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Guest Author: Marta Acosta

One random commenter will win a copy of Midnight Brunch AND Happy Hour at Casa Dracula. Go for it! Winner will be announced this Friday.

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When I first started writing fiction, an editor told my agent, “If she ever writes anything conventional, I’d love to see it.” I took this as encouragement (which is different than taking it as advice) and wrote a romantic comedy — with vampires. Why vampires? I thought it would be funny to have a romantic story in which a smart, feisty young woman was socially rejected by rich, snobby bloodsuckers. As a result, my novels Happy Hour at Casa Dracula and Midnight Brunch don’t fit neatly into any category.

I was so out of the publishing scene that I didn’t know that books were marketed by genres. Even if I had known I probably wouldn’t have paid attention, because I always think that rules are for other people. This doesn’t make me an ideal employee, which is why I admired former co-workers who spent every day reading romance novels. They’d balance books on their laps and when anyone came by, they’d slide their chairs close to their desks, hiding the books. I thought it was fabulous that they’d figured out a way to get paid for reading.

They loaned me a few of their novels. I have a vague memory of a story involving a pirate and a captive woman, the high seas, and lots of thrusting and heaving of various things. I liked the books well enough, but I never got hooked on the genre. Occasionally I would write a short romantic spoof to entertain my pals. “They’re good,” they said. “Keep writing.”


Fast-forward to the present. When I sold my Casa Dracula series, I searched the internet for various book websites and stumbled upon the world of romance. I discovered that authors and fans were far from the stereotype of the dowdy, unfulfilled housewife. They were like my pals, bright, amusing, talented. They were attorneys, professors, homemakers, teachers, architects, students, veterinarians, every job imaginable. What they had in common was their gender and their devotion to a genre in which romantic passion is celebrated.

James Brown sang, “It’s a man’s, man’s, man’s world,” but romance is a place where women have control. At first I felt silly hanging out at romance websites. But I like the crowd. I like the brazen opinions, the outrageous bawdiness, the open exchange of opinions, the support of one another, the female energy.

And the sense of humor is evident everywhere, from Dionne’s Cover Snark to Smart Bitches Who Love Trashy Novels. These women don’t take themselves too seriously, but they have the intelligence and confidence to express their opinions.

So, I’m hanging out on the periphery of the romance world because the conversation is lively, the décor is cool, and the drinks are great. I’m picking up the jargon and can drop the terms HEA and alpha male in conversation. I’ve learned about romance book stats, stars, and events. Nope, I’m never going to be a player on the home team, but for an outsider by nature, it’s enough for me to hang out in the clubhouse. And I also hope that the romance fans will see that we have things in common (a love of humor, smart heroines, and sexy guys) and will venture to try my books.

This entry was posted on Monday, July 23rd, 2007 at 11:00 am 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.

28 Responses to “Guest Author: Marta Acosta”

  1. Jaime
    Posted: Jul 23rd, 2007 at 11:56 am
    1

    “At first I felt silly hanging out at romance websites. But I like the crowd. I like the brazen opinions, the outrageous bawdiness, the open exchange of opinions, the support of one another, the female energy. ”

    I felt exactly as you do/did…then I told myself to embrace it and enjoy the exchange and the camaraderie. I am on my way right now to check out your books. Thanks for the article…

    p.s. who cares about conventional…Peace.

  2. Marta Acosta
    Posted: Jul 23rd, 2007 at 12:09 pm
    2

    Hi, Jaime, thanks for stopping by! Yep, the camaraderie is a delightful surprise to those unfamiliar with the genre. In my home life, I’m surrounded by males, so it’s refreshing to hear women’s opinions and thoughts.

  3. Dark Luck
    Posted: Jul 23rd, 2007 at 12:19 pm
    3

    Conventional is boring! If it wasn’t for a few writers thinking outside the box then we’d never have vampire porn or gay werewolf love in novels.

    Viva la smut! Humour and smut is even better!

    Romance websites can be fun and informative and are a great way to keep track of who is doing what so your little corner of unconventional can stay fresh and new.

  4. L
    Posted: Jul 23rd, 2007 at 12:52 pm
    4

    I hope I can find both of these books. It’s never the complete series at the local book store.

    It’s good to hear you’ve stuck around and have put in a stake for readers whose tastes can very from the normal. XD

  5. crystal adkins
    Posted: Jul 23rd, 2007 at 12:58 pm
    5

    I have to say I love Marta Acosta! Midnight Brunch was roll on the floor hilarious! I will read it again! I would love to win a copy of Happy Hour at Casa Dracula. If its like her other book I am sure it will be a great read!
    Lots of love and hugs, Crystal
    www.bookreviewsbycrystal.blogspot.com

  6. Jackie
    Posted: Jul 23rd, 2007 at 1:18 pm
    6

    If you love Bam (and who doesn’t?) and the Bitches, you should also check out Mrs Giggles: http://www.mrsgiggles.com and the two Ja(y)nes at Dear Author: http://dearauthor.com

    Huzzah for unconventionalityishness!

  7. Jen
    Posted: Jul 23rd, 2007 at 1:31 pm
    7

    Who wouldn’t want to hang out with romance writers and readers? We are a ton of fun, and can laugh at ourselves- but we don’t take shit from the New York Times making fun of our love. And all the men in our books have cocks that can block out the sun.

  8. Amy S.
    Posted: Jul 23rd, 2007 at 1:32 pm
    8

    Both books sound very good!

  9. Cherie J
    Posted: Jul 23rd, 2007 at 1:52 pm
    9

    I enjoy books that embrace more than one genre and yours sound really good.

  10. Marta Acosta
    Posted: Jul 23rd, 2007 at 1:56 pm
    10

    Hi, everyone. Thanks for the comments!

    Jackie, I have checked out Mrs. Giggles and I frequently lurk at Dear Author. Both sites are going to take a look at my novels.

    Dark Luck, I think you should print up bumper stickers that say, “Viva la smut!”

  11. Alyssa
    Posted: Jul 23rd, 2007 at 3:18 pm
    11

    Oh yay, this is kind of exciting! I came upon one of your books at the library (though I didn’t pick it up, I’m ashamed to say…), and judging by its summary, you have fresh and original ideas. Perhaps I’ll give one of your books a try; I do love vampires, especially fresh takes on them.

  12. catie
    Posted: Jul 23rd, 2007 at 4:06 pm
    12

    You rock Marta! I love people who are too busy doing things their own way to even notice the established “rules.” :)

  13. Kimberly
    Posted: Jul 23rd, 2007 at 4:28 pm
    13

    Your books sound terrific! I admire people who write books that don’t clearly fit into one genre or another, and who bring a touch of humor to the formerly serious (under)world of vampires.

  14. SweetNSourGirl
    Posted: Jul 23rd, 2007 at 4:39 pm
    14

    Conventions suck! Who ever remembers a story that fits PERFECTLY into any genre. Not me! I remember stories that are different and have an interesting plot and lively characters. Plus if a story DOES fit into a category perfectly, it (usually) isn’t very good.

  15. tami
    Posted: Jul 23rd, 2007 at 4:42 pm
    15

    i LOVE LOVE LOVE ‘midnight brunch” one of the funniest storys ive read and a wonderful version of how they are vampires

    i think this series is going to be like betsy and sookie

  16. Erica R
    Posted: Jul 23rd, 2007 at 5:02 pm
    16

    I thought it would be funny to have a romantic story in which a smart, feisty young woman was socially rejected by rich, snobby bloodsuckers.

    LOL!!! Sounds funny to me, too. I love funny paranormals. Since I also write unconventional funny paranormals, you’ve given me hope! =)

  17. HelenKay
    Posted: Jul 23rd, 2007 at 7:21 pm
    17

    I just wanted to stop in and say that I read both of these books and loved them. Marta’s take on the vampire world is fresh and funny. Everybody should run out and get these!!

  18. BevL(QB)
    Posted: Jul 23rd, 2007 at 8:20 pm
    18

    Note to the Bamster: Please don’t enter me in the drawing, I’ve already got the books.

    Hi Marta! I started Casa Dracula earlier today and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. Some of her snark towards her mother had me actually laughing out loud! This is damn good stuff and I don’t know from one page to the next, whether to sympathize with Milagro’s awkwardness, or cheer her on for her “F.U.” attitude! (Pun intended for those who have read the book)

  19. Crystal B.
    Posted: Jul 24th, 2007 at 4:57 am
    19

    Great blog post. Your books sound great.

  20. Katie Ann
    Posted: Jul 24th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
    20

    There is a major lacking in paranormal romantic comedies out there, even just really funny romances can be pretty hard to find, so I’ll definitely be checking you out (or winning them!).

  21. Sue A.
    Posted: Jul 24th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
    21

    I’ve always appreciated authors who think outside of the box. ;-)

  22. Marta Acosta
    Posted: Jul 24th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
    22

    Thanks for all the kind words! I always think readers are much more flexible and interested in things outside the norm than people assume.

    Hi, good to see you here, Helen Kay! Back to the topic of non-romancers hanging out at romance websites, I always enjoy Helen Kay Dimon’s blog and her website, www.helenkaydimon.com.

  23. Cathie
    Posted: Jul 24th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
    23

    Hi Everyone! Its great to be visiting here, as I posted some time ago but haven’t been to visit and see how much I missed!

    Oh I love this already when I looked up the two books!!! Is this a series we can look forward to more of the books with the same characters Marta? Too, have you read some vampire romance books and which did you like?

    I remember the first time I bought a vampire romance book after I was at a chat. So I thought I’d try it so I went to the store and got it. When I brought the book home, I chickened out, LOL. I didn’t think I could read it. I then told the group and they had me go back and get it again and I was up all night reading it. So reading about yours, I think I’m going to be hooked again :)

  24. Karen W.
    Posted: Jul 24th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
    24

    I agree with the others. Who needs conventional?!? Your books sound great, and I’ll check them out.

  25. Tumperkin
    Posted: Jul 24th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
    25

    Totally seconding all of the above. Marta - you’re so right about romance websites, Discovering Bam’s website and, from that, a whole pile of other ones, has really broadened my reading horizons and led to me reading some really great books that I would never otherwise have picked up, many of which are not available in bookshops in the UK.

    Funnily enough, Bam, I found your site when I googled “Susan Napier Mistress Groom”. I’d just read Mistress of the Groom and wanted to know if anyone else had been as appalled/entertained/gobsmacked as I had. Bam’s review had me crying with laughter (one of your best Bam).

  26. Mardel
    Posted: Jul 25th, 2007 at 12:09 am
    26

    I actually read Happy hour at Casa Dracula. It was funny. I’m glad that writers are writing outside normal genres. When I was very young there wasn’t much of a variety out there. Now thanks to writers like you, Kim Harrison, Rachel Vincent and Patricia Briggs (just to name a few) there is so much to choose from.

  27. Kaz Augustin
    Posted: Jul 25th, 2007 at 3:33 am
    27

    Yes, I come to romance via a very similar route. Now that I have a couple of stories under my belt (though nothing at all like Marta!), I feel I’m starting to hit my stride. It’s taken many months, but I’m delighted to be amongst such a diverse and talented crowd which I never would have envisaged in my early romance-reading days. And the Bitches rock!

  28. Marta Acosta
    Posted: Jul 25th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
    28

    In response to Cathie’s questions, yes, this is a series, and I’m working on the third book now. I wish I had a title for it, but that will come later.

    As for my vampire reading, I’m a fan of Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse books and really excited about the upcoming HBO series. I also liked the historical vamp romance THE COMPANION by Susan Squires. I really enjoyed Christopher Moore’s first vamp novel, BLOODSUCKING FIENDS, and I’ve got a stack of vamp books that I haven’t had a chance to read.

    I loved “Buffy, the Vampire Slayer,” and still miss that series. But there’s an interesting new vamp series coming out, “Moonlight,” that I’ll be sure to watch.

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