In Love with LOVE with Guest Blogger: Sasha Summers

Meet up and coming author Sasha Summers
today at the Book Boost!

She's here to chat about the duplicity of romance and here's what she had to say...


I am an unabashed romantic. I love the warm, awkward first glances and the heart stopping dark moment, the slow sizzle from a well-written seduction and the lung swelling moment of declaration. I need my fix of romance as much as I need my morning coffee. And, if you know me, you know that’s saying a lot. This is why I read romance. This is why I write romance. I love love.

I think it’s important to find balance when you write romance. It’s wonderful to get swept away in a book when you’re a reader. But the writer has a certain responsibility to their readers = writing the best book they can.

So, to answer the question...does being a romance writer make you a romantic? I say yes and no.

Here's why:

YES

1. You have to love falling in love, the whole process – from butterflies to the bedroom. If you’re not a fan of romance, or think it’s silly or fluff, you probably won’t be very successful writing it. (But then again, chances are you wouldn’t write it if you don’t like it?)

2. You have to tap into honest feelings and convey that honesty on the page. Sincerity sells. If you, the author, aren’t moved then your readers won’t be either.

3. You need to come up with new ways to say ‘I love you’. And not just with words or in the bedroom. This isn’t as easy as it sounds. Remember the whole sincerity thing (#2)? It’s more than just finding new ways to convey these three powerful little words. Its actions and reactions, symbolism and nuance. Inspiring heartfelt sentiments that leave your reader breathless.


NO

1. Writing is a business. Marketing is a HUGE responsibility for today’s author. (I’m not sure I stressed that enough.) Don’t forget finances, research, and the whole writing a book thing too. :)

2. Writing is work (see #1). Maybe not from 9-5, in an office, take a carpool to work kind of thing but it’s definitely hard and, sometimes, slam-your-head-against-your-desktop work.

3. Writing requires commitment (see #1). A pro basketball player wouldn’t show up on the court without practicing, drilling, learning every technique he could to bring his ‘A’ game. And the same applies for writers. Writers must write, attend conferences, online classes, study, critique groups, write, research sessions, write-ins, edits, and more edits…

It’s a process that requires tenacity and determination. And when the first rejection comes, take it in stride and head straight back to the keyboard. Rejection is a big part of the journey, use what you can and toss the rest. (Again, refer to #1.)


But writing romance is also one thing that everyone, romantic or not, can agree on. It’s fun! Romance rocks because love is always triumphant. And that constant is part of the allure of romance. It’s a little magical, really. When real life relationships break down or stall or don’t exist, a romance novel can fill the void – for a little while anyway. :)


A Note from the Book Boost: This is a great post, Sasha and very interesting when compared with yesterday's author blog here at the Boost. You are truly flip sides of the same coin. I'm like you--I love LOVE! And keep the faith that heroes do really and truly exist in the real world. Thanks for joining us and congrats on your upcoming release(s)! P.S. I write young adult and inspirational under pen name K.G. Summers so we are 'summer sisters'. ;-) Please tell us more about your new book.


Blurb:

It's said love can change a person. Medusa wasn't always a monster...

Medusa is ruled by duty, to her Titan father and the Goddess Athena. She's no room for the tenderness her warrior guard, Ariston, stirs. When Olympus frees her from service, her heart leads her into the arms of the guard she loves... and curses her as the creature with serpent locks.

Ariston goes to war with a full heart... and dreadful foreboding. He learns too late of the danger Medusa faces, alone, and a Persian blade sends him into the Underworld. But death, curses, nor the wrath of the Gods will keep him from returning to her.

Poseidon will use Greece's war to get what he wants: Medusa. He does not care that she belongs to another. He does not care that she will be damned. He is a God, an Olympian, and she will be his.


Want More Sasha?

Sasha is part gypsy. Her passions have always been storytelling, history, and travel. It's no surprise that her books visit times past, set in places rich with legends and myth. Her first play, 'Greek Gods and Goddesses' (original title, right?), was written for her Girl Scout troupe. She's been writing ever since. She loves getting lost in the worlds and characters she creates; even if she frequently forgets to run the dishwasher or wash socks when she's doing so. Luckily, her four brilliant children and hero-inspiring hubby are super understanding and supportive.

Visit her on the web here: www.sashasummers.com

Follow her on Twitter here: www.twitter.com/sashawrites


View her book trailer today! Click here.