I can’t tell you how many times
over the course of my 20-plus year career as a published romance author I have
been asked, “When are you going to write a real
book? You know, a [insert genre of choice: mystery, historical, thriller,
etc].” So I’d like to take this opportunity to tell readers why I write romance
novels.

I suffered a lot of tragedy while
I was growing up, the worst of which was the death of my mother just as I was
entering my teens. I felt as though I went from 13 to 35 overnight, and when my
friends were off having fun, I was cooking and cleaning and helping my little
brother with his homework. Romance novels were an escape for me. The Wolf and
the Dove, The Far Pavilions, Whitney My Love, Rebecca, The Thorne Birds…if the
book featured one man and one woman falling in love, I read it! Romance novels
offered me hope for a happy future filled with love (hokey, maybe, but I was a
naïve teen). As a young wife and mother, I discovered Silhouette Romance
Novels. These books were short and sweet and uplifting. Each and every story
put a smile on my face, and the happily-ever-after endings always boosted my
spirits. Are romance novels real? No. Does every real-life relationship end in HEA? Of course not.
But if I wanted doom and gloom, I’d watch the evening news.

As an author, I can’t think of a
better way to use my talent than to bring pure enjoyment to my readers. I tell
people that I write cotton candy for the mind. Think about that. When you were
a kid and you put a small cloud of that wispy confection on your tongue, what
did you do? You smiled. And maybe you even laughed. That’s the reaction I’m going for with my upbeat stories. That’s why I write romance novels.

My contribution to the Ten Brides
for Ten Heroes bundle is Return of the Runaway Bride. The story came to life
after I shared an elevator ride with a young woman who was carrying a newly
purchased bridal gown. She looked extremely anxious as her mother, also in the
elevator with us, was prattling on about the wedding plans. Suddenly, the young
woman’s face went white and she said to her mother, “I don’t think I can do
this.” Those seven little words had a profound effect on me. I began to wonder
just how close could a wedding date get before a doubtful bride had to take
action. The bride in my book runs away, but she returns to town to face her
family, friends—and the man she jilted. For romance readers, who already
understand that the book will end happily, all the fun is found in the journey.
 

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Donna
Fasano has written of over 30 novels that have sold nearly 4 million copies
worldwide. You can find her on the internet: at her blog, and on Facebook, and on Twitter. She loves to hear from her
readers. Her books are available at Amazon,
Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Kobo,
Sony, and Apple
iBooks.