Like many writers, I started reading early, and soon read far beyond my grade level (I was reading Reader's Digest Condensed Books at age 10 in front of the fireplace *sigh* those were the days). When I hit high school I didn't read as much, but I did start writing (short stories mostly) thanks to some very cool English teachers: Mr. Wallace (at Norwell High School), Mr. Elliott, and Mr. Bouchard (both at Chatham High School), but it was love, romance, and history, which led to my first attempts at writing a novel.
Shall I tell you what books first inspired me (me the one who told you on Monday how I'm not exactly the most romantic person in the world)? Go ahead and laugh but I might not be published if not for these books:
Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers
Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss
Surrender by Amanda Quick
A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Devereaux
I also might not have a BA in History because it was my fascination with the historical aspect of Sweet Savage Love that led me to get my get my degree. Maybe I should thank Rosemary Rogers!
Anyway. What the heck am I telling you any of this for? I guess because even though I write and read mostly scifi/fantasy/paranormal, I still love a good romance (The Caged Graves, for example) and it was that which led me to write West of Paradise, my first book, which is due out at the end of March (yes, this March!!!).
Soon I will have a cover for you and more news but in the meantime check out my progress on my YA Paranormal, PEACE AND FORGIVENESS. Is my muse awesome or what?!
Lastly, my publisher wants me to find some authors and book bloggers willing to review my book in advance of publication and if you would like to do this, I would be immensely grateful. And yes, I do want an honest review and you will not hurt my feelings (much) if you don't like it :)
Influence can come from any genre. I write science fiction but fantasy and thrillers influenced me.
ReplyDeleteTwo and a half months! Get excited. If you are doing a blog tour for your release, let me know - you are always welcome at my place.
As you know history is my fave genre too! Not only in my book translation work, but also over at HOLLYWOOD SPY!
ReplyDeleteYou should organize blog tour with the book, there are so many writers who host them around the net.
How exciting it must be to have your book out in just 2 months! Can't wait to see the cover, and congrats again. :)
ReplyDeleteI read all those romance books you mentioned though it was a while ago. Congrats on the book.
ReplyDeleteMarch is super duper exciting. Go you.
ReplyDeleteI would love to read and review for you.
ReplyDeleteI read some of Woodiwiss' work, too, and at my librarian's recommendation, also read "Knight in Shining Armor" when it first came out. It's been a long time since I read anything by Devereaux, though, and I should remedy that. I like her stuff.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm sure I'll like your stuff, too. If you'd like me to read and review, I'm game. I know how important those reviews can be.
Yay for a romance inspiring you to get your BA in History! And double yay for your upcoming book and the progress on your WIP! I'd love to read and review your book, however, I'm an e-copy girl. I can't accept physical copies, but if the ARC is digital, count me in! :)
ReplyDeleteI love that your love of knowledge led you to the historical genre. My love of reading led me to teaching :)
ReplyDeleteI do love a good historical! M.M. Kaye's The Far Pavilions is one of my all-time favorites - history, romance, action. Gotta love it!
ReplyDeleteI would love to review/read your work!
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