It’s that simple. There’s enough bad news in the media. There’s enough heartache in life. So I write romance because everything is tied up in a neat little bow at the end of the book. The hero and heroine are together. All’s right with the world.
Sure, I know it’s a form of fantasy. Fiction is called fiction for a reason. But I hope I’ve put a bit of truth into my books. I hope I speak from the heart and heartache of all I’ve learned over the years.
You see I believe we must deal with problems in this life to test our mettle. Hopefully, we’re made of stern stuff, and we don’t fold. It might take us years. It might take us a lifetime. But I believe we can create our own happy ending if we grow and learn from our mistakes.
In 10 Tips for Emotional Healing: What really helps us reduce our sadness, anxiety, and other emotional distress? Eric Maisel, Ph.D. gives suggestions for dealing with emotional distress. He has some good tips, ones I’ve used over the years without realizing I was using them. I like what he says: “Emotional healing requires that you take real action in the real world.”
I try to write about characters that take action. Something that happens in the developing relationship between the hero and heroine triggers a change in each character. Once this change is made, then they are free to become a couple that can live “happily-ever-after.”
In Brody, our bull-riding hero must come to terms with past mistakes and learn about forgiveness. Kate Laurence in Kentucky Rain deals with an ex-husband, his new wife, and child custody at the same time she falls in love again, only to learn more about herself.
Jake Hendricks and Melody O’Shea in Kentucky Flame must deal with a bittersweet past and a life-changing secret to reach their happy ending.
Looking thoughtful, Jake put a fingertip under her chin and lifted it. “I don’t know about that. I’m all for happy endings, remember? Dreams do come true.”
“If you make them come true,” Mel finished for him . . . .
So, are you working on your happy ending? Are you making it come true?