I began writing contemporary romance out of a desire to write the kind of books I would enjoy reading. I wasn’t overly concerned about how many books I would sell. My goal wasn’t to become rich and famous. Granted, I wouldn’t mind if I became rich and famous. However, I’m also realistic. My goal was to write stories I could lose myself in. For me, it’s about the joy of storytelling. I write out of my own love of reading. I also thought if I wrote books I would enjoy reading, others would enjoy reading them too. It turns out I was right. I’m getting some wonderful feedback from my readers. I happy to know people are enjoying my books.
How it all began
I consider myself lucky. I grew up in a house full of readers. Both of my parents enjoyed reading. Dinnertime conversations were often about the books they were currently reading. They liked spy novels, which were popular at the time. They read the entire Ian Fleming James Bond series. They also enjoyed mainstream fiction.
I loved horses when I was a kid. I must have read the entire black stallion series. However, Marguerite Henry was my favorite author. I read Brighty of the Grand Canyon from cover-to-cover many times. I also loved her Misty series. Beverly Cleary was another favorite author. Beezus and Ramona are timeless.
As I became an adult
I took as many English lit courses as I could when I was in high school. This introduced me to many different genres. Of course, I liked some more than others. Oftentimes, however, my biggest challenge was putting the book down. Like my parents, I too enjoyed mainstream fiction. From time to time I would borrow some of their favorite novels. I think this is why my contemporary romance novels are similar to mainstream fiction. Authors such as Peter Benchely and Arthur Hailey really have influenced my writing.
Marina Martindale
Marina Martindale writes and edits all of her blog posts herself. She does not use AI software or images of any kind. No part of this blog may be used or reproduced or transmitted in any form, or used in any matter by AI, without the express written consent Good Oak Press, LLC. Requests for permission must be addressed to Good Oak Press, LLC, P.O. Box 51244, Denton, TX 76206-1244