Hello, Naan!

It seems to me you have a preference for troubled and dark stories, tormented characters some with a past of violences and abuses.

Was this your original task, or did you gain the dark side while writing?

No, the darker elements have always been a part of my writing. When I was in my late teens, I used to read traditional Regency romances. Everything seemed perfect in these stories. Perfect characters living out perfect lives. Real life doesn't work that way. A good person can be cruel and a villain can have a sliver of compassion. We grow and show strength (or lack) in how we cope with the pain and sorrows in our lives. For me, a great story must be balance of both good/dark elements.

Abuse theme is a very strong one, and not so often read in romances, do you think such contents may affect the book's acceptance by publishers or its success among the readers?

Possibly. I think it depends on the strength of the book and the current market trend. For example, if the current trend was a demand for light frothy romances, then a darker romance might be difficult to sell.

And how do you face these subjects when writing?

With delicacy and respect to the seriousness of the subject matter. The underlying message in my stories is one of empowerment and hope.

don't you think this could unfocus reader attention and lessen the drama of the story?

It's a risk:) However, this is a family series so some of this secondary interaction is important. Many readers expect to follow-up with the characters of the previous stories so it's a balance of giving readers dedicated to the series an update without confusing new readers.

Barbara