Every book I
write, I try to make as different as possible from the one before to stretch
and grow as a writer. Besides, it’s boring to be limited to only one genre.
For many
years I’ve been urged to write a romance. The problem is that I hate the romance
genre. So, I decided to write one based more on reality.
However, I
realize that readers of romance want fantasy instead! If you are one of these, my
new novel A BALM WINTER ON TOPAZ WATERS is not for you!
Creative work
(like everything else) is subjective. Everyone has different tastes and see
life thru their own filter.
I love to
play in gray areas with themes that make people uncomfortable. – I could never
have written this any other way! Had I written a sweet little romance it
wouldn’t have been half as interesting.
For my
latest novel, I was largely inspired by a reprehensible attitude I frequently saw
displayed on the Jerry Springer Show. We would like to believe when someone is
deeply hurt, they become more empathetic, unfortunately that’s not always the
case.
In fact,
many turn in the opposite direction; believing they are now entitled, given
carte blanche to do likewise to others as innocent as they once were. This is
true of Ellen Lanfred, the main character in my novel.
My story
also is partially inspired by the real-life Linda Evens, John & Bo Derrek
love triangle. In the beginning, John did not want to hire the teenage Bo,
until Linda persuaded him. Feeling secure in her marriage Linda stayed behind
while John went off to Europe to film a movie with the teenager. -- Bo ended up
replacing Linda as John’s wife!
Naturally,
Linda was devastated and became bitter. And no one would have blamed her if she
had remained that way.
But Linda
took the high road. She forgave both and maintained an amicable relationship
with the couple while moving on to forge a successful career on many fronts.
Linda Evans
is to be admired. And if there is heaven above, she deserves to be elevated into
the hierarchy. But from what I’ve observed in life, Linda is a precious rarity.
Ellen Lanfred,
in my novel, is nothing like her! Basically, Ellen’s a good person, but if
there’s a purgatory, she deserves to spend a little time there.
A close and
dear friend of mine, never recovered from her husband’s betrayal. This man told
her every day he loved her and then abandoned her for another woman. Even after
thirty years she constantly brought him up in our everyday conversations. My
friend was unable to move past this.
Ellen on the
other hand is determined to move forward; however, this involves back-stabbing and
stealing the beloved young husband of a much younger woman, one who is struggling
to recover from a major trauma. A woman who trusts and considers her a friend.
Ellen in her selfishness becomes contemptable.
Many readers
will not like her, often I don’t even like her! But at the same time, I realize
her actions stem from deep pain rather than malevolence.
I give Ellen
the chance to redeem herself. But many readers still will not like her,
especially at the end, although some will be applauding.
All my books
are available on Amazon & Kindle.