Sheri Fredricks's Blog

Well, well. Here I am.

It’s been a long road back, and you’ve probably thought I dropped off the earth. Maybe I did. At least for a while.

Seasons of life can take huge swaths of our time. Have you ever noticed that? For instance, we have kids, and BAM, there goes 18 years of repetitive action. Cook, clean, drive, pull out my wallet…

Earlier in the year my laptop slowed to a drip, and I got it replaced with a desktop model. While transferring files, I saw a story I started. In reading it, because that’s what we do when we procrastinate–we read– I thought “Hot damn. I wrote this?”

Fast-forward to today. I finished the first draft of Mythic Divine, the third book in The Centaurs series. This is Khristos’s story. He’s the spirit guide that everyone loves to hate. He’s snobby, resentful, and a wee bit prejudice against other mythic species. And I introduce a new character, Trixania.

I have to do another lap through the story before it heads out to beta readers for another review. The cover is complete and I’m working on the logline (the short summary that captures to essence of the story).

Here’s what I have so far. Let me know what you think:

An emotionally scarred Nymph Assassin is forced into the custody of a prideful Centaur priest. As passion flares and trust grows, love becomes the most dangerous weapon of all.

The post The Centaur Series Grows appeared first on Sheri Fredricks.

It’s not the size of the dog in the fight…

…it’s the size of their balls.

So, I tweaked the old saying a bit. We’ve all heard the original, how it’s the size of the fight in the dog, but not until recently did I apply it to myself.

A friend and I were emailing back and forth. She told me a funny scary story about her dog, Lass, and the trouble she got into. Apparently, 30-pound Lass likes to chase 300-pound bears when they go on hikes (which rhymes with Yikes!). Have you ever seen such a thing?

Photo by KoolShooters on Pexels.com

After laughing watching the video my friend shot with her cell phone, it made me wonder how big Lass’s non-existent balls were. I mean, I weigh a teeny bit (cough-cough) over 30 pounds, and I would never go after a freaking bear.

One word holds the difference between Lass the Bear Chaser and I:

Confidence

Back when I was a new author who happily penned my weird original material, I owned confidence by the bucketfuls. Isn’t that the beauty of innocence? Nobody ever told me that shapeshifting centaurs were a niche genre.

Just like nobody told Lass she was smaller than the bear.

Confidence was my friend … until gravity made things fall. Things such as sales ranking, for instance.

I wish I were more like Lass and go chase that damn bear! Go balls out, bark my loudest, and not let fear enter the game. Maybe the best way to channel my inner Lass is to write like I used to, being creatively naïve, and fly the middle finger at gravity.

I’ll bark at the freaking 300-pound bear!

Go forth and be bold today, friends.
And may your balls be large.

XO,
Sheri

The post The Size of Her Balls appeared first on Sheri Fredricks.

Some days are tougher than others. It’s been really hot here with temps over 100° F for the past two weeks. We try °not to run our AC below 82° F, which makes sleep a bleeping challenge.

After another restless, sweaty night, I really needed a cup of coffee to wake my ass up. I popped in a Kona pod, turned on the coffeemaker, and—nothing. Damn thing didn’t even turn on. Fine, it’s been acting up, and I knew it was a matter of time before the thing took a dump on me. A hike to the barn to grab the extra coffee maker out of the horse trailer, set up our number two drip, and—nothing. I mean, what are the chances? Right??

At this point, I really don’t need coffee anymore. Out in the garage, stored on top of our tall cabinets, is a box labeled CAMPING. Getting that cup of coffee is personal now. I had to crawl on top of the Hummer in order to reach the box, then crawl back down without scratching the paint. A quick dig and I found it: Old Betsy. The tin stove top, percolating coffee pot that belonged to my father during the Korean War and all his time in the service.

Best damn pot of coffee I’ve ever had.

And that’s when I realized it’s the little things that bring me happiness. My random joy from the simplest of experiences. Since then, I’ve thought of other random things that light up my day and make me smile.

The Power of Nature

I find joy in simply stepping outside. Fresh air instantly boosts my mood (unless it’s freaking 105° and feels like a preheated oven). I love the feeling when the sun shines on my skin or when birds chirp nearby. To walk outdoors reconnects me with the Natural world. Stress seems to slide away (unless I see something else that needs fixing, like the corner fence post). Ten minutes with nature can reboot my well-being. I just need to make sure I’m facing the opposite way of the barn.

The Joy of Music

A good song can lift my mood. I used to crank Eric Johnson’s Cliffs of Dover before my girlfriends and I hit the town. Music gives me an instant boost of random joy.

The other day my youngest spawn was blasting music while in the shower. He was singing (he’s damn good, too) along, which surprised me because he knew most of the words. After he opened the bathroom door, music still loud, and heard me singing from my desk, he walked over and we finished the song together: Boni Jovi, Livin’ On A Prayer.

Favorite tracks can bring back great memories. Course, the opposite holds true too, so just don’t go there. LOL. The research I did shows that “listening to music releases dopamine, the feel-good hormone.” Yeah, I’m all about the feel-good. Aren’t you?

Acts of Kindness

I was at the grocery store where they keep their shopping carts outside. As I walked up, I noticed a little old lady holding the handle of her little purse in both hands, waiting her turn to get a cart. Not one person, they’re all assholes now in my book, offered her a cart. Since I was walking past the cart corral anyway, I just grabbed the nearest cart on the end, pulled it along behind me, and handed it to her.

Did I mention it’s been HOT outside? She was SWEATING. The sweet old lady smiled and winked, then went inside. I saw her again in the dairy section. When it’s hot outside, that’s a nice, cool place to have a chat. She thought the other people (you know, the rude ones who couldn’t be bothered to give a cart to the elderly?) were probably not spanked as children and grew up to be asshole adults. LOL, great minds…

Truly, the easiest way to find random joy is to help others. An act of kindness, no matter how small, creates a wave of happiness in their life and yours. Something as basic as holding a door open for someone or telling a stranger how nice they look.

Again with my online research, engaging in acts of kindness not only helps those in need but also boosts your own sense of happiness. (I’m Sheri Fredricks and I approve this message.)

Cute Animals

I only have to look at Kitt the Shit and I’m all smiles. I can’t resist her adorable little face. Whether it’s an uncoordinated puppy or a playful kitten, animals bring smiles to my face.

Some people make fun of those who watch cute animal videos online, but I’m telling you, it’ll give you a quick hit of happiness. I don’t know why it is, either. My advice (not that anyone asked for it) is if you don’t have an animal to pet (because the act of petting a dog or cat—not a cow, though, because they’ll usually kick), then watching fun animal YouTube videos will significantly reduce your stress levels. Try it; you’ll like it! (Again, I’m not talking about petting the cow.)

Children’s Laughter

This one is controversial. Nothing irritated me more than the sounds of my spawn laughing when it was half-past GO TO FUCKING BED! Especially when two parents want a little evening nookie time but they can’t because the little shits kept popping up next to our bed like living Jack-in-the-boxes and …. Whew, I need to go pet Kitt the Shit.

Okay—Most times, nothing is more infectious than the sounds of pure innocent joy heard in a child’s laughter. Best part for me is these days it isn’t my kid. I can walk away and not think about the scream-crying that will come later during the witching hour. Parents of little kids, here is something I discovered. While you are apologizing with embarrassment to random strangers for your kid crying or pitching a fit, remember this: their shrill little voices grate on your nerves more than anyone else’s.

Ergo, you might think little Dougie is cute when making faces at people or picking his nose, but chances are nobody else does. Don’t encourage the behavior by smiling at your kid, then looking around to see who’s watching your sideshow.

Still, a little kid’s laughter can light up a dull moment. Why? Well, for me, it reminds me of the carefree spirit of childhood. The time I vaguely remember before I understood gravity and had responsibilities. I swear, sometimes I can feel their random joy and playfulness.

Books and Stories

Reading! How many times have I written this in one of my blogs that stories whisk us away into other worlds and times? Personally, I find random joy in losing myself between the pages of a well-written book.

Stories (cough*Sheri Fredricks*cough) can be a total escape and offer new views on life. Let’s say you picked up a romance about a porn star. Maybe Monica Beggs for instance, and you’ve always hated porn stars. Reading about one in a romance book may actually help you find empathy for them, which is a key ingredient for happiness. Um, empathy is the key ingredient for happiness, not the porn star. Though I’ve heard “happy endings” give joy to many. Grin!

Simply put, find your joy. Whether I find it in nature or through simple acts of kindness, random joy is all around. I think the hardest part is learning how to notice the sometimes small but always significant moments that bring the most happiness each day.

So, keep an eye on the prize to bring joy to your life! Wait, another thought just hit: I have to appreciate my random joy first to make it a gift I’ll enjoy. Oh, for fuck’s sake, I’m getting philosophical.

The bottom line is that it’s the little things that make the biggest differences in my moods and my life! Well, that and a working coffee pot.

XO,
Sheri

The post Random Joy: Simple Things That Make Me Smile appeared first on Sheri Fredricks.

I’ve been challenged to share seven things about my writing.  

*Cue blank look*  

Okay! Okay, I got it. 

 I write in bursts that vary from one word to one hour. Why? Because I don’t have an office where I can close a door and shut out the world.  

My concentration is constantly being challenged by the voice of my youngest spawn calling, “Hey, Mom?” or my husband (who has HIS own office) shouting, “Babe, will you look at this before it goes out?”, or our neighing, baaing, and barking animals. 

I complete most of my writing while standing. And it’s not ‘cause I don’t have a chair. Nope, sitting is for sissies. Standing is for studs (or stud-ettes). 

Truth is, my back and ass hurt if I sit longer than fifteen or twenty minutes. The panache of youth has come back to haunt me. *sigh* 

The first book I wrote, Remedy Maker , had a complete 30,000-word outline (aka plotting). The second book, Troll-y Yours , I wrote shooting from the hip (aka pantsing). 

And what did that teach me? Apparently nothing, because I wrote the next two stories using a combination of both methods. (aka Plotsing?) Now that I understand myself and the writing methods that work best for me, a complete outline is my modus operandi. 

(Am I really only on #4?) Many of my book characters are based on real people. (Yes, that means YOU!) 

Don’t worry, I’ll change your name so your friends won’t recognize you. Maybe—hehehe.

Once upon a time, I sold Mary Kay. During that time, I looked at everyone’s faces to evaluate their skin and makeup needs. Now, you’re all fodder for my books and potential characters, plotting to take over a fictional world! Buahahaha!! Or, maybe I’ve trapped you in a pitch-dark room, crying for your mommy. But if you’re really nice to me? Well, I’ll just leave it at that. 

Robotic vacuum cleaners RULE!  

Why did I mention this as part of my writing life? Mainly because I don’t have time to mess with that crap when there’s a story clogging my brain. Even as I type right now, my little friend has happily sucked up the spoils in our living room and is zooming to redock his little self. My Neato is named B.O.B., by the way. One thing I have learned during my author life: outsource that which others can do. 

I find that exercise is important, especially when I have been sedentary for hours. 

The hamster in my brain runs faster on its wheel after a thirty-minute walk. Running Moving away from the white space and into the world seems to reboot my mental hard drive and opens the gray matter file to download info. When I’m writing a particularly tough scene, one that is emotionally driven, I’ll head out the door with my little dog. If a walk in the fresh air doesn’t help, and it’s too early to start drinking, I’ll search YouTube for an appropriate punishment in Yoga. 

Most of my writing is done on the laptop. 

Before writing on a laptop, I used one of my spawns’ computers. If both were in use, I’d use my husband’s desktop model in his office. I tried to plotting a story in freehand once but my mind moved faster than I could pen it out. I ended up frustrated, finger cramped, and needing a drink.  

So there you have it, Sheri Fredricks in a nutshell. And while that remark in itself should generate a few hardy-har comments, it is the REAL me. 

Thank you for stopping by! If you have a moment, share some tidbits about your writing habits. 

XO, 

Sheri 

The post Seven Things About How I Write appeared first on Sheri Fredricks.

The Linguistic Gymnastics of Romance

Where hearts flutter, bosoms heave, and the language is as colorful, if not corny, as a Nooworks designer on a caffeine rush. Whether you’re a die-hard reader who dreams sepia-toned love scenes or an author writing your next bestseller, you’ve probably giggled (or groaned) at all the euphemisms that pepper these passionate pages.

Once the thought popped into my brain, I got curious. After a bit of research, I’m sharing with you some of the eye rolling, laugh out loud, entertaining terms I found used for sex, genitals, and sexual actions, broken down by subgenre.

Warning: Hot and Spicy Ahead

Subgenre Safari: Exploring the Vocabulary of LoveHistorical Romance

In the glittering ballrooms where hoop skirts abound and sweating seems to be everyone’s accessory, it’s all about finesse when it comes to the lingo. Characters might look prim and proper on the surface, but their words are practically dripping with sly hints and cheeky undertones.

Instead of:

Sex: Joining, making love, becoming oneGenitals: manhood, womanhood (those two reign supreme in historicals), turgid shaft, velvety foldsSexual Action: claiming her, taking her to new heights of pleasure (ahem, in the latter, the partner sounds pretty damn sure of themselves! And who says HE can’t be taken there too? Come on, a little diversity, please!)

Example: His turgid shaft claimed her velvety folds. They became one as he claimed her beneath the chandelier’s glow, a crescendo of passion taking her to new heights that left them breathless.

Purple prose, anyone?

Contemporary Romance

Modern lovers might use more straightforward terms, but there’s still a flair for the dramatic.
Isn’t it funny how the language of love has changed? No more long, cheesy speeches. It’s all about Netflix and crazy reality show vibes. The way we speak is so precise these days, cutting right through the bullshit lines and getting straight to the point.

Lexicon of Love in today’s era: honest words, mixed with drama, and a bit of originality thrown in!

Sex: getting it on, hooking up, making loveGenitals: package, junk; and for the ladies, pussy, centerSexual Action: taking her hard and fast, and lest we forget: hawk tuah and spit on that thang!

Example: His package was large, like a Christmas present, one she was ready to unwrap, then hawk tuah and spit on that thang with the enthusiasm of a kid on a sugar high.

Paranormal Romance

When the lover is a vampire or a shapeshifting centaur, the language gets a bit… otherworldly.

Instead of:

Sex: Mating, bonding, connecting on a primal levelGenitals: Throbbing length, slick core – FYI, in Troll-y Yours , Alex affectionately named his unit Meat Wrench.Sexual Action: Devouring her, dropping between her legs

Example: Under the full moon, his throbbing length found her slick core, their primal connection igniting a flame that devoured her.

Inspirational Romance

Even sweet and inspirational romance finds a way to express love beautifully.

Sex: Becoming one in spirit and bodyGenitals: Sacred places, holy unionSexual Action: Uniting in love, sharing a divine connection

Example: Their sacred places met in a holy union, sharing a divine connection that brought them closer to heaven.

Romantic Wrap Up

So, boom, there you have it. A quick overview of romance novel euphemisms. The lexicon of love has many languages, and most are hilarious. Whether you’re an author crafting your own story, or a reader (maybe a reviewer?) diving into another, the words used for love, sex, and body parts are sure to make us chuckle, blush, or both.

Now, it’s your turn: What’s your favorite, or least fav, word used in romance novels to describe…you know. The things.

Leave your thoughts in the comments and let’s make this conversation lively.

Until next time!

XO,
Sheri

The post The Hilarious Lexicon of Romance Novel Love appeared first on Sheri Fredricks.

So, I did a thing. I wanted to write a list of subgenres in the Romance category as an FYI to me, and maybe a future blog. Because, really, nothing screams louder of procrastination than doing sublime shit like this when I ought to be writing.

I also spent a few seconds thinking of the poor souls who have never read a romance book. Yes, I’ve heard they exist. Hard to believe, I know. And I’ve also had people say to my face that romance books are “mommy porn” as they sneer down their nose at me. Sure, some are. But if that’s what a person is into, then who the fuck are they to judge? What if I snoop through their bedroom drawers, then compare their secret items requiring lube, to a romance book found in the checkout aisle?

The “no romance books for me” peeps might side-eye our genre, but they’re the ones missing out. I have seven reasons to give folks who are anti on why Romance reads—and their readers—are the bomb-dot-com!

First off, variety is the spice of life, baby! It’s good to download the brain with variations. I’m talking about different genres, not sexual positions, although there is a lot a person can learn in that department, too, from reading Romance. Don’t believe me? Ha! Ask my husband.

During high school, I wasn’t much into history. Though I sat next to a gal who gobbled it up and spat that shit all day long. Hand me a history book, fiction or non-fiction, and I’ll fall asleep faster than Ambien can work.

However, I’m more interested these days because of historical romance. You name it, and there’s a subgenre for it in Romance. There are the major subs, like Paranormal Romance and how HUGE the genre really is. I’m not talking the number of books available and the continuous number uploaded daily.

I like to think of it this way: The Romance genre is like a buffet for book lovers—it caters to every taste.

When I mentioned the genre is huge—

—I wasn’t kidding. Because in Romance, we’re allowed to mix subgenres! Yeah, I know! And there’s some wild ones out there. Most everyone has heard of Contemporary Romance, but subgenres also have their own subgenres. Here’s the ones I found just for CR:

Romantic Comedy (Rom-Com): Lighthearted, humorous love stories.Chick Lit: Focuses on the heroine’s life and growth, often with humor.Sports Romance: Focuses on athletes and sports-related settings.Cowboy Romance: Yee-haw, you got it.Military Romance: Involves characters who are in the military or dealing with military life.Medical Romance: Set in hospitals or revolves around healthcare professionals.Second Chance Romance: Characters rekindle a past romance.Single Parent Romance: Features single parents finding love.Baby Love Romance: Features pregnancy, babies, and kids.Office Romance: Relationships develop in a workplace setting.Small-Town Romance: Set in quaint, small-town settings.Amnesia Romance: I can’t remember what this one’s about.Celebrity Romance: Involves one or both protagonists being celebrities.Holiday Romance: Centered around holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s Day.Friends to Lovers: Characters start as friends and develop a romantic relationship.Enemies to Lovers: Characters initially dislike each other but fall in love.Billionaire Romance: Features wealthy protagonists, often with a power dynamic.Romantic Suspense: Combines romance with elements of suspense or mystery.Rock Star Romance: Focuses on musicians and the music industry.Forbidden Romance: Love that is forbidden or faces significant obstacles.LGBT Romance: Focuses on romantic relationships between characters who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.Multicultural Romance: Involves protagonists from different cultural backgrounds.Interracial Romance: Focuses on relationships between people of different races.Clean Romance: Minimal or no explicit content, focusing more on emotional connection.Amish Romance: Set in the Amish community, with their unique cultural backdrop.

There’s a wide range of tastes going on there. Come on, if you can’t find something good to read out of that group, then how about… Historical Romance? HR has a LOT going on too:

Viking (Dark or Middle Ages)Regency Romance: Set during the British Regency era (1811-1820).Victorian Romance: Set during the Victorian era (1837-1901).Medieval Romance: Set during the Middle Ages (5th to 15th century).Georgian Romance: Set during the Georgian era (1714-1830).Edwardian Romance: Set during the Edwardian era (1901-1910).Tudor Romance: Set during the Tudor period (1485-1603).Ancient World Romance: Set in ancient civilizations like Rome, Greece, or Egypt.Renaissance Romance: Set during the Renaissance period (14th to 17th century).Pirate Romance: Involves pirates and nautical adventures.Western Romance: Set in the American West during the 19th century.American Civil War Romance: Set during the American Civil War (1861-1865).Colonial Romance: Set during the colonial period in various countries.Scottish Highlands Romance: Set in the Scottish Highlands, often involving clans and lairds.Viking Romance: Set during the Viking Age, involving Norse warriors.World War I Romance: Set during World War I (1914-1918).World War II Romance: Set during World War II (1939-1945).Gothic Romance: Combines romance with elements of horror and mystery, often set in the 18th or 19th century.Celtic Romance: Set in ancient Celtic lands, involving druids and Celtic myths.Native American Romance: Set during various periods, focusing on Native American cultures and relationships.Frontier Romance: Set on the American frontier during westward expansion.Time-Travel Historical Romance: Characters travel back in time to historical periods and find romance.Inspirational Historical Romance: Incorporates faith-based themes set in historical contexts.Napoleonic Romance: Set during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815).Restoration Romance: Set during the English Restoration (1660-1688).Gilded Age Romance: Set during the Gilded Age in America (1870s to early 1900s).Prehistoric Romance: Set in prehistoric times, involving early human societies.

Remember above, where I admitted to snoozing through history in high school, then later I discovered Historical Romance and had an about-face?

While I’m still not voracious about the subject, most everything I learned of history I found between these novels’ pages. I know a few HR authors and I’m just aghast at the amount of research they happily perform. I mean, like, college history majors have nothing on this select group of authors.

Subgenres have subgenres. Each category has its own unique followers. For example, my friend and critique partner, Natasza Waters, writes great Military Romantic Suspense. (There’s a reason she’s a bestselling author) She’s my no-hesitation auto-buy. Guess that makes me her groupie. Grin!

Let me just say if you’re interested in seeing another blog post with the whole shebang of subgenres listed in order like above, gimme a shout. I have all the info (because I’m not a quitter!) but didn’t want this blog to turn into the post from hell. Which, based on its length, may already be heading in that direction.

The wild cross-genres, easily found on your friendly neighborhood online store, can be any combination of what’s been listed. Imagine a SciFi-Fantasy-Romantic Suspense! Or a cowboy vampire in a Sports Romance. Or my shameless plug: shapeshifting centaurs (Paranormal-Mythological-Fantasy Romance)!

Sounds cray-cray, but give it a go. It’s a wild ride!

What I would ask the anti-romance book people is when was the last time you dove into a novel and got swept away in a world of love, passion, and all the good vibes? Reading romance is like comfort food for the soul—satisfying and oh-so-good!

So run, don’t walk! And find a great romance to read.

[image error]

XO,

Sheri

The post There’s a Romance Genre for That appeared first on Sheri Fredricks.

In a world where the constant noise and commotion of everyday life never seem to fade away, finding moments of peace can feel like an elusive dream. What if you learned that a break from chaos is good? That it might unlock your body’s ability to heal and offer self-care?

Last week, I learned that immersing myself in writing was a brilliant plan. On the flip side… holy macaroni, Batman!

I took a week off for my health, and that’s an okay thing. Like our physical health, our mental condition can grow accustomed to a slower pace and poor habits. After years of neglect, expecting my out-of-shape muse to give a whip-crack performance opened my eyes to what NOT to do.

Self-care is super important, people! Especially the parts of the brain used for imagination and writing books!

The transformative power of healing time-outs and carving out space for silence was the missing piece to my wellness puzzle. I would have thought getting back to writing would be like throwing gas on my bonfire muse. But no. My motor froze because I didn’t keep it greased.

Time away from the laptop

Sitting in the backyard in the lounge chair, listening to the birds fight in the trees, was just what I needed: time alone to think. To stare off into space, watch buzzards circle, to let the mind wander.

Last week, away from writing, gave me time to think of more story ideas. I wouldn’t have had the ideas unless I’d taken the time off.

Self-care is the key to unlocking your full potential. Take time to recharge and reset – we are SO worth it.

XO,
Sheri

The post Silence the Noise appeared first on Sheri Fredricks.

Hello, lovely romance fans! I was asked the other day if I remember the title of the first romance book I ever read.

My love for romance novels began when I was 15. A book called The Black Lyon by Jude Deveraux captured my attention and sparked a passion for the genre that went from Reader to Writer. Looking back now I think, “Wow, that was a historical romance. I haven’t read many lately.” For those who are romance junkies, what was the first romance novel that got you hooked on the genre?

This well-written novel got me hooked on romance. Since then, I’ve discovered the emotional benefits, attractive characters, and great escape these stories offer.

Emotional Benefits of Romance Novels

Romance novels have a unique ability to tug at our heartstrings, and “The Black Lyon” is no exception. This book introduced me to the emotional highs and lows that only a well-crafted love story can deliver. From the initial sparks of attraction to the heart-wrenching conflicts and the blissful resolutions, romance novels are an emotional rollercoaster. Readers can experience intense feelings from the safety of a cozy reading nook. These emotional journeys can be incredibly beneficial, helping us process our own feelings and experiences through the lens of the book characters’ lives. Have you noticed an emotional benefit from reading romance novels?

Captivating Characters in “The Black Lyon”

What grabbed a hold of me when reading “The Black Lyon” were the remarkable characters. Lyonene (still not sure how her name is pronounced) and Ranulf have powerful personalities, and their romantic story is both hot and tender. Lyonene’s spirited nature vs. Ranulf’s brooding intensity kept me turning pages late into the night. (Yup, pages. No eReaders back then, LOL)

Their battles and joys felt real, making me root for their happily ever after. Jude Deveraux created characters who were flawed yet endearing. They are the kind of characters that stick around long after you’ve finished the book. Which characters in a romance novel you’ve read have stayed with you long after you’ve closed the book?

The Magic of Escapism

What I love best about reading romance novels is the escape they provide. When I was given a copy of “The Black Lyon,” I visited medieval England, a time of knights, castles, and courtly deceptions. This temporary escape from reality is an awesome way to relax and recharge. And I have to ask, how do romance novels offer an escape from your daily routine? We can step away from the daily grind and transport ourselves to a different time and place. The romance genre offers a mini-vacation without leaving our homes. The magic of escapism is a gift that romance novels generously give us.

Enjoy Reading Romance

Most everyone has certain books that have changed their lives, and in a way, “The Black Lyon” did that for me. It introduced me to the escapism that well-written romance novels offer. If you haven’t yet tried this wonderful genre, I encourage you to pick one up and give it a go.

Well, that’s it for my nostalgic trip down memory lane and the romance book that started it all for me. Feel free to share your answers in the comments—I can’t wait to hear your stories!

And remember, the next great love story is just a page away!

Happy reading!

XO,

Sheri

The post The Romance That Started It All appeared first on Sheri Fredricks.

Welcome adventurers, dreamers, and hopeless romantics! Today, we embark on a magical journey into the enchanting realm of Fantasy Romance writing. Come hither as we delve into the captivating world where mythical creatures live unseen by humans, cursed lovers fight against all odds, and epic quests intertwine with passionate love stories. Grab a cup of coffee and join me as we unravel the threads of Fantasy Romance and ignite the flames of creativity in our souls.

Have you ever pondered the origins of your fantasy romance universes? Today, I’m unveiling the mystery behind bringing to life those captivating realms that whisk you away on adventures.

The Spark of Creativity

Every fantasy realm is born from a spark of creativity. For me, it often commences with a notion or a daydream that blossoms into something grander. Imagine this: an afternoon steaming cup of tea and a wandering mind stumbling upon the concept of an elven village nestled in the treetops. From there, the world begins to unfold. Inspiration may stem from books I delve into, places I explore, or chats with aficionados of fantasy. I’d be delighted to learn what ignites your imagination—feel free to share your wellsprings of inspiration in the comments!

Constructing the Realm:
Landscapes, Cultures, and Fantasy

Crafting a fantasy universe entails more than fanciful musings. It demands planning and profound insight into the realm taking shape. I kick off by envisioning its landscapes: mountains, rivers, forests, and cities. Each locale holds its narrative and significance.

For instance, the Enchanted Forest isn’t a setting; it’s depicted as a vibrant entity filled with its unique magic and enigmatic secrets.

Another crucial element is the culture. What customs do the locals observe? What languages do they converse in? How do they dress themselves? What does their daily routine entail? These specific details contribute to creating an engaging world. In my project, I created a hierarchy where centaurs and nymphs were once enemies who fought in a 200-year war. The older generations harbor resentment toward other mythics, while younger generations accept the changes in stride, choosing to embrace the new forward-thinking rather than hold onto the racism that has been passed down.

Of course, let’s not overlook the enchantment! A defined mystic system with a unique set of regulations and constraints is imperative. In the realm I created, shapeshifting isn’t only about a centaur’s mandatory daily body transition; it also intertwines with their very existence. Whether it’s a potion for curing a sickness or a mystical ability that allows a being to disappear, these components instill fascination and awe.

Developing Captivating Characters and Relationships

No fantasy realm is truly fleshed out without an ensemble of multifaceted characters. Heroines, each driven by their motivations, strengths, and imperfections, breathe vitality into the narrative. In my stories, interpersonal relationships between characters take the stage. It’s not about falling in love at first sight; it’s the journey they embark on together, the obstacles they face, and the personal growth they undergo.

Crafting captivating realms in fantasy romance requires dedication and passion brimming with creativity, world-building, and engaging characters. I trust this behind-the-scenes glimpse has offered you an understanding of the enchantment woven into these narratives. Your encouragement and excitement truly make it all worthwhile. Stay tuned for escapades. Remember to subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive previews and content. Until then, keep dreaming and holding onto that belief in fantasy romance!

XO,
Sheri

The post Unleashing the Magic: The Art of Fantasy Romance Writing appeared first on Sheri Fredricks.

I love finding a great book to read, getting lost in the pages, forgetting the world around me, and then coming back to reality to find hours have slipped by. So, what could be the cherry on top of total immersion in an awesome author’s story?

When it’s a multi-book series!

I am flipping cartwheels over Lexi Blake’s Masters and Mercenaries series. The stories have everything I want in a book: tough heroes, smart heroines, sassy side characters, and an adventurous, compelling story with threads that link the series books together.

The first novel in her Masters & Mercenaries series is titled The Dom Who Loved Me.

Sheri’s Review

The Dom Who Loved Me by Lexi Blake is a captivating blend of romance, suspense, and steamy erotica that will leave readers breathless and eagerly turning the pages. This first novel in the Masters and Mercenaries series introduces us to Sean Taggart, a former Navy SEAL now working as a private security specialist, and Grace Hawthorne, a widowed mother who unwittingly becomes the key to Sean’s latest mission.

Lexi Blake excels at creating complex, relatable characters who draw readers into their world. Sean is a compelling hero—strong, dominant, yet capable of deep affection. His protective nature and military precision contrast beautifully with Grace’s vulnerability

and hidden strength. Grace is a refreshing heroine who navigates her new reality with a blend of fear and courage, making her journey both believable and engaging.

The chemistry between Sean and Grace is electric. Blake masterfully builds their relationship from initial intrigue to intense passion, all while weaving a suspenseful plot around them. The BDSM elements are handled with care and respect, adding depth to their dynamic without overshadowing the emotional connection they share.

The plot is well-paced, balancing the romantic development with the unfolding mystery. The danger surrounding Grace and the high-stakes mission Sean is on creates a palpable tension that keeps readers on edge. As secrets are revealed and the true threat emerges, Blake keeps the twists coming, making it hard to put the book down.

The Dom Who Loved Me is a thrilling start to a series that promises to deliver passion, danger, and love. Lexi Blake has crafted a story that’s as heart-pounding as it is heartwarming, leaving readers eager for more of Masters and Mercenaries, a 15-book series.

Read the first chapter preview HERE. (#ad)

If you enjoy romance with a touch of suspense and a lot of heat, this novel is a must-read. I promise this series will keep you warm on cold nights.

The post Love, Danger, and Domination: Lexi Blake’s “The Dom Who Loved Me” appeared first on Sheri Fredricks.