What kind of books do you read? What kind of books should I write?
I've seen many of my favorite romance authors jumping into "Women's Fiction," and I have to say I'm not happy about it. They are excellent authors, so generally speaking, whatever they write is wonderful, but as a reader, I'm looking for what brought me to them in the first place. No, I haven't given up on them, and yes, I read across genres all the time, but it poses some interesting questions.
As I've been developing my new series, I've considered if I should tap a different artery. I've always loved reading Gothic novels, so I've been spending time looking into the elements that make up such a story. Also trying to decide if I should write one book - stand alone - instead of mapping out a series, while leaving my options open.
Most Gothic stories--romances, usually--are historical. Victoria Holt, for example. A few years ago, Susan Elizabeth Phillips wrote a wonderful homage to the great Gothic novelists we grew up with in a contemporary setting. Essentially, you need something a little bit creepy, someone in danger, and a haunting setting. Sounds like a neighboring alley to what I write.
Haunting setting? I had decided on my next setting many books ago, a very "charm"-ing place. Haunted/haunting? I've heard the place described as Pleasantville. Is that going to be a problem, I ask myself? Yeah, it could be. The setting is a step back in time, where today and yesteryear come together. I don't know if I want to add a sinister element to Pleasantville, and yet look what Stephen King did with the Quabbin reservoir in Massachusetts. What Dan Brown did with the Basilica's cistern in Istanbul. They aren't Gothic authors, but you get the idea.
I'm doing my research, to the extent I can while still on deadline with the day job, and preparing for a mad flurry of writing next week when my life switches gears once again, including a tour of "Pleasantville" and its charms.
Yes, I've started the story, but it's slow going while the balance in my life is weighted against writing time. Can't wait to set loose the reins of my imagination! As the final deadline draws close, the anticipation of immersing myself into this new world is like counting down the days to vacation. That's me, bouncing in my seat. I can hardly wait!
Showing posts with label Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
My favorite reads of 2017
I'm a bit late with this - my apologies, but 2018 has gotten off to a rocky start!
I've gone back to take a look at my favorite books of 2017 and thought I'd share them with you. While I enjoyed many other books, these are the ones I gave five stars too, the ones I would read a second (or multiple) time(s). If you'd like to read my reviews, you can pop over to Goodreads at this link and it should take you to my "reviewed books" page.
I've gone back to take a look at my favorite books of 2017 and thought I'd share them with you. While I enjoyed many other books, these are the ones I gave five stars too, the ones I would read a second (or multiple) time(s). If you'd like to read my reviews, you can pop over to Goodreads at this link and it should take you to my "reviewed books" page.
Perfectly Reasonable - Linda O'Connor
The Cinderella Deal - Jennifer Crusie
The Girl with the Make Believe Husband - Julia Quinn
Perfectly Honest - Linda O'Connor
The Duchess Deal - Tessa Dare
Until There Was You - Kristan Higgins
Heather and Velvet - Teresa Medeiros
First Star I See Tonight - Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper - J.L. Bryan
The Governess Affair - Courtney Milan
Animal Magnetism - Jill Shalvis
Perfectly Planned - Linda O'Connor
Ravished - Amanda Quick
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