Writing Life
January 26, 2007
One of the things I struggle with as a writer targeting category romance – yes those books! LOL Is the balance between reader expectation and an original story.
I’m a reader who loves her alpha heroes and plucky heroines who manage to captivate the untamed males. I love the sizzling Blaze babes whether they start out bold as daybreak or full of self-doubt,and their hunks. I love the protectees and their protectors, battling for truth and justice. I love the good women struggling to create family and the men who stand beside them. When I pick up a Presents, or a Blaze, or an Intrigue or a Superromance I have certain specific expectations for each line. And yet – I want surprises too! It’s easy to be a demanding reader.
It’s hard to walk that line as a writer.
Believe me, I do not have all the answers. The writers I adore all share certain traits. They create real characters, unique characters, characters I believe. Voice, detail, setting, emotion ,and dialogue all play a role in creating memorable characters. Even their secondary characters spring to life with stunning credibility. Do they have to be consistent? No, change is good – character arc anyone? But their inconsistencies and growth need to be properly motivated.
Back to reader mode for a minute. If I understand the reasons why a character is acting as she is then the author can have her do almost anything.
A lonely woman finds passion with a dominant much younger lover, forcing a choice between love and loyalty 
The Enyo Chronicles includes both Dalia's Choice and Joon's Tempation. 
Three different stories, three dangerous men, and three women who deserve them 
One dangerous warrior woman plus two rogue demon males equals a love to threaten an empire. 
Getting paid to watch Eduardo is Desiree’s dream assignment, but when he reaches out to her, crossing the line, everything changes.
Deep in her secret heart, she lusts for a sexy pirate who’d be her master and commander in the bedroom. But, this man may be too dangerous
One woman, two men, three wounded hearts--though already mated their love is still forbidden.
A reluctant reporter and a lone wolf undercover cop work to catch an extortionist, finding love requires the most dangerous risk of all. 
Street-smart cop plays princess to catch deadly terrorists. Now,the only man she trusts is the one she can't resist.
Along with the arrival of Sam’s nemesis comes Karina, the one woman who can heal his wounded soul. What he doesn’t know may kill him. Because, the love of his life is his worst nightmare--his enemy’s daughter. 