Karen Marie Moning inspires author Sharon Clare
Every author has inspirations. Sharon Clare, author of Love of Her Lives, shares hers here, starting with one of the most-inspiring-to-romance-authors authors ever: Karen Marie Moning.
Sharon: More so than any form of entertainment, I am inspired by the written word. Like an adventure from the comfort of home, there's nothing better than stepping into the many worlds writers create.
When I read a romance, I want to feel warm inside. I want that rush (or at least a trickle) of endorphins that comes from falling in love: the excitement, the titillation, the anticipation. When I write romance, I want to evoke emotion and take the reader on a feel-good adventure.
Karen Marie Moning is an author who pulls me into her world and doesn't let go even after the story ends. Scotland and Ireland in present day and past, Moning sends us along with drop-dead gorgeous, überalpha males. A nice picture to carry in your head, but not why I fall in love with her heroes.
Many of Moning's heroes find their eternal mates in the heroines. They are old world heroes who fall hard and completely in love. Nothing sways them, no one turns their eye, they are 100% committed, devoted and loyal. It's a nice way to be loved.
Besides the engaging plots, I also like the pairing of contemporary heroines with medieval men, often via time-travel provoked by a little Fae magic. Moning's heroines are strong, independent women who aren't easily charmed, but she also gives them a feminine strand, a side that feels decadent in a gown, cherished and protected as a woman. Moning celebrates the qualities that make men masculine and women feminine while not compromising strength, independence or intellect.
I think a man who cherishes and protects is sexy, so I gave the hero in my novel a good dose of those qualities. Here's a short excerpt from Love of Her Lives when the hero finally sways the heroine's attention his way:
His gaze softened as his thumbs started to twirl circles on her neck.
"No, Calum, it's not just your physical appeal. You're considerate and chivalrous, yet sensitive too. You're kind and fun-loving, and oh wait, persistent, let's not forget that one. But the thing I like most about you is you make me feel treasured, as if there's nothing you want more than me."
He laughed softly.
"What's so funny?"
"It's not that, m'eudail. Do you know what it means? M'eudail?"
"I hope it's something nice since you keep calling me that."
"It means my treasure."
"Oh," she said faintly. "You're making me melt again."
Another thing about Karen Marie Moning that inspires my writing is the Fae. Her novels are lightly flavored with Tuatha Dé Danaan magic. I added a Fae component to my novels in the form of a mischievous immortal who likes to play games.
Laughter is a good reason to enjoy a romance. In Some Like It Wicked, Teresa Medeiros' hero has a great sense of humor.
Susan Elizabeth Phillips is another USA TODAY best-selling author who inspires me with her witty dialogue, strong characterization and sexy heroes. Natural Born Charmer had me laughing from the opening scene. I also like the way her characters change and grow, and I aspire to do the same in my writing.
In Love of Her Lives, the heroine believes self-control is vital to happiness. If she succumbs to passion, she has emulated the mother who hurt her, a weakness she seriously avoids. This invalid belief causes both internal and external conflict. It's a belief that fits like her favorite gloves, ones she is forced to shuck by the end of the novel.
Diana Gabaldon is another author who pulled me into her world. Although her books aren't technically romances, her Outlander series, in my opinion, is an epic romance. Who doesn't fall in love with Jamie Fraser? Jamie is an Old World hero, a stubborn alpha male who wields a broadsword like a second limb. Mess with his woman and you'll suffer his wrath — no exceptions, no defeats. To me, this is romantic. In the hero's mind, nothing takes priority over the heroine's well-being. Who doesn't want to be loved like that?
I've been inspired by so many wonderful authors. Kelley Armstrong brought werewolf romance into fashion. I love how her paranormal characters interact with the real world. Julie Garwood, Sherrilyn Kenyon (Kinley MacGregor), Hannah Howell, Claire Delacroix and Eve Silver write stories that captivate across genres.
With too many wonderful authors to name, I feel blessed to be included in this genre.
To find out more about Sharon and her books, you can visit her website, SharonClare.com.