I’d been drawn to writing romance for a while. As no stranger to the author’s journey, with sixteen full-length novels plus assorted other books to my credit under different names in various genres, one thing that caused me to take my time was creating concepts both market sensitive and congruent with my values/goals. I’ve no issues with ‘writing to market,’ although many of my other works have been deemed ‘highly original’ or ‘unexpected’ by reviewers, in that they contain more than/diverge from bog standard trope tick boxes. Striking a balance which achieves both is far from easy, but I’ve enjoyed moderate success and picked up some wonderful fans along the way.
One reason for this desire is the need for meaning/purpose in any work I undertake. That springs from my combined genetic make-up as a Myers-Briggs INFJ or Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging type (1-2% of the global population), and an HSP or Highly Sensitive Person (15-20% of the global population).
Introversion and high sensitivity have benefited from wonderful research over the last thirty years. Combined with easier communication via an ever expanding Internet, information and support is available in ways I never could’ve dreamed as a highly sensitive and introverted child or young man. I was already in my mid to late twenties when the first early stones of this positive landslide trickled. As someone who spent fifteen years of his career in the police service and five as a police consultant, I’m no stranger to toxic environments for men often deemed ‘thin-skinned’ or ‘fragile’ by ignorant western society.
In the original concept for ‘Through Sally’s Eyes,’ I toyed with the central character being a misanthrope/bad boy that the female protagonist redeems through nurturing positive qualities most wouldn’t see. Plenty of opportunities there, and the appetite for jaded fantasy man hunks within the genre shows little sign of drying up. Market tick box achieved.
Ultimately, it just wasn’t my niche. I’d read many titles in various sub-genres to sample what sort of voice/emphasis might gel. This included everything from rom coms, steamy romance, cute romance, and the list goes on. Certain types were popular reads, but not for me. I’m no prude, but I find wading through endless pages of sex mechanics as the lead characters go at it like rabbits for 2/3 of the story a tad tiresome. One brilliant thing about romance as a genre, though, is that it’s such a broad church. In the end, I identified authors who struck the balance that I knew would work in my case. With the knowledge I wouldn’t be putting something out foreign to the market, I developed my fledgling idea to feature a different lead.
The choice to make Alan Baker an introverted HSP came not from any desire to preach/moan/educate, but from a genuine hunger to see a guy like that take centre stage in a romance story that worked. In a culture where sensitivity in general (and for men specifically) is equated with weakness, that was a big ask. Lovers of the afore-mentioned jaded fantasy man hunks will despise Alan Baker and install this book in their loo as toilet paper. Unless they bought the Kindle version…
It was important that the basic plot concept stood as a story without Alan’s specific character quirks. As such, we meet a guy whose relationship, job, and home are all lost in the blink of an eye; seeing him move back in with his parents at the not-so-tender age of forty-one. Combined with an inability to secure alternative employment, he hits rock bottom. This might happen to anyone, and offers a sympathetic situation which doesn’t require empathy with nor knowledge of his temperament. Any guy would struggle after such a maelstrom of disaster. Few would expect to encounter romance with someone possessed of a worldview different from the mainstream. Someone who doesn’t judge harshly, but empowers them to change from the inside out and transform their life. Enter our love interest, Sally Reece.
Layering the foibles and gifts of introversion and high sensitivity over this premise offered huge scope for added depth. A significant portion of conflict within romance stories is internal. Having a guy with all those additional thoughts and emotions to process proved delicious. I lapped it up! And yes, there were many deeply personal first-hand experiences to draw from and write with authority, after fifty-plus years on this earth. It’ll resonate with men and women of a similar disposition at a whole other level. It was an absolute joy dedicating the book to people who’ve blessed me, including key researchers and writers on both traits. Should any read the story, I hope it encourages and uplifts them.
For those of a different persuasion, but who enjoy a tragic, tear-jerking romantic tale, I hope the inclusion of an alternative lead guy from the normal stereotype will be of interest.
‘Through Sally’s Eyes’ will be available in Kindle and Paperback formats from 17th March 18th February, 2024.
John Eden 