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Shayla Black | The Trouble With Love
October 22, 2009
Writing is never easy, but I’ve often said that writing romance is one of the
more difficult challenges. Romances aren’t just about emotion. Yes, at the
core, it’s a love story, but c’mon... Romance authors also write about things
that other authors get a whole book to explore: Who done it, someone’s
relationship with God, kick-butt heroines, first crushes, and things that go
bump in the night, just to name a few. The themes of a romance can center
around betrayal, survival, hate, fear, growth, and redemption. There’s no limit
to the ideas romances can incorporate. As an author, I wanted to push myself
with my current Doomsday Brethren paranormal romance series.
The first book, TEMPT ME
WITH DARKNESS, incorporated elements like teamwork, belonging, and
wondering if blood really is thicker than water. SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW, book
2 , revolved around finding yourself, coming home, tabloid journalism, and
recovering from tragedy, just to name a few. Book 3, which releases on Tuesday,
is POSSESS ME AT
MIDNIGHT. This book teems with class warfare, family loyalty, love
triangles, forbidden passion, political strife, and triumph. Future
installments will feature sibling rivalry, reunion, marital difficulties,
second chances at love, and believing in one’s self-just for starters. While my
characters, by and large, aren’t human, the problems they face are, and this
connects even the most fantastical romance with their readers. We’ve all dealt
with issues and all had to learn something new to move onto better things. But these are romances, so deeply intertwined into each and every book is this
series is a character-focused relationship. I love writing about the process of
people coming to terms with their fears and their hearts-and falling in love.
But like romance novels themselves are complex, so is writing about love.
That’s the trouble. I’ve long said that if you put a hundred people in a room
together and asked them how they’d know if two people were deeply and
irrevocably in love, you’d have a hundred different answers. It’s a romance
writer’s job to not only give you all the elements of a book that make you want
to turn the page, but all the emotion that makes your heart melt. Tall order...
How are we supposed to get the job done? I look at every book as a challenge, almost a puzzle. I have characters and a
general set up. I know where I’ve been in this series and have a pretty good
idea where I’m going with the storyline that overarches all the books in the
series. What I must focus on is conveying the sense that the characters are
losing their hearts so the readers can see them falling in love. But if falling
in love is so individual, how do I do that? How does any writer? By listening
to the characters. They’ll tell me how and when they’re falling in love and
exactly what that feels like. All I (or any romance writer can do) is hope that
the depiction of the relationship translates for the reader into something that
touches them. That’s the trouble with falling in love; it’s so individual...but
so fun to write about! Comment today for a chance to win a signed copy of TEMPT ME WITH
DARKNESS and a Shayla Black/SJ Day tote bag, along with other surprise
goodies.
Comments
54 comments posted.
Re: Shayla Black | The Trouble With Love
i cannot wait to start this series, it's on my TBR pile. i haven't had the time yet. But I love her other erotic books.
(Pj Keitzman 12:27pm October 22, 2009)
Loved Reading the blog post. Always waiting for the next book!
(Lauri Coates 1:03am October 22, 2009)
Enjoyed reading your post. What we readers need for a credible romance story isn't easy to fulfill.
(G. Bisbjerg 3:17am October 22, 2009)
Liked your Post just hope that some day I find out how to Fall in love.Romance makes you think that there is some one out there for every one.it makes me hope.
[email protected]
(Stacey Smith 3:50am October 22, 2009)
Love your writing and would love to have a copy of your book.
(Joanne Reynolds 6:27am October 22, 2009)
I love reading series romances! I esp like it when the are intertwined, but not dependant on the other. This way if I ahve read a book a long time ago, and then read the next one, I am good to go!
(Stefanie Finn 7:37am October 22, 2009)
You are definitely up to the challenge! I love your books!
(Kara Conrad 8:10am October 22, 2009)
You definitely capture the characters falling in love, and I love the fact that Seduce Me in Shadow and Possess Me at Midnight are releasing so close together so that I can catch up all at once.
(Carrie Divine 9:41am October 22, 2009)
Very interesting post. I enjoyed it. Thanks.
(G S Moch 9:43am October 22, 2009)
Enjoyed reading your comments. I love reading series but it's hard waiting for the next book.
(Pat Wilson 9:54am October 22, 2009)
well if it's a puzzle you are a master puzzle worker.
(Jennifer Mathis 10:31am October 22, 2009)
I enjoyed this post. Love is hard to define & is different for each person. I imagine it's difficult to write a romance novel that will appeal to a wide range of people because of this.
(Cheryl Snyder 10:40am October 22, 2009)
I love your books. Please enter me in for a chance to win. Thanks.
(Armenia Fox 10:45am October 22, 2009)
I most definitely enjoy your work but have not yet had the pleasure of experiencing your Doomsday Brethren paranormal romance series. Just reading your blog has given me a twitch! I have put these on my Birthday Wish List (which is next week). And if I do not receive, it will be Happy Birthday to myself!
(Cynthia Netherton 11:28am October 22, 2009)
I love the Doomsday Brethren series! I can't wait for Possess Me At Midnight
The first two books were fantastic and have made this series a keeper for me! Thank you so much for all your hard work. I am reaping the benefit for sure!
(Kimberley Coover 12:01pm October 22, 2009)
I have been surprised at times at the knowledge in romance books. Sometimes I think I am watching the national news.
(Shirley Jones 12:43pm October 22, 2009)
I have not read any of your books, but would love to!
(Brenda Rupp 1:14pm October 22, 2009)
Can't wait to start this series. I have read your work previously and really enjoyed it.
(Elizabeth Parzino 1:17pm October 22, 2009)
I think you are an amazing writer and I would love to read this book :)
Katie
(Katie Smith 1:42pm October 22, 2009)
I really want to read this steamy series!!!
Great post!
(Freda Mans-Labianca 1:59pm October 22, 2009)
Actually, I think romance does best with a little bit of humor mixed in--and that can be done in virtually any type of story, including those that are otherwise extremely serious. The type of humor does have to fit the plot though.
(Carol Gowett 2:05pm October 22, 2009)
I love to read romance books; however, my poor husband often suffers. I love my husband very much and we have been married for 30 years but the men in romance novels are just so hard for a hubby to live up to. They often are a dream man that we drool over and often I wish my husband were more like them. But I do realize this is fiction! I enjoy the build up to the actual first kiss or embrace. The friction and sparks get my heart racing and that is when my husband doesn't suffer! Thank you authors!
(LaWanna Crumpton 2:20pm October 22, 2009)
The romance or passion in a story usually reminds me when I was young. I remember falling in love, sweaty palms, will he kiss me or not, weak knees etc.. The passion is there, waiting for something to spark it. Romance authors have a tough job, but you do it so well.
(Theresa Buckholtz 2:24pm October 22, 2009)
I love your post as well as your books.
(Robin McKay 3:13pm October 22, 2009)
I highly admire romance authors. To put all that emotion and steaminess on the page that has us actually feeling and rooting for the hero and heroine. Wonderful!! This looks like a great series, they are now on my wishlist!!!
(Valerie Bongards 3:16pm October 22, 2009)
Thanks for the insight into the process...
(Shannon Scott 3:38pm October 22, 2009)
You do a wonderful job in developing your characters. Writing romance can not be easy. I look forward to diving into one of your books and seeing where the characters......and the romance takes me.
(Barbara Ryan 3:54pm October 22, 2009)
I adore your books.
(Patsy Hagen 4:08pm October 22, 2009)
Love your books Shayla and looking forward to Possess me at Midnight
(Diane Sadler 4:27pm October 22, 2009)
Keep up your excellent writing!
Thanks!
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 4:31pm October 22, 2009)
I love this series I can not wait on Possess me at Midnight. I am so hooked on this series.
(Annetta Stolpmann 4:35pm October 22, 2009)
I have some your books for your other series and would love to start this on.Keep on writing for all of us reads
(Patricia Kasner 4:37pm October 22, 2009)
Congrats on the upcoming release. I loved the first book in the Brethren series and can't wait to read the other books.
(Jane Cheung 5:14pm October 22, 2009)
I'm looking forward in reading this.
Thanks!
(Tracey Dent 5:48pm October 22, 2009)
I haven't read any of the books yet.
Though they are at the top of my must
buy list. Can't wait to get them, they
sound really good.
(Shari Eggleston 6:09pm October 22, 2009)
Romance should be much more & thank you for recognising that. Not easy for you but well worth the read.
(Mary Preston 6:14pm October 22, 2009)
Sounds like a wonderful series. Congrats on the upcoming release.
(Cherie Japp 6:20pm October 22, 2009)
I've put these (and Karin's series) on my Birthday Wish List also. Since it happens just 2 weeks before Christmas, I figure that the ones I don't get for my birthday, I'll go buy them myself for Christmas!!
Later,
Lynn
(Lynn Rettig 6:33pm October 22, 2009)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Ice!!!! So on Oct. 27 at
about 3 o'clock in the morning I will be
downloading Possess Me At Midnight on
my Kindle!!! Yippee I can't wait.
(Pamela Parise 7:04pm October 22, 2009)
I love your books and I'm always eager for the next one to come out. I think each one is better than the last.
(Sherry Strode 7:22pm October 22, 2009)
I think romance would be very hard to write about. Keep up the good job.
(Vikki Parman 8:03pm October 22, 2009)
This sounds very good. I would love to read it.
[email protected]
(Lisa Garrett 9:15pm October 22, 2009)
Own the second book, but had to read the first (Tempt Me)on loan from the library, so I would love a chance to win it.
(Nancy Gilliland 9:17pm October 22, 2009)
The complex relationships in this world or any other keep us transfixed. How hard we all work to understand someone that we love. You couldn't have said it better in your post. Congratulations on your new release.
(Rosemary Krejsa 9:27pm October 22, 2009)
Shayla's book are the best! I get so
into the characters that it I can hardly
wait for the next book. I always read
the books several times and get a little
more out of it each time. I really enjoy
the Doomsday Brethren series!
(Rayne L. Gosch 9:46pm October 22, 2009)
Hi Shayla! I love reading all forms of romance novels, but they need to have a strong plot or else, my mind wanders and I get bored. *L* So I am thrilled when I find good romance books with strong plotlines--which your books seem to have. I can't wait to try your books--they sound absolutely yummy!!
(Maithe Ortiz 10:42pm October 22, 2009)
Hi Shayla :) Yay... just a few more days for Possess me at Midnight!!
You do such a wonderful job in all your books incorporating all the elements you have planned out for the plot and the romance as well. It just moves smoothly and naturally :)
I just wanted to stop by and comment... not entering the contest... although, a tote for my step-mother wouldn't be so bad. She's been lusting after mine, lol
(Ali Flores 11:19pm October 22, 2009)
Wonderful series, Shayla. You may get
100 different descriptions of what love
is or how to tell if two people are in
love, but we know it when we see or
read it. It is just a little different for
each person and you wonderful
authors keep showing us in your
books. Keep writing those strong
stories and bringing your characters
together.
(Patricia Barraclough 11:39pm October 22, 2009)
I can't enough of this series!
(Sue Ahn 11:50pm October 22, 2009)
I love following characters through series and seeing what kind of trouble they can get in and out of. I enjoy being surprised with the ingenuity getting around roadblocks and which direction they head into next. Turning the pages of books makes me care more deeply about the outcomes, as I get more involved with the action.
(Alyson Widen 10:41am October 23, 2009)
I've never read your books but would lvoe to.
(Brenda Rupp 6:50pm October 25, 2009)
I love your books I am new fan but I can't wait to get each book. Your characters are people i may know and they completely draw me into the stories. They remind me of the reason I refuse to settle for any relationship instead of the love I want and deserve. Thank you so much for sharing your hard work and talent with us the readers.
(Tina Dowds 10:25pm October 25, 2009)
I love series books. and these sound good - I like a romance that tackles more than a romance - and these sound like they have plenty of other stuff going on!
(Kristi Herbrand 1:07pm October 26, 2009)
I love your books and I love puzzles. I love romance and I love books that make me think! Thank you lots for a chance to win!
(Jeanette Huston 2:52pm October 27, 2009)
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