Wednesday, February 20, 2008

POP goes my heart!

Over the years, many people have asked me why I love a good trashy romance novel. I think they are surprised that an English Lit. major would choose to indulge in something, how do I put this politely, less than sub-par? And my answer has always been this: everyone needs time to escape. They need time to dream. To forget their boring lives for five minutes, and enjoy someone else's life (even if it is fictional). In other words, everyone needs a little brain candy now and then! Now don't misunderstand me, even amongst romance novels I am quite discerning. I really only have two or three favorites that I go back to continually, and the rest are frankly just the appetizers before the dessert. And if you know anything about me by now, you know that I love a good dessert. I think I could indulge in it three meals a day or more. Ah cupcakes! *sigh* Therefore, I thought all of you out there in blogger-land might find this little letter I sent to one of my favorite romance authors, Julie Anne Long, somewhat amusing. It reads:

Dear Julie-

I just finished reading "The Perils of Pleasure" this evening, and was thoroughly entertained by your delightful and charming book. I wanted to take a minute and express to you my ardent admiration and affection for your witty prose and alluring characters.

In a world full of mediocre talent (at best), I find your books to be a breath of fresh air. It is such a delight to crack open that first chapter and start on a journey through your incredible mind. I am always in awe of where I find myself, and where I will be taken. When I read one of your novels I am able to forget the tedium that, at times, is my humble life. Don't get me wrong, I love being a wife, mother, working, etc., but when I'm in one of your books the rest of the world seems to melt away, and I'm free to escape, dream and imagine.

I loved every second of the "Perils of Pleasure," and am quite sure that Colin Eversea is my new favorite romantic leading man. One point I do feel inclined to bring up however, is that I was thoroughly disturbed by the shocking lack of bathing that took place within the book. I sincerely hope you're not offended. And even though I have loved each of your books in their own separate ways, and for their own distinct reasons, the one I continually pull off the shelf and read incessantly would have to be "Beauty and the Spy". It is, for lack of a better word, simply AMAZING.

I'm so glad you decided to put down your rock guitar, and pick up a pen. The world would be a very boring place without your lovely and unique books in them. I remain your most devoted, admiring and ardent fan-

Megan H.

This was her response:

Hi Megan!!!

I'm so delighted you loved POP, and I'm so honored you took the time to tell me -- I know how busy moms with families to take care of and jobs to go to are!! I'm thrilled my books could help you escape for a little bit -- since escaping to a different world is why I turn to my favorite books again and again, you make me feel like I've done my job as a writer. :) It's the highest compliment you could offer! I hope I continue to write books that you love. :) My next one will be out in November, and I'm pretty excited about it.

Hope you and yours are doing splendidly! Thanks again for your wonderful note, and take good care for now! :)...julie

*Therefore, the moral of this story, is that if you are looking for a good romance novel to indulge yourself in, look no further than the fabulous Miss Julie Anne Long. Happy reading!

2 comments:

Ann Marie said...

So, which would you recommend first? POP or the other one you said was amazing of hers??

I finished Jane Eyre last night. Towards the end of the movie, I was ready to throw the DVD out the window I was so mad. When she leaves after she finds out he was married, and meets ( her cousin ) I thought " I'm not even interested in this anymore. " Then he asks her to marry him, and I really was mad. I kept thinking My family loves this?? Then, it ended. I am happier now, that I have seen the ending, and the more I think about it now, the more I liked the movie. I guess I'm just not a realist. I always want it to be happily ever after in every story. ~ Anyways, just thought I'd share....

I'm glad you share all of your favorite movies and books for us to check out!

Marie said...

Meg, I think it's great that you take time to write your favorite authors. I'm sure it makes them feel pleased. And how cool that they respond to you too!