Read-A-Romance Month

Happy August!

I have been a busy bee this year, working, more working, reading, writing, and other things. I wanted to talk today about Read-A-Romance month.

You can check it out here: http://www.readaromancemonth.com/about-read-a-romance-month/

All through the month of August, authors and contributors are promoting reading a romance novel, even if you aren't into that sort of thing. I can honestly say, I was not a "romance" kind of gal either, and it has changed drastically from the "Sweet Valley High" days or the Harlequin Romance novels I read in study hall back in the 80's. They have kept up with the times, with social issues of the day, and some are just outright funny, but the writing is not just good, it's in some cases exceptional. Let me explain. 

I only started reading romances about a month ago. I know, I can hear some of you out there rolling your eyes, and some of you may be saying, "Good! It's about time."

What got me going down this path, was an interview I saw about Jasinda Wilder and her husband Jack on the CBS Evening News and then later on the CBS Morning News. I was intrigued by their success story and ordered and read "Falling Into You" and was blown away by the story, the romance, everything. I loved it. I had to have more.

I bought more of her books and read them, and now I'm almost caught up with what she has available.

It got me thinking.

Could I write something like that? I think I could. But I wanted to read other romance writers and see what they had to offer as well before I go jumping into the pool. :)

Then I discovered Elle Lothlorien, author of "The Frog Prince" which I am currently 75% done on my Kindle. I have messaged her a few times on Facebook and told her how this story and the characters have me laughing out loud and causing much concern from my honey about my sanity. I love the story and the characters, and will be giving a review on Amazon once I'm finished.

What I have discovered through this month is it's good to read outside your own personal genre. Good writing, no matter if it is fantasy, romance, horror, thriller or literary fiction or non-fiction, is just good writing.

I will let you all know of any other discoveries all through the month of August.

Have a fabulous week!

Laura :)

P.S. I'm interviewing Karen Magill on a teleseminar call on Tuesday, August 6, 2013, at 10:00 am, Central Time. Karen is the author of "The Bond: A Paranormal Love Story," and "Missing Flowers".

Email me if you want to listen in on the call at crawfordwrites@yahoo.com. And it is FREE! :)