Romance stories are all about families!

I'm coming to the end of my current Work In Progress, Edge Jump. The story has gotten to the point where my two guys have decided they'll be a long term couple. Now, among other things, they're navigating the landmine of those first months of cohabitation. That first blush of romance has faded, the honeymoon is over and it's time for real life now.

​They're creating a new family.

I give a ridiculous amount of thought to creating the plots for the books I write. Romance books are about, well romance, right? Two people meet--in the case of my books, two men--during the course of the story they're attracted to each other, develop feelings for each other and finally form a--hopefully--lasting bond. The characters are different, the backdrops vary, but the idea is the same: they form a family.

I'm all about family of choice. When we read a romance novel there is the excitement of the couple meeting. Will they get along? Will they connect? Will they be kept apart?

Then yes, finally our couple shares a kiss and kiss leads to more. By the end of the book what were two separate people have come together and formed a family.

​A family of choice.
​
Each of my novels has the family in a different stage of its development.

In Jewel Cave and during most of the Sentries series the couples are established. The family was formed. Clint and Griff from Jewel Cave have two dogs, and Todd and Nick from Sentries have their horses and an extensive network of close friends who are more like extended family.
​
Gone Away has two men reuniting after a few years apart, so this is a family coming together again. They've grown and like many families realize the reasons for separating aren't nearly as important as why they belong together.

The family created in The Vampire Guard series is a little different. This is a larger family, two couples. These four men have complicated and layered relationships with one another. Each couple have their romantic relationship. In addition there are the relationships between each team member. It's what makes them not only a team but a family of choice.


These men will do anything for one another, no matter what personal danger they may face.

When a writer creates a romance novel they're inviting us on the inside of something very special. A new family is budding, an existing family is changing and blooming into something different, and hopefully better. The main characters face more challenges than simply getting beyond that first kiss. They're creating traditions, forging alliances and reinforcing love so it can last.

That's really the happiest ending of all.

Join the panel discussion on Genre Talk about how authors develop story ideas. There will be discount coupons offered!
​
Until next month! Happy Reading,
​
Elizabeth

---