Five years ago, I had a past-life regression done, with theemphasis on my life in the spirit world between earthly lives. A well-trainedhypnotherapist led me through my last life--where I was a grief-stricken nativeboy in a red-sand desert--to the spirit world beyond, where my soul mates and Iallegedly share a space. I had been instructed to bring questions to askmyself, and the higher power I was to tap into. When I asked what my purpose inthis life was, I was very relieved to hear my answer. Be a joyous presencein the world.

As I contrasted this with what I had always thought to be mypurpose - to make the world a better place by my actions - I found myselfevaluating my choices, which had always had a serious side. So, even though Iwas skeptical of the past life regression process, the lessons I learned fromexamining my self in guided deep relaxation proved valuable. Thinking on whatbrought me joy, spending time with family and friends came to mind, and some ofmy fun volunteer activities. But certainly not being a microbiologist (my firstcareer), marketing specialist, grant writer, housekeeper, or accountant.Satisfaction - yes. Joy - not so much.

However, reading well-written passionate historical romancehas always been a great joy to me.  Virginia Henley, Betina Krahn, BertriceSmall, Lisa Kleypas, and scores of others made my life more pleasant throughtheir incredible stories. A good friend half-jokingly suggested I should writea novel of my own, since I was such an avid reader. I scoffed at the notion.But, finding myself at another career crossroads, I joined a writer’s groupand, just for fun, I tried writing fiction.

Writing romance is pure joy for me. I love creatingfascinating characters I want to spend time with, planning challengingconflicts for them to overcome, and writing erotic encounters that change theirlives forever. I love losing myself to the writing process and emerging hourslater with five new pages to savor. I love watching friends smile as they readmy work, and I look forward to having strangers tell me they loved my books.

The world may not take romance novels seriously, and that’sfine with me. I don’t like graphic violence in what I read or see, and I havenot developed a taste for fantasy novels. To each his or her own. I lovewell-written historical romances, and I know many women who share my enthusiasmfor the genre. Long live the happy ending!

Being a joyous presence seems a worthy goal. My husband likeshaving a happy wife, and I like being the one who brings him smiles.

If you want to share your story of how you came to writeromance, or who your most inspiring authors are, contact me atmarilyn@marilynkelly.net and I'll try to include your responses in future blogs.