Books I'm reading

I've been reading a lot of paranormal romances lately, to learn how full time romance writers do their magic. Their style is so different from the hard core sci-fi books I love. I admit it. I have a pile of star wars books in my room waiting to be read as well as a bunch of NYT best sellers. Some I love, others are so so. Of all the genres I've read (I used to read everything except romance: hospital horror stories, thrillers, crime, mysteries etc) turns out that romance writers, the really good ones are the best at fleshing out characters that seem so real.

Right now, I'm on a paranormal romance book binge. So far, all the ones I've read are not appropriate for anyone below 21. I like the combination of romance, adventure, fantasy and plots that twist and turn when you least expect it. Found some really good authors through newsgroups.

I realized the reason for my writer's block is that I'm trying to force my new book, the one about Devin and Ariana, into the paranormal romance genre. I gave up on that today and let the story evolve naturally. It's turning into a fast paced fantasy action with the shocks expected of horror novels. Again it'll be a contrast between romance and horror. I'll write the story as it flows and worry about what to do with it when I've finished. Now that the 'romance' requirements are out of the picture, I'm free to really torture the characters. *insert an evil laugh*

My muse is silent.

I've got writer's block. So many projects going on yet no clear characters telling their tale. Ariana and Devin's story has come to a halt. I was even thinking of merging book 4 (Sarah's resettlement) book 5 (Tess's story) and book 6 (the climatic battle, fantasy adventure style with the elites in another world) into a single story from 3rd party pov.

As for Ariana and Devin, the story still doesn't seem to flow as well as it should. I'm in a rut until one or more of the characters speak up.

So different from when I wrote Warrior Girl, Lost In Another Realm and The Dark Warriors, books 1 to 3 of the sfx fantasy series respectively. Back then, the muse (Sarah) went on and I was just trying to record down the scenes that played in my head, their emotions etc as accurately as possible.

Maybe it is because my other work, my internet biz is in trouble. My focus now is on getting that back on track so I'd have the funds for writing.

I like self publishing for the freedom it gives and the ability to choose my own cover. One that is unique and specially designed for the book. But it is a rather expensive alternative. With traditional publishers, I don't have to fork a cent but I lose control of the book. If my internet biz cannot sustain my writing expenses, I guess that would be my only alternative.