Novel Addictions

I am finishing the last book in Eloisa James’s four-part series she titled The Duchess Quartet. The last novel is called Your Wicked Ways. I believe that it may be my favorite of the four.

I discovered Eloisa’s writing a few months ago after reading a review of another one of her novels. As a romance novelist, she’s an inspiring lady. For years, she wrote under the name “Eloisa James” and no one knew her real name. In 2005, she revealed her true identity in a rather dramatic fashion. She wrote an op-ed article to The New York Times out of frustration with the contempt often shown for romance novels and their authors.

Mary Bly, proper English literature professor at Fordham University, was the “voice” behind the name Eloisa James. She hid her writing genre from her colleagues but decided it was time to “come out” when one of her books hit The New York Times bestseller list. It was after her announcement to her colleagues that the Times published her op-ed piece.

I recently wrote an email to Dr. Bly thanking her for not being ashamed of  her works and to explain that as an aspiring author, her refusal was inspirational. Her writing is in-depth, heavily researched, and contains more plot twists than many mainstream fiction bestsellers. She was quick to respond and incredibly encouraging. I can see why her students love her. Too often, English professors are quick to “poo poo” what they consider “fluff” fiction like romance novels. I should know; I have a minor in English with an emphasis in creative writing and am just one class shy of an English degree.

She made a fan for life with some simple yet motivational words. Perhaps I will be lucky enough to meet her in person at a convention when I publish my own bestseller!