Simply loved DD, GHeyer, DdMaurier, R.D.Blackmore, besides the clasic Brontes’ and Austen etc., but most of all I adored SergeanneGolon’s Angelique books!

http://www.worldofangelique.com/

Serge and Anne Golon inspired my writing. It was their daring to write uninhibited sexual content and the gorgeous heroes that led me toward the erotic elements so oft absent within M&B novels and other romance offerings, (not so nowadays) hence my first published novels were rated erotic because content considered too hot for a plain old romance novel. 😉

I’ve given my best shot at category romance as hopeful comeback chance into the publishing world and it’s gotten me nowhere despite being a pubbed author, and to be honest I’m heading back into blockbuster territory of no less than 100,000 words.

A 50k intensive one-to-one love affair is OK for light reading, but only a half fulfilling read in terms of length. I’m more often than not left wanting answers: like hero and heroine’s background beyond that of last job or last lover? What is their heritage, who are their parents, who are their relatives etc., because they can’t all be devoid of a family and a past. I know category romance supposedly airs romantic fantasy, but hey, I’m a material girl and if something looks like white gold bespeckled with diamonds it better be the real thing not just market stall bling!

Give me a romance to read involving multiple characters, sub plots and dynamic thrill factor alongside indepth family background and I feel I really know the characters and everything about them, like somehow I’m part of the family. These kind of novels are the real deal for me, so I know what you mean re DD! 😉

This probably sounds controversial and a sure-fired way to see me unpopular with eds, but if I never get published again because I say it how I see it, it’s no big heartbreaking dumb deal. All the rejections in the world won’t stop me writing, and I’m not saying all category romance is wafer thin on content, the truth is I prefer a delectable five course meal with excellent wine: not pizza and Cianti on the hoof.

Keep writing and reading what you love best, not what you think and hope will see you get a quick-fix publishing deal.

best
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Susan – yes, well, I have the same problem with not being obvious enough – and it was entirely intentional. But not good for category when you only have 50k. Ah well, we live and learn.

Caroline – I LOVE her. And her hero is one of the most incredible romantic heroes ever. But she’s not straight romance. However if you like a highly intellectual historical with lots of political detail and angst thrown in, then you’ll love her. 🙂