So, why do YOU write this crazy genre?
I started this discussion over at the AlienRomances blog and had some terrific answers. So I thought I’d give you all a chance to respond, too, amending it a bit as this isn’t strictly an SFF/SFR site:
Writing a book isn’t easy. But combining more than one plot line–which romance novels do more and more these days–can be killer. You have your romance arc and your suspense arc. Or you have your romance arc and your SFF arc. Or you have your romance arc and your inspirational/religious arc. Or…
So why do we do it? What drives reasonably-minded authors to spend the time penning novels that are sometime a precarious balancing act? The old adage is that writers write because they can’t NOT write. But certainly, we could (and some of us do) write other genres.
So here’s my challenge to published authors:Your name:
Your website:
Your name:Your website:Post your answer in ONE sentence:
I write [fill in your genre] because [fill in one short reason why--your best reason, your strongest reason].
Then answer this:
If readers could read only one book of mine, I think it should be: [title] because [one short reason why.]
I’ll start.
Name: Linnea Sinclair
website: http://www.linneasinclair.com/
I write science fiction romance because I love the vast possiblities, conflicts and love stories that can be explored in cultures and worlds that may not be like our own.
If readers could read only one book of mine, I think it should be FINDERS KEEPERS because it’s an accurate melding of SF and romance in a light, fast-paced and fun way.
(Wow, that last one was tough and I invented the dang question!)
So authors–post your answers! And readers, feel free to comment and tell the authors if you feel they’re on-point.
~Linnea
SHADES OF DARK, the sequel to Gabriel’s Ghost, coming July 2008 from RITA award-winning author, Linnea Sinclair, and Bantam Books: http://www.linneasinclair.com/
“Four and 1/2 Stars! Chaz and Sully are back, and their lives haven’t gotten any easier! Picking up after Gabriel’s Ghost, the singularly impressive Sinclair thrusts her dynamic lovers into a maelstrom of trouble. The first-person, high-octane action is exhilarating. When it comes to futuristic romance, it doesn’t get better than Sinclair! ” –Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine
I guess what I’m polishing up now – MANIC KNIGHT – is Science Fiction Romance, but I don’t think it stands a snowball’s chance on Vulcan for a variety of reasons. I’ll send it out in September, because it’s almost finished anyway.
Science Fiction Romance is a crazy subgenre. I love writing it because I love ‘exploring the endless possibilities of existence,’ as Q so aptly put it. But, it is a crazy subgenre, so I’m going to focus on my stories which fit neatly into the box next.
P.S. GAMES OF COMMAND!
Great topic! Linnea – I can’t wait until Shades of Dark comes out!
Name: Kim Amburn
Website: http://www.kimamburn.com
I write romantic suspense because I like the intrigue of a mystery combined with the passion of a romance.
If readers could read only one book of mine, it would be Suburban Secrets, coming out September 2008 in e-book and March 2009 in print.
Your name: Kate Pearce
Your website: http://www.katepearce.com
I write erotic romance in various sub-genres because I’m totally fascinated by the complex nature of love.
If readers could read only one book of mine, I think it should be: Simply Sexual because as a writer it was when my voice emerged in its clearest form.
Oh, this is hard, but I’ll give it a try:
Name: Gail Barrett
Website: http://www.gailbarrett.com
I write romantic suspense because I am always intrigued by both the romantic and suspense/mystery elements in stories AND because my writing voice seems suited to it.
(This is the tough one): If readers could read only one of my books, I guess I’d have to go with Heart of a Thief because I enjoyed writing it so much.