Everyone loves a happy ending, and local resident Laura Drewry is here to supply them. A romance novelist, Drewry is set to release two of her latest works, which marry the heartthrob genre with a paranormal twist. "With everything going on in the news these days, couldn't we all use a happy ending once in a while?" said Drewry."Sure, it's fiction, but when the daily news starts to get us down, it's nice to be able to escape to a place that reaffirms our belief in basic human nature." And in Drewry's fantasy worlds, human nature can even defeat evil. The Devil's Daughter, hitting book shelves next month, pits the title heroine, named Lucille Firr, against her new husband Jed Caine, who appears unmoving in his attempts to tame the fiery temptress."All she's interested in is seducing the pants off him and stealing his soul," said Drewry. "But five minutes after marrying this human, she begins to doubt her abilities.He makes her collect buffalo droppings, he expects her to cook, and despite her best efforts, he still hasn't made her his wife in the one way she needs.There's no question he wants her, but he wants more than just her body.He wants her to respect him before he takes her to bed. And if this isn't frustrating enough, her foolish and traitorous heart is beginning to want the same thing!"Drewry's sequel to the novel, Dancing with the Devil, is still in the editing and rewriting stage, and is set for release in December 2008.A third book to complete the series is also planned, although it's as yet uncertain if the publisher will pick it up. Drewry began her published writing career in 2005 and 2006 with the historical romance novels Here Comes the Bride and Charming Jo. She said although she'd always yearned to write, she had no idea she'd gravitate toward the romance genre until a friend persuaded her to take an online workshop with B.C. writer Vanessa Grant. "That was really the jump-off point for me," she said. From there, Drewry joined the Romance Writers of America and learned about writers' techniques with regards to point of view and GMC, or goal, motivation and conflict."Now 10 years later it all makes sense," she said, "but the learning process is a constant uphill battle."Romance novelists have also long battled some people's reactions to the genre, but the literati elitism is easing off, said Drewry. "There was a time when romance authors were looked down upon as though we were second class citizens, but I think (hope) that's changing. As with everything in life, there will always be people who are doubt the 'validity' of the romance genre, but that's their prerogative." Drewry doesn't appear to battle for inspiration, however."Ideas are everywhere," she said, "in every headline, in every article, and in every face you see on the street. Who is that person and why are they frowning/laughing/hurrying? There's a story behind everything and it's the writer's job to take an idea and put his or her own twist on it to make it their own."And Drewry's approach seems to be capturing readers' imaginations. Books so far have been well received, and she's received comments from fans as far away as Australia, which, she says, is always a thrill."Getting a message from a reader is the best thing about writing; to know that as an author, we have touched someone enough that he or she takes the time to send us a note. It's one of the greatest accomplishments in a writer's career."But it's her family that has always been her biggest fans, she said."Heck, to hear them go on sometimes, you'd think my name was Nora Roberts!"Drewry is encouraging her readers to go online and win prizes, bookmarks and cover flats at lauradrewry.com. Watch for her novel to hit the shelves at Mostly Books in April.
