Welcome to Day 18 of the Romancing September Across The World Blog Tour. The question I put out to all of these authors was “What challenges do you face in writing romance in today’s society?”
Don’t forget to go over to Rosie Amber’s page and check out her page too. I’ll put the link at the bottom of this post.
Today my guest author is Layla Tarar (Pen Name is Tara Quan) and I want to thank her for blogging with me today. Here is a little about Layla and her book More Than Strangers – Safe Harbor 1.
What Challenges do you face writing romance in today’s society?
When the Excitement Wears Off
The biggest challenge I’ve faced as a romance author is a time-honored one—finishing my book. In this respect, not much has changed since the days of yore.
Beginning a story is a period filled with promise and hope. Plot bunnies are vying for attention. I’m in love with my characters and entranced by the world I’ve pictured. I can hammer out thousands of words per day, and the manic writing rate makes me confident about being able to type “The End” in a short while.
But soon enough, continuing the story becomes a chore. There are so many details I need to get right. Fatigue sets in, and adding pages becomes painful. The final chapter is now a light at the end of the tunnel, not a finish line populated by cheering fans.
Completing the story means the hard work has just begun. I read my own words over and over again, all the while marveling at the gaping plot holes and missing pieces. I slash word count, rearrange story arcs, and add details that never made it to the page.
Then I give someone else my manuscript, only to discover I have a long way to go. By the time I make those changes, I’m not excited about my book anymore. I just want the process to be over. The roaring fire of creativity is gone, replaced by smoldering embers I have to nurse until the bitter end.
After writing query letters, going through the submissions process, and reading the form rejections that are part and parcel of an author’s life, I get to go back to my manuscript. During content edits, I end up adding even more words as my story gets reorganized and whipped into shape. By this time, it’s been so long I don’t remember why I started it. All I can do is focus on the comment bubbles threatening to crash my computer.
And on one sunny day, I accept the final line edits and the manuscript is out of my hands. I’m free to give my full attention to the next plot bunny. It’s done, and I never want to see it again.
On so many points along the way, the urge not to finish is overwhelming. The excitement wears off, and it’s an uphill battle to send my story out the door. Whether or not it sells, getting a book to market is an accomplishment every author should be proud of. But for most of us, we’re too busy working on the next book to appreciate all the hard work.
Biography
Tara Quan spent her college years daydreaming about becoming a romance author. After graduating with two degrees she never uses, she tried to pursue a traditional career at a law firm. But the stubborn characters in her head refused to be ignored. She now spends most of her time overseas, crafting fun quick reads heavy on fantasy, paranormal, and suspense. If you’re a fan of kick-ass heroines, alpha males, and a smidgen of kink, visit Tara athttp://www.taraquan.com.
Her latest release More Than Strangers, a contemporary romantic suspense set in the Dubai, is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major electronic book retailers.
Scorching desert heat, ice-cold champagne, and a world of opulence—the perfect setting for a one-night stand. Certain they will never meet again, two strangers agree to casual, no-strings sex that turns into something more.
Jason Reynolds has his life mapped out, and it doesn’t include a smart-mouthed redhead on a mission to save the world. A security specialist at the top of his game, he is on the cusp of wealth and power. Love is a distraction he simply can’t afford.
Struggling to bury memories of an unforgettable night, Nulli O’Hara chases her dream to a city fraught with violence and death. Six months later, she becomes a kidnapping target, and Jason is the man sent to keep her safe.
Content Notes: Spicy, Light BDSM, Descriptive Erotic Sex, Light Bondage, Spanking
Check out Layla’s work on her website http://www.taraquan.com.
Here’s the link to Rosie’s side of the tour: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2tB
No comments:
Post a Comment