I'm working on a new manuscript, and as usual when I'm writing, I'm letting the characters lead the way. This manuscript will be the fourth Instincts book, but it feels different to me already. I think because the characters have such a different feel to them than Titus and Andreas in Loving Instincts, who were very much like a honeymooning couple with moving into a new stage in their life together, all sweet and...well, loving. Guess that's why I called it Loving Instincts ;-) In Book 4, I'm back to building a new relationship again, and even though I'm letting the guys take the lead in what they want to do, I've also been analyzing my writing lately.
As I've been analyzing the types of stories I tell, here's what I've come up with. As an author of gay erotic romance, those three elements are what drive each of my stories. My main characters are always gay men. My stories always contain graphic love scenes. And they are always heavy on romance. In fact, they're heavier on the romance more than the sexual content because what's at the heart of each and every one of my stories is the quest for love. I strive to portray loving, respectful relationships in my books, and my goal with all of them is to show that happiness can be achieved and that the love between two men is a beautiful, strong, and special thing.
I'm an optimist when it comes to love. If I was cynical about it, I would need to start looking for a new genre to write. I believe in love's power. I believe in love at first sight. I believe love is experienced in as many unique ways as there are people in this world, because you never love someone in the exact same way that you love another. And maybe it's because of those beliefs that I write the way I do. No doubt my stories could be labeled "sweet romances," and nothing makes me happier than that, because writing those kinds of stories makes me feel good, and I hope, they make those who read them feel the same way. That's really what I hope for when someone reads the last word on the last page of one of my books; that they feel...happy :-)
And so, for those who care to hear the author's input on their work, there it is. I thank you, my dear readers, for all the support and kindness you've shown to me and my work. And I hope, very much, for those of you who enjoy it, that I'll be able to continue making you happy with my future stories.
The romance is what I love most about your books. It's not all candy canes and sweetness but there are moments like those. The characters emotions are their driving force and they have such a wide range of feelings that it makes the characters have depth. That's what makes me remember their stories and keeps me coming back for more.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Mika *hugs* It means a lot hearing that you enjoy the romance aspects of my books the most. And you got it perfectly, my characters are driven by their emotions. Even when there are external conflicts, their internal ones are what's really at the heart of each story. It just makes me so happy that helps keeps them memorable for you :D Thank you, again!
DeleteI just finished reading Loving Instincts last week and I really enjoyed it. I liked the romance and I thought the love between both couples was beautiful. I felt very happy by the end of the book, so that means you must be doing a great job. :) I look forward to book four. Keep up the good work! :D
ReplyDeleteThank you very, very much, Lisa! You got me all smiles after reading how you were happy as you finished Loving Instincts :D It does make me feel like I've done my job well, and it means so much hearing you enjoyed the love and romance shared between the couples. I appreciate you looking forward to Bk 4! Many thanks, again!
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