A stroll down memory lane
I was going through all my computer files (which are messier than any part of my house--random documents scattered in a dozen different folders) and came across the second romance novel I atempted to write, in 1998. It finaled in RWA's Golden Heart contest, and I really thought I had it made for a little while. Funnily enough, it's in a pretty different style from what I write currently, which makes me realize how long it can take you to find your voice. Anyway, here is the first paragraph of 'Nanny on Board', as written in 1998, for your entertainment:"So why exactly are you interested in this position?"
Lauren squirmed beneath the silvery gaze she had been subjected to since she had entered Rolf van Leizwig's penthouse office. She could hardly say it was because she had been entertaining vague "Sound of Music" fantasies ever since she'd seen the advertisement for a nannying position in Vienna, Austria. Or that she had been fired from her last job, and wanted to escape her life in New York City. How about that she was just bored and looking for a change?
"I love children."
"Oh?"
It was sort of true, Lauren thought. She didn’t mind them anyway. "Yes, I thought this position would be... ideal. Perfect for both parties involved." She hoped that wasn’t spreading it too thick.
"Really." It was hard to miss the note of skepticism in Rolf van Leizwig's tone. His voice was dripping with it. Talk about spreading it thick. Lauren grimaced as one golden eyebrow lifted in a questioning smirk. She tried a pleasant smile, but it felt like baring her teeth.
"You’re little more than a child yourself."
And you’re ancient. Now she really was baring her teeth. She was twenty-three, after all. Hardly a child. Her dark mop of curls, spattering of freckles and slightly crooked front tooth sometimes gave her the appearance of looking younger. The lack of hips and 32A bra size did not add to a sense of maturity, either. But who had everything? Besides, she reasoned, her personality and sense of humor certainly made up for a curvy figure and overdose of sex appeal. Lauren sat up straighter.
"I like to think that my extreme youth helps in a nanny position, so I can empathize with your children." So there, Captain von Trapp.
posted by Kate Hewitt at
6:11 PM
It's very different from your present style but I really like it. Just the right type of voice for Harlequin Romance. When did your style become more suited to Presents?
Thanks Janet--I didn't really start writing Presents-style until I wrote 'The Italian's Chosen Wife'. I had a six year hiatus between writing my last attempt at the Tender/Romance line and writing The Italian's Chosen Wife, so I suppose things changed along the way. When I started writing, the story came out in this very intense way and I thought 'well, that's a surprise!'
Kate