Whenever I'm asked this, I pause. If I know you read romance, I'll say I write humorous Regency historicals and contemporaries. I like to call it "humorously-ever-after romance". For those who aren't familiar with romance, I'll say I write romantic comedy.
But the more complete answer is this: I'm writing stories that will hopefully cancel out a craptastic day. Or month. Or a span when life is repeatedly kicking you in the tender spots.
Don't get me wrong. I value those books and movies that bring out the big-time wails during rough times. (A bag of Hershey kisses, a box of tissues, and bawling through the thirtieth viewing of Somewhere in Time? Oh yeah, definitely been there.)
Some days, though, I need a different way to make it through life's assorted aggravations.
Many years ago, I had such an awful day at work that I couldn't shake off the anger and irritation once I left. I spent the whole commute plotting terrible things to the many recipients of my justifiable wrath. A glass of wine couldn't dislodge my ire. Chocolate knew better than to even try.
I decided to watch a silly movie a co-worker had lent me, because I knew I needed to return it before I misplaced it and had to buy a new copy for him. I had impossibly low expectations of this movie, and planned to grumble through it before returning it to my friend the next day with a shrug and "it was okay".
How could I hope to like a movie called Ace Ventura: Pet Detective? I don't remember many parts about it, but I do recall the opening sequence where Jim Carrey is playing a package delivery person. He does everything to that package that he should NOT be doing: kicking it, dropping it, you name it. It was over-the-top, but I started to chuckle. And then giggle. When he placed the package inside the closing elevator doors, repeatedly? I lost it. I had to rewatch that sequence even though I couldn't catch my breath from laughing so hard the first time. After a few minutes I couldn't remember why I was out of sorts earlier.
So that's what I'm hoping to provide with my books. They have no higher aspirations than to divert you from those irritating moments in your day. They're intended to make you laugh, and chuckle, and fan your face during the smexy times. I'll have to leave the angsty stories to those who are masters of that art form. I want to make you laugh, and I think I can do that. No matter which era the story is set.
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This is from the very first newsletter I sent out, two years ago this month! In a more recent one, I chatted about a wedding I was in where a bee caused some humorous moments. I plan to reveal in a future newsletter exactly how I crashed that ice sculpture at a party. . .so feel free to sign up and see what other craziness occurs!
What a great look at why you write humorously-ever-after-romances! Having read most all of them, they definitely do the trick of lightening a down day.
I'll be looking forward to the ice sculpture news...and hey, Ace Ventura was a load of laughs. Thanks for reminding me about those package delivery scenes :)
Posted by: Mae Clair | January 04, 2016 at 09:17 AM
I keep thinking I should use the ice sculpture thing in a book. LOL I probably will, only now people will realize who did it first!
And I'm glad to hear my books have done what they're supposed to. That makes me very happy. :)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | January 04, 2016 at 06:03 PM
Loved reading this :D
Posted by: Alan Stevenson | January 07, 2016 at 06:12 PM
Thanks, Alan -- I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Posted by: Donna Cummings | January 07, 2016 at 08:50 PM