I’m glad you asked.  Other than a growing trend in genre fiction, it’s what I write and as the name implies, it combines elements from both romance and women’s fiction.  To me, romance is all about the hero and heroine.  It’s about the romance and the multitude of reasons these two (who are otherwise hot for one another) cannot be together but why they should be.

The heroine is someone with whom you can identify, someone with whom you can sympathize throughout the story.  She’s flawed of course, but who isn’t? We all have issues but what keeps us reading is the delicious hero who keeps her pleading! (Most romances don’t rhyme as well as this–it’s a skill I’ve learned from hanging around my young kids. :)) Give me more!  Give me more!

Eh, hem.  But I digress.  In romance, we meet hero and heroine right from the start and become swept away in their tumultuous romance culminating in a scrumptiously satisfying HEA.  Sounds divine, doesn’t it?  Which is why I personally adore romance. I like happy and fresh, snappy and sexy. Doom and gloom need not apply for my reading list. 

Yet while I enjoy being whisked away by a handsome fantasy, my feet remain firmly entrenched in the terra firma of real life (usually between the rows of my garden). While the “where” isn’t important, the concept of living and loving is—but it’s not without its blemishes.  Our lives can be a landscape of colorful emotions, but this does include rainy days and sleepless nights.  From exuberant peaks to valleys of despair, life is a thrill ride for the senses—and sometimes this means hair-raising curves.

Which makes things more exciting, don’t you think? And I do love a good thrill ride.

Okay, that’s a lie. Those things swing up, they swing down, they twist sideways, turn upside down then catapult you back upright—ugh.  No thank you.  Since my kids were born I’ve discovered quite enough thrills and spills in my very own home, I have no need to seek them elsewhere!  But attitude is everything when you’re talking life’s greatest challenges and I do like to keep it real. 

Which brings me to women’s fiction. This genre is issue-oriented.  It allows for friends and family to share the stage with the heroine. Their thoughts and opinions matter and–much of the time–it’s they who flush out the heroine’s flaws for the world to see.  Where romance focuses solely on the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, women’s fiction probes deeper, thrashes through problems and reveals the weakness in a character.  And it doesn’t have to be pretty.

Imagine that–digging into deep dark secrets can get ugly.  Hmph.  But if you recall, I don’t do doom and gloom so where women’s fiction can leave you on a deserted road wondering what happened, mine won’t.  My novels may pull a tear from your eye but they will leave you with a smile on your face.  It’s mandatory, in fact. My imagination is way too active to be fed story lines that lend themselves to terrible dreams (or full-blown nightmares) so I certainly can’t write about them! The mere thought sends a shudder down my spine.

However, without life’s trials and tribulations, exactly how does an individual grow and mature? If everything is sunshine and candy, how can someone develop emotional endurance?  Flex their heart muscle with acts of unselfish love? Can we learn life’s lessons without struggle? 

I don’t know about you but unless Mother Nature scatters a few hundred red ants around my corn I may forget to check the moisture levels. It’s just not on the forefront of my mind. I’m busy living, laughing, enjoying the pole beans plucked fresh from the vine.  So what if I forgot to water the corn enough—it won’t kill me, right?

How about the loss of a friendship? Too focused on having a good time, I wasn’t paying attention to my friend’s needs until the one day I found myself alone.  I looked around and there was no one standing by my side…

…to share the bad news. I lost my job, I need somewhere to live. I could go hungry if something doesn’t change soon and since I forgot to water the corn, I may starve.  All the partygoers have moved on. No one cares that I’m in trouble.  I slump into solitude.  Maybe next time I’ll cherish the people closest to me before I actually need them. (Yes, that’s a bit dramatic but I am an author—it’s what I do!) 

Perhaps Ill learn to give instead of take.  Or in my current heroine’s case, perhaps Jennifer will learn that first impressions are poor judgments of character.

Ah…someone has issues, problems.  You see, this isn’t fluff and puff.  It’s not shallow or silly.  We’re talking real life issues that face women today.  In reading about one woman’s journey, there may be a lesson we can take away for ourselves.  In contemplating one author’s premise, we may be inspired to question our own story, our own direction.

As a result of reading one good book, we may walk away with new perspective, one that will carry us forward and farther.  To me, romantic women’s fiction combines the depth of real life issues with the promise of happily-ever-after.  Life is tough, but can’t it be fun?

I say yes!  How about you?  What’s your take on romantic women’s fiction?

And my mind is filled with romantic women’s fiction, I’m reminded of how similar men and vegetables can be.  No, seriously!  Have you ever thought about it?  Probably not–most sane people don’t! 

But me?  When I’m not writing I spend a lot of time in my garden–maybe too much!  And while I’m not writing out there, I am crafting and over the months, have come up with a few analogies of my own.  Take a look at this list and tell me you don’t recognize YOUR man in one of these descriptions! 

Corn – Tall and slender with silken hair, this man provides well and yields a harvest of golden treasure.  While pleasing to look at, beware:  he also tends to be needy; easily blown over by the slightest of breezes—not the man for you hardier types!

Peanut – This good ole boy is made of solid stuff, on the inside and the outside, not to mention he’s filled with sweet old-fashioned appeal.  For most ladies, it’s a tough combination to resist.  Add the fact the kids love him and you’ve got a yourself a marrying man! 

Watermelon – This well-rounded fun-loving guy is always welcome at a summer barbecue and usually proves a big hit with the kids.  Prone to balding, his colorful personality distracts one from notice.  However, take heed.  If left to his own device, this one can grow wild and get quite out of hand!

Garlic – This fellow is somewhat distant, as he spends long periods of time out of sight, only to emerge when conditions improve.  Strong and distinct, he’s not for everyone, but given the right environment, he can show great depth, even mellow his pungent tone with time.  A worthy peer, indeed.

Okra – Strong, of firm build, this one likes it hot and enjoys it spicy—very at home in the Big Easy, too.  Generally speaking, he blends well with others, can plant himself anywhere, but caution:  he can be seedy, even a bit slimy at times.

Potatoes – These fellas are generous producers, enjoyed by most everyone as they appeal to a variety of tastes.  They can get easily crowded, though, so give them plenty of space.  If you do, you’ll have yourself a real winner with this one.  Note:  be patient with the sweeter types—they need a little more time before they’re ready to hit the dinner-date table.  But if you can wait, go for it.  You’ll reap the gold with this gem!

Onion – Sometimes sharp, sometimes sweet, this notable companion enhances every dish he meets.  But don’t be fooled.  You have to watch yourself around this double-edged treat.  He tends to “age” those around him quicker than most, and will often make you cry.  But if you like a challenge, give him a try.  He will infuse your life with flavor!

Raspberry – Sweet at first sight, this guy may follow up with a tart bite.  He generally likes to be left alone—literally thrives out in the wild of nature.  Ah…an adventurous type yourself, you’ll feel drawn to this bright and colorful character, but be forewarned:  he’s got thorns and lots of them.

Squash – Talk about diversity, this one has it!  From sunny yellow summers to cold and cozy winters, this man will keep you well supplied no matter the season.  The cutest of pumpkins, he’s always welcome during the holidays, and his cousin plays a mean racquet ball—for you sportier types.  But keep him moving; stagnation easily leads to illness with this one.  Rest assured, if variety is your thing, take heart.  This dazzling character can fulfill your desires, tenfold.

Carrots – Bred from firm and solid fiber, these men are steady and strong and always there for you.  Given proper attention, they can also become quite sweet in nature; a true hidden treasure, if ever there was one.  They do need some elbow room, a bit of thinning at times, but if you’re willing to work for it, this one’s a keeper!

Beets – Down to earth is putting it mildly with this guy–he’s knee deep in it!   Quiet, mellow, well-rounded…  It’s a wonder he doesn’t rank top of the list for every woman in town.  Perhaps he can come on a bit strong, in an easy-going sort of way.  But if you have thick skin and like to keep it real?   This one’s for you.

Lettuce – This boy likes everybody and everybody likes him.  Similar to the granola-type male, this fella stays healthy and fit, slim and trim.  How could he be anything else?  He has a knack for blending well with any crowd and blend well, though be careful–once he mingles, it’s hard to separate him from the mix!

Tomatoes – This popular guy is an all around favorite with the ladies, most drawn to his bright and cheery appearance and radiant personality.  A real reliable kind of guy, sweet with a hint of tang, meaty and quite robust—he comes in all sizes.  Yes, this one is tempting.  Be sure you’re in for the commitment—he’s going to need it if you expect him to produce.

My husband?  He’s definitely a raspberry with garlic tendencies, yet aging like a carrot. 

Me?  He claims I’m a Venus flytrap.  Yes, I gave him the evil eye—at first.  But then, I got to thinking.  Imagine the unique and stunning plant for a moment, with her beautiful red, heart-shaped petiole, her pair of symmetrical lobes hinged near the midriff—I mean, midrib. 

Lovely so far, isn’t it?  Catches insects and spiders with a bat of her eyelashes.  Tolerates fiery tempers–er, fire well.  Tolerates fire well.   Actually uses the flames to suppress the competition around the neighborhood.  (Sounds like a feisty gal to me!)  Sure, she can be difficult to grow, but what plant doesn’t have its difficult days?  You know, the more I think about it, the more I heard compliment.