Guest Author: Sharon Cullars

It is my great pleasure to introduce one of my favorite authors, Sharon Cullars. Her romances are creepy, atmospheric, but most importantly, very passionate. Again is one of my favorite paranormal romances and recommend it to anyone looking for a spooky, intense love story. Her prose is clean, lyrical, and haunting. It’s to be savored like fine wine.

[cool prize alert!]

A few years ago I attended a writers conference in Dallas where best-selling author Tananarive Due spoke to a roomful of fifty or more hopeful writers about getting published. She was refreshingly candid and admitted that starting out in her career, she had a hard time finding her voice. The main thing that kept tripping her up was race, or specifically, being a black writer. She felt she had to speak with a “black voice,” which to her had the obligatory Southern or urban cadence, those voices that seemed interconnected with the “black experience.” The problem was she wasn’t from the South nor from the inner city, and these voices were not hers. But still she felt she had to use them to create fiction for her core audience. Luckily for her (and her readers), her writing stalled and she realized her mistake. After several failed attempts at stories and novels, she finally gave herself the freedom to write the characters she wanted to write – characters much like herself - middle-class and professional. She placed these characters in horrific settings that served as backdrops of her fiction and worked the stories from a freer perspective. Not that she forgot race – but she didn’t allow it to restrict or confine her voice. She decided that she had to write outside the box.

“Writing outside the box” is probably a familiar term to those of you who’ve had to listen to corporate speak at meetings. Still, it is good advice for writers, regardless of race, gender or genre. Too often, we writers fall into the same trap Ms. Due found herself in. And then we find our creativity stifled because of it. Parameters can help map out where we want to go, but when they become too restrictive, too confining, we can end up losing our way. Our voices become old and stale. They become conformed, conformist. A good depiction of this would be a fav movie of mine called Strictly Ballroom. A young dancer wants to dance to his own drummer, so to speak, creating fresher, innovative steps he wants to dance for an upcoming competition. The only problem is that the old guard don’t want to change, don’t want to have to learn new steps. They feel threatened by anything that diverges from the dances that they’ve been performing for decades. The young dancer almost gives into their fears, but luckily breaks free, holds to his own dance. The same way writers have to hold on to their own voices.

That often means putting something out there that many readers may not understand, enjoy, want to even buy. As it is, publishers are all too willing to play it safe. They’re the old guards holding on to what they know. They hold to their bottom lines and their profit margins, which is understandable because after all, publishing is a business and won’t survive without sufficient returns on their investments. So, to keep the fiction fresh, to keep the genre growing, takes more than a risk by the writer; it entails readers giving fresh voices a chance.

Romance is written fantasy, pure and simple. It provides escape, it re-writes reality. But fantasy that doesn’t escape its confines can become trite and boring. In most romance fiction, the tropes don’t diverge much; whether damsel or vixen, rogue or hero, the images conform to standard ideas of beauty. The males, whether alpha or beta, can sweep a woman off her feet. But let’s say the hero is disabled. A collective gasp, right? Messes with the fantasy, doesn’t it? Years ago, a disabled hero would have been unthinkable to me. A soap opera (yes, a soap opera!) set me straight on that score. One of the most sensual, romantic pairings ever depicted on television involved a man who was a parapalegic. And yes, there was a love scene with candles, chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne. To make matters more interesting, the pairing was interracial. Now who sat down and thought up this couple? Whoever it was wrote outside that proverbial box and made this particular woman do all sorts of research on lovemaking positions of paraplegics and my fantasies took a swerve.

What other walls of that box can be broken down? Can’t imagine a heroine with cellulite? Or a balding hero? Can’t imagine protagonists with psychological or sexual demons? (Robin Schone, anyone?) Think you could never fantasize about someone of a different race? Someone young enough to be your son? (OK, yeah, giving myself a plug here) Bisexuality pushing it too far? Everyone has her point of no return, where the fantasy becomes something less enjoyable, the idea unimaginable. Can’t change a person’s life views. I knew one woman who said she would never watch Beauty and the Beast because it smacked of bestiality. So I could imagine she would never read a paranormal romance featuring shapeshifting werewolves or for that matter, vampires. As plentiful as these stories are now, there was a time where the confines of the box didn’t allow for these romantic figures. But someone wrote outside the box or at least, widened it.

I’m new to writing romance and so have never really been confined by the parameters. Formulas tend to be – guess what? – formulaic, so I don’t follow them too strictly. Happily-ever-afters? Well, how is that defined exactly? A pledge of troth or at least a pledge of monogamy? It’d be interesting to see the various ways the box can be shifted on this one, if not outright exploded.

Someone out there has a new voice; actually there are a lot of someones with new, interesting voices. I hope the industry and the readers will give them a chance. And someday down the line, we might see genres evolving into something only reminiscent of what they are now. Something fresher, newer. And believe it or not, that’s a good thing.

One lucky commenter chosen at random will win a copy of Again and The Object of Love, plus a $15 gift certificate to Amazon (from yours truly). Two more winners will be chosen to win a copy of The Object of Love. The winners will be announced on Friday, June 15!

Thanks for coming by to visit, Sharon! We love ya!

Sharon’s contest is now over. Thanks for playing, everyone!

Technorati Tag: Sharon Cullars

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 12th, 2007 at 8:16 pm and is filed under Guest Author. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

27 Responses to “Guest Author: Sharon Cullars”

Ann(ie)
Posted: Jun 10th, 2007 at 11:15 am

I completely agree regarding the need to think outside the box and pushes the boundaries.

Mrs. Giggles reviewed a book called MAD WORLD by Pepper Espinoza:

Pepper Espinoza’s Mad World breaks every rule in the romance genre that I simply have to like this book out of principle. No, really, this story features a sociopathic cop hero and a prostitute - a real one, not some misunderstood poor dear or a virgin on her first night out in the business - in a relationship that will probably go down well only with fans of noir and novels by Anne Stuart and Meagan McKinney. Calling this story “dark” is understating the gritty and tawdry feel of this story.

She gave it an 86, too. This is a must-read for me because of the dark, gritty noir rule-breaking. I love anti-heroes, and to pair him with an anti-heroine? I am so there.

I can’t wait to pick your books too, Sharon. I’ll be able to do some shopping in Dallas in July.

Selene
Posted: Jun 10th, 2007 at 12:00 pm

I always thought it annoying that “all” heroes and heroines (certainly not only in Romance) “have” to be so exceptionally good looking. Is that just wish fulfillment? Hmm… One of my favorite characters (and not only mine, I know) is Bujold’s Miles Vorkosigan, who is disabled but certainly never lets it stop him.

Selene

Ps. I love Robin Schone. Gabriel’s Woman in particular is one of my favorite Romance novels of all time.

Renaesance
Posted: Jun 10th, 2007 at 12:52 pm

Thanks for your article. I love learning about a new author that I haven’t encountered before I’m definately going to check them out.

SweetNSourGirl
Posted: Jun 10th, 2007 at 2:01 pm

My dad and I once had a conversation about characters not being totally perfect physically. It came when we were watching “Silver Bullet” a horrible Stephen King adaptation of the story, but the main character is a young boy in a wheel chair and that gave him some problems. I guess my dad’s point was that when you have fractured characters they’re more relatable and human. And relatability helps the reader connect with the character. Who can relate to Superman anyway?

I try to remember that when I write.

Kimberly
Posted: Jun 10th, 2007 at 3:01 pm

This was a fascinating essay, thanks! I think that “writing outside the box” is something that ought to be welcomed in all genres, and not just romance. I wonder at what point “writing outside the box” stretches so far as jumping into another box, or getting rid of boxes altogether. I’ll use the example of paranormal romances; I read a lot of these, and half the time they are shelved in romance, half in science fiction/fantasy, and I often can’t logically determine where the line is drawn between the two. Nor am I certain where the line is drawn between a simple love story and a romance (though I’ll confess I am new to the genre). It seems like the lines are blurring, which is temporarily confusing, but which in the long run will permit for more varied voices and benefit the industry as a whole.

k
Posted: Jun 10th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
6

Now I’m dying to know which soap opera you’re speaking of!

aBookworm
Posted: Jun 10th, 2007 at 5:23 pm

Wow, this thoughtful article sure made me think. So often I marvel at the repeat of themes and stories that are better off extinct. And I’ve often bemoaned the general lack of imagination among my fave writers. Little did I know that they’re confined by publishing limits. It is good to see the boundaries being stretched, at least in the paranormal sense. But as you mentioned, when will we see an overweight heroine or a balding hero. (Sometimes I truly get tired of the tall, dark and broodingly handsome heros! Is there any charm there anymore?) I’ve read Schone, and oh boy, does this author push the limits! But I haven’t come across many who do so.

Thinking ‘Outside the box’ is something we all need, whether in books or lifestyle. This is so good. I feel inspired!

AnimeJune
Posted: Jun 10th, 2007 at 6:17 pm

Oh - cool! You’ve updated the format of the comments section!

Anyway - I agree with you Selene. Most of the stories that seem to follow a “beauty and the beast” story don’t even make the guy ugly - they just give him a scar or a mole or something easily ignorable, or else they say “he’s so ugly he’s hot”. I find that part of the fantasy of the romance has be to be slightly realistic (at least), so that the reader herself can become part of the fantasy. If gorgeous, large-busomed, wasp-waisted, sun-tressed Lady Alexandra of Prettyton swoons for six-packed, dark-haired, equinely-endowed Lord Jason of Hotfordshire, where’s the fun in that?

I think that’s where the unique voice helps - because the unique writer’s voice comes from an honest-to-goodness human being who’s felt her share of ugly/fat/incompetent at times, so readers can relate.

Karen W.
Posted: Jun 10th, 2007 at 6:22 pm

Very interesting article. I *love* Tananarive Due’s books, and I appreciate books that are a little different and approach things in a fresh way. A good book is a good book, and I don’t care what label they give it as long as I get a good story!

Alyssa
Posted: Jun 10th, 2007 at 6:32 pm

I’ve got a pretty open mind–I don’t mind bisexuality, bestiality, or any other thing you mentioned–and I admire writers who dare to write about them. I haven’t read many romance novels, but the book Perfume by Patrick Suskind (recently made into a movie) is a book that stands out in my mind. It features all kinds of “taboo” subjects: orgies and cannibalism are what I remember. It’s a book read and enjoyed by many, so why can’t other writers “write outside the box?”

I enjoyed this article, and it really got me thinking.

Sue A.
Posted: Jun 10th, 2007 at 8:52 pm

I know how much of risk it must be for an author to push the boundaries of that box, but some of the most memorable authors for me are those that did just that. When an author writes without restrictions, their voice is allowed to soar and readers are rewarded with fresh writing that endures because of the honesty of the real emotions and thoughts behind the work.

One of those authors for me was Octavia E. Bulter. She was an American science fiction writer, one of very few African-American women in the field.

Karen Scott
Posted: Jun 11th, 2007 at 2:35 am

Sharon, some of my fave books have been books written outside the box. Give me a blind or physically impaired hero, and I’m yours for life (as long as the author can string a sentence together obviously). I really enjoy those authors who dare to be different, in the face of all the paranormal, wolfie and vampire stories out there.

As for the whole race thing, as far as I’m concerned, an author who writes IR romance, doesn’t always have to make race the main conflict in the story, or have the protagonists behaving any more differently than your average Joe. I know plenty of real life IR couples who simply go about their business without having to go through major dramas, just because they have different coloured skin.

Incidentally, Object was a fantastically fab book, and I look forward to reading many more offerings from your good self!

AnimeJune
Posted: Jun 11th, 2007 at 4:46 am

Reading Tad Williams’ sci-fi series Otherland, heactually made an action/romantic hero out of a 14-year-old boy with progeria, and he’s absolutely one of my favourite fictional characters ever.

There is something to be said for a mixture of risk and conformity, though - I mean, consider Finnegan’s Wake. Unique? Sure. Risk-taking? I can see that. Do I want to read it? Never.

Jane
Posted: Jun 11th, 2007 at 5:28 am

The problem was she wasn’t from the South nor from the inner city, and these voices were not hers.

This is a fascinating statement. I think I’m probably a reader who generally buys books in her comfort zone but enjoys being surprised. I find it interesting that writing IR is considered writing outside the box. It seems so normal to me and increasingly common in today’s mixed race society.

Crystal B.
Posted: Jun 11th, 2007 at 7:55 am

Great post. I love books that are original and refreshing. I do enjoy being surprised and I look forward to turning the page to see what is going to happen next because the book is outside of what I normally read.

Sandra
Posted: Jun 11th, 2007 at 8:57 am

They always tell would-be writers to ‘write about what you know’, which, if you lead a basically dull middle-class existence, would make for really dull books. I say, write about what you find interesting, and the readers will too. Although, if you are going to make your heroine a smoke-jumper in Montana, say, you’d better do the research. Sloppiness, of the ‘they’re not gonna know the difference’ variety, always irritates me. I tossed one book because it was a medieval and the Scottish hero was wearing a kilt and a plaid. They didn’t become two distinct garments until the 18th Century! Before that, it was just one long piece of cloth; the wearer wrapped part of it around his waist and draped the rest over his shoulder. Well, i’m way off topic, so I should shut up now.

Bonnie Dee
Posted: Jun 11th, 2007 at 10:00 am

Outside the box? I’m there. Everything I like to read, watch or write has some kind of quirky twist. There can never be enough anti-heroes or heroines to suit me.

I loved both your books, but especially The Object of Love because I really enjoy a younger man theme in a story. Sean was so tortured and so hot. Throw in a ghostly twist and a number of characters looking for redemption or release in one form or another, including a great cast of supporting characters, and you have a winner.

Roslyn
Posted: Jun 11th, 2007 at 10:32 am

I just wonder who made up these rules and how many writers have been crippled by them? I’m so grateful that when I wrote my book I didn’t know there was a non-celebrity ‘rule.’ Writing is too damned hard to writing anything other than what you want to write. If that’s the case I might as well go back to the 9 to 5.

AnimeJune
Posted: Jun 11th, 2007 at 12:09 pm

Well, when people say “write what you know,” they probably mean “apply what you know to what you write.” I write fantasy, for instance, and I’ve never had a half-parrot brother or been granted three wishes or encountered a wizard, etc. etc. But parts of my experience and my doubts and my hopes still end up in the story anyway.

Bettie
Posted: Jun 11th, 2007 at 12:51 pm

I wonder if publishers are more responsible for “in the box” writing than readers are.

Most readers appreciate creativity - it’s why we read fiction. Booksellers and publishers, on the other hand, need categories for their sales projections and shelving. “Out of the box” is difficult to categorize and difficult to create sales projections for - but as soon as an out-of-the-box book makes bank, it seems like publishers redraw the lines and start turning out similar offerings.

Sharon
Posted: Jun 11th, 2007 at 1:29 pm

Wow, thanks for all the responses. The thing is, writing “inside the box” has proven to be profitable for business and makes it easier for publishers to categorize fiction. Still, the crux of publishing books should be promoting good literature, and that box is stifling for anyone who wants to break free of what I’ll call pre-fabs. Remember how the first suburbs had the pre-fab homes that looked alike without much variation - until people tired of them. There’s definitely nothing wrong with writing what you know, which Ms. Due did with her characters, but then a writer should expand on that with nothing limiting creativity but the stratosphere. And that may involve seeing protagonists as more than idealistic figures. Flaws can be fascinating when written well.

Jane, regarding IR lit, unfortunately for some, that is still a taboo subject, although it definitely shouldn’t be. Literature, whether literary or genre, can provoke even as it entertains and the provocation shouldn’t dispel the enjoyment. Forcing your audience to rethink concepts and stereotypes broadens thinking.

One of my favorite YA books is A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine D’Engle and in one of the chapters presents monstrous-looking creatures as benevolent and nurturing whereas the human looking residents of a planet are the real threat, having given themselves over to comformity. “Ugly” being presented as good was a reversal of a presumption dating back to medieval times. Sci-fi author Greg Bear’s Eternity presented a world where some characters were one-celled ameobas which threw me at first, but then made me think later, why not? Although scifi/fantasy is more open to expanding out of the box, I don’t see why other genres can’t be more flexible with that box.

Like Billy Preston once sung, “I got a story without no moral, where the bad guy sometimes wins…” Imagine a book like that - then imagine the eight seasons of The Sopranos.

By the way, k, that soap opera was Port Charles and the couple were named Matt and Ellen. One of my fav TV couples.

Kristie(J)
Posted: Jun 11th, 2007 at 4:02 pm

I prefer books written outside the box. Some are a bit too far outside my own personal one, but even though it is, I still admire the author for doing it. Sadly, I find that box almost getting smaller and smaller anymore.
BTW - I just recently read The Object of Love - and I think Bam’s review was one of the reasons I picked it up - and I loved it!

k
Posted: Jun 11th, 2007 at 6:18 pm

Oh, Ms. Cullars, thank you so much! I watch GH regularly now and I was pretty sure nothing that awesome had ever happened on that soap. (I watch, I snark, I love because of very very low expectations.) But apparently it was the same *town.* I love the actress, I’m not surprised she was made of awesome in the part.

kim h
Posted: Jun 11th, 2007 at 7:36 pm
24

the books sound great

Roslyn
Posted: Jun 12th, 2007 at 6:04 am

Its funny to me that people in a ‘creative’ industry is so insistent on conformity. They do it in movies as well. Someone gets a hit, and every movie you see for the next ten years is based on that same theme. I remember writing up promos for my book and being asked if there were any books that were similar to mine. I couldn’t really think of any. I guess that should’ve been a clue, huh? I guess with entertainment being such an expensive industry, its easier to go with a known quantity, but it definitely stifles creativity.

Jambrea
Posted: Jun 12th, 2007 at 6:47 pm

I enjoyed the article and agree about writing out side the box. Every person will have their favorite and there is no getting around that. I know that I enjoy a good story no matter the genre or race of the characters. To me…a good story is a good story! I can’t wait to read “Again” it is now on my list! : )

Teresa W.
Posted: Jun 13th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
27

Enjoyed the interview and the book sounds great!

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