Guest Blogger Julie Farrell

Why do I write romance?

Probably like you, I’m an avid reader of chick lit and contemporary romance novels, especially Jojo Moyes, Sophie Kinsella, and Marian Keyes.  But, I love to read in many genres, and my favourite author is actually Terry Pratchett, who writes fantasy satire in an alternative universe called the Discworld! 

I would never write an unromantic novel, though.  Why?  Well, there are several reasons. 

Firstly, I’ve been single for a few years, and when I’m imagining my characters interacting in the world of the story, I actually feel their emotions with them.  I feel happy when they do. I feel sad when disaster strikes, and, when they feel that spark of excitement which comes with a new love, I feel those beautiful emotions welling up inside of me.  (And as for the sex scenes… ! ) I sometimes wonder whether creating my own love life vicariously is keeping me single!  But I really enjoy experiencing those emotions in that way.  It’s like creating my own Richard Curtis movie, which I get to direct myself.  And I always make sure I get a happy ending!

Another reason that I love to write in the romance genre is because I’m fascinated with human psychology.  I might be wrong, but I believe that romance is really the only genre where I can delve deeply into the human condition, and find out what makes us tick.   I love to create characters who are real to the reader, and to do that, they must firstly be real to me.  I know my characters as well as I know myself, and it’s always so wonderful when I get a message from a reader, saying how much they love Verlaine (from Driving Me to You) or really hate Marcus!

With romance, I can explore human relationships, and investigate how we can all be happy (and we can!).  I’ve been studying Buddhist philosophy for several years now, and I love to subtly include this wisdom in my writing.  Rather than my characters resolving their problems in the usual, perhaps unhelpful, ways, I bring a new slant on things, where they learn how to empower themselves, enjoy their relationships, and keep a peaceful mind.

Finally, the reason I write romance is because of the dialogue.  I have been complimented on my dialogue, and I think the reason for this is because I love to write it so much!  When I’m first imaging a new scene in a book, I like to simply lie on my bed, and let the scene unravel in my mind, like watching my inner movie.  Some of my favourite dialogue has been created this way, and I know I’m onto a winner if I start to feel the emotions that the characters are feeling at that time.  My favourite piece of dialogue from Driving Me to You is during the part where Sam and Verlaine are falling in love:

“So why did you come to live in the UK?” she’d asked. “On the run from the FBI?”

“Oh, you heard about that?”

Sam chuckled.

“No, seriously,” he said. “The reason I came here was because my mom always goes on about how nice England is, and she told me if I went to London, I’d fall in love with a beautiful woman.”

“Really? And did you?”

“Well, it’s taken six years so far, but let’s wait and see.”

Of course the surrounding writing matters a lot, too, otherwise it would read like a play script.  But it’s the dialogue that brings those two people to life, and, which, hopefully, draws the reader into their world, thus taking the reader on their adventure with them.

And this is why I love to write romance!

When Sam meets her sister’s sexy mechanic, Verlaine, she instantly falls for those gorgeous brown eyes and rugged charms, and a secret romance begins. Unfortunately, there’s unfinished business between Sam and her monstrous childhood nemesis. No, not her sister Gemma, but her late-father’s beloved Bentley.

Gemma is struggling to save the family vintage-car business, and it doesn’t help that little sis has just swanned back home, with no intention of helping. Gemma knows the only solution is to involve Sam’s old flame, the charismatic venture capitalist, Marcus Priestley. But Marcus is compelled to win Sam back, and he certainly won’t let the hired help muscle-in.

Verlaine is Gemma’s sexy mechanic, who’s trying to blag it as a chauffeur. But he’s so bad at tying his necktie, he looks like a stripper at a hen night. Working with Gemma’s vintage cars is his dream job, but things get complicated when he falls for the boss’s sister and sets himself up as rival to Marcus. Then the road trip adventure from London to Brighton beach begins!

Who will Sam choose in the love triangle? The penniless new love or the wealthy ex? And how will she tame the Bentley, to become the strong and powerful woman that she’s always known she could be?

This charming comedy covers modern issues for modern women, such as dating, relationships, careers, friendship, and, of course, love.

Review Rating: 4 LIGHTNING BOLTS

Review: Driving Me To You isn't just a romance story. Yes, there's plenty of it in the book, but it's so much more than that. It's a story full of life trials, relationships healed and relationships tested.  The cast of characters Ms. Farrell creates are well developed and memorable. You'll love some, and you'll not love some. Regardless of the good or bad, this book definitely conveys the emotions of happy, silly, mad, sad and so much more.  

Samantha returns home to so much going on. She's got a lot to deal with herself, but now add the family problems and a little bit of drama and it's time to juggle!  The writing is easy to follow the plot is full of smaller story lines that come together well. There's quite a bit going on, but not enough that it pulls you away. It has just the right mix of everything to make for a pleasurable read. Looking forward to what's next! 

Author Bio:

I spent my twenties losing myself in light-hearted romantic fiction novels, which sparked my imagination with a desire to write my own stories. I'm happiest when I'm creating plots, characters, and dialogue - it's like watching my very own Richard Curtis film inside my head, and I get to control the action and outcome!

My books are uplifting and empowering, character-driven contemporary romances. Lose yourself in a Julie Farrell romance, and find yourself transformed forever! Inside, you’ll discover everyday characters reconnecting with the joys of life, the joys of themselves, and of each other.

Connect with Julie!

My website www.juliefarrellbooks.com where you can sign up to my newsletter 
My Facebook page www.facebook.com/julieanafarrell

My Amazon page www.amazon.com/author/juliefarrell

Buy the Book!

Driving Me to You on Amazon USA http://amzn.to/18BmHz9

Driving Me to You on Amazon: UK http://amzn.to/18rfkZ3