My upcoming contemporary romance novel, The Scandal, has been interesting to write, to say the least. Ask any author. They’ll tell you all books present their challenges, but we work through them. Some, however, are more challenging than others. The Scandal has presented its fair share of issues, but also it’s been a fun book to write. I’ve honestly enjoyed the additional time. Truth be told, I don’t want this book to end.
Is it life imitating art, or is art imitating life?
The Scandal takes place in Hollywood. Lead character Lauren McAllen is a soap opera star who wants to break into films. However, as luck would have it, the Harvey Weinstein scandal and the MeToo movement started up while I was working on the treatment. (The treatment is a summary of what the story will be about.) Sometimes life imitates art, but did it have to go this far? I take pride in writing original stories. I also keep my books politically neutral.
Striving to keep my story separate from any real-life scandals was a challenge. My lead antagonist may be a cad, but he’s not a predator. There is a difference between the two. My characters are also unique individuals, and my antagonist is the kind of guy you’d like to slap across the face. He’s powerful, complex and seductive, but he isn’t skin crawling creepy. He also has some redeeming qualities. Bottom line, I’m really pleased with the way he’s turned out, and I think my readers will like him too.
Look for The Scandal in early October.
Marina Martindale
UPDATE
The Scandal is now available on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com.