Kathleen E Woodiwiss died on 6 July 2007 after her battle with cancer, it has been announced. Her family and her publisher are working together to polish her last book.
Kathleen E Woodiwiss's 1972 book -- The Flame and The Flower is widely credited with starting the bodice ripper craze or the modern historical romance genre. The 600 page epic with its sex scenes was turned down by several publishers, before Ms Woodiwiss submitted to Avon. The initial print run of 500, 000 rapidly became over 2.5 million copies sold.
Her prose was often colourful and her history could be dubious, but her stories were wonderful. She could tell a cracking good story. And to read a Woodiwiss was to become immersed in her world. For many women in their forties, her books were the first historicals romances that they ever read. I know she was one of the first historical romance authors I ever read.
11 comments:
She will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to her family.
Oh this is so sad. Thank you for sharing, Michelle. THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER was my introduction to single title historical romance and I adore the book. I've got every book she ever wrote. She was a legend and a great icon who will be long remembered.
Her family is in my thoughts.
She was definately a romance legend. I, too "cut my teeth" on Woodiwiss and Rosemary Rodgers.
I am so pleased that some found the blog of some use. I just thought people would want to know.
I think there is a book of condolence on Kathleen E Woddiwiss's website.
Kathleen Woddiwiss's books are great. SHANNA is one of my all-time favorites. She will be very much missed.
Ms. Woodiwiss' books were some of the first romance I have ever read. She will be missed.
This is so sad.
Ms. Woodiwiss was one of the first romance authors that I ever read.
My thoughts are with her family.
I only read one of hers, A Rose In Winter, but it sure is a favorite of mine. . . and I second saying a legend, from what I always see people say about ones they've read. Sorry to hear the news. . .
Lois
What a terrible loss.
I am sorry to hear about the passing of such a talented author. I never had the pleasure of reading her books but it sounds like from the comments she is an exceptional writer. I will definitely hunt down her books. I will definitely keep her family in my prayers.
Michele
this is very sad new's. I remember reading her books as a teenager. my heart goes out to her family and her fans
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