How to book confession

OK, I have a confession to make.  I know it's really really bad and slightly naughty.  In fact I'm a little bit ashamed of it.

Hello-

My name is Lucinda and I….

I don't know if I can say it.  I must.  I need to get this off my chest.

I read Romance novels.  Yes, I said it.  Me, a classically trained writer, an English teacher and a die hard Science Fiction and Fantasy fan, I read smutty, descriptive romance novels.

Every once in a while I want to read escapist literature.  Something with an easy to follow plot and predictable story line.  Instead of getting caught up in major plot entanglements, I can delight in the failings and faults of these fictional lovers.  I know, I know, the writing is formulaic.  The plot is tired and overdone and the female heroine, despite appearing strong and independent, falls in love with the over-bearing machismo male.  But, there's something about the simplicity of the romance that clears my palate.  It's like eating sorbet between courses (something I've really never done).  Reading a simple romance novel clears my mind and allows me to focus on my writing or any other task.  Romance authors are usually fairly good at writing description and creating a believable scenery and slightly less believable characters.  I have really learned how to write descriptive details by reading my romance authors.  I tend to favor Johanna Lindsey, although I have been known to pick up a few other romance novels along the way.

When I am reading my romances my husband likes to ask what I am reading.  I always tell him "My how to books?"   When he asks what I am learning to do I open the book to one of the descriptive passages and read a few lines.  It's one way we keep the lines of communication open and usually leads into a real conversation on other topics.  It's all in fun.

Well, now that I got that off my chest, I have some reading to do.  Enjoy.