IWSG Blog Post - The Best of the Romance Genre

The awesome co-hosts for the October 5 posting of the IWSG are Tonja Drecker, Victoria Marie Lees, Mary Aalgaard, and Sandra Cox!

October 5 question - What do you consider the best characteristics of your favorite genre? 

Romance is my favorite genre. The best thing about reading romance is the feeling of falling in love. Adventure and fantasy are fun to experience vicariously, but love is best in my book.

Some people may look down on love stories and use terms like “trashy romance novels,” but creating romance is harder than you think! Character development is more important in this genre than any other. On top of developing two main characters who are complex, compelling, and relatable, the author must create a spark between them. The reader should feel their magnetic pull in every conversation, touch, look, and interaction. Chemistry between two made-up people is no simple thing. When I read a romance novel, I can forgive plot holes, contrived situations, and typos, but I cannot do without that indescribable feeling that these two people HAVE to be together. It’s even better when the characters don’t realize they’re meant to be, but the reader knows beyond a doubt! As a reader, if I don’t feel the conviction within a few chapters, I put the book down.

New Release Coming Soon

I’ve seen the preliminary cover art for Heart of a Hero, and it is going to look so cool! I’m putting the finishing touches on the book, and I’m hoping to release it on November 1. I can’t wait to share this labor of love!