I remember when I first discovered romance and how books
could transport me to so many places. I loved Gothic romances with the dark
castles or Victorian houses. They all had a ghost or some other kind of menace
that the heroine would come across. Most of the time there was a dark, brooding
hero.
Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. I moved to
historical romance. From kingdoms to the old west. I went to balls and camped
beneath the stars. Authors whisked me away to times long gone.
Then came paranormals with vampires and witches. I lost
myself in the dark shadows of the night and magical spells.
Then one day I decided I wanted to write a book. I joined
RWA, met with a weekly critique group, and wrote every chance I got while
working full-time. It took me six years before I sold my first book.
My local chapter disbanded and members moved away or stopped
writing, or in my case sold our house and took off with my husband to travel
the US
I wondered what I should do. I still needed to learn. I
don't think anyone ever stops. I realized the best teachers are still out
there. Every time I pick up a book to read, I'm learning something from that
author. Even if I don't care for that particular story, I still learn
something, but I love when an author can take me on the journey with her/him.
With each book I feel a sense of renewal.
I have a new romantic suspense that released this month.
Hidden Secrets is a standalone romance, the second book in my Badge of Honor
series. It's available for purchase from Amazon or free to read in Kindle
Unlimited. I hope I can take you on a journey with me.
Karen Kelley
www.authorkarenkelley.com 
Our Easter treat to help you Read and Renew is one of 3 Amazon gift cards. Enter here: Rafflecopter Entry Form
Karen, I'm glad you found your peeps. Good ones are treasures. I'll have to charge up my Kindle and get your book.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Nora! I hope you enjoy it. Most of my books are in KU. I still have 3 with a trad publisher.
DeleteWhat a great post! You're right--the books are the best teachers of all, and the learning is so much fun! Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely fun!
DeleteAs an elementary school teacher of over 30 years, I always felt there were still more things to learn! As for writing, I am still learning and will continue to do so for many years.
ReplyDeleteI agree so much! Someone very wise once told me that when you stop learning it's time to get out of the business because you've stopped caring.
ReplyDeleteThe reader to writer journey, I LOVE it! And, I can totally relate. Here's to more books and continued growth and learning. Congratulations on your new release, looks great!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathryn!
DeleteHidden Secrets sounds great! Can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deborah! I hope you enjoy the story!
DeleteSecrets makes such a great theme for a romance.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Secrets have always grabbed my attention.
DeleteMy RWA chapter dissolved, too, Karen. I really miss the way the chapter was when it was active and had great programs. I started reading Mary Stewart etc. and thought they were mysteries. Imagine my surprise when I learned they were romances.
ReplyDeleteI love when people discover a book or a movie is considered a romance. I can almost see the light bulb going off.
DeleteCaroline, Mary Stewart books were my absolute favorite!
DeleteMy 3 RWA chapters are still going strong in Houston. Actually, I think there are 4 now. I'm the one who dissolved...hadn't been able to make a meeting to any of them in years. This year, I finally dropped out...but I still feel a pang of regret about it.
ReplyDeleteI miss our small chapter, but some of the members passed away and it just wasn't the same without them. I think we suffered from growing pains as well. I dropped RWA but I have great respect for the organization.
DeleteI started reading very young and I've never stopped, its my only addiction! I truly get anxious if I can't read... lol
ReplyDeleteLOL I hear you! I'm like that about writing, too. I just finished the first draft of Fractured Lives and I took three days off. That's about all I can handle. I'll start the editing process today.
DeleteReading would be invaluable to an author.
ReplyDeleteOh, absolutely. We can also claim we're researching while indulging our addiction LOL
ReplyDeleteI think, Karen, I'm a bit older than you and do agree that we never stop learning. And reading other authors' works is the best education.
ReplyDelete