There’s a fine line between writing romance and women’s fiction. Many readers might think they are one in the same depending on the storyline. For me, no matter the genre, it’s all about the characters and their relationships.
In romance, the focus is on the two people who fall in love and find their happy-ever-after. In women’s fiction, while there might be a romance thread, the focus is usually on the female lead, who is figuring out their life and relationships, be they romantic, friendships, or family. Sometimes all of the above.
In all relationships, our past experiences, good and bad, our personalities, our needs are directly related to how we interact with others. The decisions we make, and why we make them, can make or break a relationship. If we haven’t learned from our mistakes, we are doomed to repeat them. If we’ve grown, there may be strain on relationships, because not everyone wants us to change. But it all comes down to, we want to be happy. But getting there can be complicated.
In my writing, I love to explore why people say the things they say and do the things they do in relationships that either makes the relationship stronger, through being vulnerable and honest, or tears them apart because of lies or mistakes or simply being unable to compromise or change.
In my recent women’s fiction novel, The One You Want, Rose is coming home for the first time in years for her best friend’s wedding. She grew up in an abusive home, demeaned by her father throughout her childhood. Her sister is angry that Rose has put it in her past and moved on. It’s taken a long time for her to see herself through her own eyes, not her father’s demoralizing view of her. All she wants to do is help her sister do the same. But for Rose, forgiving her mother for staying with a man who hurt them all doesn’t come easy. And when she meets Gray, a man who knows what he wants, and it’s her, she’s ready to dive in for a chance at happiness. But as her relationship with Gray heats up, she’s faced with telling him and her best friend a truth that could break up those relationship. Rose finds the courage to confess the truth, laying bear her feelings for her best friend and Gray, opening herself up to the possibility that she may lose them, but letting them know how important they are to her and ultimately strengthening those relationships.
In my upcoming romance novel, Surrendering to Hunt, Hunt Wilde is a lawman who falls for a free spirited woman who likes to think some laws are just suggestions. They say opposites attract, but it’s what they find in common that really brings them together. Hunt sees more than what Cyn shows others when he helps her find her missing sister. Cyn’s heart is always in the right place. She wants the best for those around her. Hunt is all about law and order and being cautious, but he’s ready to put his life on the line for others, especially the ones he loves. They don’t always see eye to eye. Hunt doesn’t want to change Cyn’s wild ways, he just wants her to be safe. Cyn is willing to compromise to keep Hunt from being worried and scared for her. It’s these moments and decisions that allow the bonds between them to grow into a trust and love they can both rely on.
Our pasts can bring up fears and hold us hostage to repeating past mistakes or prevent us from moving forward. But finding the courage to be vulnerable and trusting in others helps to build stronger bonds and leads to happiness and partnerships that are fulfilling and the happy-ever-after we all want.
Surrendering to Hunt will be published August 23 and is available from Amazon and Bookshop.