Explaining why I became a writer is not an easy task, primarily because there are so many reasons why I love to write! Least of which is my love of stories.
I've been reading for as long as I can remember. My mother has a remarkable collection of books, from beloved children's literature to well-worn classics. And I devoured them all! From exquisite leather bound cover to leather bound cover. But it wasn't until a few years ago that I started reading contemporary romance.
My first dabble into this genre began with Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series. I'd started a long commute for work, and I wanted something light and fun to keep me awake on my tedious drive, but not demand too much of my attention like reading Kafka or Thoreau. Sophie's books were exactly what I needed! They were lighthearted, adorable, and made me laugh! And they opened up an entirely new world of literature. But as I dove into more contemporary romances, something seemed to be missing. I craved stories about women like me- women who longed for love but looked at relationships differently than mainstream romance. It became my mission to find a spunky and compelling heroine who wouldn't fall into bed with someone. I wanted a sweet and endearing romance built on a deep connection rather than purely sexual attraction- a couple who worked hard for their happily-ever-after. I eventually found this in the work of Debbie Macomber.
I admire many, many authors. Being a writer is a tough job! Even though it's incredibly joyful and rewarding, it takes a ton of effort, time, tears, courage, and vulnerability. The number of authors whom I find inspirational wouldn't even fit on this page! And I'm discovering new ones all the time. But, the very first- the one I credit with inspiring me to sit down and write myself- is Debbie. And for that, I will eternally be grateful.
So, why do I write? I write because I absolutely 100% adore it! I write because God has blessed me with the passion and ability. And I write because I want to see more stories out there for women like me. Women who desire a heart-warming, page-turning, I-can't-stop-smiling/ugly crying love story where sex isn't the focus. Because, as I've learned in my marriage, sex is a blessing- a gift, even- but it isn't love. I fell madly, deeply, irrevocably in love with my husband long before we shared that part of ourselves with each other. And I think our love story is the most beautiful one in the world. If I could capture half of the love we share onto the page, no one would put the book down. Yes, I know this means my stories won't be for everyone. I'm okay with that. And, if someone looking for a steamy romance happens to pick up one of my novels, I hope they'll be so swept up in the story- the heart, soul, and adventure of it- they will keep reading. And maybe, one day, they'll even say,
"Rachael Bloome was the author who inspired me to write my first story."
Now, wouldn't that be amazing?