Romance is such a broad category. You’ve got contemporary, historical,
or futuristic. Paranormal, fantasy, erotic, suspense, rom-com, inspirational, and
many others. You can put several of these together.
When I finished my first book (and the series it belonged
to), I needed to figure out how to categorize the story. Contemporary, for
sure. But it had a criminal element and an ex-military FBI agent. So the story was sent out as a romantic
suspense.
But after reading quite a few other suspense novels, I
realized mine was nothing like the run-for-your-life-every-second-of-the-book
kind. It also did not have the intense detail of third world power struggles or
the inner workings of organized crime. I will readily admit I’m too lazy to do
the kind of research and world building those kinds of novels require. And I
hate having beloved characters die, which is unrealistic in intense suspense. My
focus is always on the characters and their relationship.
Chatting with another author who writes similar to me, she called
it ‘light suspense’ and I like that description. Thus my tagline “Romance with a splash of danger” was born. I love focusing on the
relationship between the hero and heroine and how they react to the conflict in
their lives and between each other. But throwing in lots of danger and putting
them in peril also gives me a rush. I love to add tons of angst and really hit
people with emotions. One way to do that is what we (in the fan fiction
community – yes, that’s where I got my start writing) call hurt/comfort. You hurt one character (either emotionally or
physically) so the other one can comfort them. I do love torturing my
characters. Muahahaha! *rubs hands together maniacally*
So even though I don’t have the
run-for-your-lives-every-second kind of book, I still like adding a few good
battles for my characters to go through. Physical and emotional. If you like a
lighter suspense novel, then please check out my first series: Love on
the Line – where the heroes are all
from the same military unit in Afghanistan. Danger is in their blood, but with
the right woman by their side, they are strong enough for any new challenge.
Currently you can get all three books for under $5!! They are available at most
online retailers (see website below for the links)
And FYI, I had a number of people ask for a prequel to
Running Target, to show how the main characters actually met. This is in the
works and will be offered to my mailing list subscribers. If you’d like to be
on my list, you can sign up on my website. I rarely send more than once a
month, if that, and usually only when I have new information or a sale… No
spam, promise!
Also, while you’re on my site, check for the free short
story (Canobie Kisses) and novella (Unstable Ground) that I’m giving away. And I LOVE hearing from readers and will
respond to all. Send me a note letting
me know if you liked one of my books!! I love talking about my books and the
characters in them!
See you soon,
Kari
I could relate so much with the torturing characters part. Before the HEA they have to DESERVE it, right?
ReplyDeleteSubscribed! Will read all the freebies and check your books. So many great books to read ♥
adissidente [at] gmail.com
Yes, the main characters have to deserves that HEA! But I make sure it's a good one!! And what's great in a series is the characters from earlier books can make appearances in later books and we can see they are still happy!
DeleteGreat post, Kari. I love romantic suspense, I just have never been able to write it. Kudos to you and anyone who can master it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy! It is light suspense so not the world building that some suspense authors put into it. But I do love that danger aspect!
DeleteYou've been living a busy dangerous life! Great accomplishments. I know I'm going to love them. Just need to set aside to read!! Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nora! Yeah, finding the time to read all the books I want to is the hardest part of writing!
DeleteLight suspense eh? I’ve wondering what to call my work in progress and now I have more confidence in it. Thanks so much Kari for enlightening me! Now, I have to read your books!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bonnie! I actually prefer light suspense so we can get to know the characters but not when it's just an adrenaline rush! I hope you enjoy them!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of 'light suspense' with my romance. Too much action and danger takes away from the relationship developing, IMO.
ReplyDeleteI love danger but yes, I agree too much can make it seem like they only 'fell in love' because of the situation they were in.
Deleteharperyn [at] outlook [dot] com writes:
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you about light suspense and "hate having beloved characters die"! Whenever that happens, I'm like WHYYYYY?! Do you want me to ugly cry? Because that's what's going to happen.
I'm also more of a paranormal fan, so anything too much organized crime/FBI/terrorist plot and I've kinda lost interest. The chemistry between the two characters are more important to me.
I hear you! Even though I have written about FBI agents and mobsters, the story is more about the characters and less about the crime/evidence etc. I keep it fairly generic. I will admit part of that is because I'm too lazy to do massive research on what would entail a good plot, but mostly because those are the details I skim over when reading a romantic suspense. I am all about the relationship!!
Delete“Romance with a splash of danger” is beautifully descriptive.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Thanks!! It does describe my writing perfectly!
DeleteI love romance with that touch of danger. It adds a zing. I am heading over to your website.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at hotmail dot com
Aww, thanks! I do love to torture my characters, but only so their lover will comfort them! All the feels!
ReplyDeleteI love romantic suspense. Can't wait to read yours.
ReplyDelete