First posted at Not Your Usual Suspects blog.
First off, let me say that while I'm a bit waterlogged, everything here in North Texas (at least in my neck of the woods) is fine and we're drying out. Though I'll admit, I haven't seen this much rain since I lived in Florida—during hurricane season.
First off, let me say that while I'm a bit waterlogged, everything here in North Texas (at least in my neck of the woods) is fine and we're drying out. Though I'll admit, I haven't seen this much rain since I lived in Florida—during hurricane season.
I've been thinking about my suspense writing a lot recently. Why? Because I haven't done any—not for a couple of months. Oh, I'm still writing, and I have a series of books coming out that are contemporary romance—without any smidgeon of suspense or mystery in sight.
It's been a bit of a palate cleanser, to be honest. Most of what I've written over the last few years has been romantic suspense, writing and building up my New Orleans Connection series. But when I had the idea for this new contemporary romance series, there wasn't any place to fir in a good mystery. It was strictly hero and heroine romance (of course with a happily-ever-after).
And strangely enough, these stories flowed quickly and easily. I think it's because I didn't have to contemplate and plot about laying a trail of red herrings and false clues to divert suspicion from the villain.
Truthfully, I think the break has done me a world of good, because I'm currently working on the next romantic suspense book in my New Orleans Connection series, and it feels fresh and exciting again. So for me, taking a little bit of a genre break worked. I can't promise it will work for everybody, but if you find yourself feeling the blues over your latest work in progress, consider a writing palate cleanser and write a short story in a different genre—even if it never sees the light of day once you finish. You may find it stimulates your creative juices in new and exciting directions.
I'll never leave behind my romantic suspense roots, I can't. I love it too much. Being able to weave elements of mystery into the books, the adrenaline rush you get in creating those life and death situations—no, I'll always write that. But every once in a while, don't be surprised if you see me working on a little something "extra."
My new series of contemporary romances will be releasing within the next two weeks, so keep you eyes open for the announcement.
My new series of contemporary romances will be releasing within the next two weeks, so keep you eyes open for the announcement.
9 comments:
Hi, Kathy! I don't blame you for taking a break. I write a lot of essays or switch to short fiction and am quite happy to do so. So change away and can't wait to read.
I will keep my eyes open for the announcement! I am still very new to the writing world, and have only finished 1 short story, but I am hoping it spurs me to finish one of the other 2 I have started!
Have a great week and I hope your series does well!
::waves:: Hi Vicki!
I know you had fun with the new series and you finished so quickly! I'm wishing you good luck for many sales for you.
The break must have worked, because I stay in perpetual awe at your posts on how much you write on a daily basis. So excited about your whole series! Happy sales!
Vicki, it's been actually very productive for me. Switching gears, so to speak. Also a lot of fun writing something a little different. Thanks.
Hi Cathy
So glad to see you're feeling better. Please take better care of yourself, we need to see your smiling face.
And congratulations on getting a story finished. Regardless of the length, being able to say you actually wrote something and finished it is a lot more than some authors ever get to say. Now get busy finishing those others.
And I'll keep you posted for when the new books are coming out. Thanks.
Hi Phyllis,
Writing this new series was fun. Taking four friends and building stories around one central theme was something very different for me, but everyone who's seen them thinks it works and my beta readers LOVED them. So fingers crossed everybody else does too.
Hi Kelly,
Well, you tend to get a lot of writing done when you quit the day job. LOL Now writing is my full time job, so I try to get something written every single day. Occasionally on the weekend I might take a break, but for the most part I'm writing. But when it's something you love, it's not really a job. Ha! Thanks.
I need way more than a palate cleanser to get back on track. As you all know, life threw me a curve ball and I haven't recovered yet. But like Phyllis, I am so inspired by the number of words you get on paper, Kathy. And although I can't wait to get my hands on the new series, I am anxiously awaiting your next RS. That's where my heart lies, too.
Post a Comment