Ashley March | From Romance Reader to Romance Writer: Still Not Ashamed

October 6, 2010

Comments

42 comments posted.

Re: Ashley March | From Romance Reader to Romance Writer: Still Not Ashamed

That's wonderful, congratulations! I cannot imagine the thrill of seeing my own book on the shelves (though I dream of Someday, in which all my future books are, haha).

My first romances were stealthily nabbed from my mother's sock drawer where she tried to keep them hidden from my book-hungry eyes. After she caught me reading one (the third or fourth I'd nabbed, haha), she just let me keep reading what she had, and shortly I had more romances than she did!

Whether I win or not, I think I'll have to pick this book up, because it just sounds nifty. Thanks for the contest, and again, congratulations. :)
(Rebecca Dee 2:08am October 6, 2010)

Why is it that cashiers can give you 'that look' when buying a romance novel with a sexy guy on front, and you feel guilty? You are right it is no ones business but mine.
Very happy for you to see your name in print.
(Barbara Hanson 9:21am October 6, 2010)

You know nowadays I don't get as many "looks" when checking out. Maybe its that times have changed or maybe we are just not as censored anymore but I never was embarrsed about my books purchases. I plopped those suckers up on the counter and silently dared the cashier to give me a look. Of course, these days we now have the wonderful would wide web where we can purchase any book and not feel guilty about it. I love romances especially historical and I read at least one or two a week so next time I'm in Barnes and Nobles I will gladly plop your book up on the counter and silently dare the cashier to give me the "look".
Much success to you in the future!
(Kate Mobley 10:39am October 6, 2010)

Congratulations on your book! I never feel ashamed. I get "The Look" every now and then but I smile right back and keep on reading.
(Ren Thompson 12:49pm October 6, 2010)

same here never i love it who care what anyone else thinks
(April Strength 12:52pm October 6, 2010)

Congrats on your release!!!
I could care less what people think when I have a romance novel in hand... I enjoy the journey and the HEAs too much to care what others think! :)
(Colleen Conklin 1:13pm October 6, 2010)

HI Ashley,
I have not read any of your work yet, but this books look really really good....
As far as the "The Look"
Why should anyone feel ashamed to be reading anything.. I say if you are reading a book of any kind more power to you.. Books are so much better then TV and Movies.... And heck who doesn't love a good love story??
So next time some one gives you "The Look" look right back at them... I am sure that they are romance novel closet readers.....
(Kelly Mueller 1:45pm October 6, 2010)

I feel no shame no matter what I am reading or no matter what the cover looks like. Its the writer and how she can capture my attention that is important. Your new book has caught my attention and I would love to have a chance to read it
(Cj Swier 1:48pm October 6, 2010)

Congrats on the debut Ashley. I can't wait to read this. I love reconciliation stories. They are the best. For me, I could care less about what others think about me reading romance. Why should I feel ashamed. I absolutely LOVE reading and LOVE romance stories. I always have.
(Danielle Gorman 2:02pm October 6, 2010)

I don't care what people think. I love my books!!! My hubby sometimes comments with...you reading those sex books again? HAHA!!!

Your book looks great and I would love to read it.

I was a late bloomer when it came to reading romance, but I'm a fast reader and I caught up as much as I could.

Valerie
in Germany
(Valerie Bongards 2:21pm October 6, 2010)

Congratulations on your first release. My family was really surprised when I started reading romance and loving it. Considering that in the past my favorite book was the Diaglogues of Socretes than I've come a long way!

My husband who reads history all the time is always amazed about the historical connections and information in the historical romance that I love to read. I always find out something new about the culture, architecture or politics of the time. Of course most of all I look forword to the love connections. Once I pick up a good romance it won't be set down until I finish it.
(Jeanne Miro 3:09pm October 6, 2010)

Ashley, Jude Devereux was one of
my favorite authors when I was
young, too! And I'm with you -
I'm not ashamed to admit that I
read romances.
(Margay Roberge 3:23pm October 6, 2010)

I'm not ashamed to read romance because I have read some much better writing in the romance genre than in some of the other so-called respectable arenas. When I get that "look" or snide comments, I just let that person know they have no idea what they are missing!
(Cynthia Netherton 3:35pm October 6, 2010)

Hi Everyone! I'm so happy to see all the comments, and I hope you enjoy the book!

Valerie--When we first got married, it took my husband a while to get used to me reading romances. But now he's my biggest supporter.
(Ashley March 3:41pm October 6, 2010)

Congratulations on your new book! After all these years of reading romance I don't worry about what people think either.
(Maureen Emmons 4:09pm October 6, 2010)

I could never be ashamed in losing myself in the fantasy world of romance. It would be a shame NOT to read it.
(Mary Preston 5:11pm October 6, 2010)

Historical romance has always been my favorite. Your new book sounds like a great read.
(Sheila True 5:28pm October 6, 2010)

I'm still a bit embarrassed to admit I read them to coworkers who ask what I'm reading. I'm even more embarassed to check out erotic romances from the library (I couldn't believe our district bought them, much less the quantity they do). It's frequently the title more than the picture which is the most embarrassing.
(Anne Muller 5:33pm October 6, 2010)

Congrats on your release!

And I so understand the
worrying about family reading
your writing or what others
may think. I write erotic
romance, so believe me, that
thought crosses my mind a lot,
lol. But at the end of the
day--I'm not ashamed of what I
write or read either. I've
learned to ignore the raised
eyebrow at the checkout
counter, too!
(Roni Loren 5:48pm October 6, 2010)

Thanks for the contest...
(Carrie Conley 6:08pm October 6, 2010)

I have been reading romances since age 11. I read Georgette Heyer's A Convenient Marriage. I was thereafter a romance addict. I remember when I found and read The Flower and The Flame. It was great. I am not ashame of romances. Why be ashamed of enjoying a book. I rather read about happiness and romance than doomand gloom any day.
(Phyllis Lamken 6:10pm October 6, 2010)

Congrats on your debut release!

Considering that I read mostly romances, YA and children's books, any book I hold will be somewhat embarrassing. :) I'm over it now though.
(S Tieh 6:33pm October 6, 2010)

Congratulations on the release! Seems we share tastes on several points. Jude Deveraux, yes, Gone With The Wind: Scarlett, yes, been reading romance novels since about 12 or 13 years old, yes! I would love to be able to write also, doesn't everyone who reads romance wish they could be an author too. I get teased occasionally, asked if I'm reading another trashy romance book and I just smile and say ABSOLUTELY, the hotter the better.
(Vickie McCarter 7:32pm October 6, 2010)

I only get "The Look" when I'm buying an erotic romance at the bookstore, and it's a guy running the register (I was going to say "checking me out", but that would count as wishful thinking!). I ignore it, or give him "The Look" right back. That usually surprises them, and they stop it.

Later,

Lynn
(Lynn Rettig 8:45pm October 6, 2010)

I am not ashamed to read romances because I love the escape they give me. I can't even imagine why anyone would even think that. And I can't get enough of them. Yours sounds divine.
(Pamela Stewart 8:45pm October 6, 2010)

I read and my family just kids me about my "smut". Too bad, I love to read them so I just enjoy!
(Winnie Kowalski 9:54pm October 6, 2010)

I've been reading for years since I was very young and my tastes have changed over the years. I wish I could write.
I always love a good book where I can get on the couch and escape to another place for hours!
(Brenda Rupp 10:17pm October 6, 2010)

Congrats what a rush to be able to see your book in the stores. I'm new to romance buy I should have been reading them sooner.
(Vickie Hightower 10:23pm October 6, 2010)

I'm so glad that you pursued your dream!! My Mother quashed mine, and I'm sorry I didn't pursue it, although it probably wouldn't have been romance. I do love romance novels, though. They're such a wonderful escape from the everyday rut that we live in, and it's so easy to put yourself in the character's place and live through her eyes.
(Peggy Roberson 10:50pm October 6, 2010)

What a nice explanation! I don't care what other people think what I read either
(Cheryl Kelley 11:02pm October 6, 2010)

SEDUCING THE DUCHESS the spunds really good. I really want to read it!
(Marjana Kaly 11:08pm October 6, 2010)

Thanks for the well wishes, everyone! Can't wait to hear what you think about SEDUCING.

Peggy-I never thought I would be a writer. But here I am. It's never to late to pursue your dream!
(Ashley March 11:19pm October 6, 2010)

The title Seducing the Duchess got me. The book cover looks great.

Congrats on your book.
(Kai Wong 11:19pm October 6, 2010)

I love reading romance and I don't care who knows it. I have always been like that. Yes and I love those sexy covers.
(Gail Hurt 11:55pm October 6, 2010)

Congrats on your release. I always thought that reading romance was a wonderful way to relax and frankly never thought anyone judged me for it.
(G. Bisbjerg 1:37am October 7, 2010)

Congrats on your book and thank you for giving me a chance to win it.
(Linda Hall 2:49am October 7, 2010)

Congratulations on your debut. If you're reading the book in a public setting, then the cover can be embarassing. Hardcover romance covers are usually a bit tamer than paperbacks.
(Kim C 12:26pm October 7, 2010)

Yay for debut books! I kind of agree with Kim C--some people judge you by the cover of the book you read.
(Jessica C. Williams 5:25pm October 7, 2010)

Oh my goodness. My addiction to historical romance started with hard covered books by Jude Deveraux too! Once I read her books, I just couldn't get enough of historical romances. Like you, I used to try and hide books with those half naked men. I find it silly now that I think about it.

Congratulations on your debut. I love the cover!!
(Alyn Yang 8:01pm October 7, 2010)

As a teen, romance novels were an introduction to HEA. Now, they're a quick read and historical ones are rich in setting. I like a good romance every now and again. They seem so fresh.
(Alyson Widen 5:51pm October 8, 2010)

Congrats on your debut and more to come Ashley! A beautiful dream that came through for you to write your own romances! My mom introduced me to romance books. She had those big sexy covers of the historical romances behind the series. After a while she realized I was reading those too and gave up on telling me not to read them yet, LOL. You got a fab cover Ashley!
(Cathie Morton 9:43pm October 8, 2010)

I loved your book Romancing the countess.
(Celine Conway 11:45pm February 2, 2019)

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