Have you ever re-read a favorite novel and suddenly the story doesn’t work? A book that you loved a decade (or longer) ago doesn’t seem plausible any longer and you don’t finish because it’s too much of a stretch?

Most historical romances escape this trap (but suffer backlash for antiquated tropes). Unfortunately, contemporary romance suffers the most from the passage of time. I love stories (books, TV, film) set in the modern-day world. Rapidly advancing technology, however, means the plot might fall apart on a re-read. Books from the nineties that require characters to use a computer at a public library to access the Internet seem ancient. But often those situations set-up interaction between characters. How do you strike a balance so in a few years your book isn’t obsolete?

I’m by no means an expert. With each project, I consider this conundrum. Cell phones and the Internet have simplified our lives and solved a lot of the classic reasons why two characters at odds would interact.

In Love Overboard, my heroine loses her cell in the first chapter and spends the rest of the book onboard a cruise. (Cruise lines provide wifi, but the charge is a premium; personally, I like cruising because we have a reason to unplug!) With my next Wild Rose Press book, Holidays, Inc., the heroine ghosts her past and moves across the country.  Fellow authors, how do you work around modern-day conveniences?

Long before I started writing Love Overboard, my cruise romance, I was just a traveller. I’ve taken five cruises (three on Disney Cruise Line). Hands down, cruising is my family’s favorite vacation. We have plans to take two more in the next three years and–in light of the start of summer vacation–I thought I’d share some of our must-haves (and one must-leave-at-home).

Baby powder

If you’re on a warm cruise, you’ll definitely be spending some time at the beach. Travel size baby powder is a quick and easy way to remove sand.

Beach toys

A few dollars at the box store can save you a ton of money. I wasn’t so sure about taking up space in my suitcase for beach stuff on our first trip. When we got to the beach–and saw they were selling what I bought at home for $10 for over $50–I was really glad I did. You don’t have to get a ton of stuff. Rakes, shovels, and sifters are flat and easy to pack but can keep kids entertained at the beach.

Journal and pens

On a family trip we took with my cousins, my Mom and Aunt bought a spiral bound notebook and everyone took turns writing about what we did each day. This book has become one of our most cherished possessions. It’s hysterical to read the entries 30 plus years later.

Pre-printed address labels

Filling out addresses for postcards before you even leave home makes it so simple to send mail on the trip.

Refillable insulated mugs and Bounty plus Dawn paper towels

Especially true for Disney ships, the paper cups next to the coffee and drinks stations are not big enough for me or my family (especially in the morning). Usually, I’ve finished the drink before I return to my table and my meal. I like to pack my own refillable mugs and if they are insulated, I can use one mug for both hot and cold drinks. Bounty sells paper towels with Dawn soaked into the sheets. I first found these for a trip to the Dells when I was still bringing bottles for my youngest. So easy to use, just wet and you have an instant dish sponge. I’ve found them in travel sections at drug stores, grocery stores, and big box stores. If you’re going to pack your own mug, make sure you have a way to clean it.

Leave at home–snacks

“If you see it, eat it.” This was the announcement of a cruise director on a trip we took with my parents (and subsequently, my mom’s favorite cruise quote). I’m including this because a sweet friend who had never cruised before showed me a bag of snacks she packed for her trip. These weren’t specialty, food-allergy friendly items. (If you have a restrictive diet, you might need to bring some things for yourself.) Cruise ships are overflowing with food. From healthy to indulgent, the kitchen prepares every kind of morsel you can possibly crave. Save the room in your suitcase for souvenirs.

One final tip I share about travel in general, but especially with kids, is: plan ahead but be flexible. If you’re trying to stick to a really tight schedule, you are bringing stress on the trip. I prefer to study the guide book of excursions and activities I *think* we’ll enjoy but don’t plan every second. Instead, when everyone has a say, the vacation is so much smoother.

 

 

 

I am now a suburbanite but was a very proud Chicago resident for many years. I first visited Chicago in college and was hooked. I have family in the Bay Area, spent ten years of my childhood near New York City, and lived in London by myself for a year, but nothing compares to Chicago (in my opinion).

My first novel with The Wild Rose Press, A Perfect Picture of Us, is set in Chicago (specifically Logan Square, where my husband and I lived). Desperate to escape her perfect image, lifestyle blogger Jess is thrilled to see her former crush Leo, until he hands her a lawsuit.

As edits continue on Holidays, Inc., I’m currently working on a two-book series (duology?) set in downtown and the West Loop. These two books are my first sweet romantic suspense novels (cross your fingers for me, I’ll submit them end of the year/beginning of next year for publication). The first follows a jewel thief working with the FBI on one last heist. In an instant, everything goes sideways when he realizes someone stole from him! The second follows the reformed forger of the crime ring. Working undercover he’s worried he’s been put into a holding pattern until a man is murdered in cold-blood and he has to protect the innocent woman caught in the crossfire.

BUT! I also have to recommend a three-book series from Harlequin Heartwarming author Amy Vastine. Her “Chicago Sisters” trilogy is so heart-tugging, you’ll be auto-buying everything else she writes (just like me). I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Vastine at two national conferences and she is lovely and kind.

The Better Man is first, then The Best Laid Plans, and finally The Hardest Fight. These books are the sort of can’t put them down page-turners that keep you up late into the night. If you are looking for a great series, you won’t be disappointed.

When it comes to romance, real or fictional, Chicago can’t be beat.