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Friday, June 26, 2015

I Like Romance in a Community by Vonnie Davis

There seems to be two types of romance. The singular type that features mainly the heroine and hero and a friend or three, perhaps a parent. Then there are communities to which the couple belong--small towns, bike clubs, a large group of friends, workplace environment or a church. I tend to enjoy these types more.

I think families, folks we hang out with or groups to which we belong tell stories about us and also our characters. We include people who are wise, concerned about their place in society and warm-hearted souls. Kinda like...well...unlike the group shown here.



I enjoy hearing a little of everyone's story. Maybe because I spend so much time alone writing or maybe because I love watching people...and reading about them too (that's polite speak for nosy). Debbie Macomber writes some great community-type romances. So does Robyn Carr. You don't mind when they take you away from the romantic couple because you get an insight into others' lives and what they add to the dynamics of the story or series.

Take my Effie in my Highlander's Beloved Series, for instance. She's an over-protective grandma, a survivor of Woodstock, a flirt. a lover of pink and a real pip.


She plays a major role in all three of the books. Here's the beginning of chapter one of book one, A Highlander's Obsession:

Paisley Munro tried to not gawk at the two broad-shouldered men in kilts as she hefted her suitcase off the luggage carousel in the Inverness Airport, located northeast of the city referred to as the capitol of the Scottish Highlands. Her grandmother, on the other hand, was all eyes.

“Before we leave this country, I’m finding out what they wear under those kilts, even if I have to hike one up and take a gander myself.” Her grandmother patted her curls. She’d dyed her hair dark red for the trip. Unfortunately, the inability of her white hair to absorb the dye’s full effect resulted in a halo of pink curls. The combination of her tresses and her pink pantsuit made her look like the Pink Panther with wrinkles, just as skinny and wiry but without the tail.

“Behave yourself, Gram.” Paisley tugged her grandmother’s luggage off the slowly moving belt that squeaked with every couple inches gained. No use telling the free spirit to act her age. At seventy-four, why should she start now? “Our ride ought to be here somewhere.”

Paisley glanced around for Fiona Matheson, who should be holding a sign for Matheson Lodge. Fiona had promised in her reservation confirmation e-mail she’d meet them.  

Gram elbowed her. “Good grief, they’re coming toward us. Look at those broad shoulders and hairy legs. I’m not drooling, am I?” She pulled her shoulders back and thrust out her chest. She lowered her chin to talk to her breasts. “Look perky, girls. Sexy hunks at two o’clock.”

A Highlander's Obsession: A Highlander's Beloved Novel
by Vonnie Davis
Link: http://amzn.com/B00ILX9WC0

A Highlander's Passion: A Highlander's Beloved Novel
by Vonnie Davis
Link: http://amzn.com/B00N6PD78S

Bearing It All: A Highlander's Beloved Novel (releasing October 27th)
by Vonnie Davis
Link: http://amzn.com/B00TCI2A5E

6 comments:

  1. One of the things I love about your books is the humor--never slapstick, but makes me smile because your characters act and sound like real people. You're a gifted writer and I hope you never retire.

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  2. Thanks, Caroline. If I get to laughing so hard I can't see the screen, my wild ideas usually go in the book. The editor might make me take it out, but for a while my off-the-wall humor lives.

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  3. LOL. I'm already loving Effie -- just from reading the book's beginning! I agree with you. It's fun to get to know your characters as part of a larger community. It makes them more realistic.
    Good post.

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  4. Thanks, Sandra. I love reading about other members of a family, no matter the age and the quirkier the better.

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  5. I like community too in a story. That's why I tend to surround my characters with lots of people and community. That excerpt definitely does its job! Off to check out the book.

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  6. I also like community in the books I read and the ones I write. Some of the secondary characters add a lot to my enjoyment in writing. Bromances are among my favorites.

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