Yes, I have been able to do this, and I think part of my ability to do so is that I am consistent with certain things, the crucial writing tools–tone, voice, POV, character, and thematic work. I do know my romance has to do one thing, and my essay has to do another in terms of form and style. But I have a pretty solid core of tricks that I use wherever I go. So I guess that means if you like my work, you will like it anywhere. And if you don’t like it, well, you won’t like it anywhere either!

Best,

J

I think that any study of any literature helps us as writers. I sat once with a woman at a table at a romance writing gethering, and she just flat out said, “I don’t read literary fiction.” I do believe we were talking about Barbara Kingsolver. Now, I love Barbara, but I wouldn’t put her up there with Herman Melville or Shakespeare in terms of literary. Her work is human, accessible, thematic, and moving, and there is so much to learn. Likewise, when I hear people say, “I don’t read genre,” I think about all I’ve learned from Stephen King–he is the true king of POV. I think romance writers could teach many literary writers a thing or two about plot–like, having one is a good thing now and again.

Reading makes us better writers. Reading poetry makes us focus on language and detail and imagery and description. Genre helps us with plot and character. I think it’s good to be very omnivorous with reading, and it all helps the work.

Best,

J

I have been on a tour with a group of writers this spring–and only about two of the writers write romance. I’ve been able to listen to so many genres while we all read, and I realized that romance novels are like anything. The heavy lifting is the heavy lifting. Voice is part of that.

I don’t think that voice is different in romance writing. In fact, I bet if anyone were to look at my work, my narrative voice would be consistent. It’s subject and form that I see as different. Romances have to do things that other stories do not–other stories have to do what romances do not. But above all, the truth of human life has to be conveyed, even if the life is occuring in a paranormal setting!

Best,

J

I think what keeps me wanting to add is reading. A writer will do something amazing, and I want in on it! I want to try a dream sequence or a sonnet or an amazing essay. It’s about a challenge. I think whenever we feel we are baked, we are goners. There is always so much to learn, and I want to give it all a go.

thanks for asking!

Best,

J

My questions for you today: Do you feel your background in poetry and literary fiction enhances your skill with description and the rhythm of your prose? And did you find that you had to break yourself of certain literary “habits” when you began writing romance?

Thanks so much for blogging with RU!

I’m curious how you see voice in the different genres you’ve written in. Did you have to adjust your writing voice at all when you made the switch to romance? If so, did it come naturally, or was it something you had to work at?

Thanks!

I love how you broke down what each reading audience wants. Very informative.

What drives you to continue adding to your toolbox? Craft building? Boredom? Curiosity? Something else?

Thanks! Tracey