If you read my books, you probably know I'm what is considered an "issues" writer. While every one of my books is a romance with a decidely Scooby Doo everything-tied-in-a-neat-little-bow bent to my endings, my stories often deal with people facing real life challenges (read "issues"). I've been asked if it bothered me to be labeled an issues writer and my answer is an emphatic no. :) While it can be emotionally draining to write about the harder bits of real life, I truly believe that victory over them is possible. Not easy. Not automatic. Not even complete always...but yes, possible.I write what I write because I truly believe in the HEA (which I see as an HB - happy beginning - but that's another topic), no matter the difficulties life throws at you. And believe me, this comes from deep personal experience.
Which leads me to my current book. Although I am always honored and frankly pleased to be asked if I suffer from (or have personally) faced the issues I write about, up until now I have had to say, "No." (Though honestly...I usually have at least one dear friend or relative who has done.) But my heroine in "The Shy Bride" is dealing with an almost debilitating introverted nature. She's a brilliant pianist and composer, but cannot enjoy her fame or the connections it might give her.
Few who meet me would think I am shy. When I was a young person, I realized if I allowed my natural introverted nature to reign, I would not make friends. Being very stubborn, I put on the smiling persona I now wear. But the last few years, I have begun to have bouts of agoraphobia or social phobia if you'd rather - but I really struggle sometimes being online or leaving the house. What is really funny, is that I had started "The Shy Bride" (and then set it aside for a different book) before this challenge began to manifest itself in my life. I guess my subconscious knew I'd fought my own nature too long and the ramifications of doing so were coming.
Like my heroine, with the help of a sexy alpha hero (my dear husband), I refuse to let these circumstances win.
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The Shy BrideTraditional Greek Husbands mini-series
Harlequin Presents #2929
ISBN-10: 0373129297
ISBN-13: 978-0373129294
July 2010 North America
Untouched — and bought for $100,000!
Thrust into the limelight, child star Cassandra timidly enchanted audiences night after night...But when her parents died, Cass retreated into her own world — too shy to leave her home. Once a year she shares her musical passion by offering lessons in a charity auction... This year, money talks...the winning bid: $100,000!
Enter: Neo Stamos, arrogant Greek tycoon. He wants Cass with a burning desire, though he knows that, shy and sweet, she will need a gentle awakening... But Neo’s the master of seduction!
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Award winning author Lucy Monroe published her first book in September 2003 and will celebrate the release of her 50th book this September. Visit her online at http://lucymonroe.com/ or her group page on Facebook.
5 comments:
I completely understand. I have always been shy and have a tendency to just stay in my comfort zone, meaning I do not go places where there are a lot of people and if I have to normally I distance myself from everyone. I am pushing myself to get out of it and face some fears by going to a readers convention and I have volunteered to moderate so now I will be facing some stress also. But I know it will be good and I will have fun doing it and hopefully others will not know how bad off I am.
I love your books and am a huge fan! I can relate with what you said also, I have always been extremely shy (couldn't tell when I am online though..lol)in person. I have a slight case of Agoraphobia that I fight with everyday. I sometimes spend weeks and even months inside my apartment before going outside. It's a really hard thing to overcome.
I love reading about shy women who overcome their shyness and get the man of their dreams in the process. My husband has been my lifeline and my best cheerleader when it comes to helping me over come my agoraphobia.
Until I wrote this book and started talking about my own struggles, I had *no idea* how many women especially suffer from some form of agoraphobia or social phobia. It's astounding and so heart warming to share my story with others and hear theirs as well. Thanks so much for taking time to comment, Melanie and Mary. :)
Mega hugs from me to you!
i have just read my first Lucy Monroe book. I loved it and cannot wait to read this one. i don't have a problen with crowds, but my hubby does. so we do things to make him comfortable and we have a code if his is getting not happy.
Hi Lucy,
I used to be a really shy person in high school. Once I got into college and met my hubby, that all changed. I am very out-going now. Another thing that really helped my shyness were all the jobs that I had over the years. They all were the type where I had to get up and speak in front of people.
I love your books and have a lot of them on my keeper shelf! Can't wait to read your latest! Many good wishes!
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