Running Short

Ever run short on entertainment? I think that may be why I wrote my first romance. To find that something I was missing on the television, in movies and in books. A romance, first and foremost, with danger, twists, turns and chemistry. Of course, I started writing many years ago, but for me, for fun. Not intending publication.

Now it’s a bit different. I still read but not as much as I’d like to. And I still find some of the more traditional romances not giving me what I want. So when I pick up a book I can’t put down, I look at it closely to see what it has that’s so enthralling. For me, that would be:

1. Strong characters, especially a strong heroine
2. The alpha male. Not a trend for me, as I never quite meshed with the beta male/nerd romances when they were hot.
3. A paranormal twist
4. A great futuristic setting that’s not overly technical in scientific detail
5. Real dynamics between the characters, and not just between the hero and heroine. I like to see siblings who love each other taunting, teasing, and flat out annoying one another. That’s real.
6. Limited angst. I have a hard time with books where the hero/heroine despair life for 345 pages to find themselves happy by page 346, then THE END. Ugh.
7. No whiny heroines. Period. Nor ones that belabor a point until I put down the book and walk away.
8. Books that shy from stereotype. I’m overwhelmed with perfect mates, beautiful characters and vampires who must drink blood only when having sex. Granted, I still read those books, but I like it when an author has a new take on an old idea.
9. Correct grammar and spelling. Yes, I’m anal about grammar. ‘Nuff said.

Reading not only relaxes me, but it stimulates me to create my own worlds and characters. Right now I’m editing a lengthy work, so to relax, I bought a few books. Now I’m going to grab a cup of coffee and read a bit.

Chow!

Marie
www.marieharte.com