Embracing New Directions

Well, that contemporary romance that took over my life is done. It's with my crit partner after having sailed through my beta group. Almost no fixes and the few were minor. I'm amazed.

And I really enjoyed it, too. Not just the idea, but the entire writing of this novel. Sure, I still had to do research, but nothing like I have to do for historicals. And the book just flowed. No issues, no bounces, no wondering of what to do here or where to go there. Just smooth sailing, like milk and honey.

I'm quite excited by it all. It'll be interesting to see what my agent has to say about it, but I'm hoping she enjoys it. And also hoping she wants me to do more contemporaries. Because I have more ideas bubbling now.

The possibilities are endless, which is exciting in its own way. Truly, I can't wait to see which idea takes over next, whether contemporary, historical, or something else.

I love this ride, and I never want to get off.

X&O,
Marie Gerrard

Contemporary Woes

I know, I know. I haven't blogged in ages. But I have a great reason.

Well, probably not a great reason, but still, a reason. I've been fighting a losing battle with a book. One of my books, to be exact.

I've always considered myself a historical writer. But I have a contemporary romance that's been fighting so hard to come out. I tried to finish the historical I'm in the middle of...but couldn't.

Instead, I broke down and gave the contemporary its head. I'm a third of the way done and so far loving it, with no signs of slowing down.

In the grand scheme of things, I have to figure that letting the story that wants to be written come out is a good thing, no matter what. Hopefully I'll not only have a contemporary all ready to go, but perhaps my brain will allow me to finish my abandoned historical that's sitting there forlornly while its new baby book sibling takes all my attention.

And who knows? Once I've let myself expand this way, maybe other areas will open up as well. One way or the other, I'm looking forward to finding out.

X&O,
Marie Gerrard

A Loving Day To All

Sending out warm wishes to all the mothers out there, and to all who love them, for a wonderful and very happy Mother's Day. May the love from today radiate out for you throughout the year.

X&O,
Marie Gerrard

Tortured or Normal?

There are a variety of romantic heroes and heroines, but one of the most popular types seems to be the 'tortured hero/heroine'. The man with a lot of pain in his past who is afraid to love, the woman who had a horrible experience and must be tamed like a wild colt, and so on.

I confess to loving these just like so many others. But can't regular, or close to regular, folks star in romances, too? Or is it just that we can't have both romantic leads be normal?

I ask because I find myself writing a tortured hero without even intending to. My current leading man has quite a lot of pain in his past, even though I think he's turned out pretty well, all things considered. I caught myself giving my leading lady a similarly tortured past and decided that had to go onto the cutting room floor, so to speak. Her life isn't perfect (whose is?) but I don't think I can take two 'angsters' for a full novel. And if I can't take them, I surely doubt my readers could.

So, I wonder, why is that -- why do we seem to gravitate to the tortured hero or heroine? And why is two being tortured one too many? Is it because we want to ensure that one of the couple will be grounded and able to save the other emotionally? Or is it simply too much drama is indeed too much?

I don't know the answer, but perhaps I'll find out as the novel goes along.

X&O,
Marie Gerrard

Love is in the Air

It's that time of year again, when men's hearts quake with fear. Yes, Valentine's Day is right around the corner.

I feel for those trying desperately to be romantic. The ads and displays everywhere show others being far more thoughtful and giving that the average person. And romance novels of all kinds show examples of super men and women, all handling romantic situations with a great deal of aplomb. Again, more than the average person usually can or does.

So, what to do? Well, here's a hint for any out there with a honey who reads romances. Or anything that has romance in it. Find their favorite book or books -- you'll spot them by the worn covers or the fact that they're always on the nightstand -- and glance through them. See what the heroes and heroines do to profess their undying love and romantic interest.

True, most can't afford to offer crown jewels, and few of us own a significant enough piece of land or business to impress by giving most of it away to charity in the beloved's name. However, if you pay attention, you'll see that most romance novels, and romantic subplots in other novels, have one thing in common -- deep and abiding interest in the little things that matter to the dear one, combined with some special flair that makes the expression of love unique to each couple.

Does your beloved prefer orchids to roses? Does she prefer hard candies to chocolates? Does a great day for him mean having his favorite meal at home? Think about what little thing would make your special someone squeal -- remember to feel free to cheat a little and see what your special someone finds the most thrilling (by taking in a look at those favorite books) -- and then make it so, with a flourish on top.

And, if all else fails, chocolates, roses, and the latest romance bestseller are unlikely to go amiss.

X&O,
Marie Gerrard

Romance...Historical Romance

Hello romantics!

Yes, I'm one of you. I happen to be a writer as well, and I do love a love story. While I like all kinds, I'm partial to historical romance. Give me a charming rogue, a winking pirate, a damsel in distress who can handle more than the menfolk think, an old country manor, a knight in shining or even blackened armor, or any other historical option, and I'm happy. Add in at least one horse and I'm ecstatic.

I look to my heroes and heroines for inspiration and also example. The writers I love and admire have blogs. Therefore, I now have a blog. I hope to fill it with interesting writing and romance-related things. I'll strive to follow the most important rule of fiction -- first, create no boredom.

So here's to the start of a beautiful friendship. I'll be seeing you, kids.

X&O,
Marie Gerrard