By Caroline Clemmons
Why do I write novels? Mostly because I can’t stop. LOL There have been a few times when I became discouraged with my career path and decided to quit writing. I couldn’t. It appears I HAVE to write.
Why do I write novels? Mostly because I can’t stop. LOL There have been a few times when I became discouraged with my career path and decided to quit writing. I couldn’t. It appears I HAVE to write.
Seriously,
I believe romance offers hope to readers who face what seems like
insurmountable problems in their own lives. Reading about characters who
overcome challenges and achieve happily-ever-after offers readers the dream
that they too can achieve their dreams. In fact, I say romance authors sell
hope. Since I’m an eclectic reader, I’m an eclectic writer. I write paranormal,
contemporary and historical romance. I've also written two mysteries, although I’m happier writing romance.
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| Romance books offer hope to readers |
I write the kinds of stories I enjoy reading. As a theme, I want readers to find hope in my novels. Another theme is family in various forms, but always that family support one another--even if family is bonded friends rather than blood relatives. Finally, I think a second chance/redemption is a continual theme. Don’t we all wish we had a second chance to right past wrong decisions?
I want readers to sigh with pleasure at the outcome of the characters at the same time they’re sorry the book is ended. Also, I want readers to feel hopeful after one of my books. Let’s face it, I’m not Ken Follett and I don’t write books like PILLARS OF THE EARTH. I love Follett’s books, but that’s not at all what I want to write. Romances and cozy mysteries are what a lot of people call mind candy...novels intended to entertain and provide escape from worldly cares. Otherwise, why not watch the evening news?
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| I just want to write my kind of books |
One of my big passions is genealogy and family history. I’ve always loved history, and learning about family brings history alive for me. My brother and I compiled and published a book on my father’s family. My dad is no longer living, but he had asked me to do this book, so my brother and I honored the request. I also love the old family photos and collected those for the book and for my own family.
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| Antique pie safe we did NOT buy. |
Another
passion is browsing antique malls. My younger daughter and I used to have
booths in a couple of antique malls, but the time required to maintain a good
selection is too much for us. We loved it, though. If either of us won the
lottery, that’s probably what my younger daughter would do with her life. Maybe I should remember to buy a lottery ticket.
My
husband and I like to watch movies (thanks, Netflix!). Most of my free goof-off
time is spent reading. My husband’s an avid reader, so some evenings we read instead
of watching TV or a movie.
I
appreciate so much the readers who have told me they like my books and my
writing. Positive feedback fuels my progress on the next book. I appreciate my
family for their support and assistance. My husband maintains my website. Both
daughters help in various ways. Every day I get to do what I love. Consider me
a lucky woman living her happily-ever-after!
Such an enjoyable post. I, too, write historical, contemporary, and often combine genres of mystery, romance, and sometimes paranormal. I love to read. I spend way too much time reading--many times instead of writing. But hey, life should be doing the things where you find pleasure, shouldn't it?
ReplyDeleteI, for one, am soooo happy that your passion is writing! I love reading your books!
ReplyDeleteI like the mix of elements to books that you bring to yours. Romances of the best sort, again like yours, bring a lot more than a love story to the table.
ReplyDeleteI used to love browsing antique stores and would covet a pie safe like that one. I ran out of space though unless I get rid of something that has a ton of memories. So now, I don't do it much but miss experiencing the discovery moment