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Monday, February 9, 2015

Isn't It Romantic?

I'm excited today to be a guest on Christine Rains' blog. I'll be discussing how I walk that line between pure science fiction and pure romance in my novels. How I try to capture readers of science fiction and readers of romance without turning them off by leaning too far toward one genre of the other. I've had great cross-genre success with my last two series including the latest release, The Warrior and the Governor. Hope you'll stop and visit.

This is a great week to be a romance writer. Love is the name of the game for the next few days with lots of events going on both online and in stores. At my very first writers' conference, a very successful writer told our group that all good stories were actually love stories. He didn't mean romantic love alone, but all kinds of love. Love of family, country, ideals or religion. Not sure if that statement is totally true, but most books that I would rank as the best had love as one of its basic plot drivers.

On Saturday, February 14th, I'll be participating in a book signing event with numerous other authors at Ashcombe's Farm and Greenhouses. It is a terrific venue. We set up in the greenhouse among the houseplants and right beside the awesome gift shop. It was terrific fun last year and I'm thrilled to be part of it again.

Take a minute today to visit the IWSG blog where Alex J. Cavanaugh will be discussing pros and cons of small presses. Would love for you to share your opinion and maybe you'll learn something interesting too.

A to Z Blogging Challenge signups are chugging along. I really would like a few helpers to help me get through all my April responsibilities. And the theme reveal will be coming up soon so I hope you're all ready for that. And you don't have to wait until April to visit people on the list. You can make friends before then.

Do you think most stories have a 'love' theme driving the plot? Are you doing something special for Valentine's Day or are you saving your money? Are you doing some early visits on the A to Z list? Ever do a book signing in a venue other than a bookstore? Did you stop over at Christine's Blog?


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33 comments:

  1. Laura ClipsonFebruary 9, 2015 at 3:50 AM

    I'll be an A to Z helper for you :)

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    1. Susan Gourley/KelleyFebruary 9, 2015 at 8:40 AM

      Thanks, so much, Laura. You made my day. I sent you an email already.

      Delete
  2. Heather R. HoldenFebruary 9, 2015 at 4:12 AM

    Great post over at Christine's today! How exciting about that book signing event this Saturday. Hope it goes well for you! :)

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  3. Christine RainsFebruary 9, 2015 at 7:19 AM

    It's a pleasure to host you today. Love in some form or another is always part of a plot. As for Valentine's Day, we don't do anything. It's for our son these days. He's having a party at his school on Friday. :)

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    1. Susan Gourley/KelleyFebruary 9, 2015 at 8:42 AM

      Those holidays are a whole different kind of fun when we see a child enjoying them. My children always enjoyed Valentine's Day at school.

      Delete
  4. L. Diane WolfeFebruary 9, 2015 at 7:53 AM

    I think love has to do with a lot of stories.

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  5. Madeline Mora-SummonteFebruary 9, 2015 at 8:20 AM

    That's a great point about love - in all its forms - being the basis for so many stories. Enjoy the book signing! It does sound like fun. :)

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    1. Susan Gourley/KelleyFebruary 9, 2015 at 8:44 AM

      I'm sure I will have fun. Don't know how many books I'll sell but it always a good time to be with other writers.

      Delete
  6. Pat HattFebruary 9, 2015 at 8:41 AM

    Will have a look at the other nook. Love is in pretty much every story, even horror movies they have lust at least and then get stabbed by the killer lol

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    1. Susan Gourley/KelleyFebruary 9, 2015 at 8:45 AM

      LOL. You always make me laugh, Pat. That lust in those horror movies usually serves to distract the victims so the killer can get them.

      Delete
  7. Alex J. CavanaughFebruary 9, 2015 at 8:56 AM

    Enjoy the book signing! Thanks for contributing to the IWSG post.

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  8. Stephen TrempFebruary 9, 2015 at 11:41 AM

    I caught the IWSG post and left a question in the comments. I need to go back and see if there's a response.

    Good luck with the upcoming event. I'll also stop by Christine's blog.

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  9. Chrys FeyFebruary 9, 2015 at 11:52 AM

    All of my stories have romance in it, even if it's not the driving force. I love romance, so I can't get away with it, and it seems that all of my characters want to fall in love. ;)

    I can't wait for the theme reveal! :D

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 9, 2015 at 11:52 AM

      I meant to say "can't get away from it." lol

      Delete
    2. Chrys FeyFebruary 9, 2015 at 11:52 AM

      I meant to say "can't get away from it." lol

      Delete
    3. Susan Gourley/KelleyFebruary 9, 2015 at 1:56 PM

      LOL. Thanks for building up my comments numbers.

      Delete
  10. Chrys FeyFebruary 9, 2015 at 11:52 AM

    All of my stories have romance in it, even if it's not the driving force. I love romance, so I can't get away with it, and it seems that all of my characters want to fall in love. ;)

    I can't wait for the theme reveal! :D

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  11. Donna McDineFebruary 9, 2015 at 1:50 PM

    What a fine balance and by the sounds of it you are quite successful with it!

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  12. Ann BennettFebruary 9, 2015 at 4:54 PM

    Thanks for visiting my blog. This will be my first A to Z challenge and I look forward to reading some good blogs. I have signed up for an online romance writing class. I don't write romance; but, I do love a good chick flick.

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  13. Jemi FraserFebruary 9, 2015 at 6:44 PM

    I haven't thought about all stories being based on love, but it might be right! :)

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  14. Joylene Nowell ButlerFebruary 9, 2015 at 9:15 PM

    My internet service isn't reliable or I'd help. Best to you anyway. Off to see your guest spot at Christine's.

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  15. Ava QuinnFebruary 9, 2015 at 9:17 PM

    I'm hoping to stop by the signing on Saturday! :) Off to Christine's!

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  16. Michelle WallaceFebruary 10, 2015 at 9:45 AM

    All good stories are actually love stories?
    Mmm. Maybe that's because the love story is the oldest of all the different story types? (It is the oldest, isn't it?)
    I checked out your guest post over at Christine's... seems like you've nailed the balance of sci-fi/romance.
    Hope the book signing is a blast!

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  17. Nadine_FeldmanFebruary 10, 2015 at 10:55 AM

    I'm new to your blog, having found you through IWSG. That's an interesting blend, sci-fi with romance. Intriguing and definitely worth a look.

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  18. Maria ZanniniFebruary 10, 2015 at 11:23 AM

    Maybe not exactly love, but always relationships. That's what keeps us coming back. We want to know what happens to these people--people we've come to see as flesh and blood.

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  19. Tyrean MartinsonFebruary 10, 2015 at 2:28 PM

    I think some kind of love is always present - whether it's parental love, romantic love, love of country, love of family, or love of friends or country.

    BTW - I named you as a Very Inspiring Blogger today! http://tyreanswritingspot.blogspot.com/2015/02/wow-very-inspiring-blogger-award.html

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  20. Lynda R Young as Elle CardyFebruary 10, 2015 at 3:06 PM

    Popping on over to Christine's blog!

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  21. dolorahFebruary 10, 2015 at 10:47 PM

    I'm not a fan of category romance and the HEA ending, but I do agree with the guy that says all good stories are love stories.

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