Mama Writers welcomes historical romance author Delilah Marvelle. Delilah’s much acclaimed debut novel, MISTRESS OF PLEASURE, was an RT REVIEWER’S CHOICE AWARD NOMINEE
for Best First Historical Romance of 2008! Her writing sparkles, her generous spirit is known throughout romance writing circles, and I am lucky to call her friend.

Take it away, Delilah…

Once upon a time… by Delilah Marvelle

 

I have a rather sad confession to make.  A confession I only share with those who know me very well.  From the age of ten until nineteen, I grew up in a very abusive household.  It wasn’t my father who terrorized me.  Not at all.  It was the woman whom my father married long after divorcing my mother.  Yes.  My stepmother.  As a result of never knowing what to expect from day to day from this woman, either mentally or physically,  it was very easy for me to slip into a world of fairy tales that had all sorts of evil witches and stepmothers. 

 

Because I was living with one. 

 

Those fairy tales ultimately made me believe that despite the power of a witch or a stepmother, a happily ever after was more than possible.  I clung to those stories, which ironically my father read to me almost every night, with every ounce of my heart and soul.  Growing up in the presence of a woman who genuinely despised me for reasons I have yet to understand as an adult, I eventually learned that a negative environment can do one of two things to a soul.  Break it.  Or make it unbelievably stronger.   

 

I happened to be lucky.  I not only got stronger, but it was what ultimately set me on this path of writing.  When Hemingway was asked “What is the best early training for a writer?” his answer was “An unhappy childhood.”  And sadly, truer words have never been spoken in my mind.  Because it is life’s experiences that compel us to write.  No matter where you are on this path of writing, as a mother, a wife, a daughter, published or unpublished, we all write for a reason.  To make sense of the chaos and give ourselves a sense of hope, peace and happiness.  Once upon a time, I was a young girl trying to make sense of the chaos known as reality.  That chaos, in my mind, only ever made sense by writing it down and turning it upon its head and giving that reality a healthy dose of a happily ever after. 

 

And now, as a published writer, that same writing that saved my soul and gave it a sense of worth, gives hope, laughter and happily ever afters to others.  A worthier cause I have yet to find for myself.  Which leads me to the point of this post.  Why do you write?  And why romance?  If there is one thing I want you to take away from this post it is this:  writing and reading romance is something we should all be damned proud of.  It heals.  It makes hearts stronger.  It promises better things to come.  And if that is something the world is going to mock….pffff…to hell with them, I say.  Seize those once upon a times and happily ever afters each and every day.  And be proud of it. 

 

 

Cheers and much love,

 

Delilah Marvelle

 

mistressofpleasure1

MISTRESS OF PLEASURE

 

“Holy Smokes!” -Cheryl, Manic Readers Reviews–5 out of 5 and a Featured Review

 

RT REVIEWER’S CHOICE AWARD NOMINEE for Best First Historical Romance of 2008 and Night Owl Romance’s Historical Romance of the year in 2008!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Granddaughter of a renowned courtesan, Maybelle de Maitenon has no interest in her grandmother’s school in London where gentlemen receive instruction — in the art of seduction. Her only desire in life is to remain indepedent, free from men and the shackles of marriage.  But when Maybelle’s grandmother falls ill, forcing Maybelle to take over the operation of the school, Edmund Worthington, the Duke of Rutherford enrolls devising a plan to not only take over the lesson plans but her heart.

 

 Burst

 And AVAILABLE AUGUST 2009–LORD OF PLEASURE