IT WAS A SURPRISE TO ME TOO!

It’s probably a surprise to many people that I am writing romance novels.  Actually, it was a surprise to me too.  I’m the quiet, serious, business-oriented type.  But hey, underneath all that I like what many women like: a good man and a good loving relationship, in real life and in a good book or movie.

When I was growing up, the romance arena was dominated by Harlequin, Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts, Nicholas Sparks, and Debbie Macomber.  I have read books by each one of them, and who hasn’t seen Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook? Hallmark and Lifetime have made a ton of money on love stories with happy endings and every year they produce more, especially around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Once I started writing, I did research on the romance category and found much more than contemporary romance.  There are also historical, paranormal, fantasy, Christian, inspirational, speculative, romantic comedy, and young adult.  It seems people like love all kinds of ways, and stories can be found in print and ebooks and audio!

What I also learned is that there are many Black authors writing romance stories! Mostly independent writers who self-publish on Amazon, but a few who got a book deal and became ‘best selling authors.’

So over the last year, I have become dedicated to supporting Black authors through Amazon and book fairs (before Covid 19).

I even contacted CVS and the major grocery chain in Texas, HEB, about the opportunity they are missing in not offering books by Black authors.  They both said they will do better and I should see more in their stores before the end of the year. Look for them in your area and let me know if you see a difference.

Romance readers are a dedicated and growing group.  I encourage you to find Black authors to support and look for them wherever you buy or borrow books.