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To say I was intimidated would be an understatement. There were real writers at this meeting. Published authors who had more than one book and knew what they were doing. Even though I felt like I didn’t belong, I continued to attend each monthly meeting.

Desert Rose - RWA, opened my eyes and provided me with the support and encouragement I needed to go forward. But RWA was a romance organization. I didn’t read romance—wouldn’t be caught died reading that stuff. That is until I accidentally picked up Christine Feehan’s Dark Fire, a paranormal romance. After turning a few pages, I was hooked.

Another discovery I made from this author’s work was that I loved the historical feel about her stories. After reading every one of her books, I decided to shelf my paranormal mystery and write a historical romance. In fact, I wrote two throughout the next couple of years, while holding down a full time job, raising kids, and going to school.

I even signed up for a creative writing class at the community college. But when the instructor said, “If you plan to pass this class, you won’t write romance.” What? It only took that first class to realize this instructor wasn’t for me.

Like many new writers I was more of a closet writer. Occasionally, I would let someone read what I wrote, but mostly I keep my stories close to my chest. That is until my eldest daughter asked, “So how does this work, Mom? Does a publisher knock on your door and ask if you have a book for sale?” Of course, I didn’t miss the taunting sarcasm in her voice. I have no idea where she gets her smarty-pants humor.

Guessing that my family expected more from my writing then simply chewing up my time, I decided to pitch one of my stories at the Desert Rose Conference. The agent I met with informed me that historicals weren’t selling. Then she asked a question that changed my life.

“Can you write erotic romance?”

“Of course, I can.” But my confidence waned as soon as I got up from the table.

Tomorrow: Mackenzie McKade Day 4: Expanding My Horizons

Bio

A taste of the erotic, a measure of daring and a hint of laughter describe Mackenzie McKade’s international, award winning novels. She sizzles the pages with scorching sex, fantasy and deep emotion that will touch you and keep you immersed until the end. Whether her stories are contemporaries, futuristics or fantasies, this Arizona native thrives on giving you the ultimate erotic adventure.

When not traveling through her vivid imagination, she’s spending time with three beautiful daughters, three devilishly handsome grandsons, and the man of her dreams. She loves to write, enjoys reading and can’t wait ’til summer. Boating and jet skiing are top on her list of activities. Add to that laughter and if mischief is in order—Mackenzie’s your gal!