Universal Disclaimer: I am not -- never have been, never will be -- some sort of literary guru with correct answers to every possible question. However. As a writer and lifelong reader of romance, I do seem to field a lot of the same questions. If you're interested or have some questions of your own, please read on . . .
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Why romance, for heaven's sake? And (heh, heh) I bet you enjoy the research . . . .
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I've heard that most writers are self-involved neurotics. Is this true?
Where do you get your ideas?
Some days, I'd say, "What ideas? I've never had a clever idea. What is that anyway?" On good days, I'd say, "Everywhere." Magazines, TV, family, friends, strangers, conversations, songs on the radio, dreams, other books, street signs, the ether . . .
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Why romance, for heaven's sake? And (heh, heh) I bet you enjoy the research . . .
Why romance? Well, I could quote an impressive set of statistics cited by Romance Writers of America, showing how romance dominates the mass market. That's where the money is in publishing. But I'd be taking the easy way out if I left it at that.
A lifelong addiction to love stories would be the short but more truthful answer to this question. Digging a little deeper, I'd have to say because I love entertaining stories with happy endings that imply potential for the future. You assume these lovely people, who overcome such obstacles to finally be together, will go on to live full, exciting lives. In other words, the emotional take-away is excellent. Of course, romance novels also offer an escape when the world's gone nuts or you just need a little reassurance that hopes and ideals and faith are not illusory products of an active imagination. Well, actually . . .
Seriously, though, I think romantic fiction is one of the more positive influences in our world. We call our characters heroes and heroines, and I think that says it all. Positive outlook . . . high standards . . . strength . . . good overcomes evil . . . What's not to like?
Oh, and the "research." My answer, always, is that I prefer creating stories to poring over research books, but the internet offers endless sources of information on cities, geography, careers, historical timelines, hobbies and interests, gadgetry, and so, so much more. (Translation: Always approach a leer with wide-eyed sincerity and a truthful, informative answer. It completely disarms the person.)
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Am I (or is someone I know) in one of your books?
Your eyebrows might be. Susie's smile might be. The way Joey holds a baby in his arms might be. Your aunt's career might be. Writers take bits and pieces of what they know and what they imagine and put them together to create something new. I do not write biographies or autobiographies; it's a lot more fun to make it all up myself. Plus, it's supposed to be illegal/unethical to include real people in a work of fiction. (Sort of belies the term, you see. Fiction = not true.)
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Who are your favorite romance authors?
I have lots of them, and I'm fickle enough to get addicted to one at a time, then go back and reread old favorites, and then enjoy new ones . . . all based on my mood. A truly incomplete listing of my favorite romance authors: Georgette Heyer, Victoria Holt, Phyllis Whitney, Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz, Julie Garwood, Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, Linda Howard, Jennifer Crusie, Dara Joy, Christine Feehan, Lori Foster, Vickie Lewis Thompson . . . and so many others. I have boxes of books. Too many for shelves to contain. It's shameful.
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Why do you write?
This is easy. I write because I must. This leads me to a piece of advice I'd offer any aspiring writer: If there's any career besides writing that you can do and still lead a full and happy life, then do it. Writing's only for the desperately insane.
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I've heard that most writers are self-involved neurotics. Is this true?
Oh, absolutely. Like most writers, I sit inside four walls, alone for most of the day, and listen to voices in my head while I make up stories that just aren't true. How could we not be just a little strange? And normal's overrated, anyway. I choose to embrace my neuroses. It works for me and all my selves.
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Copyright © 2003 Natale Nogosek Stenzel.
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rights reserved.