Fresh Fiction Blog | Kristine Grayson

Once Upon A Time, I wanted to be a historical romance writer. I even majored in history in college, although I dropped out of the honors program when they won't let me write an accurate historical novel ("like Michael Shaara's THE KILLER ANGELS," I said) for my thesis. They told me I had to go to the English department for that.

Well, everyone I knew who majored in English ended up teaching writing, and I didn't want to teach, I wanted to write. In truth, I was already writing. I had paid much of my way through college as a freelance nonfiction writer, and in my sophomore year, I started working as a reporter for a local radio station.

There—and in my history classes—I learned about the importance of accuracy, of not committing anything to paper until it was absolutely right. Which, somehow, I took over into the fiction side.

It would take me years, I reasoned, to write a good historical romance. And honestly, I didn't (and don't) have the attention span for that.

So I gave up and wrote science fiction and fantasy (sf/f). Because I could make it all up. All of it—the setting, the people, the culture. I could do what I wanted and no one would say that I was doing it wrong.

Except...those sf/f editors, they didn't like romance. And the romance editors back then, they didn't like any fantasy or sf cluttering up their romance novels. I was stuck.

And since sf/f had a big short fiction market, and since I wrote a lot of short fiction, I went over there, even editing the most prestigious magazine in the field for a while—and sneaking in that romance stuff where I could. I became an award-winning bestselling science fiction writer under my real name, Kristine Kathryn Rusch.

But I kept reading romance, and loving romance, and finally one day, I wrote a short story (that eventually won Le Prix Imaginales, France's top fantasy award), called "The Strangeness of the Day." My husband, the handsome writer Dean Wesley Smith, said, "Write the book." I said, "But it's a romance." He got an evil grin, and said, "I know."

Because I was this hoity-toity sf/f writer, I put the book under a pen name. And the book sold and because the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice winner for Best Paranormal (before vampires became hot). And my romance career was launched. Albeit, without the history. I still haven't committed historical romance yet. But that's coming. Eventually...

Anyway, WICKEDLY CHARMING comes from a short story too. I wrote "The Charming Way" for an anthology edited by one of the best editors in sf. He wanted "star-crossed lovers" in a fantastic setting. I figured who could be more star-crossed than Snow White's evil stepmother and Cinderella's Prince Charming. I mean, really.

But the anthology editor got offended by the story. Don't ask me why. He turned it down. Dean, sly devil that he is, said, "Write the novel." And I did just to shut him up.

But of course, he got the last word. Because Deb Werksman at Sourcebooks loved the novel, and the reviewers and readers are praising my somewhat screwy imagination.

So here's the odd thing: I've always wanted to be a historical romance writer, and while I've written in every other genre, I haven't tried that one yet. But I went from that desire to sf/f, and twice sf/f short stories have led me back to romance—where I'm happiest.

I don't think I would have been able to write WICKEDLY CHARMING without the sf/f background. Somewhere along the way, fantastic creatures have become part of the landscape for me. And blurring genres...well, that's just fun.

So I guess, since I started this with a once-upon-a-time, I'll end traditionally. I'm going to continue writing romance. Which means that I (and my handsome husband) will live happily ever after.

WICKEDLY CHARMING BY KRISTINE GRAYSON – IN STORES MAY 2011

He's Given Up on Happily-Ever-After...

Cinderella's Prince Charming is divorced and at a dead end. The new owner of a bookstore, Charming has given up on women, royalty, and anything that smacks of a future. That is until he meets up with Mellie...

But She Might Be the Key to Happily-Right-Now...

Mellie is sick and tired of stepmothers being misunderstood. Vampires have redeemed their reputation, why shouldn't stepmothers do the same? Then she runs into the handsomest, most charming man she's ever met and discovers she's going about her mission all wrong...

It's only natural that sparks fly and magic ensues when these two fairy tale refugees put their heads—and vulnerable hearts—together...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Before turning to romance writing, Kristine Grayson edited the Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction and ran Pulphouse Publishing (which won her a World Fantasy Award). She has won the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award and, under her real name, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, the prestigious Hugo award. She lives with her own Prince Charming, writer Dean Wesley Smith, in Portland, Oregon. Her next book from Sourcebooks Casablanca, UTTERLY CHARMING will be in stores in October 2011. For more information, please visit www.kristinegrayson.com/ and www.sourcebookscasablanca.com.

Comments

I love Sci-fi, fantasy and romance. This book sounds like a fun book to read.
(Ginger Hinson 1:17am May 16, 2011)

WICKEDLY CHARMING looks wonderful. It is now on my list.
(Mary Preston 1:17am May 16, 2011)

OK now THIS is what I call a real twist to the fairy tale books we all read as children!! Can't wait to read this!
(Amy Conley 1:17am May 16, 2011)

Wow, sounds like such an interesting premise. I love that its fairy-tale like, and yet has that unique twist to it! :D Adding it to my TBR and Wishlist right NOW :)
(Hira Hasnain 1:29am May 16, 2011)

sounds like a keeper, added to my list 'to be read', thanks
(Julie Barett 5:48am May 16, 2011)

Congratulations on sticking to your goal!
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:43am May 16, 2011)

My first real reading was anything sci-fi. I love to read and this book sounds like
most of my favorite genre all wrapped up in one. What a way to go! Sounds
great.
(Sandra Spilecki 6:44am May 16, 2011)

Sounds like a fun read to me. I like sci-fi for years. Nice way to go it sounds.
(Diane Castiglione 7:35am May 16, 2011)

Sounds like a terrific read! Who doesn't love a HEA ending?
(Karen Gervasi 7:38am May 16, 2011)

This book sounds unique and fun; it is on my list of must reads! I love fairy tales, romance and humor and this book sounds like it has them all. Glad your husband kept pushing you to do your own thing; keep it up!
(Jody Hollenbeck 7:40am May 16, 2011)

Never say never. It sounds like you will write that historical romance someday. This book sounds like a fun read, I love the twist in it.
(Debbie Penny 7:55am May 16, 2011)

I love the way that you stuck to your guns. Congrats!
(Lisa Diel 8:09am May 16, 2011)

Sounds interesting - I like non-evil stepmother stories.
(Beth Elder 8:29am May 16, 2011)

Today's genres are becoming more blurred by the love of writing which I think is great. I love a good mystery/romance but until recently was stuck reading one or the other. Hurrah for those who just write for the love of writing and letting the characters take them where it will.
(Renee Brown 9:02am May 16, 2011)

Your husband sounds awesome and I'm so glad he talked you into writing this book!
(Renee Pajda 9:42am May 16, 2011)

Thank you for sharing! This is on my wishlist for sure!
(Beth Foster 10:09am May 16, 2011)

I have not tried scifi books yet.I like your idea of a new
type of fairy tale though. I will definitely read this one.
(Michelle Bledsoe 10:59am May 16, 2011)

Good for you for sticking with it, and for your Hubby for his wonderful support. Your book sounds like a lot of fun.
(G S Moch 11:09am May 16, 2011)

i love the premise of the book and i can't wait to read it.
i always wondered what happened after Prince Charming and Cinderella got married and if they really did live HEA.
now i can find out. thanks!
(Tammy Ramey 11:21am May 16, 2011)

ha, ha sounds like a great twist on childrens fairy tales. Love to see it in print. Good luck with your writing.
(Kathleen Bianchi 11:26am May 16, 2011)

I've loved your scifi fantasy work (Retrievers fan, here)--expect to like this one also. I've never outgrown fairy tales, or romance either.
(Janet Martin 11:58am May 16, 2011)

Sounds like a great book! I also enjoy Sci Fi :)
(Yuka Liew 12:02pm May 16, 2011)

Congrats, Kristine! Kudos to you and your DH. Wickedly Charming sounds like a must read.
(Cathy Phillips 12:10pm May 16, 2011)

It's interesting how people always end up doing what they are meant to do no matter how many detours they take. Thanks for the great article. Wickedly Charming sounds lovely.
(Stacie Deramo 12:47pm May 16, 2011)

Give me anything with romance! Have not read your work, going to look for your books!
(Colleen Conklin 1:29pm May 16, 2011)

What a wonderfully different approach. I am so glad Deb Werksman
recognized a good, if different, thing when she saw it. This totally different
approach to fairy tale characters with all too human adult problems should
make for enjoyable reading.
Best of luck with the release of WICKEDLY CHARMING and with UTTERLY
CHARMING this Fall.
(Patricia Barraclough 2:16pm May 16, 2011)

I think every woman could use a fairy tale most days.
Good Luck with your new books. can't wait to read them.
(Mary Branham 2:56pm May 16, 2011)

I love the idea of "twisting" the fairy tale! I can't wait to read Wickedly Charming!
(Marguerite Guinn 3:01pm May 16, 2011)

Sounds like an absolute winner! Would love to win!
(MaryEllen Hanneman 3:03pm May 16, 2011)

Sounds like a great read, a different twist on the fairy tale approach, I can't wait to read it. Count me in.
(Lisette Reyes 3:55pm May 16, 2011)

I read mystery/suspense/thrillers, but have not ventured into SF/romance. Since I like to off set some of that heavy reading with lighter stories to clear the brain cells, I choose your writing to fill that spot. Kudos to sticking to your guns, Kristine.
(Rosemary Simm 4:00pm May 16, 2011)

ha -- sounds like a great fun read. fairy tales with a twist -
- how can you go wrong?!
(Sandy Haber 5:08pm May 16, 2011)

Can't wait to read this book, love your books
(Frances Namuth 5:53pm May 16, 2011)

Love all your books and hope to add this to my collection
(Cheryl Ricin 6:28pm May 16, 2011)

I really enjoy when authors put their unique twist on traditional stories. I
read these kinds of age-appropriate books to my daughter all the time(the
3 little pigs from the wolf's point of view).

I also love books about books(Prince Charming owns a bookstore --
sounds like my kind of guy).
(Mona Garg 6:45pm May 16, 2011)

I love that you paired stepmommy with charming. Sounds fun.
(Lisa Kendall 7:19pm May 16, 2011)

A little romance combined with sci-fi works so well. It makes me wonder why it took so long to become popular. It's great that your time has come.
(Carol Drummond 7:45pm May 16, 2011)

This book sounds so good. Love that Cinderella and Prince Charming are getting divorced and now he is getting paired with a stepmother. Sounds like a totally different twist on the typical fairy tale story. LOVE IT!
(June A, Manning 8:21pm May 16, 2011)

HA! Prince Charming and the evil Step-Mother. Quite right - starcrossed lovers. What a brilliant idea. I too have my own Charming!
(Cynthia Netherton 9:12pm May 16, 2011)

What a twist...sometimes the evil ones are just misunderstood!
(Shonda Abercrombie 9:29pm May 16, 2011)

I, too, wanted to be an English Major in college, but my dream was shot down by my Mother, so I never even went to college. Now I'm kicking myself for just trusting my heart and going for it. Anyway, anybody who has a twisted sense of humor, and a passion for writing, has my vote for choosing their book. You have me hooked from the get-go, and I will definately be on the lookout for anything with your name on it. Congratulations and best of luck in the future, although I think you won't be needing it. I think the luck is already built in. I really enjoyed your blog, by the way!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:31pm May 16, 2011)

It's great that you have been able to write in multiple genres. A divorced Prince Charming? Great starting point. Thanks for the giveaway.
(Jennifer Beyer 10:06pm May 16, 2011)

I love the romance novel because I enjoy the happily ever after.
(Beth Melito 10:45pm May 16, 2011)

This sounds like great fun. Can't wait to read it. Thanks for the contest!
(Teresa Ward 11:28pm May 16, 2011)

Fairy Tales are the best kind of tales worth writing- sounds like the path of your career has lead you exactly where you are meant to be. Great Job.
(Carla Carlson 2:01am May 17, 2011)

I love modern version on fairy tales as much as I still love the good old fashioned Grimm's tales!!
(Birgit Lehner 7:03am May 17, 2011)

Historical novels are my favorite reads. However, I'll also read most types of romance. I don't care at all for vampires, or any other books that contain a lot of gory scenes. I'm a "blood" wimp.
(Sigrun Schulz 9:07pm May 17, 2011)

I think it's wonderful that a lot of genres are blending. I love variety and am open to any combination although I do enjoy historicals - maybe I'll be reading one of yours some day!
(Jeanne Sheats 1:48pm May 18, 2011)

You made me laugh at the accuracy part. Too much research plopped in a book makes me think more of a travel guide or encyclopedia, so I like when it's woven in seamlessly and given in threads to anchor the setting. I think many stories are crossing genres.
(Alyson Widen 5:10pm May 21, 2011)

Sounds very interesting, I love romance and like a little sci-fi every now and then.
(Renee Howell 3:21pm June 29, 2011)

Can't imagine anyone not loving romance - keep on keeping on.
(Linda Johns 8:51am July 4, 2011)

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