Thank you, Skye, for the Valentine's Day Topic 💖💕💟
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I do read and write multiple genres of fiction.
The first 55,000-word novel I wrote and was published (under a pseudonym) was a romance novel.
Why did I use a pseudonym?
Already multi-published in Children's, YA, and Middle-Grade historical fiction. I was booked for speaking engagements, including local school sites and libraries; it kept the focus on the craft and allowed children to lead the discussions.
What do I like about "Love and Romance"? 💝💖
The weaving of the story. Romance allows for an old-fashioned courting experience. The act of falling in love, taking chances, and even heartbreak before the "happily ever after."
I tend to write Sweet or RomCom Romances, though my Romance Anthology "Gumbo Ya Ya; for Women who like Cajun Romance." Includes multiple genes: "Marrying Off Murphy," "Love Potion # 9", "A Slice of Scandal," and "1-800-Fortune".
Dislike would be too harsh a label. I do not care for the current Trope focus. The storyline and the art of unexpected twists and turns have less of an impact on the reader. This is more apparent in a "Romance," in which the art of discovery and emotional connection is vitally important.
The second part of the question, "Do I include romance in my other stories?"
My historical MG/YA novel, "Whisper upon the Water." The reader learns what happened in the Epilogue.
And, yes, even my "extremely tame" Zombie story includes elements of romance :-)
"Brede" is the only "romantic suspense" novel I have written thus far.
Why?
The intensity of "suspense" keeps me from sleeping at night. Like most writers, I experience the storyline's fear and uncertainty factor.
This may not seem a big deal for those who read true-crime nonfiction. However, the Wizard of Oz movie's talking trees still cause nightmares. And don't get me started on the original cartoon version of Bambi.
I hope you enjoyed this month's topic.
I'm looking forward to reading the other authors' take on romance.
Please click on the links below for my fellow authors in the Round Robin.
Connie Vines
Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3pV
A.J. Maguire http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/
Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com
Belinda Edwards https://booksbybelinda.com/blog/
Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog
Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/
Diane Bator https://escapewithawriter.wordpress.com/
Sally Odgers https://behindsallysbooks.blogspot.com/2025/02/romance.html
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Anne Stenhouse https://annestenhousenovelistwordpress.com/
