Romance for the ages…

Good Thursday morning… Romance, some believe in it, some don’t. It’s up to you. As a writer of romance, I believe in the possibility of romance for everyone. You just have to seek it out. Romance can be found in the simplest of gestures.

For some, romance is candles, wine, dancing … you know, the stuff you see when you look up romance, But to me, it’s in the slight touch of ones hand. It’s the look across the table that says I love you unconditionally. Sometimes romance can be found in a mere word, not just the three words in I love you.

When writing romance, authors have to spread romance through normal channels. In a historical romance, it could be the knight saving the damsel in distress. In a paranormal romance, it could be a ghost finding his or her lost love in the afterlife. In a contemporary romance, it could be as simple as buying a set of books for your love. It’s the simple things in life that bring the best romance. And to me, that’s the true romance, when it’s on a whim, not set up like a movie set.

Romance in it’s truest form can be intoxicating and passionate. Some never seek romance, they only seek love. How is that different? To this romance author, it’s worlds apart. You can love someone without romance. Love comes in many forms. You can love your partner and want to be there for every moment, but there may be no romance there. But when you combine love and romance, the possibilities are endless.

Yes, I’m what some call a true romantic. I strive to add romance in my marriage by the simplest things. Every night I make my hubby a sandwich for him to take to work the next day, and sometimes I add heart on the bag just to remind him of the romance we share. Sometimes we share just the touch of our fingertips as we pass in the hallway and just that mere wisp of a touch brings a warm fuzzy romantic feeling. You may think that’s all sappy, but to us, it’s the small things.

Tomorrow my hubby and I will celebrate 27 years of wedded bliss. I can tell you this, the romance hasn’t died and if I have anything to do with it, the romance never will.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Fiction… It’s Fiction!

Good morning! I need to get on my soapbox for just a teeny second. And no, it’s not political!

Ok, so I want to know how many know the meaning of the word, Fiction? If you don’t, then let me enlighten you. Fiction means literature in the form of short stories and novels, that describes events from the imagination and people that don’t exist. And in case that isn’t good enough, it means not true or make believe.

The reason for my rant is this, romance novels are fiction unless they are noted as Non Fiction. Let me repeat that, ROMANCE NOVELS ARE FICTION. I was reading a post the other day about someone raking a romance writer over the coals for letting the characters fall in love within days of meeting one another. As I read it, I looked back to make sure this was about a romance novel, not a true story. Why would someone question something that happens in a fictional world? Some romance readers actually love the characters to experience love at first sight, but why is it considered unreal? It’s a work of fiction people! In this little world that came from the writers mind these two met, fell in love immediately and that’s it. It’s a book of FICTION!

Even in real life, there is such thing as love at first sight. And thank goodness for that. I know so many people that fell in love on the first date and that’s amazing. So, why would you downgrade a work of fiction for the couple falling in love so quick. Fiction stories often go into things that don’t happen everyday in the real world. Ok, I’m off my soapbox. Now, back to our day 😉

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Where did January go?

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It’s hard to believe that it’s already February! I feel like I just got settled into the new year and then, bam, another month has passed by in a flash. My grandmother always said, the older you get, the faster times goes by. Of course, when I was young, I thought that was the silliest thing ever. Now, I get it.

So much water has flowed under this bridge that some days I can hardly believe that I’m nearing the half-century mark. Don’t go there! I don’t feel my age and I certainly don’t act it, but it’s there none the less. And to think, my baby is graduating high school in May, what???

Another milestone I’m facing this year, but it’s a good one is that I’ve been a published author for five years. May 12th will mark Ghost Lover’s fifth year in publication. To think, this time five years ago, I was still skeptical about putting my name and work out to the public and now I’m nearing the publication of my 30th book. Yes, I said 30! That’s another thing that baffles my mind. I guess the old adage is true, time flies when you’re having fun!

This Sunday, the hubby and I will celebrate 23 years of blissful marriage. Some days it feels like just yesterday, then other days it feels like we’ve been together our whole lives. That’s what romance does to you, it blows your mind. I wouldn’t take anything for all of the adventures we’ve had and the things we’ve shared.

Now, as I sit here, getting ready to do my morning writing, I’m gazing at my calendar. Yep, I had better get off this post before I fall further behind and have to deal with my assistant’s frown. She has a tendency to look at my writing calendar and tsk tsk at me. LOL!

As always, good writing and May God Bless You!

Romance…

Good Monday morning! Hope you had a restful weekend… The topic of today, Romance. There are so many facets of romance that it boggles the mind, but I want to talk about something I read the other day that quite frankly made me giggle… so here goes…

I was reading a writing post and someone chimed in with a comment on romance writers. She said, ‘Why do romance writer’s write about romance as though it’s an achievable goal; when in fact, romance is a myth?’

I know… GASP!!!!! When I read this I sat back and sighed. Romance is not a myth! For one thing, romance should be a goal in your relationship with your significant other. I have romance in my marriage. For example, at the moment, my husband is building me a farm table for my dining room. It’s the most romantic gesture because he knew I wanted one, so he’s making it happen.

Now, I do agree that as romance writer’s we do embellish, but that’s for the entertainment of our readers. If we just wrote a book about everyday life and included no extraordinary romance in it, would we keep our readers? I know that, personally, when I pick up a romance, I want to be wooed by the romance that spills from the authors words. A frilly romance can put a smile on your face.

You can get lost in the romance of a book. The unreal aspects of books are what makes them so much fun to read. But folks, romance is real. It doesn’t have to be wine and roses every day. It can simply be a look across the table or holding hands for no reason.

So, give me your thoughts…

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

If you get a chance, my newest release came out last night, ‘Sowing the Right Seed’, so go by and check it out. https://www.amazon.com/Sowing-Right-Seed-Lean-Book-ebook/dp/B01MUDJL8O

Also, sign up to be on my street team or simply to get my monthly newsletter at www.stephaniehurtauthor.com.

Celebrating 22 years of Romance!

Today is our 22nd wedding anniversary! It’s hard to believe it. I talk about romance a lot in my posts, of course, I’m a romance author, but also I live it daily.

As I’ve always said, one of the tips to a great marriage is to keep the romance alive. We strive to do that in our marriage, daily. Whether it’s the quick kiss as we pass by one another or the hugs over the stove as I cook dinner, we’ve always showed our love, never embarrassed to express it in public. Of course, our son tells us to behave, which we don’t usually listen.

I’ve heard many people say that as the years pass by, the romance goes away. With us, it just grows each and every day. As the years go by, we begin to read each other’s mind, which can be a little scary.

So, with that said, how long have you been with your significant other? What do you do to keep the romance alive?

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Love, the long road ahead…

Romance. It’s the time honored wish for most women. We read about it in magazines, novels and watch it in the movies. The search takes on a feverish turn as we get older, but do we find that elusive time held romance? Would you say you found that one man that curls your toes and leaves you in awe? Have you found your romance novel love?

Romance is not a myth, it’s real. But unfortunately we’re all so busy living life that we don’t stop to give it a chance. Romance is inside of all of us, but we don’t let it out. Some men are afraid that if they show their romantic side, then it means they’re weak. What they don’t realize is that romantic side is a indication that they’re in full control of their masculinity and know how to make their women happy. To me there’s nothing more masculine than a man that surprises his wife with a rose or just a simple, spine tingling kiss in public.

Romance can be found in so many ways. It just has to be explored, tested. If your relationship is lacking romance, then maybe you’re not trying hard enough. If your marriage has lost some of that honeymoon phase, then try a little romance. Light a candle at dinner, even with the kids at the table. Give him a look that says imagine we’re alone, he will get the message. Even a little note that simple says I Love You slipped in his lunch or wallet can spread a little romance his way.

I know I talk about romance a lot, but what can I say, I love romance. I guess that’s why I write romance. It’s a way I can spread romance to everyone who reads my work. Romance is a wonderfully, loving experience that everyone needs to have. So, as I always say, go out and spread a little romance.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

P.S.: Finding The Right Time made it to Barnes & Noble for preorder. Here’s the link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finding-the-right-time-stephanie-hurt/1118861344?ean=2940045730792

How do you keep the romance?

Today is the 20th Anniversary of my marriage to my hubby. It’s hard to believe that we’ve been together for 20 years. That’s a lot of water under the bridge.

So, how do you keep the romance going for 20 years? Well let me give you some tips. By the way I use these in my writing as well 🙂

1: Never, ever go to bed mad. Not only does this cause you to have a sleepless night, but you don’t get the problem resolved.

2: Always make time for your spouse. Even with a teenager in the house we find time for just us. That’s a big priority.

3: Any time we part either to go to work, or to bed we always say “I Love You”. Those are 3 very important words in a marriage. Without them you’ve got a serious problem.

4: Never shout at one another, well, not in anger. One day we’ll have to shout for the other one to hear, but that’s hopefully way down the road.

5: If you have a disagreement, which everybody does from time to time, just step back and take a breath. That always helps to get a little of the tension away. Then calmy discuss it and work it out.

I know that was only 5, but I can’t give away all my secrets. I’ve been lucky to have a good, hard working, handsome, caring, husband and father to our son. It’s been a blast that’s for sure. So, go give your hubby or signicant other a big kiss and tell them how you feel.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Romance and the writer…

Ok, so you know I’m a romance writer. I love romance. It’s a very important part of m life. I strive to bring as much romance as I can to the reader in every word I write. But sometimes writing romance and living romance are two different things.

When you live romance it’s ingrained in you and everything you look at you see a romantic element. Of course some people laugh at me when I say things like that. It’s important to bring romance about in everything. In today’s world of terrorism, crazy weather events, and financial woes romance is not easy to bring about.

One of the key elements is to be open to it. If you close your mind to it then that’s that. Whether you’re married or not romance can come along and surprise you. Maybe it’s as simple as a smile across the dinner table or a look in the car. But give it a little try. I know I’ve blogged several times about romance, but it’s an important element of our lives. Well, that’s my opinion.

As for romance in writing, people pick up a romance novel for several reasons. Sometimes it’s for the sexy cowboy on the cover and dreams it brings on, but a lot of times it’s to get a feel for romance. Romance can bring on a happy feeling, if just for the moment you’re reading it. So when I’m writing I try to bring a little romance into even the simplest chore. My characters have to have a romantic flare.

Maybe the reader has no romance in their lives and they need this to get through the day. You may be saying why. If you have a marriage with no romance, the spark’s gone, maybe for just a moment you can have hope. Maybe the story can inspire you to create a better environment for romance.

So, go home tonight and cook a romantic dinner or bring home take out and light a candle. Maybe after the kid’s go to bed. But bring about some romance and see where it leads. It could lead to some secret smiles over the breakfast table 😉

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Only one day for romance?

Why do we have only one day to show our romantic side? We should show the one we love everyday, but some only show it on Valentine’s Day. Why? That’s my question.

We should start showing romance every day. I know some days you just don’t feel romantic, but don’t just save it for one day a year. It starts with a simple handwritten note that simply says ‘I Love You.” You don’t have to buy an expensive box of candy or roses or even jewelry to show romance. To me it’s the simple things like a look, a kiss, or maybe just a touch.

Sometimes my hubby laughs at the simple things I like. He says I’m too easy to please. I told him that should make him happy. Sometimes he just blows me a kiss from across the room.To me that’s romantic and it shows he still loves me. Our son just makes a choking noise and pretends to throw up 🙂

I know I constantly talk about romance, but guess what, I’m a romance author. That’s what I do. So get with the program and get on the wagon. Give your special someone a private note tonight. Surprise them with candles at dinner or even just a kiss for no reason at all. You might be surprised at the results…

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Celebrating 19 years with my hubby…

You heard right. Yes in this world of divorce and short marriages, my husband and I are celebrating our 19th Anniversary today. We have kept the romance alive. It’s hard to believe we’ve been together for 19 years. Wow, overwhelming.

Too bad we both have to work today. It would’ve been nice to spend the day together, but life goes on. We’ll probably treat ourselves to a nice dinner out tonight.

We don’t take our marriage lightly. I talked with a friend yesterday that said her daughter was getting a divorce after only a little over a year. What’s up with people today? Don’t get me wrong, I know that some circumstances are hard to overcome and work through, but I’ve heard so many people say they just got tired of being married. Really! Marriage is work and you have to constantly work at it. It’s not a piece of cake and even the best of marriages have to be worked at.

So, hope everyone is finding romance and love today. Do the little things that just say ‘Hey I Love You’. It makes a difference.

As always, good writing, great romance and May God Bless You…