I was thinking about my blog entry yesterday and realized that my new work falls somewhere in between romance and sci-fi/fantasy (urban)/horror. It’s not exactly straightforward (urban) fantasy because there’s more of a romance in it and it can in no way be considered a straight romance because the focus isn’t on the relationships in any of my upcoming books (except the Blaze and I need to do a lot of work before the relationship will be the focus in that book).
This got me thinking about a conversation I glimpsed the other day concerning the need for a new genre. Apparently, readers are getting upset by urban fantasies being passed off as romances (and rightly so). I know this is what’s been happening with the erotic romances and erotica over the past year and a half. Books that are erotica are being called erotic romance. Heck, even books that don’t fall into either category are being called erotic romance because it will sell more copies…initially. Then the reader will discover that they’ve been duped and will tell all their friends and so on, and so on, and so on. The sad thing is the author has absolutely no control over where their book is shelved or how it is labeled.
I think there is only so long that you can get away with fooling the readers before they rebel and stop buying the product. I’d hate to see it come to that, but it looks like it’ll have to before things change. Which gets me back to the ‘new’ category I mentioned earlier. We’ve seen hints of these books from JR Ward and Lynn Viehl. Are they straight romances? No, I don’t think so, but I also don’t know where else you’d shelve them in a store. In addition, I’m not sure what you’d call them. (Romantic Horror, Edgy Romance???) If you have any ideas what to call these new kinds of books, I’m all ears. 
And before you ask, the books I’m working on now aren’t exactly like these beyond the dark and gritty aspects. So where do I fall in this new territory of romance? Am I even writing romance? I suppose that depends on how you define a romance novel. Do you think there needs to be another genre created for the readers? If so, what?
Archive for October, 2006
I managed to knock out a couple of rough paragraphs. I still need to tidy them up and write at least two more, but at least I’m finally making progress. YAH!!!
I was talking to one of my dear friends today about my future story ideas. Halfway through the conversation, I realized that our careers were separating and going into two very different directions. Part of me was extremely sad about this. Not because it will affect our friendship, it won’t, but because we may not be able to continue sharing stories like we have in the past.
The whole situation reminded me again just how far away I’ve moved from my original ‘romance writer’ career path. Not that the change is a bad thing, but it is an adjustment. One I will have to get used to if I want to reach the goals I’ve set for myself.
Today is my niece’s 4th birthday. Happy Birthday, baby. Alles Gute zum Geburtstag! We love you.
We had a nice visit with my brother and sister-in-law. Our other niece is getting so big. She’s turning into a true beauty both inside and out. Her mom and dad have both quit smoking and lost a ton of weight. Seeing what they’ve accomplished was quite inspirational. Reminded dh and I that we need to get our big butts in gear. *ggg*
Today dh’s aunt and uncle arrive. His mom and dad are still here, renting a nearby flat. I’m currently doing laundry (the story of my life as of late) and trying to get my paragraphs written. Sigh.
Had a nice surprise in the mail on Sat. Jo Leigh sent me her new book Relentless. I cannot wait to dive into it. Thanks Jo! You’re the best. For those of you who haven’t purchased it yet, what are you waiting for? Scoot!
I found out from a dear friend that the cover to Bad Boys Over Easy is up for worst cover on AAR’s cover contest. I’d like to thank the academy for this unexpected honor. *ggg* Next could you nominate Wicked Women On Top. I could use the bump in sales. 
I spent the afternoon cleaning the house so that it would be ready for my brother and sister-in-law’s arrival. I think I’m finally done. It’s been a little crazy, trying to keep up with the errand-like tasks, but I’ve managed.
I noticed a lot of the authors are taking a break from their blogs. Wish I could too, but since I’m not getting much work done due to my social calendar there doesn’t seem to be a point. That WILL change next month. No really, I mean it.
I did want to send congratulations out to Lisa Renee Jones. She finally sold her Blaze to Harlequin. Congrats Lisa! You’ve truly earned this one the hard way.
I’ve never been one who was any good at coming up with fleshed out future stories. I tend to write down ideas (a line or two) for possible stories, then shove them in a file until I’m ready to work on the book. So when someone (my wonderful agent) asks for paragraphs describing future work, I freeze like a deer in headlights. Fortunately, panic sets in before the freezing can do any serious damage. *ggg*
This got me thinking, how many of you chart out future books? (ie write up a few paragraphs or three chapters) Do you automatically think about possible sequels when you start a new project? I’m truly curious. 
I rarely know if a book will end in a way to leave room for a sequel. Perhaps I should work on that. LOL!
The folks are finally on the mend. Still quite a bit of coughing going on, but otherwise they’re sounding much better. I made it through my doctor’s visit without passing out. Yes, I’m that much of a wuss. *ggg*
Spoke to my agent. I have to get a few more blurbs put together. Still no news on the submission front, but I hope to hear something by the end of this month. Fingers and toes crossed.
I saw on the Ellora’s Cave site that Phantom Warriors: Saber-tooth is up on the coming soon page. YAH!!!
I want to send belated B-day wishes to my friend, B. I was thinking about you yesterday…and always. Happy Birthday!
Does anyone have any news they’d like to share?
Sorry I haven’t been around to update the site in a few days. My in-laws arrived and unfortunately came down with whopper colds the next day. 
They’ve been battling them ever since. I think they’ve finally made the turn in the bend and should start getting/feeling better soon. I suspect by the end of this week. Until then, I’m trying to make them comfortable.
Tomorrow I have a doctor’s appt., then Wednesday the Ghost Hunters come back on. YAH!!! Yes, I’m unduly excited that my show has returned. What can I say? I’m a geek.
I did want to talk about something that’s been on my mind. I know a lot of you have been wondering what I’ve been doing career-wise since my Bravas came out. Contrary to speculation, I haven’t been shopping my romantica work to N.Y. I realized shortly after those stories came out that I wasn’t happy with the stuff I’d been writing. Yes, I do like the stories I did for Brava (and EC), but I didn’t really want to continue writing books in that vein. In fact, with a few exceptions (ie the Harlequin Blaze, etc.), I don’t really want to write straight contemporary books anymore. My love affair is with paranormals and historicals.
I knew this meant that I’d have to start over from scratch (writing wise and representation wise) and probably with a ‘new’ name. Luckily, I don’t think I’ve built up much of a following yet. So for the past year and a half, I’ve been writing and charting out stories that are a 180 degree departure from what I’ve released thus far. Will they sell? Who knows? But I’m the happiest I’ve been in years writing these books and I love them no matter what happens.
I’m over at Romancing the Blog today, discussing my favorite pet peeve.
I just received a very cool email from Rae to let me know that Bacchus has earned cover of the week at Cover Snark. The write up that goes with it is hilarious and well worth a read. Thank you all very much for picking my book.
Dh’s folks arrive today. YAH!!! I just returned from running errands, so they’d have food to eat. *g* I’m going to head to the gym to workout before they get here. I also hope to get a little writing in. For those of you who balance work and visits, how do you do it? Any tips?
