Five Things Soaps Can Teach You About Writing

As a lifelong TV junkie and erstwhile entertainment journalist, I’ve often joked I have the “superpower” of being able to sense where a story is going. (Friends have tested this theory. Exhibit A: the pilot for The LA Complex.) That’s because even when a show is throwing in every twist imaginable, crafting unreliable narrators and casting new roles, there is a narrative flow. It’s called a story arc for a reason. There are always clues and flags—and subtle signs that sometimes even a writer doesn’t pick up on—which hint at the trajectory of a given plot. And, often, a regular soap opera viewer (or regular reader!) is eagle-eyed when it comes to spotting missteps and deviations from the natural direction. Most of what I've learned about writing a riveting tale, or enjoying one as a consumer, I gleaned from being addicted to daytime soaps!

Not the Same Old Song and Dance

What's the appeal of Bollywood men? I tackled this question in February of 2009 on LiveJournal and thought the post still has some relevance today — particularly as I now write Bollywood-themed romance.

(I really had to resist copyediting/updating this. Any mistakes and un-PC comments are exactly as they originally appeared.)

Cover reveal: BOLLYAMOROUS

My first release of 2013 is upon us! Coming out January 4 from Ravenous Romance is my short novella, Bollyamorous. (Yes, I won't lie, the title came first. I do not necessarily advise writing in this manner!)

Cricketer Simon D'Souza and his supermodel wife Sonia are going through a rough patch. Okay, so their entire marriage is a rough patch...the delicious kind. When rising Bollywood star Veer Mehta gets a glimpse of some of Sonia’s erotically won bruises, he lands between a rock and a hard place—and between the D’Souzas’ dysfunctional sheets!

 As Veer tackles his most intriguing role yet, Simon and Sonia will have to consider their own roles in this sizzling ménage. Does their picture have a shot in Hell of ending in happily-ever-after?


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