My April Fools of yesterday must have been obvious, but I wanted to quickly clear the air. I love romance and love stories. I can’t imagine writing another genre. Two years ago I went to the mystery writers conference to hear James Patterson speak. James Patterson didn’t come and make his key note at Sleuthfest. He posted on Facebook that he took his children to Barnes and Noble that day instead of his speaking arrangement. Then I received in the mail a book with a letter of apology on why he didn’t come. I spent $300 to hear him speak as someone that prolific must be inspirational.
What I learned besides how I won’t read James Patterson anymore as he couldn’t show up was a second lesson. I’m happy I write romance. I am so not into living through fears and thinking about the worst thing. I love drama, drama, drama in a story, but sad endings or living in fear… nope, not for me.
Besides all that, I’m pregnant. I waited to marry the love of my life and now we’re going to be parents. The picture below was a few months ago when I was skinnier, but how we announced the pregnancy on Facebook.
I am not plotting a gender reveal pic. Life is too short and to full of wonders to not be excited about that instead. If I want reality, I’ll flip on the news or listen to people complaining. Right now though, I’m on a happiness high. And romance novels are all about the happy-ever-after. So I’ll stick to my chosen field, thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did attending a mystery writers conference influence one romance author’s decision to stay in the genre?
After paying $300 to hear James Patterson speak at Sleuthfest, the author was disappointed when he skipped the event to take his children to Barnes & Noble instead. The experience reinforced her preference for romance writing, as she realized she had no interest in mystery’s darker themes of fear and worst-case scenarios, confirming romance was her true calling.
What is it about romance novels that appeals to authors who prefer happy endings over darker genres?
Romance novels are built around the happy-ever-after, which appeals to writers who prefer drama and emotional tension without sad endings or themes rooted in fear. For authors who find real-world negativity draining — easily found by flipping on the news — romance offers an emotionally uplifting creative space that celebrates love, joy, and optimistic outcomes.
Should writers stick to one genre or switch to a more popular one like mystery or thriller?
Authenticity matters more than chasing popularity. One romance author considered the mystery genre after attending Sleuthfest but concluded it wasn’t a fit because she disliked living through fear-based storylines. Writing in a genre you genuinely love — as she does with romance — produces more fulfilling work than switching to a genre that conflicts with your personal outlook and storytelling instincts.
