Tasha L. Harrison's Blog

Happy Friday!

Did you know that Friday is Venus Day? Yep, you heard that right! Friday is named after the planet Venus, which is named after the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and all things delightful. Venus Day is all about celebrating love, romance, and the finer things in life. The connection between Venus and Friday comes from ancient times when each day of the week was associated with a different celestial body. Friday was linked to Venus, making it a day dedicated to love and romance.

Announcing a sapphic romance on Venus Day just makes sense, in my opinion! Sapphic romance, which celebrates love and relationships between women, is a beautiful and vital part of the romance genre. By choosing a Friday, I hope to align with the energy of Venus, harnessing that vibe of love and beauty…

Plus, let’s be real—everyone loves Friday. We all look forward to the weekend. Hopefully, you've planned some fun activities and will take some time to indulge in a bit of self-care. 

So, without further ado, I introduce you to Under the Mistletoe: A Small Town Holiday Romance! This story has been a long time coming. Every year, I plan to write a Christmas story, but life kept getting in the way, making it hard to write it quickly enough to get it published in time for the holiday season. I fast-drafted Jerricka and Kairo’s story last year during #20kin5DaysSept, but it wasn’t polished enough for publication. I spent this past #20kin5DaysJune expanding the story from a novella into a short novel and now I feel it’s finally ready!

Here's the blurb to get you in the holiday spirit:

Kairo McCullough has had a crush on Jerricka Whitaker since the very first time Jerricka sat in her barber chair at Cutz & Cocktails.

However, after a missed kiss, Kairo convinced herself that pursuing Jerricka, the pretty barber and single mother, might not be worth the risk. Their professional relationship was good — Jerricka was the only one in a fifty-mile radius Kairo trusted to keep her fade tight and knew the perfect shade of blonde for her dark brown complexion. So if Jerricka wasn't interested in more than friendship, Kairo could handle it… maybe.

If there's one thing Jerricka Whitaker wishes she could take back, like Scrooge getting a redo, it would be how she reacted when Kairo leaned in for that kiss.

Regret has been a constant companion since then. So, when she invites Kairo to the Cutz & Cocktails Christmas party, Jerricka is determined to clear up any miscommunications and misunderstandings. She’s ready to let Kairo know how much she wants her. Will some strategically placed mistletoe make Jerricka’s Christmas wish come true?

Here’s what you can look forward to on July 25th!

- Sapphic romance

- Single mom dynamics

- Small-town charm

- Black romance representation

- Christmas magic

- Themes of identity and self-acceptance

- New beginnings and love

- Strong sense of community and found family

There are a few content warnings as well — church trauma, biphobia, complex adult relationship dynamics, and some Holiday Hoodoo traditions.

Basically, in typical Tasha fashion, things are gonna be grown, sexy and a little bit messy! Kairo and Jerricka’s story takes place in my beloved Small Town Romance series. Expect to see the Malone sisters and get an introduction to the crew at Cutz & Cocktails which featured in A Taste of Her Own Medicine and With Her Own Two Hands. I really loved visiting with Atlas and Soni in this one.

Read Chapter One below!

1: Kairo

Laughter drifted into the back room where I sat at my desk in The CoWorking Spot, mingling with the clink of glasses and the occasional pop of a champagne cork. Strains of a jazz rendition of Jingle Bells floated through the air, creating the unmistakable soundtrack of a lively holiday party—a soundtrack that gave me all the comfy, cozy vibes I adored about this season.

Tailor-Made, a custom clothing and alterations shop, had booked our space for their holiday party, and it was finally winding down. We were surprisingly busy this holiday season, with several new members signing up and being booked in the evenings for end-of-the-year parties. The new members had most likely sought us out because they had family in town and needed to get out of the house to get a few hours of work done. There would probably be a ton of canceled memberships at the end of January, but I wasn’t complaining. Even if it was just a holiday rush, the extra influx of cash was welcome.

This year has been the most profitable since my homeboy Atlas and I opened The Coworking Spot, and with Christmas Eve coming up, we’d made enough to take time off until after the new year. A lot of how we ran this business was trial and error, but it honestly felt like we’d finally hit our groove. Atlas would probably credit his girlfriend Soni’s guidance, which I knew was true, but it was also the hard work and hustle we'd put in.

“A’ight, Kai. Let’s wrap this up. I got Christmas shopping to do, and ya dusty ass needs a fresh cut.” Atlas chuckled from across the room. His deep voice echoed off the painted brick walls, rich and smooth, like he was born for radio or something.

"Please, I ain't never been dusty a day in your black ass life,” I shot back.

“Uh-huh, sure," he said, raising an eyebrow. “You ain't slick, Kairo. I’ve noticed how you’ve been avoiding Jerricka. And even if I hadn’t, ain’t no way I could ignore that nappy-ass head of yours.”

I shut down my desktop and stuffed my headphones into my leather satchel with more force than necessary. "Whatever, man." I rolled my eyes, but my heart was a frantic drumline in my chest.

Was I that transparent?

It had been nearly two years since Cutz n’ Cocktails set up shop in The Village … two years since I met Jerricka Williams. Before that, we went to a spot in the suburbs that was always crowded and forced me to endure the sort of hypermasculine environment that made my stomach twist into knots every time I needed a shape-up. But from the moment I walked into Jerricka’s shop, I’d felt at home.

Well, I did until a month or so ago.

Right before Thanksgiving, I took Jerricka and her boys to the science museum in Columbia for what I thought was a considerate and thoughtful date. But after dinner and a Disney movie, I’d tried to lean in for a kiss, and she’d offered me her cheek. I apologized but was so humiliated that I haven’t been to the barbershop since.

I checked my reflection in our lone office window. I was long overdue for a cut, and the blonde dye looked more like the frosted tips of my coils were dyed for a trendy effect that I didn’t exactly hate. Jerricka would disapprove, though. She’d spent a considerable amount of time repairing my hair from all the damage I’d done to it over the years with bad dye jobs. She also had this way of getting in real close to edge up my hairline, her fingers lingering just a second too long… the memory sent shivers straight through me.

Atlas caught me daydreaming, and I rolled my shoulders, attempting to shake off the embarrassment of being caught fantasizing about Jerricka’s hands.

“What are you starin’ at?” I asked as I pulled on the knit cap I wore to work.

“Nothin’. Just watching you squirm,” he said with a smirk. “Don’t worry, stud. You know she gon' have you looking right for the holidays.”

“Man, shut up,” I grumbled, but I couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at my lips. Deep down, I loved that he noticed these things – even when they left me feeling exposed.

Me and Atlas have known each other since we were kids. We went to middle school, high school and college together, but he left town for a few years after we graduated. To be honest, I’d been bitter about that until recently. Not about him leaving, necessarily. It was more about how he left and who he left with.

We'd worked on converting a panel van into a tiny home during our last two semesters of college and planned to leave right after graduation to visit all the national parks. But his Pops got really sick right before graduation and reached out to Atlas. They were estranged, but thinking this would be his only opportunity to connect with the man, he visited him at the hospital. According to Atlas, that man treated him and his mother with such disrespect that it took every cell in his body not to rush him toward the heavenly gates. He thought that would be the end of it. That his mother would stop talking about the man as if he were someone worth knowing. She didn’t, and that broke him in ways I didn’t know until he was already gone.

Anyway, Atlas felt he had to leave Greenville and did without warning or even letting me know he'd left, and Ruby, a girl I was crushing on at the time, went with him. Leaving was one thing, but taking my girl to? 

But that was old news now. We were back tight, and that was all that really mattered.

“Come on, let's get moving. The shop ain't gonna come to us,” Atlas said, nudging me forward.

“Right behind you,” I said, stepping out into the courtyard.

Outside of The CoWorking Spot, West Greenville was alive with holiday spirit. Every year, the artists at ArtCrush hosted a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and the courtyard right outside of our doors now boasted a twenty-foot tree decorated with handmaid ornaments, multi-colored lights, and Garland and strings of twinkle lights draped between lampposts, casting a golden hue on the narrow street. Wreaths adorned every storefront, and every window boasted a display more festive than the last. Somewhere close by, the jingle of bells accompanied the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriage rides.

“Look at this place. It’s like we stepped into one of them Hallmark movies," I said, my breath misting in the air as I paused to take it all in.

“Nah, too many niggas for this to be a Hallmark movie,” Atlas joked.

“True that,” I chuckled as we made our way to the barbershop.

“I know that’s the kinda goofy shit you like though. White Christmas. Kisses under the mistletoe. Canoodling by an open fire..”

“Ca-what? Negro, shut up,” I scoffed. “As if you ain’t the one reading romance novels and composing poetry for your lady.”

“We ain’t talking about me. Stay on topic!”

“Kairo, listen, Jerricka is fine and all, but you can't let that one missed kiss throw you off your game," he said, clapping a hand on my shoulder as we walked out into the crisp winter air.

“I see what you saying, but I ain’t like you, Atlas,” I mumbled, pulling my jacket tighter around me. “Just respect her, is all. If she ain’t feeling me, I respect that, too.”

“Uh-huh, sure,” he chuckled, leaning in conspiratorially. “And when you gonna respect her enough to ask her what’s good? Or are you just gonna let her keep playing in your face like that? You deserve an explanation for what went down that night.”

“I know… but the timing's gotta be on point, Atlas.” I shrugged. “Can't rush these things," I said, feeling that familiar flutter in my chest at the mere thought of asking Jerricka flat out if she was into me. 

“Kairo, you've been timing it for over a month now! If you keep waiting for the perfect moment to bring it up, you gon’ miss your shot." Atlas's voice was full of encouragement, but his words only tightened the knot of nerves inside me.

“Maybe the shot was never mine.” I shrugged.

Atlas sucked his teeth. “Man, what are you even saying right now?”

I sighed and shoved my hands in my pockets. “How can I explain this in a way your cisgender, heterosexual male ass will understand?” I muttered playfully. Atlas gave me a shove that nearly knocked me into a storefront. “Hey! Stop the violence!”

“Man, what the fuck ever…I was just trying to help your scrawny ass.”

“Nah, I’m just kidding. I know.” I gave it a little more thought, then shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s like, we flirt, right? We always have a good time when we go out together. We can talk about anything for hours…And she’s always, like, finding a reason to touch me, but… after that missed kiss, I feel like I misinterpreted the signals.”

Atlas slowed his step, and I turned to him on the sidewalk. “I’m sorry, but now my cisgender heterosexual male ass is confused ‘cause that sounds like she’s into you.”

“It would. But what can I say?” I smirked. “Sometimes those signals ain’t so clear. And I value what I got with Jerricka, man. She's a damn good barber, and I don't wanna mess that up over some... feelings. What if she ain’t into women for real?” I murmured more to myself than to him, my gaze fixed on the ground.

“Kairo, please. You think I haven't seen the way she leans into you when she's lining you up? The whole shop can feel the energy whenever you’re in her chair. That woman knows exactly what she's doing,” Atlas countered, his voice low and sure. “Ain’t no missed signals there. It’s a green light, and you’re sitting there like it’s red — and won’t put your foot on the gas.”

“No muscle car or other man analogies if you want me to take it serious,” I joked.

The truth was, fear had me by the throat. Rejection wasn't just a possibility—it felt like an impending certainty, looming over me like a storm cloud ready to burst. And what if she didn't even swing my way? The thought alone was enough to send a cold shiver down my spine despite the warmth of my heavy jacket.

“And maybe it is a green light, maybe it’s not. But she's a single mother, Atlas. Seems like she got a good thing goin’ with her baby daddy. I ain't tryna complicate nobody's life.” My hands slipped into my pockets, seeking refuge from the biting chill and my own tangled thoughts.

“Complications or not, you deserve happiness, Kairo,” he insisted, stopping us in our tracks just outside Cutz n’ Cocktails. He looked me dead in the eye, his sincerity shining through. “Don’t let fear hold you back from something that could be beautiful.”

I rolled my eyes at him. “Ever since you met that hoodoo woman, you’ve become a hopeless romantic.”

A goofy grin spread across his face at my mention of Soni. Atlas met Soni when she attended the entrepreneurship course we offered at The CoWorking Spot and was smitten the first time he ever laid eyes on her. “You want me to ask her for a love spell? I mean, you might as well. You already look like someone hit you with a love potion when you’re in her chair,” he teased, nudging me with his elbow before he opened the door to the warm, inviting glow of the shop. It smelled like coconut oil and spice, and the buzz of clippers blended with festive music.

"Atlas, swear you need your talk show with all the advice you be givin’,” I said, trying to sound annoyed but knowing my grin betrayed me. And damn, when she looked up at me, I kind of wish I did have a love potion to give her to make her mine.

Jerricka Williams had the kind of curves that defied logic. Her ass drew my attention as she moved around the shop. I tracked her progress like I was starving and she was the food delivery I’d been waiting hours for. Her caramel skin glowed under the soft lights, accentuated by the bright red lipstick she wore. She had an aura of confidence that drew me in, and I couldn't help but be mesmerized by her presence. And today must be what she liked to call “a good titty day” because they were sitting up so nicely that it took genuine effort to pull my gaze upward to look into her eyes again. To match her smile with one of my own. Yeah, her body definitely was tea, but it was the eyes and the smile that really did it for me.

“Well, look who it is!” Sheba, barber and co-owner, piped up. “If it ain’t the lost soul once known as Kairo McCullough. Is that you, Kai? Or is it the ghost of Christmas past? I barely recognized you! I ain't never seen you wolfin' like that.”

I cut a glare at the light-skinned barber, who favored a silky, middle-part, 20-inch buss-down that she constantly flicked over her shoulder, acrylic nails clacking. She was cute, too, but the kind of cute that knew it and never let you forget it.

“You ain't never lied," Jerricka co-signed as she swept up the hair around her chair. She grabbed the dustpan and, bending deeper than was necessary to put a pretty arch in her back, swept the hair inside. “Hope I didn’t do anything to make you stay away,” she said.

My face flushed so hot that my ears burned, and Atlas elbowed me. It was supposed to be nonchalant, but big as he was, it nearly toppled me. I glared at him, then managed to mutter, “Nah, just been busy. Big project came through. You know how it is.” A lie. A blatant lie. And I could tell she knew it was a lie by the little “hm” she hummed under her breath, her back still to me.

She stood up straight again and looked me in the eye. “Which one of you is first?”

“Me,” Atlas said, stepping forward. “I got some last-minute Christmas shopping to do, and I know she’s about to get her hair dyed or something.”

“Okay,” she said, dusting the hair out of her chair. Atlas sat, making the chair hiss, and then Jerricka lowered it as low as it could go. Sheba smirked at Atlas as he settled in, barely able to resist making a joke about his size. A tense moment passed as she tried to restrain herself.

My big buddy sighed from the tension in a room that had gone quiet with anticipation when he sat. Jerricka shook out her drape and covered him.

“Go ahead, Sheba, since you ‘bout to bust a gut,” he muttered, offering me a subtle tip of his chin to let me know I didn’t need to come to his defense.

“Atlas, every time you sit in that chair, I swear it's like watching a grizzly bear try to fit into a kiddie pool,” she tsked with a shake of her head. “You’re gonna have to start tipping more to cover repairs or get haircuts standing up!”

“Oh, Sheba, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're just jealous because this chair hugs me tighter than that battery-operated boyfriend you’re always bragging about has ever hugged you,” he said, offering her a wink.

Laughter went up at this exchange, and I let myself find the humor in it only because Atlas could. He wasn’t always like this. He’d been self-conscious about his size and weight since we were kids, and when he was big enough to make people stop talking shit about it, well, he made them stop talking shit about it. When we first started coming to this shop, Sheba had grated Atlas’s nerves with all the “big boy” jokes, but after a while, the two of them played a couple of rounds of the dozens. Something told me he was less sensitive about it because of Soni and how much she loved all of him, but I couldn’t be sure. Truth be told, I was pretty sure Sheba had a thing for Atlas like most women did. They were drawn to his bigness and the implication that he was a protector — which he was.

“I hope you’re not doing last-minute shopping to get a gift for that pretty lady of yours, Atlas,” Jerricka said, spraying his hair with conditioner before picking it out.

“Nah, I got Soni’s gifts months ago. I’m trying to find a toy that my little niece Amara wants. Have you ever heard of LOL Surprise dolls?” he asked, his attention instantly shifted. He took his phone out and scrolled through images of whatever toy he was searching for.

I didn't miss that he had already claimed Amara as his niece even though Soni wasn’t his wife. I fully expected him to propose to that woman. Actually, I was surprised he hadn’t already.

“Oh, honey,” Jerricka crooned. “And you think you’re about to find that in Target or Walmart tonight? Don’t you know how hard these are to get? Their whole gimmick is based on scarcity and rarity.”

Atlas’s face fell. “Are you serious? I told baby girl I’d get her this.”

“Shoulda never made that promise,” Sheba said.

“Nah, I don’t accept that. There’s gotta be somewhere to buy this thing tonight,” he said.

Both Sheba and Jerricka laughed at that, but my eyes immediately locked on her. The full lips that pulled away to reveal straight white teeth. Her full-throated cackle and how she held her belly as if the laugh truly emanated from there. The way her eyes twinkled.

I must’ve been staring too long, or too hard because Atlas cleared his throat loudly and met my gaze in the mirror. Shifting in my seat, I tried to play off the fact that I was practically drooling over this woman for longer than was cute or acceptable.

“So what you got planned for the holidays, Atlas?” Jerricka asked, making conversation. “Soni and her sisters planning something big?”

That goofy grin spread across his face again. “Yeah, and my mama is coming over, too. Our parents are meeting for the first time, so that should be interesting.”

They made small talk as Jerricka worked, and I ogled because, apparently, staying away from her and the shop had diminished all of my good manners.

Atlas’s cut didn’t take long. His usual curly temp fade and beard trim had him in and out of the chair in thirty minutes. He stood and leaned into the mirror to expect her work. “Perfect as always,” he said, flashing her a smile, then turned to her, offering a tip.

“Thank you, kindly, my good sir,” she said, her eyebrows raising when she saw how much it was.

“You and your boys have a good holiday, J.”

Atlas turned to me, a sly grin on his face. “A’ight, Kairo. I’ll catch up with you later. And gimme a call if you change your mind about Christmas dinner.”

“A’ight,” I stood to dap him up and give him a half hug.

"Fam, you look like you 'bout to meet your maker, not your barber," Atlas said, his voice a low tease that I hoped no one overheard. The Christmas music and conversation were so loud that I doubt if they did, but I still gave Sheba a nervous glance. She had ears like a bat.

“Shut up, Atlas. Ain't nobody nervous,” I muttered, the words feeling like cotton in my mouth. My palms were slick. That must have been what gave me away. I wiped them surreptitiously against the fabric of my jeans.

“Then why you sweating like that?” he shot back, his eyes twinkling with mirth. He knew exactly what buttons to push—damn him.

“Because it ain't just about the cut, man," I whispered hotly, then glanced around, making sure the words were still for his ears only. “You know she got responsibilities, right? A kid, a good thing going with her baby daddy. I come on too strong and poof! There goes the best barber I ever had.”

“Kairo McCullough, scared to shoot her shot," Atlas said, shaking his head in disappointment. “Never thought I’d see the day.”

“I thought you had somewhere to be?” I asked with a tip of my head.

“Yeah, a’ight. Be easy,” he said, dropping his big hand on my shoulder and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“Okay, Kairo,” Jerricka said. “Get your pretty ass in my chair.”

Atlas gave me a knowing smile, said goodbye to the regulars, and left the shop.

"Get your shit together," I whispered to myself, rising to take my place in the seat that could very well be the stage for my heart's confession.

“Hold on,” she said, placing a hand in the middle of my chest to halt me before I could sit, then reaching up to take off my knit cap. “Oof!” she said with a soft giggle as she dug her hands into my thick coils, nails massaging my scalp. “Is this just a month of new growth?”

“That’s how long it’s been since I’ve come to see you, so…”

Some emotion flitted across her face… Regret, maybe?

“I know. I was beginning to take it personal,” she said, moving in so close that her presence enveloped me like a promise.

“Don’t ever do that,” I murmured.

With a flirty little flick of her lashes, her gaze met mine. “So, um, you wanna dye it again, or are you trying to grow it out?”

“What do you think?”

She dug her fingers into my hair again, tugged at it a little, and I swear, it was all I could do to keep myself from purring and nuzzling into her touch. “I think a bit longer would be sexy…I should start with wash and blow dry first, I think. That sound good?”

Her hands in my hair? Her face inches from mine while she massaged my scalp? Hell, yeah, that sounded good.

Jerricka leaned in a bit closer. “I’ll get you cleaned up nice. Come on back.” Her voice was smooth, low, and honeyed. It wrapped around me, and every single one of my pulse points thrummed to life at the sound of it.

“Y-yeah," I stammered, trying and failing to sound nonchalant as I followed her to the back of the shop to the shampoo station.

I stood near the shampoo bowl while she tucked a towel into the collar of the cape. “So, how have you been?” I asked. My voice was soft and hesitant because that wasn’t the question I wanted to ask.

“I’ve been okay. A little confused, though.”

“Confused about what?”

“Sit,” she commanded, gesturing toward the shampoo chair.

I sat and slid down to notch my head in the curve of the shampoo bowl. Jerricka leaned over me and turned the water on, testing the temp.

“Tip your head back a little bit,” she murmured, stroking her finger under my chin to help me get it at the right angle. “There. That’s good, Kai. Now relax, and let me take care of you.” A smirk tilted her lips.

Every inch of skin under my clothes lit up. Goosebumps rushed to trail where her fingertips had touched, and I squeezed my eyes closed, biting my lip against a moan when she ran warm water over my head and began to massage my scalp.

“I was confused,” she began, leaning in so close that I could feel her breath across my brow. “I thought I was dating someone, and they ghosted me for a month with no explanation.”

Fuck. Atlas was right. This woman knew exactly what she was doing. And now I had a choice to make. Match her energy or keep second-guessing every word and every move I made?

I pulled in a deep breath…

 

 

 

 

If you talk to any established romance author, they will tell you that writing in series is how you make bank —and I don’t disagree!

But up until a few years ago, there wasn’t a whole lot of information out there about how to do it. Sure, I attended some workshops, but they were often led by folks who wrote a specific kind of series, which left me confused about how to craft mine. Not only that, these folks seemed to be better equipped to hold all the information about their characters and several books in their head while I forget what I wrote the moment I write the end.

Did that stop me from writing a series?

Absolutely not!

I currently have three series out in the world. Some were planned, and some were created because I became obsessed with the sister, best friend, ex-girlfriend, or potential for mess with a character both of my main characters are infatuated with. The Lust Diaries was created on the fly, and part of me is glad I did that because that series really has no end, and I can continue to write in that world forever. Then there was The Truth Duet that, in addition to revisiting the characters in The Lust Diaries, introduced a spin-off series, Ampersand, which picks up at the end of the epilogue (the one in the book, not Sex in a Wedding Dress). My Small Town Romance series was planned using Zoe York’s Romance Your Brand book, but I struggled with the timeline (what is time anyway?), and I’m actually kinda sad that I closed off that series so neatly. Writing it did give me ideas for spin-offs, though. I’m currently working on one of those spin-off series, Marrow Bone Creek, and… it’s a bigun! And since this series has a magic system, worldbuilding, and important familial connections, I decided to create my series bible before I published a single book in it instead of doing it after I published the first book. It’s been fun to create, and hopefully, it will be an excellent tool for my editor when it comes time to dig into each of these books.

What is a Series Bible?

A series bible is like a guidebook for your book series. It’s a master document where you store all the essential details about your characters, settings, plot points, and even the tiniest world-building elements. It's the place where you keep track of everything so you don't have to rely solely on memory (which, let's be honest, is unreliable on our best day).

Creating a series bible is about consistency and organization. When you're writing a series, it's super easy to forget small but crucial details—like a character's eye color, a specific town's name, or the exact timeline of events. Having a series bible means you can quickly look up these details and ensure everything stays consistent across all your books. This is especially important for keeping your readers immersed in the story without any jarring inconsistencies that might pull them out of the narrative.

Now, if you're a plotter, you’re probably geeked out by the idea of creating all of these details. My pantsers friends are probably sweating as they read this, though. Don’t run away, friend! A series bible can be incredibly beneficial for you, too! For plotters, it acts as a structured roadmap to help you keep track of your meticulous plans. For pantsers, it provides a handy reference tool to help you maintain consistency and coherence, even if you prefer a more spontaneous writing approach. It helps keep everything straight so you can focus on crafting an engaging, cohesive story that your readers will love from start to finish. It’s also a fun place to play when you’re in between writing sessions.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Series Bible

Setting up your series bible is like gearing up for an epic adventure. First things first, you need to decide whether you want to go digital or stick with good ol' pen and paper. Both options have their perks, so it really comes down to what works best for you.

Choosing the Format: Digital vs. Physical

If you're a tech-savvy writer, digital might be the way to go. I was once an all-analog girl, but I quickly discovered that my travel notebook and all my favorite pens, highlighters, sticky tabs, and Post-its wouldn’t travel easily, so I moved to a digital format. There are some fantastic software options out there to help keep everything organized.

Scrivener: This is my absolute favorite word-processing software. Some authors find it intimidating, but I’ve been hooked since I won it during NaNoWriMo sometime in the early aughts. It's got a ton of features that let you organize your notes, character profiles, and plot points all in one place. And now that there’s an app that you can link and sync through Dropbox, I will be a lifetime user!

Google Docs: Super accessible and easy to share if you're collaborating with someone. Plus, it's free, and you can access it from any device.

Notion: This tool is incredibly flexible. You can create databases, link pages, and really customize it to fit your needs. Notion doesn’t work for my brain, but I’ve seen some really gorgeous set-ups!

Trello: Great for visual thinkers. Use boards, lists, and cards to organize your series. Perfect for keeping track of plots, characters, and settings. To know me is to know that me and Trello go together real bad. And now that there’s a whole slew of features like automation, checklists, and a calendar where you can plug in your deadlines, we will be together forever. And no, this is not a sponsored post. I’ve been talking about and promoting Trello out of the goodness of my heart for years, but they have yet to offer me an affiliate link. (Just kidding, they don’t do affiliate marketing.)

Plottr: Designed specifically for writers, Plottr offers visual planning tools to outline your series, track character arcs, and keep detailed notes on settings and events. I have this program, but I haven’t quite figured out how to use it. However, I purchased it because it appealed to my desire to organize my books across a series.

Campfire: Campfire provides tools for worldbuilding, character development, and plot tracking. It's great for managing complex series with lots of details.

Evernote: This note-taking app allows you to create notebooks for different aspects of your series and easily search through your notes. I used this before I discovered Trello. It’s great, but very text-based, so I switched to Trello because it was easier to create a more visually appealing series bible.

OneNote: Similar to Evernote, OneNote allows for organized note-taking with notebooks, sections, and pages. It’s highly flexible and integrates well with other Microsoft Office tools.

Dabble: An online writing tool that offers features for plotting and story organization, including scene cards and a plot grid to keep track of your series details.

Each of these programs has its strengths, so the best choice depends on your specific needs and workflow preferences.

On the flip side, if you're more of a tactile person who loves the feel of paper, physical options are totally a vibe. The joy of flipping through pages, scribbling notes in the margins, and having an excuse to buy more stationery. Not to mention the satisfying sound of turning a page and the scent of fresh paper – it’s like aromatherapy for writers. Plus, you get to use those fancy pens and highlighters you’ve been hoarding. Obviously, you can tell that I haven’t gone completely digital. I still love and use my travel notebook system, but not in the same way.

Binders: You can add sections, move things around, and have everything neatly organized. Plus, there's something satisfying about flipping through pages.

Notebooks: Great for portability. You can have different notebooks for different aspects of your series that you tuck into a travel notebook system (this is where I got mine) or use tabs to keep one big notebook organized.

Step 2: Core Elements to Include

At the heart of every great series are the characters – the ones who make us laugh, cry, and keep turning pages. Whether they’re the main stars or the supporting cast, each character plays a vital role in your story.

Characters

Main Characters: These are your stars. Give them detailed profiles, complete with backstories, motivations, and character arcs. What makes them tick? What are their goals, fears, and dreams? Write down everything from their physical appearance to their favorite ice cream flavor. Knowing your main characters inside and out will help you keep them consistent and compelling throughout your series.

Supporting Characters: Don’t forget the sidekicks, mentors, and love interests! These characters play crucial roles and need development, too. Outline their relationships with the main characters and how they contribute to the plot. Are they the best friend who offers comic relief or the wise mentor guiding the hero? Give them depth and a clear purpose in the story.

Minor Characters: Even the smallest roles can make a big impact. Jot down brief descriptions and their roles in the story. The barista who always gets the protagonist's coffee order wrong, the quirky neighbor, or the villain’s henchman – give them a little love. This helps keep your world rich and populated with memorable faces.

Now it’s time to dive into the world they inhabit. World-building is like crafting the stage where all the drama, romance, and action unfold. Whether your series is set in a quaint small town or a sprawling fantasy realm, having detailed notes on your setting, history, and culture will make your world feel real and immersive.

World-Building

Setting: Think of this as the backdrop for all your scenes. Include descriptions of key locations, maps, and significant landmarks. Is there a cozy coffee shop where your characters hang out? A mysterious forest on the outskirts of town? Detail these places so vividly that readers can picture themselves there. You can get as detailed as you want!

History: Every world has a past. Create a timeline of important events and backstories that have shaped your setting. Maybe there was a great war, a founding family, or a significant discovery. Knowing the history helps you add depth and context to your story, making it richer and more engaging.

Culture: Dive into the societal norms, traditions, languages, and religions of your world. How do people greet each other? What festivals do they celebrate? Are there unique customs or sayings? These details bring authenticity and flavor to your series, making the world you’ve built feel lived-in and dynamic.

Plot

Alright, our characters and world are sorted, so let’s tackle the part that makes every panster I know itch: the plot. This is where all those juicy storylines come together, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked from book one to the grand finale. Pantsers, keep reading because I’ve included some ways you can use this portion of your bible.

Series Overview: Start with the big picture. Outline the main plot points, overarching themes, and the genre of your series. What’s the central conflict? What journey will your characters undertake? This overview acts as your roadmap, guiding you through the entire series and keeping you focused on the endgame.

Individual Book Summaries: Break it down book by book. Give a brief outline of each book’s plot, highlighting key events and character developments. Think of it like a mini-synopsis for each installment. This helps ensure each book has its own distinct arc while contributing to the larger story.

Subplots: These are the threads that weave through your main plot, adding depth and complexity. Outline how your subplots integrate with the main story. Maybe there’s a slow-burning romance, a hidden mystery, or a character’s personal growth. These subplots should enhance the main narrative, providing layers and keeping readers engaged.

For my discovery writers out there, don’t worry – this section doesn’t have to cramp your style. Think of it as a flexible framework rather than a strict roadmap. Here are some suggestions on how you can use these plot elements while still keeping the magic of spontaneous storytelling alive:

Series Overview: Keep it broad. Jot down a few key plot points and themes you want to explore, but leave plenty of room for surprises. Think of it as your story’s skeleton – you’ll flesh it out as you go.

Individual Book Summaries: Instead of detailed outlines, write a loose summary or a few sentences about what each book might cover. Highlight the beginning, middle, and end in broad strokes, but allow the details to evolve as you write. This gives you a sense of direction without feeling confined.

Subplots: Identify a few potential subplots but let them develop naturally. Maybe note a couple of character arcs or relationships you’d like to explore, but don’t force yourself to plan them out completely. Keep these notes as prompts that you can pick up and run with whenever inspiration strikes.

Remember, your series bible is a living document. None of this is set in stone. You can update and change things as your story unfolds. It’s there to support you, not restrict you.

Rules and Consistencies

These are the details that keep your story believable and your readers fully immersed. Whether you’re dealing with a magic system, futuristic technology, or just making sure your world’s internal logic holds up, it’s all about keeping things consistent and clear.

Magic System: If your series features magic, it’s crucial to set some ground rules. What can magic do in your world? What are its limitations? Where did it originate? Maybe your characters need specific ingredients for spells, or there are strict consequences for using dark magic. By defining these rules, you ensure your magic system feels real and bound by logic, not just convenient plot devices.

Technology: Whether your series is set in a high-tech future or a steampunk past, the technology in your world needs some guidelines. What advancements exist? What are the limitations? Think about key inventions that play a role in your story. Is there a gadget everyone uses or a groundbreaking piece of tech that changes everything? Detailing these aspects helps create a believable and engaging setting.

Internal Logic: This is about maintaining consistency throughout your series. If you establish that your hero can teleport only once a day, stick to it. Keeping track of these details prevents plot holes and keeps your readers from getting pulled out of the story by inconsistencies. Jot down these rules and revisit them as you write to make sure everything aligns.

Step 3: Expanding Your Series Bible

Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to make your series bible truly come to life. Step 3 is all about expanding your series bible with visual aids that not only enhance your creativity but also keep you inspired and motivated throughout your writing journey. It’s where you get to pretty it up, or create a theme that inspires you every time you pick up the notebook or open your Trello board app.

Character Sketches: If you’re artistically inclined, drawing sketches of your characters can be a fun and helpful way to visualize them. Even if you’re not, consider finding images that represent your characters. Seeing them in front of you can make them feel more real and help you maintain consistency in their descriptions.

Maps and Setting Illustrations: Creating maps of your world or key locations within your story can be incredibly useful. Whether it’s a detailed map of a fantasy realm or a simple layout of a small town, having a visual representation helps you and your readers navigate your world. Setting illustrations can also bring important places to life, making them easier to describe and more vivid in your mind.

Inspirational Images and Mood Boards: Collect images that capture the mood, atmosphere, and aesthetic of your series. Mood boards are a fantastic way to keep your creative juices flowing and stay inspired. Pin photos, color palettes, and snippets of text that evoke the feeling you want in your story. This visual inspiration can be a powerful tool to keep you motivated and focused.

Research and References

As authors, we are sometimes required to dive into unfamiliar topics, which means research is a crucial part of the process. To make sure your series is as accurate and believable as possible, you’ll want to keep track of all the interesting tidbits and essential information you uncover.

Relevant Research: Whether you’re writing a historical romance or a sci-fi adventure, you’ll need to gather some solid background information. This could be anything from historical facts and scientific details to cultural insights. Did you learn something fascinating about Victorian fashion or the mechanics of faster-than-light travel? Note it down. Having these details at your fingertips ensures your story is rich and authentic.

Sources and References: It’s easy to lose track of where you found that perfect piece of information, especially when you’re deep into writing mode. Keep a section in your series bible dedicated to sources and references. Jot down book titles, article links, and even the names of experts you’ve consulted. This not only helps you stay organized but also gives you a handy resource list to refer back to whenever you need a quick fact-check.

Maintaining thorough research notes and references will help you build a foundation of authenticity and depth for your series. Plus, having everything in one place saves you from the classic writer’s dilemma of “Where did I read that again?" It’s all about making your life easier and your story stronger.

Future Planning

As you build your series, it's important to think ahead and lay the groundwork for future books. This is where future planning comes into play, ensuring that your story remains cohesive and engaging across multiple installments. Let's dive into how you can effectively plant seeds for what's to come.

Foreshadowing: One of the most exciting aspects of writing a series is dropping hints and clues that will pay off in future books. Think of it as sprinkling little Easter eggs for your readers to discover. These can be subtle references, mysterious events, or character quirks that will become significant later on. By carefully placing these foreshadowing elements, you create anticipation and keep readers hooked, eager to see how everything unfolds.

Plot Threads: Not every issue needs to be resolved immediately. In fact, leaving some plot threads hanging can be a powerful way to maintain intrigue and momentum. Identify key unresolved issues or mysteries that you plan to address in later books. Whether it’s a lingering question about a character’s past, an unsolved crime, or a looming threat, keeping track of these plot threads ensures that you can seamlessly weave them into your ongoing narrative.

Thinking ahead and incorporating these elements into your series bible sets the stage for captivating, interconnected stories that keep readers coming back for more. Future planning helps you maintain continuity, build suspense, and deliver satisfying payoffs, making your series a rewarding journey for both you and your readers. It also lays the groundwork for a spin-off series!

Step 4: Maintaining and Updating Your Series Bible

Now that your series bible is filled with all the essential details, it’s important to keep it up-to-date. As a living document, your series bible should evolve alongside your story and help you maintain your writing goals!

Regular updates: Make it a habit to update your series bible after each writing session or whenever you make significant progress. Added a new character? Tweaked a plot point? Jot it down. This keeps everything current and saves you from scrambling to remember details later. Also, consider updating your bible with each new book release, ensuring it reflects the latest developments in your series.

Keeping track of changes: To avoid confusion, it’s helpful to use version control and update logs. Keep a record of what changes you’ve made and when. This can be as simple as noting the date and a brief description of the update. If you’re using digital tools like Google Docs or Notion, you can easily manage versions and track changes, which helps maintain a clear history of your updates.

Tracking your writing goals: Your series bible can also be a great place to track your writing goals. Note down your daily or weekly word count targets, deadlines for drafts, and any milestones you’ve set for yourself. This keeps you motivated and provides a clear path to follow as you work through your series.

Feedback incorporation: Don’t forget to include input from beta readers, editors, and fans. They often catch details you might miss and offer valuable insights. If a beta reader points out a plot hole or an editor suggests a character tweak, incorporate these changes into your series bible. Feedback from fans can also be golden – if they’re excited about a particular subplot, you might want to expand on it in future books.

Maintaining and updating your series bible helps you keep a reliable and accurate resource. This not only makes your writing process smoother but also helps you deliver a consistent and engaging story for your readers. It’s all about staying organized and embracing the ongoing evolution of your series.

I hope this helps you appreciate the power of a well-maintained series bible. It’s not just a tool but can be a series author’s best friend that helps you stay organized, consistent, and creatively inspired. Remember, your series bible should work for you. Feel free to personalize it and adapt the format to suit your unique writing style and process. Whether you prefer a digital setup with all the bells and whistles or a tactile, paper-based approach, make it yours.

To keep everything running smoothly, stay on top of updates, track your goals, and incorporate feedback as you go. Be flexible—let your series bible evolve with your story. And most importantly, enjoy the creative process. Writing a series is a marathon, not a sprint. Embrace the journey, have fun with it, and let your imagination run wild. And if you’re interested in Trello, click the link in Additional Resources to get my free Template! Next week I will do a deep dive into Trello and how I use it. 

Happy writing!

xo, Tasha

 

Additional Resources

- My Trello Series Bible Template

- Recommended reading: Strategic Series Author by Crystal Hunt, Writing The Fiction Series by Karen S. Weisner, Story by Robert Mckee, Character by Robert Mckee, Publishing How-To Series by Zoe York.

- Join the Wordmakers Writing Community

First, let’s do a little check in… it’s been a minute! A lot of life has happened since the last time I uploaded an post.

It looks like the last time I sat down to chat with y’all was right after the first quarter 20kin5Days.

So the update:

Some of you may have saw this on social media, but I think it’s important to actually put this here in a place where all of my readers can find it. Not to explain my abscene but to give a bit more background information on what I mean when I say “a lot of life happened.” 

In August of last year, my mother was diagnosed with a very rare, very aggressive bone marrow cancer. Seven years prior, she had a kidney transplant and due to the the years of being on dialysis, she was ineligible for a bone marrow transplant which made this diagnosis terminal. Throughout the fall, winter and spring of 2023 and early 2024, my sister and I have shared the duties of taking care of her and her home. She passed away on April 30th and June 1st we will be holding a memorial service for her. She was only 63 years old.

Mom was my first reader and one of my biggest supporters. It's been fun to go back and see the reviews she left on my books. She loved The Lust Diaries and it's spin off The Truth Duet. She was definitely the reason why I never felt all that worried about how those books would be received. 

As you can imagine, my mother passing at such a young age has led to a period of self reflection and it’s made it hard for me to show up in any real way. To be honest, this might to soon to jump back in, but I’m feeling a little bit closer to “new normal” so I figured I’d give it a try.

So, I recently wrapped up the #20kin5daysJune Writing Challenge, and I thought I'd share a bit about my journey, motivations, and what I worked on. Spoiler alert: it was both fun and intense, but totally worth it!

My main motivation was to dive deeper into a story that I fast drafted last winter — my sapphic Christmas romance featuring Kairo and Jerricka from my Small Town Romance Series. If you've read my Small Town Romance Series, you'll remember Kairo McCullough as Atlas’ best friend. In "A Taste of Her Own Medicine," we got a hint of her not-so-secret crush on Jerricka Whittaker, the charismatic barber and owner of Cutz and Cocktails. Readers ask me about these two often so I figured it was time to give the people what they want.

For me, this #20kin5daysJune challenge was the perfect opportunity to expand on their story.I've been wanting to give Kairo and Jerricka more time to shine, to explore their dynamic and let their relationship evolve naturally. There's something magical about a Christmas romance, right? The holiday season brings out all the feels and makes for the perfect backdrop to deepen their connection. And with Xmas in July coming up, there’s no better time to get these ladies wrapped up and ready to deliver. Plus, I don’t have a holiday story of any kind and I’ve wanted to add one to my catalog for years now, so this its a win-win!

For those of you who aren't familiar, #20kin5days is a challenge where writers aim to crank out 20,000 words in just five days. It sounds daunting, but it's amazing what you can achieve with a bit of focus and determination. Plus, being part of a community of writers all pushing towards the same goal is incredibly motivating.

During those five days, I found myself completely immersed in Kairo and Jerricka’s story. I explored their backstories, the charming quirks of the small town that I created for Soni, Birdie, and Agostina, and the blossoming of their relationship against that festive backdrop. Finally, seeing their story take shape so vividly on the page was incredibly rewarding.

Of course, there were moments of doubt and fatigue. Even when I’m operating at my usual 85-90% the doubt and fatigue are in the room with me. And my writing muscle was a bit out of shape, but I kept my head down and managed to add a little under 20k to Kairo and Jerricka’s story. Honestly, the support from fellow writers participating in the challenge was a game-changer. Sharing updates, cheering each other on, and knowing I wasn't alone in the struggle made a huge difference.

So, if you’re ever considering joining a writing challenge, I say go for it! It’s a great way to push your boundaries, make significant progress on your projects, and connect with a community of like-minded creatives. And who knows? You might just find that perfect groove to bring your story to life, just like I did with Kairo and Jerricka.

Latest Book Releases and Updates

I’m currently revising Under the Mistletoe, Kairo and Jerricka’s story, and I’m aiming for a Christmas in July release on the 25th. Watch this space for a cover reveal and a peek at chapter one to whet your… whistle.

Behind the Scenes

I think I can say with confidence that I’m officially out of burn out! Everybody clap! I’ve been writing TONS and can’t wait to share the things I’m working on with y’all — both fiction and non-fiction. During burnout, I never stopped trying to write so there are lots of ideas in my random idea file that are just waiting to be finished. And now that me and my brain are friends again, I’m going to finish them. I’ve  also written some short craft books for romance authors that I’ll be dropping toward the end of July or early August. Two books in my nonfiction catalog are getting revamped/expanded: Basic Character Creation Workbook and the #20kin5Days Prep Book.

Also, I’m still plugging away on Marrow Bone Creek. I finally have a description for what I think this series will be.

Marrow Bone Creek is a Southern Gothic, Paranormal Women’s Fiction, and Horror Romance Anthology series set in a haunted Appalachian lake resort town. There’s something for everyone here, and it will center the narratives of Black and Indigenous Peoples in the region. It’s a story about generational curses, blood debts, and the enduring power of community and heritage in the face of supernatural forces. The series delves into the complex relationships and histories that bind the townspeople together, exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption as they confront the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface of their idyllic town. Through the lens of horror and romance, Marrow Bone Creek weaves a tapestry of interconnected lives and untold stories, all while honoring the deep cultural roots and resilience of its diverse characters.

The world I’m building here is big. Bigger than anything I’ve ever done and for that reason, I’m kinda nervous about how I’m going to share all of it. My kneejerk is to give all of it to you at once, but that’s not going to make sense. I’m still playing around with ideas. Maybe y’all have some suggestions. Should I start my Patreon back up? Start something like it on my website? Vella? Radish? Just release the books without introducing you to this massive world I’ve built in the last three years? Tell me what y’all think!

What I'm Reading:

One of my favorite things about planning, plotting, and writing this Marrow Bone Creek series has been the research. I can’t remember how long it’s been since I created a DIY MFA in Black Folklore, but I’ve read and learned so much! Back in April for Poetry Month, I read Appalachian Elegy: Poetry and Place by bell hooks and was hooked by the very first poem, but that is one of many books about Affrilachia that have exposed me to a world and my people in a way that still surprises me. I’m slowly making my way through this Kentucky Voices series. They’re not all my cup of tea but they have all informed my work on this series in some way and some in very surprising ways. No matter how long I’ve been at this, I always find these little connections my mind makes so interesting, but back to the first poem in this book. They’re numbered and not titled.

I don’t know how this happened but this poem, the very first poem in this book, is the whole theme of Marrow Bone Creek. The cycles of death, decay, birth and rebirth, are all present in this series and this poem embodies it! This is the thing that I love about research. It always makes my longer, more detailed books richer. And I just like learning new things. Over the next few months I’m going to be sharing bits of this world with you so keep an eye out for that.

Writing Tips & Shit

Over on Wordmakers.org there are a bunch of blog posts for romance authors and if you haven’t started listening to the podcast, you’ve got some episodes to catch up on before I start it back up again. Last quarter’s focus was author branding there’s a few posts on that as well as some free Branding For Wordmakers course. You can also find the dates for the next Wordmaker Community events! Next up is the mid year Plan-A-thon. I’m also restarting my once a week #JustTheTipTuesday posts which will focus on romance which will be an ongoing series. This series will be good for authors and readers in my opinon and will start from the basics. Let’s call it Romance 101. The first post goes live THIS Tuesday, July 2nd!

Also, if you’re looking to take advantage of my editing services, sign up for the Wordmakers newsletter! Subscribers hear about those openings first and if I fill my books, I don’t promote again until the end of the quarter.

Events and Appearances

If you’re interested in seeing me live and absurd, One Love Reunion is happening this month in Nashville! It’s basically a guaranteed hook up with all my fav author friends so if you’re down to clown, you should come through!

Promotions and Deals

If you haven’t read Liquor & Laundry yet, the ebook is on sale in my store. This is a short, filthy, sweet, but intense story that handles some complex inner conflict. There’s a lot packed in this novella, but it is a novella, so be cognizant of that before you grab your copy. I'm also revisiting this series soonish! 

If you’re unaware, Katrina Jackson is one of my fav people in romancelandia.

She’s rereleasing her Welcome to Seaport Series with new covers, character art, and I’ve heard that there are audiobooks in the works too! She’s soft launching a Kickstarter to get this done so make sure you jump on her newsletter to know when it goes live!

 

Another of my favs, Brynn Renée aka, Jack Harbon is running a sale on one of her most popular books, Meet Cute Club, so make sure you bounce over there and grab it while the getting is good!

If you enjoyed this rambling braindump why not share it with your friends? Spread the love and let them in on all the latest updates and fun stuff I've got going on here. I’d love to hear from you! Got feedback or suggestions for what you’d like to see in future here? Drop in the comments and let me know. Your input helps make this community even better.

xo,

Tasha

 

It’s here! The day has finally come! If She Says Yes is finally available in AUDIO! Get this good filth in your ears!

Tomaś Martinez has had a crush on his, Darcy MacFarland, best friend’s mother, for longer than he’s willing to admit.

Would it be wrong to make those feelings known the weekend of his best friend’s wedding? Or would that a big-time party foul? Tying himself up and offering up his body for her to defile wouldn’t be on his list of best man duties either, huh? What if he dropped to his knees and begged her to let him worship her in every way he fantasized about over the years? Would that be a wedding day faux pas?

And what if...

What if she said yes?

Barnes and Noble

Chirp

Libro.fm

Audible

The spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, marks the time of year when day and night are of approximately equal length.

This occurs when the Earth's tilt and its orbit align so that both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres receive an equal amount of sunlight. It typically happens around March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. The spring equinox signifies the beginning of spring, a time of growth, renewal, and increasing daylight, leading up to the summer solstice, when days are longest. In many cultures, the spring equinox is celebrated as a time of rebirth and new beginnings, often associated with festivals and rituals.

Here are ten writing prompts focused on spring, new seasons, and renewal:

1. Write a story about a character who discovers a secret garden blooming in the heart of a bustling city, symbolizing new beginnings amidst the chaos of daily life.

2. Create a narrative exploring the concept of renewal through the eyes of someone experiencing their first spring after years of living in a place with no distinct seasons.

3. Imagine a world where the spring equinox brings not only a change in weather but also a chance to reset one's life. What choices do your characters make on this day?

4. Craft a tale of two old friends reuniting during the spring season, and how the rebirth of nature around them mirrors the rejuvenation of their relationship.

5. Develop a story set in a community where the arrival of spring is celebrated with a unique ritual or festival, focusing on a character experiencing this event for the first time.

6. Write about a character who has the power to bring spring to wherever they are, but at a significant personal cost. What do they choose to do with this power?

7. Create a narrative where the first day of spring is the only day each year that a magical portal to another world opens. Who goes through the portal, and what do they find?

8. Envision a scenario where a character undergoes a transformation with the changing of the seasons, paralleling the metamorphosis of winter to spring.

9. Write a story about a society where people's emotions change with the seasons, focusing on a character who experiences spring's joy after a particularly harsh winter.

10. Imagine a character who can communicate with plants, and with the arrival of spring, they must navigate the overwhelming influx of voices as everything comes back to life.

Happy Writing!🌸

 

To celebrate the upcoming audiobook release of If She Says Yes, courtesy of the Audio in Color Grant, I'm gonna delve into some of the tropes that made this duet one of my favs to write.

But before we dive into the heart of these stories, let's shine a spotlight on the incredible initiative that's making waves in the indie romance audiobook world.

Lyric Audio and the Audio in Color Grant

In 2014, the romance audiobook landscape was enriched by the founding of Lyric Audiobooks, thanks to the visionary efforts of award-winning romance narrator Andi Arndt. Offering comprehensive audiobook production services, Lyric Audiobooks has become a beacon for select indie romance authors, enabling their stories to be heard in the most captivating ways.

Emerging from a partnership with Nana Malone’s #brownnipplechallenge, Lyric Audiobooks has embarked on a groundbreaking journey with the creation of the Audio in Color Grant. This initiative is a powerful expression of support for BIPOC romance authors, aiming to bridge the gap for those who have yet to venture into indie audiobook publishing.

By funding authors' first self-published audiobook projects, the Audio in Color Grant seeks to do more than just launch a single title. It envisions creating a domino effect, where the success of these grant-funded releases can pave the way for future indie audio adventures. Open to authors across all romance subgenres, this program is a testament to the community's dedication to diversity, inclusion, and the amplification of voices that have long deserved a wider audience.

In anticipation of this audio release, I’ve created new covers for both books! If I’m being honest, the original cover was an experiment, but it never really aligned with my brand. My books celebrate Black women and the covers I create reflect that. So… an update was in order!

Without further ado, allow me to introduce, Darcy Macfarland — a woman who loves her monsteras, her bourbon, and a long Blanche Devereaux-esqe silk robe. She’s 55, a widow to an awful man she should have divorced long ago, and deep in her empty nest era. Like a lot of women, Darcy is struggling to find joy after realizing that most of her “firsts” were behind her. Then Tommy comes to Charleston for her son’s wedding and reminds her that there’s a first time for everything!

The powers that be are still doing whatever quality control things they do behind the scenes, but the moment the preorder links are available, you, dear readers, will be the first to know!

Let's talk about the Forbidden Romance trope!

If you’re asking which trope gets my imagination like no other, it’s the older woman/younger man relationship. By the way, we don't call them "reverse age gap" around here because, frankly, it's high time older women received the same level of affection and adoration that has been afforded to older men in romance narratives for far too long. Also, we don't center men around these parts so the only thing reversed around here will be a cowgirl (IYKYK)

Anyway, the Say Yes Duet actually has two forbidden tropes! And each brings its own set of genre expectations and key elements. They both pivot around the axis of forbidden or unexpected love, but they unpack these themes in different ways.

Older Woman/Younger Man

This trope is one of my favorites and I’ve talked about it ad nauseam. But here’s a quick refresher. This trope flips the traditional script of age dynamics in romantic relationships and romance novels by challenging societal norms and expectations. It gave me license to explore themes of empowerment, societal judgment, and the complexity of desire. The older woman I depict in my stories isn’t always portrayed as confident, self-assured, and in possession of a life well-lived. Darcy has those things, but she’s also not perfect and has a lifetime of experiences, both positive and negative that shape her character. This multidimensional approach is what makes her attractive to Tomás, who is seeking patiences, understanding stability, and a break from the expectations of his peers. This dynamic lead to deep, introspective character development in the duet, as they navigated the challenges their age difference presented. But to be honest, I didn’t want to write a lot of drama around it. Tommy provided her with the proper motivation to get over that all on his own and they eventually find common ground beyond the years that separate them.

My Best Friend's Mom

Of the two forbidden romance tropes in the Say Yes Duet, my best friend’s mom is probably the one that gets the most side-eye. This trope introduces an added layer of taboo, not just because of the age difference but also due to the violation of social codes within close-knit relationships. And let me tell ya, it’s front loaded with potential for tension, conflict, and deep emotional turmoil. Tomás is not just her son Jared’s friend — he’s his best friend. Tomás isn’t just crossing societal boundaries but also risking a significant personal relationship with his best friend. It demanded a nuanced approach, as it was essential to navigate the complexities of loyalty, desire, and the repercussions of their actions. I think I pulled off well, if I do say so myself. *buffs nails*

Subverting Tropes

I know there’s a lot chatter about tropes out there and with good reason. I see lots of folks making the trope the plot when it’s meant to be a plot device in the larger narrative. In my own writing, I find it more interesting to subvert tropes. Subverting tropes involves taking familiar or established patterns within storytelling—those predictable elements that audiences come to expect—and twisting them in unexpected ways. In my opinion, this approach  refreshes the narrative and offers a deeper exploration of themes and character dynamics by challenging preconceived notions and pushing boundaries. It's effective because it can surprise and engage readers in new ways, making the story more memorable and impactful. It also allows for a more nuanced and multi-dimensional development of characters and their relationships, moving beyond the constraints of traditional roles and dynamics to explore richer, more complex interactions and growth.

My best friend’s mom, is just a playful twist on the best friend's sister/brother/dad, that dares to dance along the edges of the familiar, and challenging the idea that a women are attractive, sexual, and sought after at every age. While all of these tropes tread a fine line between the forbidden and the comfort of the known, subverting it shifts the focus a bit. The romance is not just about navigating the thrill of forbidden love or the complexities of loyalty and secrecy within the fabric of family and friendship. Instead, it's about challenging the characters and the reader to reconsider their perceptions of boundaries, relationships, and the consequences of pursuing one's desires.

Here’s a little compare and contrast:

Age Dynamics vs. Relationship Dynamics: The older woman/younger man trope, especially in the context of "my best friend's mom," emphasizes age as a central theme and source of conflict, while the best friend’s sibling/parent trope focuses more on the complexities of existing relationships and the risks to those relationships.

Societal Taboos: Both sets of tropes play with societal taboos, but "my best friend's mom" carries a heavier taboo due to the significant age difference and the direct impact on a close personal relationship, pushing characters into more intense self-exploration and growth.

Conflict and Tension: While both tropes explore conflict and tension arising from the forbidden nature of the relationship, "my best friend's mom" often delves deeper into the emotional and psychological stakes, offering a richer ground for character development and narrative complexity.

Ultimately, each trope offers its own unique opportunities and challenges. They invite readers and writers alike to question societal norms, explore the depths of desire, and navigate the complexities of human relationships. Through these narratives, we're reminded of the power of love to challenge, change, and transcend the boundaries we often take for granted!

Defining the Forbidden Romance Trope

This trope is like the chocolate of romance tropes for me — it's irresistible, a bit naughty, and once you get a taste, you want more — I feel similarly about femdom which is the third trope in this Duet. So, what exactly makes a romance forbidden? Well, it's all about those relationships that society, culture, or even personal codes say are a big no-no. These are the  stories that have us whispering, "They shouldn't... but I really hope they do."

There are several types of forbidden romances, and they're spicy for different reasons:

Age gap relationships: While I’m not keen on the type of age gap where one lover was probably been binge-watching '90s sitcoms while the other was still in diapers— whether it's an older woman with a younger man (which, by the way, deserves all the love) or the other way around, the age difference can raise eyebrows.

Star-crossed lovers from rival families or factions: Think Romeo and Juliet, but with less tragedy and more happily ever after. These lovers are from groups that are at odds with each other, making every stolen moment extra sweet and risky.

Relationships forbidden by social class differences: Here, the divide between the haves and the have-nots becomes the battleground for love. It's the classic tale of a wealthy heir falling for someone from the "wrong side of the tracks," proving that love doesn't check your bank balance.

Romantic entanglements between people with a significant power imbalance: Picture the boss and their employee, or a teacher and student. The dynamics here are tricky and fraught with complications, making every glance and whispered word feel like a high-stakes game.

Love affairs that challenge cultural or religious norms: These romances push against the boundaries set by traditions and beliefs, asking tough questions about identity, love, and sacrifice. They're often the most poignant, asking, "How much are you willing to risk for love?"

Each of these forbidden romances has its own unique allure, but they all share that sense of edge of tension and the intoxicating promise of love conquering all.

Why Readers Love Forbidden Romance

So, why do we all seem to have a soft spot for forbidden romances? I don’t know about you, but there's just something about the allure of the forbidden that hooks me every single time. Maybe it's that little rebel inside all of us, the part that hears "don't do that" and immediately wants to do just that. Forbidden romances tap into this universal desire to push against the boundaries, to challenge the "shoulds" and "must nots" that are so often laid out before us.

When you're following a couple that's navigating the minefield of a forbidden romance, every moment is charged with this intense emotional stakes and tension. You're on the edge of your seat, heart in your throat, hoping they'll make it across safely but knowing any misstep could be disastrous. This isn't just any old love story; it's love on hard mode. And let's be honest, we're all here for the drama, the angst, the will-they-won't-they that keeps us flipping pages way past our bedtime.

But there's more to it than just the thrill of rebellion and the emotional rollercoaster. Forbidden romances offer us a form of escapism that's hard to beat. Through these stories, we get to experience the thrill and danger of prohibited love vicariously. It's a chance to explore what it feels like to love someone you're not supposed to, all from the safety of our favorite reading nook. There's no real-world risk, but all the emotional payoff. We get to immerse ourselves in the intensity of these relationships, feeling every heartache, every stolen moment of joy, and every triumphant (or tragic) end.

In a way, these stories allow us to confront our own fears and desires about love and relationships, challenging us to think about what we would do for love, how far we would go, and what rules we'd be willing to break. And maybe, just maybe, they make us believe in the power of love to overcome even the most daunting obstacles. So, yeah, that's why we can't get enough of forbidden romances. They're a wild ride, and honestly, who doesn't love a good thrill?

4 Key Elements to Writing a Good Forbidden Romance

1. Intense Emotional Conflict: The heart of any forbidden romance is the intense emotional conflict. The journey to love is paved with more than just obstacles; it's an emotional battleground where the stakes are sky-high. This isn't about minor disagreements; it's about profound dilemmas that challenge the very essence of our characters' love and desires. The deeper the conflict, the more rewarding the journey towards happiness becomes.

2. Believable Barriers: Real, substantial barriers are non-negotiable. We're talking about significant societal norms, deep-seated family expectations, or stringent personal ethics. These barriers should be formidable, making every stolen kiss and secret glance feel dangerously sweet. The more credible and daunting the obstacles, the more invested we become in the lovers' quest to overcome them.

3. Deep Character Development: Y’all knew I was gonna say it, but it’s a fact that the characters in a forbidden romance need to be more than just names on a page. Like any other romance, they must be living, breathing entities with complex motivations and the capacity for growth. It's essential for readers to understand why these characters are willing to risk everything for their forbidden love. Watching them evolve and push past their boundaries makes their love story all the more compelling.

4. Pacing and Tension: The delicate dance of pacing and tension is what keeps readers glued to the story. It's all about the push and pull, the moments of despair mingled with sparks of hope. This balance keeps the narrative exciting and unpredictable, making us yearn for more while fearing the potential fallout. It's this suspense and anticipation that makes the story's tender moments truly resonate. In other words, give me the pining! Show me the angst!

With the upcoming audiobook release of If She Says Yes, I invite you not just to anticipate another format to enjoy y’all’s favorite couple, but to see it as a call to action. This is an opportunity to support initiatives like the Audio in Color Grant, which plays a crucial role in promoting diversity and inclusivity within the indie romance audiobook community, and to celebrate the diverse forms of love stories being told. It's a chance to stand behind narratives that push the envelope, sharing and uplifting stories that defy traditional frameworks and showcase the rich diversity of human connection.

Let's champion a world where every love story, regardless of the characters' ages, backgrounds, or societal roles, is heard, valued, and celebrated. By supporting indie authors and initiatives that bring these varied narratives to the forefront, we engage with and advocate for works that break the mold, enriching our understanding and appreciation of love's boundless nature.

Also… y’all these narrators…just you wait.

 

xo, Tasha

 

One of the things that drew me to romance writing was my desire to explore emotions and the intricacies of interpersonal relationships.

Even when I’m reading in a different genre — be it thriller or horror — I always pay attention to those two things, whether they’re explicitly stated on the page or not.

For me, it's not just about the surface-level aspects of the story — the romance or attraction. I like to delve into the deeper, more complex layers of human interaction and emotion. In genres like thrillers or horror, this exploration of relationships and emotions adds a profound depth to the story. It's fascinating to see how high-stress situations impact the internal landscapes of the characters. People react differently when they’re under pressure. I like to explore how emotions like fear, love, trust, betrayal, and hope manifest in extreme circumstances. These aspects make characters in any genre more three-dimensional and relatable to me. This is especially true in romance, where the emotional journey is just as important, if not more so, than the physical journey.

The emotional arcs in romance novels are often steeped in a blend of desire, longing, angst and, notably, grief—a profound and universal experience that weaves through these stories, adding layers of depth and authenticity. Typically seen as the counterpoint to joy, grief can enrich a romance in very specific ways and offers  a backdrop against which the true resilience and growth of characters can be showcased.

Its multifaceted form, reveals a nuanced and genuine portrayal of love, highlighting the transformative journey of emotional maturation that characters undergo in the world I’ve created for them.

My personal experiences with grief:

My personal relationship with grief began at a very young age at the first funeral I attended was when I was around four or five years old. It was for a second or third cousin who had died by suicide. That day is etched in my memory: the church, which was big and Baptist, had a choir stand right behind the pulpit and a red carpet on the floor. The overwhelming smell of lilies made me sneeze through the entirety of the service. I remember feeling small and overwhelmed, my patent leather shoes and lace-edged bobby socks hanging over then edged the pew, the grandeur of the church, and the gravity of the occasion. The moving gospel songs were sung to send this cousin I was too young to know home.

The next time I remember experiencing that kind of grief tangentially was in the funeral scene of Imitation of Life - the 1959 version with Juanita Moore and Lana Turner. That elaborate funeral with Mahalia belting out Trouble of the World in a church drowned in lilies and white roses. The horse-drawn carriage and Sara Jane wailing about how sorry she was…that scene makes my heart clench every time I see it! The way grief and loss are portrayed in that film resonated with me, shaping my views and feelings about death and the emotions it evokes.

The deaths of my beloved Papa — my mother’s father — and my great-grandmother Leona were pivotal moments in my life. I was the eldest grandchild and these two were my first best friends. My grandfather died of cancer when I was 12 but I got to keep Grandma Green until I was 19. These losses brought grief that was profound and personal. My grandfather's passing left a void that was palpable; he had been a significant figure in my life. He was buried in a white suit and yellow tie, looking every bit the dapper, charismatic joker he’d been in life. Losing Grandma Green was like losing a piece of history, a connection to my past that was irreplaceable. Their departures from this world brought a deep sense of sorrow, but also a profound understanding of the inevitable nature of life and death.

I’ve lost other people since then, but Leona and Stanley were the most profound. My experiences with grief taught me that it's a complex, deeply personal process that varies greatly from one individual to another and even from one death to the next. It has shown me the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of loss and has given me a profound appreciation for the rituals and traditions that help us cope with the departure of loved ones. Grief, in all its forms, is an integral part of the human experience, shaping us in ways we may not fully understand. It’s also led to a lifelong examination of the ways grief of all kinds can be a catalyst for progress, growth, evolution, and love.

My favorite books about grief:

There are many, but I want to talk about two here: The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang and Back in the Day by Katrina Jackson. Both were published in the summer of 2021 (August and May), which I find interesting.

Full disclosure: Katrina Jackson is a friend of mine. While I feel my examination of this text is unbiased, I know it probably won’t be perceived that way because of our relationship. Having that said…

I will, can, and have fought about Back in the Day and its validity as a romance every time it comes up.

Katrina Jackson’s navigation of grief and the true meaning of happily ever after is handled with a delicate yet profound touch. In Back in the Day, Jackson portrays Alonzo is packing up to move in with his son Amir. It’s clear from page one that the reason for the move is the fairly recent death of his wife, whom he’s still intensely in love with. And because Jackson is a historian who loves a good duel timeline narrative, we get to flashback to when Alonzo and Ada met. Friends… this book is heartbreakingly beautiful. It grapples with loss in a way that's raw and genuine and reflects the true complexity of grieving. She skillfully balances this with warmth and hope and a deep love and respect for music…. Amazing. Ten out of ten would recommend, again and again.

Back in the Day, in my opinion, sits on the boundary between romance and women’s fiction. It has a strong romantic plotline, focusing on the relationship between Alonzo and Ada, and includes the emotional development and happy resolution characteristic of romance. It explores themes beyond the central love story, to the space where death does part these lovers and our hero is left to make sense of a lifetime of love after that love is gone.

The reception of this book, however, reminded me that romance is a genre that doesn’t like its genre conventions stretched. It doesn’t like when authors play with form and wants a very specific and limiting illustration of a happily ever after. Every time someone talks about it on any timeline, there are a lot of “feelings,” which I won’t go into here, but I will say this: every romance book is happy for now if they don’t die together.

I said what I said.

Next, I wanna dive into Helen Hoang's The Heart Principle.

I’m a huge fan of Hoang’s work, but this book really tugged at the heartstrings in a very specific way and caught quite a bit of controversy in the bookish streets. It's a story that revolves around a character who's dealing with a lot at once. Anna is already trying to swim through the heavy waves of autistic burnout at the start of the novel. She’s also receives a late in life autism diagnosis — something quite a few folks discovered during lockdown which should have made her more relatable, but I digress. This diagnosis isn't just a label for Anna; it's like suddenly all of her past struggles make sense, and she starts seeing the world through a new lens. The events that follow are compounded by the fact that she’s trying to navigate the world with this diagnosis which doesn’t make it any easier for her, like, at all. Hoang doesn't shy away from the dark sticky bits of the story here. She takes us on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance with Anna.

There are readers who love this depth of character, and I’m one of them. It’s a mature narrative and how realistically Anna's challenges are portrayed. But then, there are others who missed the more straightforward romance in The Kiss Quotient and The Bride Test. It's a classic case of expectation vs. reality, in my opinion. Hoang set a tone with her first two books, and when she went down a different road with The Heart Principle, it split the crowd. Some were ready for deeper narrative, applauding the authenticity and depth, while others longed for the lighter touch of the previous books. Basically, the book she wrote as not the book readers wanted. It’s a risk you take as an author. However, that doesn’t mean the story isn’t good. Because it’s fucking brilliant and that’s not up for debate here.

Again, I said what I said.

One of the things I dislike about this genre is the unwillingness to embrace the space around the romance or allow authors to play with form, or language. There is room for romances that don’t follow the beat sheet that I actually regret sharing so widely. But how was I to know that yall would take that as bible and years later refuse to accept anything else! How was I to know that exploring every emotion — not just the ones between the couple would become taboo?

There are so many emotional wounds out there, so many different human experiences that can be added to a romance to make them less formulaic and grief is one of them. It’s such a profound human experience, and it can imbue your characters with a depth of emotion that elevates them into three-dimensional and relatable figures. When a character grapples with loss, their journey through grief reveals multiple layers of their personality, showcasing their vulnerabilities, strengths, fears, and hopes. It allows readers to connect with them on a deeper level, as grief is a universal emotion that resonates across different backgrounds and experiences. This emotional complexity not only enriches the narrative but also mirrors the multifaceted nature of human beings. Characters who experience and process grief become a mirror for readers, reflecting their own struggles and triumphs in facing loss, making the story more impactful and memorable. Through their grief, characters become more than just fictional entities. They become embodiments of real human experiences, fostering a powerful connection between the story and its audience.

Anyway, I’m harping now.

The distinction between romance and women’s fiction can sometimes blur, as many contemporary authors weave elements of both genres into their narratives. Romance novels are defined by their focus on the romantic relationship and a guaranteed emotionally satisfying ending. Women’s fiction, meanwhile, often delves into more varied aspects of women's lives, not necessarily centered solely on a love story and without the requirement of a romantic happy ending, though they often have one.

Both Heart Principle and Back in the Day incorporate these broader themes while maintaining a focus on the romantic relationships at their core, making them excellent examples of contemporary novels that blend both genres. This blending reflects a trend in modern literature towards more complex and multifaceted storytelling that resonates with a wide range of readers. This shift reflects a broader trend in the romance genre towards more complex and realistic portrayals of relationships and emotional experiences.

We hope.

So, what do you think about this shift in tone to include more than just the romance? Are you on board with this deeper dive, or do you lean toward the less heavy titles in this genre?

xo, Tasha

Stories about characters who find love after experiencing loss typically revolve around individuals who have gone through significant emotional trauma, such as the death of a partner, family member, or a major life upheaval. These narratives often focus on the journey of healing and how these characters navigate their grief.

Key elements in such stories usually include:

1. Grief and Healing: Central to these stories is the depiction of grief. Characters often start in a place of mourning or emotional turmoil. The narrative explores their process of coping with loss, which can be a mix of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

2. Character Development: These stories often feature significant character growth. As the protagonist grapples with loss, they may initially be closed off to the idea of new love. The story follows their journey towards healing and becoming open to new experiences and relationships.

3. The Role of Memory: The past plays a crucial role. Characters frequently reflect on their lost loved ones or what they've lost, which influences their present actions and decisions. The way they reconcile with these memories is essential to their growth.

4. New Relationships: A core element is the formation of a new romantic relationship. This new love interest often plays a pivotal role in helping the main character heal, though the relationship itself can be fraught with challenges due to the lingering effects of grief.

5. Themes of Hope and Resilience: These stories typically have an undercurrent of hope. Despite the deep sorrow at their heart, they show the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of finding happiness and love again.

6. Complex Emotions: The emotions in these stories are complex and nuanced. Characters may feel guilt, fear, or confusion about moving on. The story often addresses how they reconcile these feelings with their desire for new love.

7. Impactful Secondary Characters: Often, friends, family, or even therapists play critical roles in the protagonist's journey. They can offer support, advice, or serve as a sounding board for the protagonist’s emotions and decisions.

Stories about characters finding love after loss are rich, emotionally layered narratives. They explore the complexities of grief, the path to healing, and the courage it takes to open one's heart to love again. These stories resonate deeply as they mirror real human experiences, offering both a cathartic journey for the reader and a hopeful perspective on life and love after loss.

Here are ten prompts that might inspire your next romance novel:

1. Rekindled Flames: Two high school sweethearts, now widowed, unexpectedly reunite at a class reunion. As they reminisce, they find that their old spark hasn't faded but has matured into a deeper, more profound connection.

2. Healing Hearts in the Art World: A renowned artist, known for their vibrant works, loses their muse and partner. A new, intriguing and supportive critic enters their life, helping them to find beauty and passion in life and art once again.

3. Unexpected Love in the Stars: A seasoned astronaut, embarking on a critical space mission after losing their spouse, develops a deep connection with a fellow astronaut. Their shared experiences and the isolation of space bring them closer in a way they never anticipated.

4. Soulful Melodies: A jazz musician, struggling to compose after the loss of their partner, meets an inspiring lyricist at a small music club. Their collaboration leads to not only beautiful music but an unexpected romance.

5. Love in the Labyrinth of History: Two historians, both having lost their significant others, meet at an archaeological site. Their shared passion for history and the thrill of uncovering ancient mysteries kindles a romance that transcends time.

6. Second Chance at the Book Club: A widower, reluctantly joining a book club to get out of his loneliness, meets a woman who has faced similar loss. Their shared love for literature becomes the foundation for a new chapter in their lives.

7. Hearts Aligning in the Cosmos: An astrologer, still grieving the loss of their partner, encounters a skeptical but charming astronomer. Their debates over science and fate lead to a cosmic connection that neither expected.

8. A Recipe for Love: After losing their spouse, a renowned chef becomes uninspired in the kitchen. The arrival of a new, vibrant sous-chef reignites their passion for cooking and sparks an unexpected romance, blending flavors and hearts.

9. Love on the Trails: A widow, taking on hiking to connect with her late husband’s memory, meets a fellow hiker with a similar story. Their shared journey through nature’s paths helps them heal and find love amidst their grief.

10. Dance of Destiny: A dance instructor, who stopped performing after losing their partner, is persuaded to teach a reluctant but naturally talented student. As they dance, they find their steps are perfectly in sync, leading to a partnership that transcends the dance floor.

Each of these prompts offers a unique setting and circumstance, allowing for rich character development and emotional depth. They provide a canvas for exploring themes of healing, rediscovery, and the enduring power of love.

Happy writing!

xo, Tasha

 

 

Widow romances are a trope that have been a cornerstone of romance novels since its inception. 

It was and still is very popular in historical romance. Widow romances became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries as a clever way to circumvent the social norms of the time, which often restricted depictions of female sexual experience to within the confines of marriage. They predate the bodice rippers of the 1970s. They were a way for authors to explore themes of love and sexuality within the socially accepted boundaries of their time, long before the more open and explicit portrayals of romance became mainstream in the literature.

The initial reason for writing my widow romance was to deeply explore grief, and highlight a significant shift in the thematic focus and character development within the romance genre. Unlike the historicals of old, contemporary stories tend to be a journey into the emotional depths of a character who's lost their other half. They're about grappling with loss, rediscovering inner strength, and the transformative power of new love. More than just a backdrop for a romantic plot, grief is a critical element that shapes the characters' growth and healing process.

The road my characters travel isn't straightforward. They face a whirlwind of emotions that challenge their identity and values, making them reconsider what truly matters in life. And that’s what’s fascinating about these narratives. The way the experience of profound loss can become a catalyst for change, opening the characters up to the possibility of loving again. It's not about replacing their past love but acknowledging their heart's capacity to evolve and embrace new love.

And perhaps the most compelling aspect of widow romances is the theme of healing through love. The connections formed in these stories are unique; they're rooted in shared experiences of loss and vulnerability. The new love interest often becomes more than just a romantic partner; they're a companion in the journey of healing, offering support and empathy that only someone who understands deep loss can provide. It's a testament to the power of love in its many forms to heal emotional wounds, offering hope and a renewed appreciation for life.

About The Love That Remains

In The Love That Remains, I introduce Carlotta Mercier, a woman who's been totally wrecked by the death of her husband, John Paul. It's been four years, and let me tell you, grief has really turned her life upside down. She's not the same person she used to be, throwing herself into work to escape that deep hole of missing him. And her dreams? They're so real it's like he's still there. She's stuck in this place, thinking she can't move on from the one person she waited all her life to find.

Before he passed, John Paul arranged to send an anniversary gift to Carlotta as they were both really into making a big deal about the day they were wed. In this letter, he’d planned a trip for her to celebrate their tenth anniversary to his hometown, New Orleans.  He wanted Carlotta to really get to know who he was before they met. This trip he dreamed up? It turns into this journey for her to figure out who she is without him and maybe, with the help of Enoch who idolized John Paul, learn about the person she's become from all the love that's left behind. 

When I was writing this, I really wanted to get into the whole love-after-loss thing. I think it hits close to home for a lot of folks who've been through similar experiences. I wanted to show how people can come back from grief and find themselves again. I didn't want to just breeze through Carlotta's grief. It's important to show all the ups and downs, you know? The real stuff.

The healing part in the story? It's more like a slow burn. Carlotta has to gradually open up, find little bits of happiness, and have the support of friends and a lover who get what she's going through. And when this new guy comes into the picture, it's not like everything's suddenly perfect. It's more like he gives her a fresh way to look at things and a reason to start thinking about the future again. He kind of nudges her to deal with her past but also to grab onto the love and joy that are still out there for her.

As I explored the depth of emotion in grief for Carlotta and Enoch, I kept a few key things in mind. Grief, in its simplest definition, is our emotional reaction to loss. We usually associate it with losing someone close, but it can come in many forms. It happens in stages, but it's not a straight line, and it's not the same for everyone. It's something everyone experiences, yet it's so personal and different for each individual. And yet, in romance, it's not often that we dive deep into characters who are actively going through it.

Let’s take a look Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's Five Stages of Grief:

1. Denial: When I write about this stage, I show my character in shock, almost acting like nothing's changed. It's their way of numbing that initial, raw pain.

2. Anger: As the denial fades, the pain comes back in full force. This is where I could have a character lash out at others, themselves, the person they lost, or even the world. It’s a that can stage bring in some intense conflict.

3. Bargaining: This is where my character might get caught up in 'what if' and 'if only' thoughts. It adds a real depth to their emotional journey, showing their struggle with the reality of the loss.

4. Depression: To depict this stage, I could show my character pulling away from life, feeling numb, or just not caring anymore. It's a quieter stage, but it's them starting to really face the goodbye.

5. Acceptance: Finally, this stage is about my character learning to live with the loss. It's not about being happy; it's about finding a way to move forward while keeping the memories of their loved one alive.

But remember, these stages aren't set in stone. Grief is super personal. The story or your character might skip stages, do them in a different order, or even circle back to some.

Grief also hits on multiple levels:

Emotionally: I show all sorts of feelings in my story, from sadness and anger to guilt and anxiety. These emotions can be overwhelming and intense. I think this is most poignant in Carlotta’s scenes with Enoch. In a lot of ways, I think it would have been easier to write her a hero who wasn’t connected to John Paul in any significant way. It probably would’ve resulted in a fluffier story. That wasn’t the story these two wanted to tell, though. 

Physically: Grief isn't just in your head. Character can deal with things like tiredness, changes in appetite, or trouble sleeping. I didn’t include this but Carlotta does make mention of a stretch of time when she couldn’t get out of bed and struggled with fluctuating weight due to spikes and dips in her appetite. 

Cognitively: Grief can cloud your thinking. When Carlotta arrives on the page, it’s clear that she’s not handling her grief well. She talks to her deceased husband as if he’s still alive and that makes her friend Evelyn very concerned for her mental health. She’s also struggling to make decisions about what she wants from her life and feels really confused about how to do life without John Paul.

Socially: I also explore how grief changes my character's social life, like pulling away from friends or how their relationships with others are affected. Carlotta only deals with two living beings outside of the people she works with: her dog, Maverick, and Evelyn, her best friend. John Paul was the extrovert, and without him, her world became very small and isolated. 

There's no one "right" way to grieve. I chose to focus on how my characters found ways to cope, how they adjusted to life without their loved one, but still keep their memory alive. It's about finding their own way through grief, as unique as they are.

Here’s a list of romances where widows find love after loss. These stories blend themes of healing, resilience, and the rediscovery of love:

Before I Let You Go by Kelly Rimmer - A powerful narrative about a widow who must confront her past to embrace a new chance at love.

The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel - This enchanting novel delves into the 'what ifs' as a widow dreams of the life she might have had with her late husband, only to find new hope.

Ghosted by Rosie Walsh - A gripping love story interwoven with mystery, as a widow unravels the truth about her lost love and opens her heart again.

Second Time Sweeter by Beverly Jenkins - A moving tale of a widow who gets a second chance at love in the most unexpected way.

Her Second Act by Mona Shroff - This novel portrays a widow's journey to rediscover herself and find love again in the world of theater.

Forget Me Not by Brenda Jackson - A touching story about a widow who finds herself falling in love with her late husband's best friend.

Let Me Love You by Alexandria House - A heartwarming story of a widow opening her heart to love again with a younger man.

Hope Blooms by Jamie Pope - A beautiful story of a widow who finds healing and a new chance at love in a small town.

When I'm with You by Donna Hill - This novel explores the complexities of love and trust as a widow finds herself drawn to a new man.

These novels not only offer romance but also explore the journey of healing and the courage to embrace new beginnings.  📖💖

 

 

Happy reading! 

xo, Tasha

Catch-up and End of Year Wrap-up

What can I say, dear readers, except life has been life-ing, and 2023 has determined to make me examine all the parts of myself as a person, author, and creative business owner in unplanned and uncomfortable ways. But that’s life, innit? The only constant is change, and whether we want to or not, we constantly need to adapt and adjust to it.

Know I’ve missed writing those articles and engaging in ways that feel more productive for my mental health and my relationship with the community. It’s been my favorite project of 2023, and I’m definitely going to continue it in the New Year.

Latest Book Releases and Updates

The Love That Remains, my novella from the Current Anthology, organized by Katrina Jackson and myself, is up for preorder! I knew when I wrote this story for Current that it was only part of the narrative. The little burnt-out author in me nearly published it as is — a vacation novella where a young man fucked away an older woman’s grief. To be honest, that story was fine. But ultimately, I couldn’t do that, and I spent most of November expanding this story to the length Carlotta and Enoch deserved.

Some things about Carlotta & Enoch’s story: The Love That Remains is a story of finding love after loss. Carlotta is a widow, and Enoch was a close but estranged friend of her husband when he died. I’ve had several widow romance ideas over the years, but this one was the first one I chose to tell because it made the husband a central character that both the hero and the heroine were actively grieving four years after his passing. It’s told in Carlotta’s third person point of view, which I haven’t written in for years, but I wanted to

Romances featuring widows finding love later in life can offer a unique and deeply touching narrative. They explore the nuances of loss and grief but also celebrate the enduring spirit of love and the possibility of a second chance at happiness. In my opinion, this sort of backstory sets the stage for a rich emotional journey. Carlotta begins this story enveloped in grief, memories, and maybe even guilt at the thought of moving on. While everyone around her has been very supportive, it’s clear they think she has been mourning for too long or in an unhealthy way. However, grief cycles are intensely personal and often complex experiences that vary widely from person to person. And when you live in a culture that does all it can to create distance between death and grief,  it's difficult for people to move on.

The Age Factor: When I decided to focus my energy on writing romances that centered on older Black women, I knew I would need to focus on a more complex life story, with experiences that have shaped their perspectives on love, loss, and resilience. Their approach to a new relationship is likely to be tempered by these experiences, offering a more nuanced and mature perspective. That’s not to say younger characters don’t experience loss or grief, but romances with younger characters typically highlight firsts: first loves, first marriage, first job, first heartbreak, etc. Living longer means a lot of those firsts have already happened. However, it doesn’t mean it’s not a story worth telling.

Themes of Renewal and Hope: The overarching themes of The Love That Remains revolved around renewal, hope, and the resilience of the human heart. I hope it illustrates that even after a significant loss, the heart can find room to love again. I also wanted to write it in a way that intertwines Carlotta and Enoch’s memories of John Paul with the potential for their future happiness.

If any of that sounds like something you’ll enjoy reading, click through image to preorder The Love That Remains.

Grief changes you, and no one is more aware of that inescapable fact than Carlotta Mercier.

It’s been four years since her husband, John Paul, passed, but moving on feels impossible. She feels like a shell of the woman she once was, but what else is there? Better to just lose herself in work. Better to fill her days to the brim so she doesn’t have time to wallow. Never mind that she’s so lonely for his company that she’d rather be alone if she can’t have him. Never mind that she’s so starved for his touch that her dreams of him border on hallucinations. Never mind because her heart will always be broken after losing the soul mate she waited for most of her life to meet. How can anyone move on from that?

Apparently, her husband, John Paul, knew.

In a letter written the year before he passed, Carlotta’s husband, who loved to celebrate his wife and the day they married, guides her through a tenth-anniversary trip he planned before he got sick. A trip that will take her to his hometown of New Orleans, where she will finally get to know the man he was before he left that city. Will this trip down memory lane help Carlotta discover who she is now that he’s gone? Can a young man who idolized her husband introduce her to the woman born from the love that remains?

What I’m writing and what I wrote:

Since this is a combination catch-up and year in wrap-up, I think it’s only fair to state here that I spent a good part of 2023 whining about burnout and trying to figure out what the hell I wanted to write next. At the beginning of the year, I promised myself I would take it easy and only work on projects that needed to be expanded or were close to done — those two projects being Pretty Memories and Time & Tequila. While I made progress on those stories, I never found the wherewithal to finish them. I still plan to…eventually. But one of the many things burnout has taught me is that I’m not just burnt; I’m bored.

Contemporary romance wasn’t really what I aimed to write when I first started writing. If you’ve read any of my free stories work, you probably already know that. While I’ve found some joy for a time in writing them, I’m ready to switch it up a bit. I’m not saying I’m never writing another contemporary, but The Love That Remains might be my last straight-up contemporary romance for a while. I’m currently working on a Southern Gothic and a paranormal cozy romance I’m very excited about. I’m not quite ready to talk about them yet but know that I'm writing!

Now for the tally…

I have written a good amount of words this year, but blog posts and non-fiction far outweighed fiction, coming in at 101,953 words across this blog and the Wordmakers Writing Community. I wrote 7 days a week with an average of about 5.5K a day. That’s an average, not the actual word count. Some days, it’s zero, and others, I meet that average. Anyway… who’s surprised by this? Not me! I already know that when I struggle with writing fiction, I switch over to writing about writing. It’s how my brain rests. That probably doesn’t make sense to y’all, but it does to me.

On the fiction front, I have written 77,063 across four projects, with a majority of them in Time & Tequila. That was really distressing to see because there is so much that I love about Time & Tequila. I hate that it’s not done yet. Anyway, on the fiction side, I wrote 3 days a week and averaged about 3k words a day, but I published zero fiction this year. That’s absolutely wild. I haven’t gone an entire year without publishing since I finished The Truth of Things in 2017. I’m working really hard to tell myself this is not a good or bad thing, it’s just a thing that happened, so let’s move on.

So that brings my grand total of words written to 179,016. Drastically less than my 378,000 from last year, which, let’s be honest, was just nuts. No one can keep up that kind of productivity. Or maybe somebody can, but I’m not that somebody. I haven’t decided if I’m going to do a Publishing Goals post for 2024. I don’t know if that’s good for me at this stage of burnout recovery. Either way, if I post one, y’all will be the first to know!

Top 5 Most Popular Blog Posts:

Step On Me: Gentle Femdom In Romance Novels

This trope is a honeypot as far as I’m concerned. While some enjoy more extreme activities such as bondage or heavy-impact play, others prefer a gentler approach that falls somewhere in the space between. Gentle femdom is a flavor of kinky power play where the focus is on pleasure and connection rather than pain, sometimes with a little humiliation thrown in for spice. It’s about embracing the intense feelings that come with the trust of being vulnerable with someone they care for deeply.

Tell Me I'm Your Good Girl: Praise Kink in Romance

This kinky trope is fairly common and super popular lately.

It probably has something to do with late-stage capitalism and all of us being overworked, but I digress.

Types of Relationships Between Characters and How They Relate to Each Other in Fiction

Writing believable and realistic characters, along with creating authentic relationships between them, is the stuff that good stories are made of.

10 Enemies-to-lovers Writing Prompts For Romance Authors

There's something so intriguing about the enemies-to-lovers romance trope. It starts with two characters who just can't stand each other, but as the story progresses, they find themselves falling in love. It's a complex and satisfying journey that leaves readers swooning. So, in this blog post, I wanted to provide you with some writing prompts. If you're a romance writer, this post is for you!

6 Kinky Writing Prompts That Aren't Fifty Shades of Grey

If you need some steamy inspiration for your next BDSM romance scene, look no further than this list of 6 prompts to spark your creativity!

Best Selling Book:

Still, If She Says Yes, Say Yes Duet. So basically, my informal survey says that y’all are filthy, and I love that!

Speaking of Darcy and Tommy…

We got the Audio in Color grant! This means y’all's two favs will be narrated by Oscar Reyes and Mari. I’m both excited and terrified to hear this filth read by these amazing narrators.

Events and Appearances:

In conjunction with the Audio in Color Grant, I will also be attending Book Bonanza next year. Super nervicited about attending this big signing, so if you’re going, make sure you look for me.

I’m also going to One Love Reunion. We’re gonna be in Nashville this year. Definitely get your tickets if you wanna see ya girl, and most importantly, if you wanna link up with a bunch of Wordmakers! They're running a discount for Early Bird Registration so get in where you fit in!

* * * * 

Wow, this is a very long catchup post, but I guess that’s what happens when you don’t update your site for three months and have the nerve to live a life! Either way, happiest of holidays, and see you in the new year!

XO,

Tasha