When it comes to storytelling, romance is more than just heart-fluttering scenes and emotional entanglements; it is a testament to hope, love, and the human condition. At a recent discussion with a group of talented romance authors, including Brittany Cherry, Corinne Michaels, Lindsay Straube, Jeneane O’Riley, Rebecca Kenney, Ann Aguirre, and Penny Reid, along with moderator Jenn, delved into the intricate world of romance writing. Complete with moments of laughter, introspection, and creativity, this conversation provided an intimate look into the hearts and brains behind some of today's most beloved stories.
Why Write Romance?
The conversation kicked off by exploring a simple yet profound question: Why romance? For many authors, romance is an exploration of love in its many forms, from the ties of friendship and family to romantic partners. Brittany Cherry beautifully stated, "Everything's a love story in my mind, be it a love story of a couple or a person and their dog. Love is something we all relate to." Others highlighted the aspect of hope and aspiration, crafting worlds where love transcends everyday challenges.
Crafting Character Journeys
The authors unanimously agreed that creating compelling characters is central to their writing. Whether meticulously planned out or discovered organically, characters become liabilities of the authors' imaginations. For example, Penny Reid humorously described herself as a "chastity belt" planner, detailing characters' dysfunctions well before setting pen to paper. Each writer, including Corinne Michaels and Ann Aguirre, emphasized different techniques used to let characters grow, often allowing them to organically reveal their narrative paths.
Non-Human Love Interests
Some authors take their creativity beyond the realm of the mundane to explore the vibrant possibilities of non-human love interests. b, for instance, relishes writing about the unconventional, crafting stories where typical romantic norms need not apply. "I just really like writing weird sex," Aguirre confessed with a chuckle, emphasizing the freedom that creating inhuman characters offers both her and her readers.
Contemporary Writing
For those more inclined toward contemporary romance, like Corinne Michaels, the task is about finding beauty within the ordinary parts of life and offering readers a sense of familiarity and escape. As Jenn pointed out, contemporary stories may deal with the mundane, but they do so to connect with and bring comfort to readers. Penny Reid noted that contemporary novels create a space for "healthy relationships" that provide a necessary counterbalance to real-world struggles.
Readers' Impact on Authors
The authors were unanimous in expressing gratitude for their readers. The feedback from fans, they explained, brings encouragement and shows how universal themes within their books resonate globally. Messages and interactions from readers expressing personal connections to their stories serve as a reminder of the power of words to cross boundaries and unite disparate lives with shared experiences.
What’s Next on the Horizon?
Perhaps as expected, each author is knee-deep in upcoming projects. From Brittany Cherry's captivating Christmas romance to Lindsay Straube's intriguing fantasy series, the authors collectively have countless stories waiting to be unveiled, each more tantalizing than the last.
Conversations like these illuminate the vibrant tapestry that is the romance genre. With creativity rooted in love and hope, the authors remind us of the familiar adage that while life may not always be perfect, moments of love and connection can be. Whether they create fantastical worlds or keep us grounded in authentic human experiences, these authors play a crucial role in shaping how we perceive and yearn for romance in our lives. If you have the opportunity to meet and listen to authors, be sure to take the time to go and meet them in person or support them at a book signing.
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