Today, I have a Guest Post from author Collette Cameron as a part of the VBT, where she explains why she writes Historical Romance. I hope you enjoy the post just as much as I did (being an avid romance reader I agree with the points she made). Also find the information on The Viscount's Vow and the author, alongside an excerpt. Please comment to be entered in the giveaway.
Just last week I had someone ask me...again, why I write romance novels. In this case, the question was followed by a nervous giggle and a whispered, “Do you write about your own... experiences?”
Seriously?
Umm, no!
It’s called imagination and research...okay, and maybe a teensy weensy bit of my personal experiences, but not the...ahem...intimate ones. Hubby would disown me.
I mean, I’ve never ridden sidesaddle or in a carriage, or worn stays, or drunk laudanum, or fought a duel, but I’ve written about all those. I also have heroines that shoot and throw knives at villains. I’ve never done that either, though I do know how to shoot a gun—comes with being the daughter of a cop and married to a hunter.
Before I go on, I should probably mention that I’ve been ridiculed for writing “smut” and even had some of my Christian friends raise their eyebrows and give me “that” look. But here’s the deal, I write romance, not porn. Yes, there is a difference.
Romance novels, especially historicals, allow readers a chance to escape from reality, which, let’s be honest, at times really sucks. I believe romance, at least the kind I write, shows healthy, loving relationships between two people dedicated (and eventually married) to each other. Romance novels depict commitment, trust, (albeit sometimes hard won trust) forgiveness, self-sacrifice, and yes, passion.
I love reading happy-ever-afters, and I love writing them even more. I’ve heard the argument, “That’s not real life.” Okay, so let’s only write reality? Really? I don’t think so. Too dark, depressing...hopeless. And we need hope, don’t we?
I started reading romance very young, and it gave me a vision for the kind of man I wanted to marry. It also helped me with my moral compass, because I didn’t want to be promiscuous; I wanted to save myself for the man who would someday be my husband.
So, back to why I write romance...
There’s something magical and fulfilling about bring together a couple who despite conflict and struggles, overcome the odds and find love together. Call it fantasy or dreaming, but that’s what everyone wants; their own happily-ever-after. If I can give readers a bit of hope, help them cling to their dream, then I’ve done what I set out to do.
And that’s why I write romance.
Collette Cameron will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC and an ecopy of Highlander's Hope, the first book in the series, to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
Why I Write Historical Romance
Seriously?
Umm, no!
It’s called imagination and research...okay, and maybe a teensy weensy bit of my personal experiences, but not the...ahem...intimate ones. Hubby would disown me.
I mean, I’ve never ridden sidesaddle or in a carriage, or worn stays, or drunk laudanum, or fought a duel, but I’ve written about all those. I also have heroines that shoot and throw knives at villains. I’ve never done that either, though I do know how to shoot a gun—comes with being the daughter of a cop and married to a hunter.
Before I go on, I should probably mention that I’ve been ridiculed for writing “smut” and even had some of my Christian friends raise their eyebrows and give me “that” look. But here’s the deal, I write romance, not porn. Yes, there is a difference.
Romance novels, especially historicals, allow readers a chance to escape from reality, which, let’s be honest, at times really sucks. I believe romance, at least the kind I write, shows healthy, loving relationships between two people dedicated (and eventually married) to each other. Romance novels depict commitment, trust, (albeit sometimes hard won trust) forgiveness, self-sacrifice, and yes, passion.
I love reading happy-ever-afters, and I love writing them even more. I’ve heard the argument, “That’s not real life.” Okay, so let’s only write reality? Really? I don’t think so. Too dark, depressing...hopeless. And we need hope, don’t we?
I started reading romance very young, and it gave me a vision for the kind of man I wanted to marry. It also helped me with my moral compass, because I didn’t want to be promiscuous; I wanted to save myself for the man who would someday be my husband.
So, back to why I write romance...
There’s something magical and fulfilling about bring together a couple who despite conflict and struggles, overcome the odds and find love together. Call it fantasy or dreaming, but that’s what everyone wants; their own happily-ever-after. If I can give readers a bit of hope, help them cling to their dream, then I’ve done what I set out to do.
And that’s why I write romance.