My latest contemporary romance novel, The Scandal, has gone to Cynthia, my editor. Once again, I feel like a mom whose kids have just moved out. You think you’re going to feel happy, and a part of you does. At the same time, however, you also feel a little sad. I guess you would call this feeling bittersweet.
I’ve genuinely loved writing all of my contemporary romance novels, although some have been more fun to write than others. The Stalker was probably was the hardest one to write. I loved the characters, but the story itself was a little dark. However, on the pleasure to write meter, The Scandal was right up there with The Reunion.
The inspiration for The Scandal came from one of my cousins. Years ago, she had a major role on a soap opera. She was kind enough to invite me to visit her on the set. She later invited me to her wrap party when she left the show. A soap opera wrap party is just like any other corporate party. Nothing really interesting happens. It’s just people standing around and talking, although this party included some famous faces. However, when you are a novel writer, you can add a little unexpected drama to make any corporate party a whole lot more interesting. This is exactly what I did in The Scandal.
For the record, Lauren McAllen, the lead character, is very different from my cousin. Like all of my characters, Lauren is a unique individual with her own distinct personality. About the only thing they have in common, besides working on a soap opera, is that they don’t hang out with the Hollywood crowd. Not all actors do. Some like to go home from the set and hang out with their families. Their social circles may not include other celebrities. This is who Lauren is. If anything, she is an extension of me; a woman totally devoted to her craft who feels blessed to be able to follow her dream and do what she truly loves.
The Scandal was also my most researched novel to date. As a novel writer, I strive for accuracy. While visiting the set and watching a taping was truly and honor, it hardly makes me an expert on television production. I spent a lot of time reading articles about how things work on the set, and what happens behind the scenes. Hopefully, I’ve comes close.
Marina Martindale
Update: The Scandal is now available on Amazon, Barnesandnoble.com, and with other online booksellers.
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