Being able to use paranormal or mystical elements in my stories enables me to create both internal and external conflicts for my characters above and beyond those experienced by heroines an heroes in traditional contemporary romances. My most recently contracted book, "Miracles and Magic," is the story of a reluctant psychic, Brienne Quaid, who is afraid to develop her "gift" because she saw how it overwhelmed her mother and destroyed her parents’ marriage. Neither does she want to pass along her "gift" to children, so she tries to protect her heart from falling in love. Of course, the Universe will not allow her to hide, and forces Brienne to exercise her powers so she can literally and figuratively save the life of the man she grows to love in spite of her best intentions to the contrary. In the process, she learns to accept and value who she is, and to use her "talent" in ways that benefit others, as well.

Futuristic Formats

Like paranormal elements, a future "milieu" allows me to speculate beyond known reality, then use that speculation to add dimension to my characters and deepen conflict. In fact, I wrote futuristic romance long before it was designated an official sub-genre, and long before I realized I was writing romance. Established romance writers like Jayne Krentz, writing as Jayne Castle, broke ground for the rest of us who enjoy blending our personal vision of the future with stories of romantic love – something not often done in traditional science fiction or fantasy genres.

"Marista"

My own futuristic, "Marista," isn’t science fiction by any means, but a love story set on the civil war-torn planet Serraine in the distant future. My heroine is Marista Kaljin, the daughter of a retired Terran general. The violence of war has cost her too much personally. She disdains the military her father served, and has dedicated her life to peaceful resolution of political conflict by serving in Earth’s interplanetary diplomatic corps. My hero Tynan, on the other hand, is a military officer who has no use for diplomats he considers little better than outright liars. He, too, has been scarred by war, but still believes in the usefulness and even necessity of raw power to settle conflicts.

Conflict, Desires & the Human Spirit

In my future world, I still deal with conflict, desires, and the basic human spirit which will probably not change much beyond what it is today. Our species is, after all, bound by millions of years of evolution that compels us to form intimate bonds with another in order that our species may survive. Falling in love, forging those bonds for the sake of security and survival, is hardwired into all of us. But because our instinct for survival is overlaid by our capacity to feel and reason, conflict complicates what should be a simple biological imperative to mate and procreate. And conflict, as every romance reader and writer knows, is at the center of any great story about two people who must overcome obstacles to create a private, personal world in which they can not only survive but thrive.

Though I find particular satisfaction in exploring the sub-genres of paranormal and futuristic romance, I’m like every other writer of my acquaintance in that I’m compelled to put pen to paper and let my ideas flow. I wrote for the pure pleasure of self-expression long before I ever considered writing for publication, and I would continue to do so even if no publisher contracted another one of my books. Lately, I’ve experimented with different literary forms, such as short stories and poetry. But whatever I write still retains elements of romance. I can’t help it.

Publishing Credits

Professional Associations & Presentations

Romance Author Interview

"I write romance because it allows me to "try on" the personas of my heroines. I can dare to do the unexpected, risk all for some greater and more noble good, confront failure with courage, capture the hero’s heart and soul, feel the thrill of new love, foil the villain and still maintain my integrity and femininity all from the comfort and safety of my cozy office." 

Discover more about Barbara in her
interview at Barbara Cary Interview.  

Also, check out Barbara's interview in our Writing Craft - Interviews category at Barbara Cary - Writing Craft Interview  where she discusses crafting paranormal and futuristic stories, use of dialogue, and recommendations for writers wishing to write paranormal and futuristic stories.

Return to
Romance Authors Corner

Return to Home Page