Host Author: Laura Parker Castoro

Why Romance?

I’m thrilled to have been asked to the Host Author for Romance Slam Jam 2012! What an honor. As I look forward to next year, I can’t help but look back on what an incredible couple of decades we romance writers and readers have had.  Romance may not be the trendiest genre any
longer but we still own the largest slice of the genre pie.  That’s because Love is a timeless, universal human emotion as necessary to happiness
as good health, food, clothing and shelter. The reader who picks up a book with a strong romantic relationship expects a telling, interesting, unique and compelling love story to unfold.

Every year there is a new hot, “In” topic, genre, or setting for Romance.  Recently, it’s involved sexy vampires, werewolves, and/or lots of explicit sex. For those of us who’ve been in the business a minute, or two, it can seem nearly impossible to stay fresh.  Many a writer has had a wonderful idea only to walk into a bookstore or attend a conference or talk to another writer to learn that someone has just used ‘our’ idea in her/his latest novel?  If you’re like me this has happened, a lot.

So how does a writer, in my case, published for 31 years with thirty-nine published titles to her credit, find that new story, again and again?  We write what comes from the heart.

Back to that business about the author who ‘stole’ my idea. When I talk to the author or read the book, guess what?  It just sounded like my idea.  But the author took the story in an entirely different direction.  So my idea is still unique.

From my very first book, “Silks and Sabers” to my latest “Love On The Line” I started with a strong interesting heroine and then wondered, “Who is the man that’s going to make her heart beat a little faster?” My heroines are never weak or feel sorry for themselves, at least not for long.  They have problems but they don’t blame others.  The men, come and gone, just haven’t had what/or all that she needs.  She will do without rather than settle.  She’s the kind of person who can make her world work by herself.  She’s not looking for perfection.  She’d simply like to have someone to share her world who appreciates it, and her.  Like the Jill Scott song says,

“I can pay my own light bill baby

Pump my own gas in my own car
I can buy my own shoecollection
I’ve been blessed thus far…”

And even though I can do all these things
I need you!”

I like to write about the men who can make my heroines sing that song.

I’m so looking forward to meeting each and every one of you, and all the fabulous and talented authors scheduled to join us in The Rock, Little Rock, AR that is, for Slam Jam 2012.  Come and ask your favorite authors, “Why do you write what you do?”  Each of us will have a unique answer for
you.

Laura Parker Castoro, Host Author

Romance Slam Jam 2012 – “Romance in The Rock”

April 11-15, 2012 – Little Rock, Arkansas

Tags: Laura Castoro, Laura Parker, Laura Parker Castoro

2 Comments to Host Author: Laura Parker Castoro

1. 

   Very nice article, Laura; I will be sure to ask the question – “why do you write what you do?” at Slam Jam next year.
Lareeta on July 1st, 2011
2. 

   Laura, we are glad to have you as our host author. Romance is my favorite genre.
Claritta on July 5th, 2011

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