Why YES, Valentine’s Day IS around the corner. And YES, I WILL be single for it. Again.
It’s been MANY years since my divorce. So many that I’ve literally forgotten how many. Seven-ish?? My memory with time is about as good as it is with names. My kids were in elementary school, and now they are in high school, so awhile. In that time, I have gone out with a few people since the divorce but none of them stuck. And that’s likely because of me. Not because I’m flawed or broken (we ALL are) but because my needs are different at 45 than they were when I was in my 30s.
At first, it was terrifying to be on my own. And for several months after the divorce, I had no idea what I was doing. But since then, I’ve come to terms with life and the quiet of my house when my kids are at their father’s. Being alone isn’t as scary as it used to be. I’ve settled into it. Embraced it.
While I’ve not subscribed to the crazy cat lady mentality yet, (mostly because I’m allergic to cats) I’m not resistant to the idea because I can see where they are coming from. They can get their cuddles and affection from their fur babies while also maintaining their independence. Kind of a win-win.
Since I can’t have pets where I live, where can I get that “affection?” That feeling of someone caring about ME and my desires?
IN FICTION!
Through the eyes of my characters, I can live out hundreds of different romance scenarios I’ll never experience personally. I’ll write the dialogue of words I’ll never hear, men I’ll never meet, women I’ll never aspire to be like, but through their words, a part of me lives through them. When I write two lovers embracing, it’s not just for the character’s sake, but for mine as well. I can imagine the situation right along with my readers. There is a satisfaction to be had in that.
If I’m not in the mood to write, I can always turn on the television and get swept away in shows like Outlander, or Bridgerton, or yes, even Twilight. Fiction is an escape, not only for readers, but for the writers too.
At the end of the day, being single is probably a good thing for my romance writing. If I ever were to be in a relationship where my emotional needs were being met, I might have to switch genres and write murder mysteries… and that might not end well for any of us. 😉
Danielle Bannister, Author 