Whenever people find out I write romance novels the first question they ask is ‘Have you always wanted to write?’
I never know how to answer that query. Because, honestly, until five years ago I had no interest or desire to write - to read - definitely, but to actually pen a manuscript - no way.
My day job is implementing computer finance systems.
I’ve always enjoyed my job and I still do. I like the fact that it’s either win or lose. Either the system works or it doesn’t. No nebulosity, nothing intangible there. I hate gray areas, relish black and white definitions of what’s wrong or right.
But I’ve always loved to read favoring the classics of course. I read my share of Mills and Boons in high school (at an all-girl convent high school what else was there to do?), but I hadn’t picked up a romance novel in years.
In 2005, we receive an invitation to a wedding in Wales, which we declined. Two days before the wedding my DH decided for business reasons he had to make an appearance.
You may have guessed by now that I like things in place. I organize my todo lists (I know, why bother?) So this threw me for a loop.
The DH always throws me off-kilter. I think he lives for the horrified expression on my face every time he drops a bombshell.
Think about it; different voltage, last minute presents (sure to be too expensive because everyone else got the moderate stuff on the list), not to mention a dress that won’t show off every single one of those fifteen pounds added by each child.
We arrive at the airport and I don’t have a book to read on a ten-hour trans-Atlantic flight.
Not going to work.
We’re late, the flight’s boarding, and I grab the first book I find, pay for it, and board.
It’s Christina Dodd’s Once a Knight.
I’m still reading when they wheel the breakfast cart in, so totally enthralled I almost forget to wake the DH (snored through the whole affair - cute little puffy sounds) for food.
When we get to Clearwell Castle, the site of the wedding, I am enchanted. I’m still living in the past, in the medieval days of chivalry and honor that Christina painted so perfectly.
The wedding is amazing; the castle, built in 1735, is magical. Picture sunny weather in the UK (!!!!), croquet on the terrace, an arched chapel, a string quartet playing classical music, bubbly flowing, canapés to die for, the most perfect setting for a marriage ceremony in the world.
For three days we explore the area and immerse ourselves in history, and then we return to London to journey back to Florida.
The plane’s accelerating down the runaway, I turn from the window to face the DH and say, “I’m going to write a romance novel.”
He frowns, cocks his head to one side, and asks, “How much champagne did you have?”
This blog's in answer to several emails queries re how and why I started writing. I still don't know the why, but this is the how.
Cheers,
Jianne
P.S. The book cover featured is the first book I completed, That Pearly Drop. Why hasn't it been published? Ah... it blew up...and that's the source of another blog.