Up until now I have been exclusively a closed door writer.
The past few books I've written there were moments during the creative process where I was conflicted about closing the door. It felt like I was doing the characters and the story I'd built a disservice.
But I was afraid of transitioning to open door. I was afraid it would be brand suicide.
Still, I couldn't shake that I was harming the depth of my storytelling. That I was pulling my punches so to speak.
And then I told myself I didn't have the right to show up in that space and contribute to romance in that way. The subject matter was too important to get wrong.
See, I learned about sex through romance novels. Without certain books and certain brave authors, I wouldn't know what I know. I've spoken with many people over the years who've expressed the same sentiment. Without romance novels with open door scenes a lot of us would be very different people.
That's when I realized I have a responsibility to be a voice in that space. To contribute to the genre with the talents I've been given. To (hopefully) be a meaningful and healthy influence. To pass it on.
I believe this is where my writing was always leading me and I'm excited for this next step.
I recognize that not everyone will support this transition. I did not come to this decision lightly. It has been on my mind and heart for quite some time. I wanted to be sure that I was making this change for the right reasons.
I hope you stick around, but I understand if you can't.
I know this is a big change and I want to make it easy for you to skip the spicy bits if they make you uncomfortable. The chapters with open door scenes will have an asterisk after the chapter number. Just a small symbol to notify readers of what to expect so you're not blindsided, but nothing too harsh to pull you out of the story.
Not every book moving forward will have open door. It will really depend on the story and the characters. I will be upfront in the blurb if there will be open door scenes so you can make an informed decision.
Thank you for reading my stories. Thank you for sticking with me. Thank you for giving me the chance to part of something greater than myself.
Love Always,
Heidi