I am, and have always been, a character-driven romance author. People often ask me how I keep a world of over 50 books interconnected and alive, and the answer is simple: it always starts with the people.

Before I can write a new series like Firebrook Valley, I have to imagine who lives there. I might have a vague idea of a location or a plot, but before a single word of the story hits the page, I fill notebooks with what motivates a character.

I knew the entire backstory of Gabe Holliston—his relationship with his ex-wife, his parents, and exactly how he interacts with his children—long before I wrote the first scene. I know what is strong in him and what is broken. As I imagine him raising his children, I look at them through both his eyes and theirs. What were their challenges? Who would they have been to each other?

Then, I ask the most important question: What do these characters yearn for?

When I imagined the Burkes, I spent just as much time getting to know their history and their failures. I need to know what they are proud of and what they are ashamed of. Who are they in their best moments, and who are they in their worst?

Once I know them, I look for the match. Why do these two people, out of everyone I could imagine, belong together? Do they bring out the best in each other? Only when I have that answer do I set the notes aside and create the "plot" for them to work through.

By the time the "magic" starts, they are real to me. When they struggle, I’m rooting for them. When they cry during a scene, I’m crying right along with them. And when I finally write the words "The End" on a happily-ever-after, I’m smiling in exactly the way I hope you are.

That reminds me, I should post about the time I was asked to leave a library . . .

Grab your favorite mug, settle into your coziest chair, and let me tell you a story from my early days in the romance industry. It’s a tale of innocence, a shot for courage, and the ultimate last-minute betrayal.

I’m laughing just typing this, but for those of you who were there—or those who never blogged about it—remember: history belongs to those who take the time to record it. Since I don’t believe a video exists (thankfully!), we’re going to rely on my memory of that wild day back in 2014.

The Set-Up

There I was, unwinding after a long book signing with several of my good author friends. I had literally just stepped off the phone with my husband, telling him how exhausting and "crazy" the work of a book signing is. I was the picture of a dedicated professional.

Then, one of the authors turned to me and asked, "Have you ever been to a Coyote Ugly?"

I hadn't. So, naturally, the whole group—authors and readers alike—decided that was exactly where we needed to be. The atmosphere was fun, not too crowded, and we were all having a blast.

The "we’re all in" Betrayal

We were standing there looking up at the famous bar when someone suggested, "Let's go up and dance!"

In my head, it was an "we’re all in" moment. I started to climb up, thinking my fellow authors were right behind me. But the moment my feet hit the wood, I realized I had been "lured." They scrambled away, leaving me standing on the bar all by myself. . . well, me and a group of readers who were all significantly younger than I was!

But I’m a brave romance author, right? So, there I stood in my sneakers and Capri pants, and I danced. I gave it my all while my "friends" cheered (and laughed) and took photos from the safety of the floor.

The "Working Hard" Text

The best part? As we were leaving the bar and walking down the street, total strangers started stopping me. "Hey! I just saw a post of you dancing at Coyote Ugly!"

My heart dropped. If strangers were seeing it, that meant the internet was seeing it. Seconds later, my phone buzzed. It was a text from my husband:

"Looks like you sure are working hard."

I burst out laughing. Thankfully, my husband has an incredible sense of humor. We don’t worry about each other—honestly, he’s more worried I’ll come home with another horse than that I’d ever sneak around and do anything. He knew I didn’t really drink (well normally) and I am certainly not a dancer, so the mental image of me in my sneakers on that bar was something he just wished he’d seen in person.

The Moral of the Story

We have laughed about that night so many times over the years. It’s one of those "magic" memories that only happens when you’re out on the road with readers and fellow authors who become family.

But I did walk away with one very important life lesson: When someone says, "Let's dance on the bar," you always let them go first.

There is a specific feeling to starting a new series. Even after 50+ books, it never goes away. It feels like sending your child off to school for the first time. You hope it finds friends. You hope you did more right than wrong with it. You just hope it’s ready.

Authors pour so much of themselves into these stories. My friends often tell me that when they read my romances, they can hear my voice on every page. It’s a thought that brings me peace. When my adult children ponder the future, I tell them that one day I’ll be old, and yes, one day they’ll lose me—but if they ever want to hear me again, I’m right there in my books.

My humor, my philosophies on forgiveness, and my belief in the importance of family—both the one we’re born to and the one we create—are woven into the fabric of every chapter .

My stories originate as a spark in my imagination, but they truly come to life when they brush up against my real life. They become better every time my husband or my children talk through a plot point with me. Over the years, my children have been part of this journey on so many levels. My oldest daughter worked as our graphic designer and photographer, and now my youngest, Serenity, is creating my covers.

Every point of overlap between my stories and my family is beautiful to me. I hope that light shines through both in my writing and in how I show up here with you. If my stories leave you smiling and feeling just a little bit better about the world and the people around you, my heart is full.

Welcome to Firebrook Valley. I hope you find a new friend in Drew and Bella.

Not You (Firebrook Valley, Book 1) Available for Pre-order now. Launches March 11.

With love,

Ruthie