Coffee and Conversation with the #RomanceGems

It's time for Coffee and Conversation with the Romance Gems! So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage and join us for some fun. This month's topic is: A GAME! Something different this month!

The cast of the last show you watched is planning your wedding. Tell us who is planning and what your wedding will be like. Let’s have some fun!

“I've been watching season 6 of Once Upon A Time. (For like the millionth time) And there's actually a wedding in that season. So...if the characters from this show were planning my wedding, I'm certain it would be a fairytale ordeal, with a gown made by the fairies, knights as the groomsmen, and singing!!!” ~ Kara O’Neal

“I haven’t watched TV in years, but I tuned into Bridgerton because I’d met Julia Quinn years ago and read and loved the entire series. So I guess Violet Bridgerton is planning my wedding, and it will be the event of the century. Live music (no, not the Smythe-Smith quartet!) in the ballroom at one of the leading homes in London. Everyone will be decked out in their finest formal wear. Anyone who is anyone in the ton will be in attendance (though I’d leave Cressida Cowper off the list if I didn’t think it would cause an uproar).” ~ Kari Lemor

Liz Flaherty's Wedding

“I am watching the Kelly Clarkson Show right now. I've never seen it before, but  someone else arranged some beautiful flowers and another gentleman is featuring some wonderful-looking  gumbo. I think my wedding is going to be a lot of laughs and the food's going to be great, which sounds like a harbinger of all things good! (I made up the beach part)” ~ Liz Flaherty

“The last show I watched was The Dead Files, so I guess I’ll have a spooky haunted wedding! The psychics will keep telling me what all my nosy deceased relatives are saying while the cops will be keeping my current relatives in line. It’ll be fun for all!” ~ Laura Hunsaker

“My wedding would be planned by the cast of Jimmy Kimmel Live. Naturally, we’d have the music played by Cleto and the Cletones. That’s where the “normal” would end. Guillermo would be dressed in a flower girl’s gown and sprinkle Skittles across the stage. Jimmy would be dressed in a judge’s black gown with a white curly wig on his head. He’d be standing in front of a trellis decorated with wilted flowers and be reading from a Marvel comic. The vows would be to refrain from murdering each other on the honeymoon to get on a murder porn tv show.” ~ Bonnie Edwards  

“Going to get married to my firefighter, at the firehouse, among all our firefighting friends from the Chicago Fire department. The firefighter’s union rep is walking me down the aisle to my future husband and the fire department chaplain is waiting at the altar. I am in my white dress, the groom and the entire fire department are in their firefighting gear. We say our vows and the chaplain says “you may kiss the bride.” Our kiss is interrupted by the bells and whistles, everyone heads to the firetruck and ambulance and they are on their way to the next call.” ~ Constance Bretes

“Last night I watched the Hallmark Movie, Chasing Waterfalls. Loved it.  The leading man, Christopher Russell is the perfect groom. I'm a cougar and 6ft. 2in, 38year old, Russell, fits the bill for this 5ft.10 woman. That smile. That voice.

“A waterfall as the setting…tranquil.., private... well for the most part private. The movie was filmed in Seattle and British Columbia, two of my favorites for their breathtaking views.

“Wedding planners? The Married at First sight Australia experts: John Aiken, Mel Schiling and Dr. Trisha Stafford. Their reception venues are the best.

“Yes, I’m all for chasing waterfalls.” ~ Marcia King-Gamble

“I've no doubt my wedding will be one Helluva celebration since it's being planned by the cast of Lucifer! My wedding cake will be devils food, of course, topped with icing so fluffy it must be a Heavenly cloud. We'll dance to CCR's I Put a Spell on You and Devil in the Blue Dress and finish off the night with a downright devil of a honeymoon.” ~ Nancy Fraser

“The last show I watched was Loki, which is a new Marvel show. Loki is a shapeshifting prankster and god who is always up to mischief. Sometimes he’s the villain, but always a sympathetic one. His brother is Thor, and who wants to live up to that? Loki is played by Tom Hiddleston who seems to be both a sweetheart and funny in real life, so the wedding would definitely be unforgettable, fun, and off-beat. Only problem would be, it would be hard to concentrate on my groom with Tom Hiddleston there! He looks good in anything and oozes sex appeal.” ~ M.J. Schiller

“I’m binge-watching True Blood again after all these years and loving it! BUT it does make for a rather bizarre wedding. Of course, the reception would be at Merlotte’s – I do enjoy a great local diner/watering hole. Maid of Honor and Best Man – Sookie Stackhouse and Bill Compton. Bridesmaids – Tara, Arlene, and vampire Jessica. Vamp fashionista Pam MUST help me buy my wedding gown and shoes! Jason Stackhouse is not invited, because he’s nothin’ but trouble. LaFayette oversees all food, decorations, and music. And…I’m marrying Eric Northman, the Nordic vampire owner of Fangtasia. Absolutely. No questions asked. (Sorry Mr. H. hahaha)” ~ Kathryn Hills

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Okay, it's your turn to join the conversation! Add your comments below or send via email through the "contact us” link on the bottom of the left sidebar. You can also make suggestions on what you'd like to discuss here in the future.

 Thanks for joining us!

 ~ The Romance Gems ~

Coffee and Conversation with the #RomanceGems

It's time for Coffee and Conversation with the Romance Gems! So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage and join us for some fun.

This month's topic is: What did you want to be growing up?

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor, Rich Man, Poor Man, Beggar Man, Thief… Have you ever heard that old counting game/clapping rhyme/song? Maybe you used it on the playground as a way of deciding who’s “it?”

My assumption is that many Gems knew they wanted to be writers from an early age, but perhaps not. Share with us what you wanted to be growing up and if that desire impacted your books in any way. Let’s talk!

“I didn’t always want to be a writer. While it’s true I started writing fiction young – I was 8 when I penned my first curious girl adventure series, my ultimate goal in life wasn’t writing – it was helping people. For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a nurse. My father pushed me towards medicine because of my smarts, but I didn’t want that. I wanted the 1-on-1 of caring for people, hands-on, when they were in a time of great need and crisis. I was lucky enough to achieve my goal. My nursing career was long and fulfilling. And even though I’m retired now, I still use my nursing knowledge daily. The added benefit: I met my husband while nursing and instead of being a doctor, married one!” ~ Peggy Jaeger

“A ninth grade class assignment was to present in front of the class what we wanted to do when we grew up. I researched free lance writer, but I never thought I’d be able to become one. I went to college and majored in English and history. Five years of high school teaching did me in, and I changed careers to become a technical writer. In 1998, my first book was published. Today, with a name change and 35,000 more words, this is Kentucky Flame.” ~ Jan Scarbrough

 “I had a few job ideas when I was a child -- an adventurer (think Indiana Jones), a spy (like Harriet), and I wanted to play second base for the Houston Astros. Being a writer, I kind of get to be the first two, but the last one....oh well!” ~ Kara O'Neal

“When I was little I wanted to be a fashion designer, marine biologist, a mermaid, a space cowboy...you get the idea. Like most kids I didn't know.

“But one thing was constant-I wrote stories. In fifth grade my best friend and I wrote a story together, and from that point on, I think I was always scribbling in notebooks. It's when I look back that I see that I always was a writer, I just didn't realize it. So it comes as no surprise that my chosen career is a writer, even if I didn't know it when I was younger.” ~Laura Hunsaker

“When I was a kid, I wanted to be lots of things. A rock star. Movie Star. But mostly I wanted to be a Kindergarten Teacher. And for twenty years I was. Then I moved to teaching third grade for ten years before I retired to write full time. Surprisingly, writing was nowhere near any list of careers for me. I hated writing. Comparing or contrasting. Analyzing things. But no one ever asked me to create characters, especially ones who fall in love. One day all the stories in my head finally cried out to be heard. I listened.” ~ Kari Lemor

“As I’m sure is true for the others, I’ve been a writer since I could understand the concept, but I was never encouraged to seek it as a career as it really wasn’t seen as one. I fell back on my next great love, which goes hand in hand with writing, reading. I decided to teach and share my love of books with students. Some people were born to that career, but for me, it produced more stress than I could handle, at the time. I have great admiration for teachers, though, and have several characters who are teachers.” ~ M.J. Schiller

Kathleen's
Grandparents

“When I was young, my parents pushed me to become a nurse, which they considered the perfect career choice for a female.  Luckily, my Grandfather Lawless, impressed by how much I read,  planted the suggestion in my impressionable preteen head that I should write my own stories one day.  It made sense to me.   Creative writing was my favorite class in high school, and my teacher reinforced the idea of me becoming a writer. So one fateful day, while my first born napped, using a borrowed typewriter and a gallon of white out, I typed Chapter One.  The rest, as they say, is history.” ~ Kathleen Lawless

“Don’t laugh, but I always wanted to be a cowgirl. My mom used to joke, saying I grew up in the backseat of her car, because of her chauffeuring my big sister to and from riding lessons. I loved western movies and TV shows, every horse that ever lived, and all things farms, and barns. I took my own lessons when I was big enough. English saddle first, but that soon grew to include a Western seat. I visited a dude ranch for a school field trip and never looked back. Strange, but I haven’t written a western romance. Although I’ve read many. Humm…You never know. 😊” ~ Kathryn Hills

“To be honest, my youth is so far away, I don't remember if I ever had a dream career. What I do remember is my 9th grade English teacher telling me I had a flair for writing. I've had three complete (10+ years careers) but, until I began writing, I'd never *loved* what I was doing. Just goes to show you ... teachers are the best!” ~ Nancy Fraser

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Okay, it's your turn to join the conversation! Add your comments below or send via email through the "contact us” link on the bottom of the left sidebar. You can also make suggestions on what you'd like to discuss here in the future.

 Thanks for joining us!

 ~ The Romance Gems ~

Coffee and Conversation with the #RomanceGems

It's time for Coffee and Conversation with the Romance Gems! So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage and join us for some fun. This month's topic is: Weather In Your Books 

We’ve all heard the phrase…April showers bring May flowers. But what do they bring to your books? 

Weather is a great tool authors can use to set a mood or set things into motion. Snowed in by a blizzard or frightened by a thunderstorm? Maybe a twister or Nor’easter slams through your fictitious town? A kiss in the rain, or a downed plane? 

Share one of your books where weather plays a major roll. Let’s talk!

“Kentucky Rain. Elvis Presley sang the song. I used it as a title for a romance novel, and in the opening and closing scenes. “Scott moved toward her and took her into his arms. There, in the crowded asphalt parking lot at dinner time, he hugged her and kissed her. A car drove by and honked. They ignored it. They ignored the raindrops that began to fall.” ~ Jan Scarbrough

“Weather affects me while I'm writing--a rainy or snowy day will make the word count soar--but I don't think I use it that much IN writing. One exception was in The Happiness Pact, when a tornado ripped through the Lake Miniagua community, destroying the heroine's business. Living where tornadoes are "popular," the description was easy, but the emotions were real enough to make it uncomfortable to write. I loved it!” ~ Liz Flaherty

A moment from Wild Card Undercover – book 1 in the Love on the Line series (currently only 99c)

The rain fell heavy, matching Meg’s mood. She watched the empty beach from the bedroom balcony, tears intermingling with the mist. Empty. She understood that. Felt it deep inside today. The worst part, it was her day off. She couldn’t even distract herself with work.

Leaning on the railing, she didn’t care that she got even wetter. Nothing could penetrate the blanket of sorrow covering her. It had seeped inside her skin, chilling her to the bone. Why had she allowed herself to get into this fix? Couldn’t she have been happy with her life the way it was? ~ Kari Lemor

“Jax had to get Suzanne to a safe place. He had to get to his ship because he was scheduled to move the ship within the hour. He brought her to his ship intending to take her out to the Bering Sea with him to keep her safe while he and his crew are crab fishing. What Jax didn’t know was that Suzanne was deathly afraid of water, and she suffered from sea sickness. It is almost always stormy in the Bering Sea. Storms and winds make the sea very dangerous, and the waves rock the boat back and forth, Does she get out alive?” ~  Constance Bretes

“Weather can be a good tool in a story. In my recent release, Breathe, Max and Tessa are driving home from an important meeting when a snowstorm flares up. It causes treacherous driving conditions and ice puts their SUV into the guard rails.

“They’re both injured but sadly Tessa’s injuries are more severe. As they’re trapped in the car and she’s unconscious, Max realizes Tessa means more to him than just a boss or friend. Putting them in this situation gave Max an opportunity to begin to leave behind his lone wolf demeanor and a chance for personal growth.” ~ Lucinda Race

“Emma Prescott, the heroine in my very first book, buys her own land and puts in a cotton crop. She does it to prove to the man she loves that she's not the spoiled heiress he remembers. It also proves to him that she really did run away from her murderous father. But just when her cotton plants have blossomed, a tornado rips through the town and destroys her crop. She has to start over. But nothing, and I do mean nothing, can keep Emma Prescott down. She is one of my favorite heroines. And her book is Welcome Home.” ~ Kara O'Neal

“Although the weather doesn't play a major role in the book, I love how it adds to the scene in ROCKED BY GRACE when Zane comes to apologize to Grace for being a jerk. It's raining and a streak of lightning illuminates the bedraggled Zane on Grace's fire escape, complete with his sad, mangled bouquet of flowers. It provides a little dramatic effect for his entrance and also makes him sympathetic enough for Grace to take him in and hear him out.” ~M.J. Schiller

“I adore rainstorms. The louder the thunder, the brighter the lightning, the darker and murkier the sky, and I’m a happy girl. Carly Lennox, in THE VOICES OF ANGELS, definitely does not like storms. Of any kind. The childhood trauma of her father's death during a storm still haunts her to this day.

“When she and Mike Woodard are caught in a violent spring storm, Mike comes to realize he’d do anything to comfort Carly. The storm raging outside is nothing compared to the one raging within him, all due to the lovely mystery writer.” ~ Peggy Jaeger

“I wrote TABOO while on vacation in Jamaica, where every afternoon at 2 pm a warm, sensual light rain would fall for about 15 minutes.  I never even left my lounger, just made sure my hand-written manuscript was safely under cover.   Is there any doubt I included a highly sensual scene of my hero (who’d been purchased at a bachelor auction) and my heroine (a repressed widow) making love outdoors while a warm, spring rain fell?  I couldn’t help myself.” ~ KathleenLawless

“Weather. You either love or hate it. I was never a fan of the stranded-by-weather trope but assumed I'd eventually write one. Because I live in the North Atlantic, I knew it had to be snow. And, of course, trapped in a cabin! Oh, and with a man in a kilt.” ~ Nancy Fraser

“I consider the weather another character. For instance, a thunderstorm can be the foreboding of trouble to come, as it is MAIL ORDER BLAZE. The main characters know there’re killers searching for them and expect to be attacked—but when? Lightning and thunder stage foreboding that becomes reality for the family. Over the course of my writing career, I believe I’ve used every type of weather to further a story’s impact. After I submitted one manuscript to a contest, the editor/judge asked me if the weather event in my story (a flood) was accurate. She said, if so, why would anyone live in such a place? I tactfully failed to remind her she lived where hurricanes came ashore.” ~ Caroline Clemmons   

“I do love weather—both in my books and in real life—and I feel it can truly amp up the intensity and/or impact of a scene. In my first book, Haunting Highland House – A Time Traveler’s Journey, Samantha Merrill (a reluctant caretaker of a remote estate) experiences a powerful Nor’easter while alone in a Victorian-era mansion. The old house has stood the test of time and weathered many rough storms. But a secret is revealed to Sam that night, as she huddles in candlelight. One that changes everything.” ~ Kathryn Hills

Okay, it's your turn to join the conversation! Add your comments below or send via email through the "contact us” link on the bottom of the left sidebar. You can also make suggestions on what you'd like to discuss here in the future.

 Thanks for joining us!

 ~ The Romance Gems ~

Coffee and Conversation with the #RomanceGems

It's time for Coffee and Conversation with the Romance Gems! So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage and join us for some fun. This month's topic is: Tell me something new about you or your writing career.

Spring is often all about new beginnings, fresh starts, and sometimes even starting over. It’s hopefully a time of rebirth and renewed hope. So, tell me…Is there something new about you or your writing career this spring? Are you starting a new project, learning another skill, changing your lifestyle, or perhaps checking off something on your bucket list? Maybe you’re delving into a new genre or finally writing that book of your heart? Let’s talk! 

“Something that's new in my writing career in the last year is branching out into indie publishing. I started four years ago with several publishers and learned so much from the experience. But lately, I'm enjoying having the creative freedom for my books and being able to provide readers with better covers, stories, and prices. I don't like the marketing and promotion that goes along with this, but even the big publishers want you to do that these days. It’s nice having the control to do what I feel is best for my books.” ~ Kari Lemor

“My "new thing" happened in December, when I published a compilation of columns and blog in WINDOW OVER THE SINK. The nice thing about the new adventure is that it's given me a push to seek out another one. I've proposed a series to an imprint I've never explored before. I'm not sure either venture will prove to be successful, but they are both forward motion. And fun. That's the good part!” ~ Liz Flaherty

“I'm trying to exercise three times a week. I'm doing cardio, which, in this regiment means some jumping rope. And let me tell you, after 30 seconds of that, I'm pretty sure I'm dying.” ~ Kara O'Neal

“There’s always something new with this career! When I’m writing historicals, I can take a break and focus on contemporary for a change. I’ve written several Mail Order Brides, now I’m deviating slightly with a Proxy Bride - A Bride for Shane releases in May. Just when the writing life feels like too much of a vacuum, I get invited into a box set with other authors who generously share their expertise and talents as we combine resources. Some days I amaze even myself with what I’ve learned lately. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.” ~ Kathleen Lawless 

“While it’s not my first rodeo as a Women’s Fiction Writer, it’s been a while since I wrote for the mainstream. To my delight, a major publisher is interested in the work (of course I haven’t finished the story…never do). The editor’s letter was one of the most positive I’ve received in my almost 25 year career. She provided detailed comments for all 5 books in the series and now I am typing away to get the full manuscript to her. Her words.. “I devoured the paragraphs you submitted.” It will be nice to be back in the traditional market.” ~ Marcia King-Gamble 

“This month, for the first time, I've started putting my indie published books in multiple digital outlets, where before they were only available on Amazon. How to do this was a huge learning curve for me and I tore out many gray hairs before I understood what to do. Thank goodness for You tube! I plan on releasing the rest of my indie books, one at a time, during this year and then anything new thereafter will go wide immediately - hey, practice makes perfect, right??” ~ Peggy Jaeger

"It’s spring, so time for new beginnings right? I started swimming lessons in August. I’ve know how to swim since I was a child, but another of the swim team moms (our kids swim competitively) didn’t know how and was embarrassed to go it alone. I joined her and now I’m looking at my very first swim meet over spring break! Wish me luck!! ~ Laura Hunsaker

“This spring I'm releasing the Crescent Lake Winery series, and I wrote two new novels for Dickens AND Last Chance Beach. In addition, I've decided to visit an old friend, Melinda Phillips, our heroine from The Matchmaker and The Marine. There will be at least three new seasoned romance books. Just thinking of Mel puttering in her garden and wandering in mine helped me develop 3 new storylines. Stay tuned for details in 2022. Finally, I have a paranormal women’s fiction trilogy planned, three cousins inherit magic when they’re over 40. Who says a new, older witch can’t learn new spells?” ~ Lucinda Race

“Aside from writing my first historical romance, I’m joining the ranks of other so called hybrid authors. Those that are traditionally published as well as self-published. I’m also headed back to the sun and fun of Last Chance Beach and the charming small-town ambiance of Dickens. Plus, I’ll share a new project later this summer.” ~ Kathryn Hills

“I’ve written for several publishing houses and had nice success indie publishing, but this spring I’m working on a new series for a new publisher. It’s so flattering when a publisher comes to you and asks you to write for them. My new series, The Beresford Adventures, will be for the number-one selling historical romance publisher, Dragonblade. Their authors have been holding down the top spots on Amazon charts, and I hope to reap some of their success for my new Regency romantic adventures. Lady Mary’s Dangerous Encounter will be an August release.” ~ Cheryl Bolen

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Okay, it's your turn to join the conversation! Add your comments below or send via email through the "contact us” link on the bottom of the left sidebar. You can also make suggestions on what you'd like to discuss here in the future.

Thanks for joining us! 

 ~ The Romance Gems ~

Coffee and Conversation with the #RomanceGems

It's time for Coffee and Conversation with the Romance Gems! So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage and join us for some fun. This month's topic is: What’s your best and/or worst date ever?

Aah, February…the month of hearts, candy, and flowers with Valentine’s Day right in the middle! So tell me…what’s the best and/or worst date you’ve ever been on? If you don’t want to share a personal story, you can share something from one of your books. Let's talk!

“I have had so many disastrously disappointing dates it’s hard to pick just one.  One man teared up when he told me about his ex-wife divorcing him.  He lied about his height and even wearing thick-soled shoes, was inches shorter than me.  Then there was the cheapskate who invited me for brunch, only to inform me he had a big breakfast so wasn’t hungry.  I told him I was starved and immediately ordered a drink, knowing I would need some fortification.  He also ordered a drink but when the bill came he only had $5, and I was stuck with the rest.” ~ Kathleen Lawless

“What does a seventeen-year-old girl do when she’s on a dinner date with a guy who goes into great detail about his hemorrhoid surgery? That actually happened to me on a first date. I was shocked and speechless. And, needless to say, that was my last date with the guy!” ~ Cheryl Bolen

“My worst date ever isn’t actually mine, it’s when I was someone else’s worst. It was Valentine’s day and my new boyfriend made our plans for dinner. I bought the cutest stuffed fish toy that sang “Hooked on a Feeling.” It was so adorable I smiled when it sang. My boyfriend gave me jewelry. We were definitely not in a jewelry stage yet and I just remember covering my face after he put a ring on me and saying, “I bought you a singing fish” in bewilderment. Poor guy. We did not get married.” ~ Laura Hunsaker

“My worst date – A guy in college accidentally kicked me in the shin playing soccer (left a massive bruise) so he wanted to take me to dinner to make up for it. While at the restaurant, he spied the oil and vinegar bottles, and began making fun of my religion. Next, a movie, where he ruined the plot twist about ten minutes in. When he drove me home, he took my hand. I thought he was going to kiss it. Instead, he said, "Let's pray."  Yeah, I was praying I could get out of the car as fast as possible!” ~ Kari Lemor

“Hubby asked me to dinner. In Boston. We lived in New York. I thought driving 4 hours was ridiculous. His response? Not driving; flying. We hopped on Laker Air, flew 30 minutes, landed, had dinner in the North end, then strolled around the Harbor before flying back to home. Best date ever and set the tone for our future marriage. We’ve dined in the same restaurant as that first dinner date at least once a year since then.” ~ Peggy Jaeger

“After 27 years of marriage, finding yourself single is a scary prospect. A friend who had been divorced for four years talked me into going with her to a singles mixer for professional mid-lifers. It was fun and resulted in a date with a man six years my junior. We went for drinks at a local bar that featured a game room (e.g., pool, darts, shuffleboard). Apparently, mature (40ish) men are no better than little boys when they're beat at billiards by a woman. He got angry and took off, leaving me to get home on my own.” ~ Nancy Fraser

“Back in my airline days I met a handsome Australian in Hong Kong. First, cocktails at a piano bar, followed by a scrumptious dinner. Next, drinks at the Peninsula Hotel and dancing. The date ended with a walk along the harbor.  He showed up next morning to take me to breakfast.

"Worst date. During dinner he whipped out a designer clothespin and clipped it to his nose. Smells put him off. If that wasn’t bad enough, he said he was submissive and wanted to sit at my feet nude wearing a dog collar. True story this.” ~ Marcia King-Gamble

Okay, it's your turn to join the conversation! Add your comments below or send via email through the "contact us” link on the bottom of the left sidebar. You can also make suggestions on what you'd like to discuss here in the future. 

 Thanks for joining us! 

~ The Romance Gems ~

Coffee and Conversation with the #RomanceGems

It's time for Coffee and Conversation with the Romance Gems! So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage and join us for some fun. This month's topic is: How did you decide to write romance books?

Even a quick visit to Romance Gems shows readers that our authors write many different things, yet we are ALL dedicated to the romance genre. As different as our books are, I’m wondering if how we came to WRITE romance is different too. Let’s find out!

“I can’t point to any one moment that pointed me to write romance. I always liked writing, majored in journalism and English, and wrote for newspapers for many years. An avid reader, I started many books that I never finished. When I had my second child at age 25, I started writing my first completed manuscript, a romantic suspense. I wrote off and on until I hit 40—and got really serious. My stories are inspired by movies and books I love, and all of them revolve around a love story. It’s natural that I write romance. Cinderella was my favorite children’s book.” ~ Cheryl Bolen

“I was 11 years old when I read Pride and Prejudice for the first time. Even though some of the 18th century prose was confusing to 20th century me, I wished one day to be able to write a book with such deep emotion, such engaging conflict, and with a wonderful uplifting ending for all. Flash forward 44 years, a lifetime of living, and after reading every Nora Roberts book on the market, and I did just that. Even as a child I knew that everyone deserved their own happily ever after. And now I write them!” ~ Peggy Jaeger

Photo Credit: Liz Flaherty

“I thought about this question, wrote something, then deleted it and wrote something else. And that's how I started writing romance. It was never a conscious decision. It was what I read from seventh grade on up, thanks to Betty Cavanna and Rosamund du Jardin and Janet Lambert, among others. It's where I learned things, found peace, and was never lonely. It is the happiest genre I know, and when you add the Ever After on there--after writing and deleting, writing and deleting, that makes it about perfect.” ~ Liz Flaherty 

“When I started reading romance, my friends would tell me the stories weren’t real. I learned, quickly, that that statement was made out of sadness and pain. They didn’t want to believe in the love that romances paint, because they were either afraid to wait for it, or had been hurt deeply. And that broke my heart. It still does. Romances—paranormals, suspense, historical, sci-fi, etc.—are beautiful tales of courage, hope and triumph. They’ve taught me that true love, good love, is possible. And I want to fill the world with that. Always. And that’s why I write romance.” ~ Kara O’Neal

“All through my formative years I pretty much read a book every day, and my preferred genre was romance. If it was a mystery, I missed the romance. Even though they were young, I wanted more between Trixie Belden and Jim. As for Nancy Drew and her boyfriend Ned, was that guy slow or what? From there, I graduated to Mills and Boon where I discovered marriage of convenience had the most sizzle between the hero and heroine. I had no idea that was a trope, or one I would use in my very first published romance-I just knew I needed the happy ending. Naturally, the day I first sat down with a borrowed typewriter more years ago than I care to admit, that early effort was my first attempt at a romance. Good thing I had no idea how terrible it really was. Or the long, winding journey to publication.” ~ Kathleen Lawless

“I blame it on Rhett Butler. When he left Scarlett standing there at the bottom of the staircase and walked out of her life, my ten-year-old heart literally broke in two. I cried the entire way home from the movie theater, vowing that if I could change the end of the movie, I would. And I've been writing happily-ever-afters ever since. (well, maybe since my 30s....)” ~ Maddie James

“I started writing romance because I wanted to write what I knew. I didn't know anything about writing adventure or political intrigue. But I knew about love, marriage, and maintaining both. It was an easy choice because I didn't see any others. I still don't. Even though I write a bit of suspense, or paranormal, or humor or family saga type stories...they're all romance. They always will be because now, decades later, I’m able to write a full spectrum of relationships from grandparents down to children. I didn’t have that scope when I was younger. It feels great!” ~ Bonnie Edwards

“When I was 38, I almost died. Before returning to work, I attended a local “How to Write Romance” class given by Karen Robards. (She said something that sticks with me today - begin each novel with a life-threatening situation.) A former English teacher and a technical writer, I wanted to write a novel, but was afraid to try. After almost dying, I decided it was time to make my dream come true.” ~ Jan Scarbrough

“I only started writing about ten years ago. But, of course, the genre had to be romance. I've always been an avid reader, but my favorite kind of book by far is romance. I started borrowing my mom's Harlequins when I was 12, and the rest is history. But even before that, when reading Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and even Trixie Belden, I always loved the parts where we saw Frank with Callie, Joe with Iola, Nancy with Ned, and Trixie with Jim. When I began getting stories in my head that needed to be told, they all held romance.” ~ Kari Lemor

“I grew up on Mills and Boon books and loved them, but never imagined I would be a writer. Then a funny thing happened that jumpstarted my writing career. I was hired by Harlequin/Silhouette to read unsolicited manuscripts, otherwise known as tales from the slush pile. After literally reading thousands of manuscripts, I said “I can do this.” My first submission was turned down, because back then, athletes and entertainers didn’t sell. My second submission yielded a two book contract. Now here I am.” ~ Marcia King-Gamble

“I never set out to write a book. I was just a dedicated fan of reading romance since about the age of twelve or thirteen. But that all changed the day I visited a Victorian-era mansion on Cape Cod. A story sprang to life in my head, as if I’d been struck by lightning! Was I inspired by the ghosts that local legend says haunt the estate? Sounds like something that would happen to me. 😊 You can visit this beautiful place. Perhaps you'll be inspired too. I talk about it in my Author Notes.” ~ Kathryn Hills

As I expected, the authors that have shared here today all came to write romance in different ways. Yet we’re drawn to the hope and happiness the romance genre promises. Aren't we all?

Okay, now it's your turn to join the conversation! Add your comments below or send via email through the "contact us” link on the bottom of the left sidebar. You can also make suggestions on what you'd like to discuss here in the future.

Thanks for joining us!

~ The Romance Gems ~

Coffee and Conversation with the #RomanceGems

It's time for Coffee and Conversation with the Romance Gems! So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage and join us for some fun. This month's topic is: Be a tour guide to a place you love.

2020 is certainly one for the record books, and most folks I know are eager to get back to “some kind of normal.” For many, that includes travel. So, let’s do a bit of armchair traveling, shall we?

Be an expert tour guide to a place you love. Hint…This does not need to be the Pyramids of Giza unless you want it to be. It could be a favorite vacation spot, a museum, the town you grew up in, even your backyard garden. Let’s talk!

“California’s Hearst Castle, which I’ve visited four times, ranks up there with the world’s great sites. Two things make it stand apart: its spectacular setting five miles above the Pacific Ocean and its rich history of the early California film industry. When Hearst was living there with his actress lover in the 1930s, it was a gathering place for Hollywood’s elite. There’s a spectacular outdoor pool as well as a spectacular indoor pool with tiles made of real gold. Hearst owned fifty miles of the California coast. He spent $1 million a year on art and antiquities during the Depression” ~ Cheryl Bolen

“Indiana used to be a big, BIG railroad place. It’s not so much anymore, but it’s still a big railroad TRACKS place. However, many of those tracks have become walking and riding trails. One of them, the 37-mile Nickel Plate Trail, meanders through the fields about a mile and a half from my house. It’s where I walk, get out of the corners I’ve written myself into, pray, and find peace in a time when it’s hard to find. I am accompanied by squirrels, chipmunks, deer, and the occasional snake, to mention a few. While I’ve never learned to properly identify either birds or wildflowers, there are multitudes of them on the Trail to enjoy. Come and visit!” ~ Liz Flaherty

“Here in St. Augustine, in the northeast part of Florida, we have something called Nights of Lights. The entire historical downtown area is lit up with lights everywhere. Visit the Plaza de la Constitucion and see the gazebo and Christmas tree and all the trees covered in lights. Or walk down quaint St. George Street where the buildings are pulled right from the past. Visit the little shops and restaurants and sit outside watching boats cruise on the Matanzas River. Many of them are covered in lights as well. The beauty will definitely get you in the mood for Christmas!” ~ Kari Lemor

“My favorite vacation spot is Las Vegas. From the gambling (within reason) to the shows, to the glitz and glamor ... it's more fun than should be legal! My last trip netted a comped stay at the Wynn Casino with their amazing topiary AND a chance to see Elton John in concert!” ~ Nancy Fraser

“One of the places I love best is the American Saddlebred barn, Premier Stables, where I take riding lessons. I love the smell of cedar shavings and horses. I enjoy riding lessons and the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. And at the end of the lesson, I love handing out peppermint treats.” ~ Jan Scarbrough

“Butchart Gardens’ sunken garden, built on the site of an old limestone quarry, is one of the most photographed gardens in the world, hosting one million visitors annually. Even then, I can always find a quiet corner to hide away, whether it’s a pond-side gazebo in the Japanese Garden, or a secret bench behind a bower of roses. “Sometimes parts of the family home are open for tours, set with original furnishings and photos. Fireworks and concerts in the summer, or a romance lover’s winter wonderland with the 12 days of Christmas creatively displayed on fifty-five acres, these gardens are always a crowd pleaser.” ~ Kathleen Lawless

Photo Credit, Carole Thornton 

“Snow swirls hypnotically across the windshield as we pick our way through Crawford Notch in northern New Hampshire. One more turn and we’ll see her. Stark white and magnificent, topped with a shiny red roof. Distinct against the bluish grey of the tallest mountain in the northeast. Our home away from home for a long winter’s weekend—the glorious Omni Mount Washington Hotel!

“This marvel of modern ingenuity for its time (construction completed in 1902) was built by Joseph Stickney, a gilded-age industrialist who made a fortune in coal and railroads. He spared no expense. Today the resort offers luxury accommodations, outstanding restaurants, a prohibition-era bar, colorful history, and epic mountain views. Plus, it’s haunted! That’s my kind of place!” ~ Kathryn Hills

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Okay, it's your turn to join the conversation! Add your comments below or send via email through the "contact us” link on the bottom of the left sidebar. You can also make suggestions on what you'd like to discuss here in the future.

Thanks for joining us! Wishing EVERYONE a happy, healthy, wonderful holiday season and New Year!

~ The Romance Gems ~