by Joanne Rock
I’ve never been one to write an “issue book.” You know, the
kinds of stories that champion a cause or shed light on a social problem. I
have always considered myself more of a “fun” writer, quick to lighten a dark
scene with a joke or a shared smile, the same way I do in real life.
Writing for Superromance may have brought out my dark side.
It occurred to me last week as I read a really lovely review
of my October release, Dances Under
the Harvest Moon. A reader mentioned my tasteful handling of heavy
subjects. She went on to list those heavy subjects—and they were all so heavy!—and
I thought, did I really write all that? Yup. Every last dark, heavy subject was
in my book, and they’re the kinds of things you don’t pass off with a joke or a
shared smile.
It was interesting for me to think about this. How could I
write “heavy” and not know it? Was I that un-self-aware as a writer? I assumed
it was a Superromance issue and that writing longer, more complex romances
meant that I’d reached for grittier backgrounds for my characters. I did a
quick search on some of my older books—my lighter stories!—and found this
review on Harlequin
Junkie:
“This is a HOT novel that deals with some pretty serious
issues such as childhood rape, repossession, insanity and attempted murder. Somehow
even with all of this comes through a story about being oneself, falling in
love and realizing that sometimes it’s okay to rely on someone else.”
This is in regard to Up Close and Personal,
a 2008 Harlequin Blaze. Apparently I’ve been quietly tormenting my characters
for longer than I’d realized.
But I still like to think that I shine some light on those
dark moments. Maybe that’s how I’ve deceived myself for over a decade that I
write fun books. More accurately, I think, I write characters who are
determined to move past the dark times and embrace new joys. In my personal life,
I try not to wallow. I’ve given this trait to many of my heroines—a strong need
to find something positive in life, to always move forward.
Take for instance, the heroine of Dances Under the Harvest Moon. Heather Finley is on the verge of
going after her dreams when a health issue crops up that makes her re-evaluate
everything. Her first instinct is to march on anyhow—ignoring the warning signs
that her illness could slow her down. But you can imagine how well that plan
succeeds if you’ve ever tried ignoring your own health concerns. Heather needs
to find balance—tempering her dreams with what she can realistically accomplish.
None of us wants to compromise our dreams for this kind of
reality check. But Heather’s situation is one many people with chronic illness
face. There’s nothing fun or light about suffering with a chronic condition. Yet
there is something really rewarding about finding a way to carry on anyhow-- to
mete out a rewarding life in spite of illness—and find a way to still live
joyfully.

***As an optimist, I wish I’d gotten in on the
#100DaysofHappiness trend I’ve been seeing online where people post happy
things for 100 days. Let’s pretend we’re all adding something happy today—new shoes,
a smile from a toddler, a long bike ride under a blue sky—what would be your
happy snippet for today? Add a comment and you’re entered to win the prize
pictured including a Runaway Bride tee and books by Catherine Mann and me!
14 comments:
My daughter's laugh bring me happiness and joy. So do puppies and kittens
daughters best friend who moved away with her family 6 years ago arrives for a week to visit us for the first time in 6 years... mama T's missed her Ri-ah.....
the unfiltered joy of children
My nephew and my new puppy bring a smile to my face!
the weather
An easy way to make my day is happy is a even a short walk around the block with the dog. She's so happy to be out and about, that it always cheers me up!
Thanks!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
Rain!! Rain!! Rain!! It has been very dry here. Today the clouds rolled in. The rain is heavy & steady. Smells amazing too.
Fall weather and the leaves that are starting to change!
cdunkin68 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I've got pictures of my family on my fridge - I smile every time I see them!
sallans d at yahoo dot com
I miss having pics on my fridge. Why don't magnets work on stainless steel? ? Fun to see happy photos!
I miss northern autumn! Love the colors :-)
Hope you are having fun!!!
Holdenj is the winner of the thread prize!! Congratulations and thank you all for visiting! J, I am sending you a message. ..
Thanks so much!
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