Is this a list that no one wants to be on or what?
The first author to inspire me was one who surely inspired more future romance authors than any other. The late, great, Kathleen E. Woodiwiss who unfortunately passed away in 2007 is considered by many to have created the historical romance genre. Her book, "The Flame and The Flower" came out when I was only 10. Even I wasn't that precocious. It was a few years later, when I was 16 or 17, that I first read TF&TF. I found it in my library's paperback collection but soon bought my own copy. I went on to read all of the author's work, over and over.
TF&TF is a book that stays with me, even today. Now the politically correct police try to denigrate it as a bodice ripper. I always saw it as a tale of female power. For most of the book Brand danced to Heather's tune and by the end his fire was tamed by her tenderness. That's the lesson I took from Ms. Woodiwiss and recall in all of my books.
Another author who inspires me is fortunately still with us. Johanna Lindsey. I'm reading one of hers on my ereader right now. She wrote her first book in 1977 and has published over 40 novels. I've read most of them. I've enjoyed many of her works, but the ones that inspire me the most are 2 of the early books in her Mallory Series - "Gentle Rogue" and "The Magic of You." GR is James and Georgie's tale and TMOY is Warren and Amy's.
From GR, I decided that James Mallory is the perfect romance hero. His rogueish ways fall quickly for the right woman, and we see his care for others in the way he values his family and his crew. Then there's his impish sensuality and sharp sense of humor. All of my heroes have a wee bit of James in their makeup. From TMOY I love both Amy and Warren. In Amy, I see a lady who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to plot devious ways to get it. I remember her spunk and strategy whenever I create a new heroine. Warren's a devout bachelor whose animosity for the fairer sex is belied by his devotion to little sister Georgie. He tries hard not to get involved with Amy, and in that effort we see the soft inner core hiding within his hard crusty personality. From him I take the effectiveness of dueling personas that most of my heroes have in one way or the other.
Another author I adore is Susan S. Kyle, a/k/a Diana Palmer. Ms. Kyle's first book as Diana Palmer was published in 1979. She has a new series called "The Morcai Battalion" and has tweeted a promise to put out the first chapters of the books free on the series' website. I devour her Harlequin romances. I've never read a bad "Diana Palmer." If you're into SciFi Romance, you should run to the website and pick up this series. I've not read much of that sub-genre, but I'll definitely pick up these. Like I said, I've never read one of her books that I didn't love.
Ms. Kyle's stories remind me - a lot like Ms. Woodiwisses' - that male power and control can always be altered by the strongest tender force in the universe - love. She can write a strong story and tell it in such a short time that you finish longing for more. I put a little of her heroes' command of all they survey in my leading men. I only hope that I put some of Ms. Kyle's command of the imagination in all of my tales.
Then there's Julie Pottinger, best known to legions of fans as Jula Quinn. She's most famous for her Bridgertons' Series. I love all of those but one of my favorites is "Splendid." The heroine of "Splendid" is an American who snares a Duke who really didn't want to be snared. I believe it was my first Quinn read, but I've read every word she's written now. Her books are all about the characters. The conflict arises from who they are - their history, their prospects and their mindset. I've read some recent criticism of this from folks writing about her new one, but Ms. Pottinger always pulls it off. There was once a little TV show that did all right without any major conflict other than issues that arose from the characters interactions in their daily lives. It was called "Seinfeld."
From Ms. Pottinger, I learned that stories are best when they center on the characters. If readers care about the hero and heroine, they'll care about their problems. If readers don't care about the leads, no conflict in the world would save the story. I try to create strong characters too.
Another Julie I learned a lot from is Julie Garwood. I especially love her medieval books. I bought "The Secret" in paperback twice because I wore out the first copy from all the re-reads. Her gift for humor and the quiet brilliance of the cast of characters make all of her books come to life. 2 Susans I love are - Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Susan Johnson. Phillips' "Chicago Stars" football series is one of my all time favorites although I'm not a sports person. Johnson's books will steam up the room right from page 1.
To write romance well, you have to read it and love it and I do and have for many years. Every writer's voice is unique but each of those unique voices carries the blessing of inspiration that compels some of their readers to sit down at a keyboard and type "Chapter 1."
I wanted to take some time on this blog to say THANK YOU to all the writers who have inspired me in the past and continue to inspire me today. In so many ways, your work makes my work possible and your artistry makes my world a better place.