In Others’ Words: Challenges

Beth VogtQuotes, Reality 8 Comments

“When people keep telling you that you can’t do a thing, you kind of like to try it.” ~Margaret Chase Smith, former Republican senator for Maine I admire people who take the word “can’t” and turn it into a great big “Oh yes, I can!” Like Helen Keller. Or Erik Weihenmayer. You probably recognize Helen Keller’s name and know she’s …

Contemporary Romance Writer: Today or Yesterday?

Beth VogtContemporary Romance, Reality, Romance, Writing 17 Comments

Historical romance is hot — or so say the publishing pundits. My debut novel, Wish You Were Here … um, it’s set in the here and now. As in Colorado. Today. Did I know readers wanted historical romance when my novel was nothing more than a work in progress? Yes. Yes, I did. Then why, if I was really thinking …

In Others’ Words: Goal or Obstacle

Beth VogtQuotes, Reality 10 Comments

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal.” ~Henry Ford, American industrialist I could make my point today talking about football. But I won’t. Even though I found a great photo of the goal line, I won’t talk about my favorite team (the Denver Broncos). I won’t talk about Tim Tebow … or …

Contemporary Romance Writer:That “Can’t Put It Down” Book

Beth VogtRomance, Writing 24 Comments

We lose sleep for lots of different reasons. Illness. Anxiety. Sometimes we even stay up into the wee small hours because we’re celebrating something fun. But how often have you stayed up too late because of a book? You start reading a novel and you get so caught up in the story — the conflict between the hero and the …

In Others’ Words: At Home

Beth VogtQuotes, Reality 24 Comments

“Make your house interesting — not perfect.” ~Emily Henderson, stylist One thing I know for certain: My house is not perfect. But you know what? Mulling this quote over for a few minutes … I also am certain that my home is interesting. In a disorganized, my-house-won’t-ever-be-featured-in-Better Homes and Gardens magazine kind of way. Walk through my house and you’ll …

Contemporary Romance Writers: Telling the Truth

Beth VogtReality, Romance, Writing 9 Comments

I love the characters I run into when I read a novel. It doesn’t matter whether I’m reading a romantic suspense, a la Susan May Warren, a low country romance, a la Rachel Hauck,  an historical a la Siri Mitchell, or even a contemporary romance, a la … well, all three of those authors (and even my upcoming debut novel, …