It’s been an interesting couple of weeks for me.
Not only have I been able to enjoy the launch of another paranormal romance, Predator’s Refuge, I have had the opportunity to begin a new manuscript. However, this one is different than anything I’ve attempted in a long time.
Those who’ve read me know I pretty much dwell in the paranormal world as far as my writing goes. However, I truly believe one needs to constantly stretch oneself and try new things. It’s been a few years since I wrote contemporary romance, and my only published CR to date is Up In Flames (my firefighter romance). I decided a while back that I needed to spend some time in the contemporary world. Thus, the new WIP.
It’s going well so far but I’ve definitely noticed some differences in the way one has to write in this genre. After all, problems cannot be solved by using paranormal bells and whistles. As fun as it is to give your hero/heroine the ability to fly or shift shapes or drink blood, a writer has to ensure she is not using these traits as crutches. When talking about real people, the solutions to their problems must also be real, and this isn’t always the most exciting alternative.
Then there’s the fact that I worry my very human hero will not be as appealing as my supernatural heroes are. My fans have loved previous heroes’ special abilities and powers. So how do I make a mortal hero seem just as appealing? I think it all comes down to human emotion. This is what will make my new hero likable. But will it make him unique? Probably not. After all, real men are out there everywhere.
I am hoping the conflict in the story will be the unique aspect. I am attempting a romance between two people who should pretty much hate each other, based on their circumstances. It will be my job to whittle away their defenses and help them love each other. Oh, and hopefully have some smokin’ hot sex along the way! Can’t forget that.
So stay tuned, and I’ll keep you updated on how it’s going. This new work is a very personal one for me, one that summons up old memories and aches. I am writing from experience here, folks, and baring myself in this work. It might be difficult for me to get it all down on paper, but I have a feeling finishing this one will be the most rewarding writing experience I’ve ever had. And I’m so glad you’re here to share it with me.
Love, Lust, and Laptops 
I loved Up in Flames (as well as everything else you’ve written), so I’m looking forward to reading this new project! You go girl, and know I’ve got your back if you need someone to lean on through the hard stuff! 🙂
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Oh, thank you, Parker. I could use some of your hot CR knowledge!! May my book be half as sexy as yours. 🙂
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Yay, contemporary smexy romance from Rosanna — I’m so there. I’ll read anything you write. And even normal humans can be gruff and grumpy as bears. Just sayin’, just because they are human and not a shifter doesn’t mean human males are boring. And under the right circumstances, they are even more heroic than a preternatural since being human they risk their lives. So go for it. I’m here to beta, ya know. 😉
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That’s a very good point, Moni. Humans do risk their lives…and you know I’ll have to include some of that! Thanks for the beta offer…I may need to take you up on that. As if you didn’t already have loads on your plate, you talented thing, you.
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I think I said this on GR (or FB) – Rosanna you have always written wonderful human characters – whether they were also shifters or demigods/goddesses was an added bonus. The truth is the characters you write are very human – flawed and imperfect but completely lovable and usually likeable. And when necessary, another one of your characters gave them the (sometimes literal) kick in the ass that propelled them to move from likeable to loveable or even onto adorable.
I am absolutely certain that whatever you write will be interesting and charming and completely gripping, thrilling and full of those smexy times you are famous for!
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Thank you, Heather. I think you’ve nicely encapsulated exactly what I always hoped to achieve with my characterization, so to hear it really means a lot. Thanks for commenting!
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I believe the key to a memorable hero is to break him down to the point his emotions have left him bleeding and hauntingly vulnerable. The most guarded men make the best heroes when they crumble and find their weaknesses have become their strengths. CR is, in my opinion, the most difficult to write. I have a paranormal I wrote sitting on my self and the story lines tend to run together. Mate=redemption. In CR, as you said, that crutch disappears. I love the everyday contrast of the “real” world and how people grow to survive and rely on each other for salvation. We are all sinners in CR, both hero and heroine, and it’s the writer’s job to discover their sacred aspects and bring a fulfilling transformation to the characters. I know you will do just that! 🙂
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Thank you for your insightful comment, Pauline! It is definitely a challenge, one you have mastered. I hope I can make my CR characters as compelling as yours are.
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