Ordinarily, I write paranormal, fantasy, and science fiction. I’ve written a couple of straight contemporary romances, and they were the hardest two books I’ve ever written in my life (romantic suspense excluded here). To me, taking characters that could exist in a real world and constructing a plot that hasn’t been overused is quite the undertaking.

The first book I ever wrote was a contemporary romance, and it was so bad, I don’t even know where it is now nor do I worry about it. If someone even attempted to get it published, they’d fail miserably. Because I had no clue how to create a plot in a world that didn’t have paranormal characters or that didn't include a villain.. The hero stood around a lot wearing a glower, and the heroine was a mild-manner, blushing school-girl type who was waiting for the big, strong man to rescue her from…nothing, really. There was no danger, no excitement, and no passion.

And that’s why I admire contemporary romance authors so much. Having tried writing contemporary romance without succeeding, I can only shake my head in wonder at the talented fingers of writers who craft contemporary romance without throwing in a vampire, ghost, wizard, or witch. There are no planets to explore, no battles to the death with fangs and fur, and the world isn’t in danger because some witch wants to rule it. It’s a fictional story that could actually take place in my town or your town. And most of the time, the stories make you want to live in the town the author has created.

That takes skill, and these ladies and gents of contemporary romance have it. My hat’s off (if I wore one) to this talented crew!