Guest blogger: Suzanne Brandyn

People often ask me why I write romance and where do I get my ideas from. The language of a romance novel is universal. Romance novels have the ability to reach all corners of our globe sending every one of us a message, to be loved, to have that romantic connection.

I believe love and romance go hand in hand. How could it not? How can one fall in love and not have a romantic connection. Romance can be simply a smile, a certain look, holding hands, having dinner, a walk along a beach and laughing together. The list is endless. Have you ever seen an elderly couple holding hands? I have, often. That is romance, and the love they hold for each other is something we all desire.

Every aspect of love and romance plays a vital role in our society. To love and to be loved adds richness to our lives. When people feel close to others, they are happier and healthier. Love helps us feel important, understood and secure. From early adolescence our ability to feel romantic love develops. Young people notice passionate feelings of attraction. It’s a natural part of growing up and developing romantic feelings and sexual attraction. It’s no wonder women throughout the world love to read about love and romance. It enriches our soul.

Whether it is in real life or in the novels we love so much, my stories stem from that one major plot. That plot comes from something I might read, to something I might hear someone say. I then think what if? This triggers subplots, where I keep the good and toss out the not so good. It all stems from there. I must not forget my writers group, The Hunter Romance Writers where we all enjoy a brainstorming session on our characters, or our plots, or whatever we are having some difficulty with. I love brainstorming.

Thank you for having me ARRA.

I was born on the edge of the outback in NSW. I then pursued life from the red dust and heat of cattle country to our cities and small country towns. I’ve mustered stock on a horse and a motorbike, spotlighted for foxes and learnt to shoot a rifle, dived the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding islands, speared fish, swam with sharks and dolphins, avoided sea snakes and moray eels and taken free rides on sea turtles. Australia is such a beautiful country.

Reading and writing have always been a vital part of my life. I’m always reading something, and I’m pretty much always writing, too. I’ve written contemporary romance, and suspense/thrillers with a touch of romance and I’m currently concentrating on Rural Romantic Suspense.

It’s exciting to write about something that’s an integral part of our world, love and romance. I love creating strong feisty heroines who know what they want and meet their Mr Right, whether they initially believe it or not.

You can find out more about my novels here: Amazon US | Amazon Au | Website

For a chance to win an ecopy of Suzanne’s latest release, The Farm Sitter (or if you’ve already read it, your choice of Outback Fever or Outback Flames), leave a comment below. (The giveaway is now closed. The winner was Yvonne.)