Light Reading?

I was once told by someone in the book industry that my books would never fly because they were too confusing for the reader – often, horrible things happen or have happened to the heroine, yet you find yourself wanting to smile and laugh with them. I was told readers wouldn't be able to process the conflicting emotions.

That same person told me I could have a great career if I would write the formula she knew would sell. I found myself at a choice. I could take this person's well-meaning advice and write the sure thing or I could write the stories in my heart and trust that somewhere out there was a reader who would get it. I ultimately decided to stick with what my instincts were telling me. Because the truth is, horrible things often happen to us as women—as people—and we still find a way to laugh.

We live in a dark world, so how can I write novels that are at all true if I don't speak to the darkness? But, just as I choose to live my life with joy regardless of circumstance, acknowledging darkness doesn't mean dwelling in it. That's why people who pick my books up hoping for something truly gritty walk away disappointed.

Because, despite the heavy themes that are often woven into my story lines, my books are actually rather light reading. We live in a busy world. I want to provide my readers with an escape without asking them to commit a month of their life to finishing my book. I want you to laugh and cry with me for a little while, but I know you have a life waiting for you, too.

And as for darkness that tinges my characters' lives, I'm of the mindset that yes, bad stuff happens, but as long as I'm breathing, there is hope. So I promise you that as long as my heroine has a breath in her body, she's not giving up and she's going to find her smile. Because a little bit of light can chase away a whole lot of darkness.