Someone the other day asked if my life was like Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. While I liked the show, and her taste in clothes, the true answer is no. I sit around writing on my laptop, and I don’t watch much TV anymore, but that’s where the similarities end. My friends are not Miranda, Charlotte or Samantha types. (Though this one author named Demi Alex might be going for the Samantha role in her life. She’s interesting to get coffee with as the conversation can go anywhere fast.)
But part of me is and always will be the shy Catholic girl with strict parents and that’s what I want out of life. Then there is the dreamer side who can’t pick a genre out of fear. I write contemporary romance and science fiction romance. The Zoastra Affair comes out in December. I’m so excited. I made all these dream mock ups of one day the book can become a movie. Ariel is a body stealing alien (Pink haired girl on the cover), but she has a good reason. She wants to go home. And poor blonde haired, blue eyed human Grace is conveniently there. Ariel doesn’t
count or expect Grace has the skills to chase her down to get her body or life back. Then there is a real alien threat that’s bigger than body stealing. To me, the Zoastra Affair and the concept in my head for the sequels that lead up to a huge battle is just pure fun. Science Fiction takes me time to set up. The ideas aren’t naturally born, though it’s all organic. I can’t describe this, in any other way.
And don’t get me wrong, another dream would be to write for Harlequin and romance. I read those red books all my life for escapism and enjoyment. It’s why I’m so excited Chaperoning Paris comes out soon too from Soul Mate Publishing. I’ve taken steps on that dream too!!! Woot, woot! My mother might love vampire tales, but I always enjoyed contemporary drama. To me, it’s delicious fun. For instance, I can’t wait to see the end of Devious Maids on Lifetime. I want to know who killed Flora. Will Rosie choose Spence? (She should.) Will Carmen marry Alejandro aka Brandon Walker from Days? Or will Carmen choose Sam? And what’s going to happen now that Taylor was shot? Is she dead? Will this reveal who killed Flora and save Marisol’s son?
So either way writing is fun and I’m going to get back to it. I have big plans this afternoon and need to get the word count in too…
Have and amazing day and keep dreaming everyone. I know I do!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Zoastra Affair about?
The Zoastra Affair is a science fiction romance about Ariel, a body-stealing alien with pink hair who simply wants to return home. She takes over the body of Grace, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed human who unexpectedly has the skills to chase Ariel down and reclaim her life. The story also involves a larger alien threat beyond the body-stealing plot.
How does writing science fiction romance differ from writing contemporary romance?
According to the author, science fiction romance requires significantly more setup time compared to contemporary romance. The ideas don’t come as naturally, even when the creative process feels organic. Contemporary romance, by contrast, feels more instinctive and immediately enjoyable to write, much like the escapism the author found reading Harlequin romance novels throughout her life.
Is writing contemporary romance or science fiction romance a better fit for someone who grew up reading Harlequin books?
For readers raised on Harlequin-style romance, contemporary romance is likely the more natural fit. The author describes growing up reading Harlequin’s red books for escapism and enjoyment, calling contemporary drama ‘delicious fun.’ Science fiction romance, while exciting, demands more planning and world-building. Both genres can coexist in a writer’s career, but contemporary romance connects more directly to that classic romance-reading background.
