Friday, July 9, 2010

WRITING (INTERRACIAL) ROMANCES

By Shara Moon



Scandalous. Intriguing. Expectional. Forbidden.

These are just some of the words that come to mind when reading an interracial romance, and just a fraction of the reasons why I love to write them.

Frankly, I just love to create a world where two people can fall in love and, despite everything, can overcome their internal and external conflicts to be with one another. I know. I just defined the quintessential romance novel. But it’s having these two people find the freedom to love each other and embrace that love that makes the experience that much sweeter.

And though interracial romances are thriving with small print publishers and in e-pubs, there is that one misconception that this subgenre is all about race. And that is a big misconception.

Many interracial romances are not exclusively about race and they aren’t intended to be. As a romance reader and writer, I can appreciate the variety in the romance genre and the multifaceted stories that come from its diversity. In my stories, race is never the core issue. Like my work-in-progress, tentatively titled BEWITCHED, where a beautiful black travel writer finds herself time traveling in the middle of 11th century Scottish Highlands. How interesting is it to see these primeval Highlanders react to this woman, who is not only unusual in her looks and language, but also holds this uncanny influence over them, their powerful laird, and their way of life. It’s just as fascinating for me to write!

But don’t get me wrong. It is not my intention to limit my writing to just interracial romances. Whether the characters are black, white, or candy-apple red, love is love is love. And I fully intend to take advantage, flex my creative muscles, and explore my range as a romance writer.

For now, I’m just happy to see that interracial romances are quickly growing in popularity, and I believe it will soon catch the attention of more major New York publishing houses. I’d like to even think it’ll find a place in the mainstream market someday soon. And if not, I’d be happy just to keep writing it.♥



Shara Moon is currently an unpublished member of RWANYC. Though she is an avid reader of anything with a strong storyline and very alpha hero, she is currently drawn to writing interracial romances with equally strong storylines and very alpha heroes. Early this year, she completed a short interracial romance, originally written for an anthology, called “Because Your Love Me” and is steadily at work between two projects, tentatively titled A BEAUTIFUL LIE and BEWITCHED. When Shara is not writing, she is reading, researching, and conferring with her wayward muse.

8 comments:

  1. Sharna,
    I agree with you that interracial romance stories are not just about the race differences of the couple. Your story set in the Scottish Highlands sounds like a great twist on that location and era - looking forward to reading it.

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  2. Shara, I love what you are writing. Octavia Butler, who wrote science fiction, sent a modern day black woman back into slavery to save a man who would ultimately rape her grandmother, because without that act she would not exist. I am all for challenging the reader.

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  3. Shara, your book sounds wonderful. Definitely my cuppa! And Mauree, the Butler book sounds fascinating.

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  4. Absolutely a wonderful post, Shara and a great point to make. Complex characters bring a wealth to a story - and race, religion, upbringing, are all powerful influences on a person and definitely heighten the conflict in a story. Just like in real like the love story doesn't have to be "about" the issue of race, but it adds another layer to be worked through to the happy ending, offering a chance for understanding, revelation and a meeting of the minds. And your time travel idea sounds fascinating. What a great twist to a story!

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  5. Thanks ladies for your wonderful comments! I'm having fun building the story in my head - now just have to get it on paper! If I had to compare it to something, I like to think of it as "Little Mermaid" (fish out of water) meets "Something New" (embracing change).

    And Maureen, I think I'll check out Butler's book. It definitely does sounds fascinating! Do you happen to know the name of the book?

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  6. I hope you are right and there will be more interracial romances published. They are interesting in real life all of the elements of dating in different cultures and should make for good stories too. My book out this fall is non-fiction, but focuses on interracial dating stories.

    I recently launched a blog, Racy JC, that approaches interracial dating in a new, honest, real, and non-PC way. Please check it out!

    http://jcdaviesauthor.com/
    social media: jcdaviesauthor

    And never forget interracial dating is great and you can do it! Racy JC

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  7. Hi Moonie,
    This piece you wrote about interracial romance is awesome! You definitely held my attention and I'm not a blog reader. And your upcoming work is sooo intriguing. I can't wait to read more about this "Bewitched". EXCERPT! EXCERPT!

    Peace & Love
    Sunnie :)

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