The Only Compliment a Romance Writer Needs

Got feedback from another beta reader, someone who does not normally read romance but knows me personally and thus reads mine. She agreed with my executive decision to cut the out-and-out sex scene, citing its lack of necessity to the plot or their relationship, which had pre-marriage moments of passion that were (well) short of sex. Her confession: “Still, those parts of the story were just titillating enough to make me very eager to see my husband come home from his business trip!” 

Well. Hot damn. That is the best and only compliment I could hope to receive about my romance writing. My work here is done, folks.

First first reader report is already back!

Response positive enough to make me do a happy dance at my desk. Also included very excellent macro notes that articulated something I felt in a vague way was either missing or underdeveloped from the family context surrounding the lovers. It almost makes me want to go read it! But I shall manfully resist until I have both sets of first reader noted in hand. Still. File today under Winning.

And thanks again, Lady! 🙂

You May Now Proceed to Become Suddenly and Violently Ill

Rough draft sent to mom and first reader #1.

Nerves, do your worst.

“A Lovely Piece of Regency Romance”

I just saw that someone took the time to review What You Will on Amazon. Five stars (yay!) and a glowing write up. I especially enjoyed the descriptors “well written” and “excellent story.”  Indeed.  I would apply those terms myself. 🙂

This is an especially nice surprise after December was my worst month EVER for sales at Amazon…it is a nadir that will be impossible to surpass (and will hopefully never be equaled!), as I had exactly no sales for the entire month. January isn’t halfway through and sales are already at previous monthly averages. BIZARRE. I can only assume the sort of people who buy my books were all overspending at Christmas time and had no money for treats for themselves. But that depressing sales report last month made this an even sweeter pleasure to find.

Slowly but surely….

Busy Week: Another Review, 5 Hearts for What You Will

What You Will was reviewed this week over at The Romance Studio.  The novella got five hearts (out of five!) and some very kind words from the reviewer:

The author, in my opinion, hits the right balance between emotion and intellect in both the story and characters. It is also a very well written story, and for once in a short story, I do not feel as if there is something missing that really should have been mentioned.

Whole thing here.

The five hearts also means it will be eligible for the site’s “5 Heart Sweetheart Vote” on October 17.  Don’t worry, I’ll remind you about that. 🙂