in situations of opposites attracting, a woman is challenged by the prospect of taming the very wildness that attracted her in the first place.
Is there hope for a relationship between a small-town librarian and a big-city biker? Sure, but only if you can each accept and respect your differences. If you want to turn him into a Saturday night homebody, you’re dooming yourself to disappointment.
VERDICT: PRINCE—IF you are prepared to take him as he is, BUT if you go into this relationship wanting and expecting to change him, you’ll end up with a FROG - 03/13/2008 - 10:59
The new forum hates me. Some days it likes me and lets me post after I log in. More often than not, it doesn't so just know i'm out here in forced lurk waving.
Sarah
- 03/09/2008 - 16:56
There's a female cat in heat outside/near. Neutering doesn't remove all hormones relating to the urge to reproduce.
Sarah, who has managed to get in after days of being locked out
