Or, “Urban fantasy, this author’s definition (for those in the back.)”
They say you should write the books you want to read and I have to say, as it gets closer to the date for publishing book 1, I have had this thought a lot.
I didn’t want to write only romance. I think that love is a part of life and it’s only natural my book include this riveting interpersonal dynamic. We associate romance with the female population—and it’s no wonder—but I didn’t want to write a book only for women. I didn’t want to alienate half of the population by restricting the scope of Becoming to one that would only interest women.
This is not to say that there’s anything wrong with writing romance exclusively or even fantasy romance. I have read my fair share of Christine Feehan, J.R. Ward, and Sharon Stoker. I greatly enjoy these books (and I can’t wait for the new releases) when I’m in the mood. I think if I need the joy of a happy ending, these books will be my comfortable home.
As I read Becoming for the last time yesterday, I feel confident saying that, though I set out intending to write fantasy romance, that isn’t exactly what happened. I wrote something a little broader, and I love it.
“You said this post was about Urban Fantasy…”
I read fantasy and Sci-Fi when I want an adventure, but I always struggled to get into high fantasy. This is why urban fantasy drew me in. (Who doesn’t love the Dresden Files?)
It’s accessible. It’s places and people we intuitively understand—urban fantasy is our Ordinary world, but with a layer of magical realism.
Urban fantasy reaches out to you—yes, you—who steps off a train and takes a deep breath at Grand Central Station for the very first time or you who feels the hot breeze of the train cars rushing past you in North Philadelphia. You who hears the sirens and watches the flashing lights and wonders…
Urban fantasy whispers, “Dear reader, I know you’re busy on all your daily adventures, but what if they were a little more… interesting?“
Not a new planet.
Not a new world.
Not a new, complex government to learn.
No weird names to keep track of.
My world is still your world, it’s just more.
Why include romance at all?
What sort of tale would I be weaving, though, if it contained no love? No sex and no relationship drama or friendships that become a little more than anyone planned? It would be a boring one, no doubt.
I wanted to write a book you could read as a romance reader or not, a lover of fantasy or not, and still enjoy. I wanted to create characters you’d want to get to know—who you’d cheer on and cry with. I wanted to write a story you could read cover to cover, or skip the sex scenes, and still enjoy.
“What if people don’t like it?” *gasp*
I loved Becoming so much i rewrote it in a different point of view in 2019 (all 95K words) because I wasn’t satisfied with one story. I wanted a whole series of accessible magical books with lovable characters. I didn’t want to write only a romance and I didn’t want to write the high fantasy my family and friends would have to pretend they liked for my sake.
I’ve never been popular. I’m content to have my work disliked. I didn’t write Becoming to meet the expectations of everyone I will ever meet. Ultimately, I just wrote the book I wanted to read. I respect the opinions of trusted advisors and I have made changes to improve how well I communicate the story. Truly, though, if you want to read good books from this author you’re going to have to be content to take your hands off the wheel.
I really hope you love my 7Elements series, but if you don’t, I hope you find a book somewhere you do love. Books free you from the struggles you can’t forget and the realities that are a little too harsh. If you don’t read my book, then I hope you read a book. There’s a billion hopeful authors in the world depending on you.
It’s as simple as that.
Becoming might not be an autobiography, but on April 6th and the days that follow we get to find out how many people in the world are like me.
One down, two to go before the end of the year. Better hold onto your butts.
Love and Gratitude,
