Reader Questions: Painter of Dreams

Here are the answers to some of the frequent questions I’ve received about my novel, Painter of Dreams, which is the first book in my North Star Series, an erotically charged romance saga about the bold men with the courage to defy convention and pioneer a transatlantic steamship line—and the greater dream they find in the woman they love.

Why did you write Painter of Dreams?

I wrote it in the 1980s when I was 23, a military wife, an ambitious medical student, and mother of three. I was going through one of the roughest times in my life. I’d lost the vision in my left eye due to a macular retinal detachment. Several surgeries failed to correct the condition. I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and a few other conditions that doctors didn’t understand or know how to treat—they still don’t. As a result, I dropped out of medical school.

I felt like my life was over.

That Christmas, my mother sent me a Heather Graham romance novel. I’d never read romance and wasn’t particularly interested in doing so. But I was bored, depressed, and felt like I had nothing better to do, so I began reading.

The novel changed my life. I mean that literally. I was so moved that I was never the same. I knew immediately that I must pursue a career writing romance novels. I wanted to breathe my own unique take into the genre, wanted to make others feel as I had when I’d read Heather’s book.

Is this your first novel?

Painter of Dreams is my first completed novel.

My first novel was handwritten on legal pads and filled a good-sized cardboard box. It may still be hiding somewhere in the attic, a dark and scary specter that should never see the light of day.

I made a few other attempts at novel-writing as well, most of which were abandoned. And then, Robert Plant’s song, Ship of Fools, moved me. At the same time, my five-year old son was into Titanic and was collecting every book he could find on the subject. I too had always had an interest in Titanic, so I read the books. From there, my interest extended into the history of steamships, and somewhere along the line, the idea for Painter of Dreams was born.

Of course, Brandon Hawthorn was always in my mind, my ideal man, based on the many heroes in my life, including my grandfather and my husband, men dedicated to home, family, and the love of their life.

Desiree is a painter. Do you paint?

No, I’ve never painted. And I did no graphical work when I wrote the novel. I only started creating graphics after I got my first computer in the late 90s and did no 3D art until 2005. My brother, however, is an exceptionally gifted illustrator and painter, so I was exposed to the lifestyle of a graphical artist.

Why did it take so long for you to publish Painter of Dreams?

Many things delayed progress over the years, including illness and the many years I worked for a greeting card company, but I never lost faith in Painter of Dreams, in the beauty of the relationship that unfurls between Brandon and Desiree. Another powerful theme in the story that has always moved me is the way the characters are dedicated to a dream. Being true to one’s dreams is one of my greatest beliefs, something I cherish and adhere to, something that’s of the utmost importance to me, which is why I’ve urged readers time and time again in my poetry to follow their dreams. In fact, one of my most popular poems is: Follow Your Dreams.

What about those who don’t like romance novels?

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of prejudice against the genre. And we all have genres we prefer over others. I’m not particularly into fantasy though I loved Tolkien’s books. And I’m not a big fan of sci-fi books either though I loved Frank Herbert’s work.

I suggest experimenting with different genres. What is there to lose? One may find something new that they absolutely love and such things make life worth living. The popular romance novel, Shades of Grey, is a prime example. A lot of people who never read romance are reading and enjoying it.

Most American men I know won’t admit that they read romance novels, but I know many who do, and a few who write them.

Why did you decide to epublish the novel?

Because I wanted to be part of the book publishing revolution, and mostly because I no longer wanted to wait to share Painter of Dreams with other romance readers. Had I approached an agent, it could have taken years to see it in print. At 140,000 words, it’s also on the long-side for current acceptable length standards, which is around 80,000 to 100,000 words. It’s fast-paced, but it’s written more like the romance novels of the 80s and has a lot of story and depth. Some readers have told me that these elements are missing from most modern romance novels.

But though I consider myself a rebel, I’m not against print publishing, and I hope to see my North Star series in print someday.

I’ve also written a horror novel, which is currently in the rough-draft stage. After I edit it, I’m considering approaching an agent to market it. First, I will get, at least, the next two books written in the North Star series. Book two, Rose on My Pillow, is nearly there. Book three, as yet untitled, is in the early rough-draft stage—60,000 words so far. After they’re finished, I intend to throw myself into the horror novel (actually a trilogy, something like Flowers in the Attic), which I will probably publish under a pen name.

For the Everyday Heroes

This message of gratitude isn't for Dick Clark, Roger Ebert, Robin Gibb, Steve Jobs, Donna Summer, or even for heroic Patrick Swayze who fought a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer.

It's for the everyday heroes like you who silently suffer from some ravaging illness that endeavors to break you down, body and spirit--cancer, diabetes, fibromyalgia, cystic fibrosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, heart disease, AIDS, renal disease, PCOS, arthritis, mental illness, and countless others.

I know you endure difficult days. I know you struggle to stay positive, even to be heard. So often you're misunderstood. Sometimes you feel alone. And sometimes the illness gets the best of you, and you wonder if you’ll find the strength to endure another day. Nevertheless, you call on your courage and become a hero in your own home, not on camera, not for the world to see, and certainty without the adulation of adoring fans. On your own, you fight a quiet, dignified battle against a formidable, unseen enemy.

In doing so, you move and inspire me.

I may not know you personally, but I understand your pain, for I’ve seen the people I love, my family and friends, fight such battles in the face of crushing pain and devastation. As I admire them, I admire you. To me, you're nothing short of amazing, a larger-than-life hero.

I write books about strong characters who possess great strength, determination, an indomitable will, and the courage to keep struggling against the odds--characters like you.

And I can only create them because of you.

You see, when I think about Brandon Hawthorn who's determined to fight against adversity and build a transatlantic shipping line when everyone is telling him it’s impossible, I'm thinking about you. And when I write about Desiree Thornton who hopes to become a respected artist at a time when painting was off-limits to women, I'm also thinking about you, drawing on the strength of your epic spirit.

Because you're the real life hero or heroine in my mind, the one with the true courage and steely fortitude to keep fighting to prevail, to survive, even when the battle seems impossible.

So I'm taking this moment to thank you for inspiring me and to remind you that your battle is worth fighting for. I want you to know that you’re not alone and that you touch others in the daily trials you face. You may not know it, but you lend strength through example. You teach others how to live with courage and faith, how to deal with adversity, how to overcome obstacles. Being so, you deserve some well-earned honor and praise.

And I pray for you and hope, with everything in my heart, that good things will come to you, a cure, a new medication, an enlightening discovery, a good day, a moment of hope, a reason to stay positive, and lots and lots of love. May you be greatly blessed.

Please feel free to share your story about your struggle.

And please share this message of praise with your friends and loved ones. Let them know they aren’t alone.

© 2012 Bobette Bryan. All rights reserved.

Have A Beautiful Day!

Among my new cards is this sunny hello
ecard with a rainbow and glittery hearts.
It's truly a magical, mood-lifting card. So
don't miss it!

A Beautiful Day

Send it to your family and friends and spread some
sunshine!

My New Inspirational Ecards on BobetteBryan.com

Here are some of my latest Inspirational Ecards.

New Inspirational Ecards

Make the Most of Life
Inspirational Ecard
One of my most beautiful inspirational cards ever, an important message about how to make each day of your life count.  The stunning and colorful design alone is enough to leave you breathless--the words will leave you spellbound.

Divine Guidance
Inspirational Ecard
I admit it. I'm in love with this card. There's just something wonderful about it, perhaps the way that it opens the mind and heart to the angel love that surrounds us. You don't want to miss this magical, almost mystical, creation.

Alphabet of Thanks
Inspirational Ecard
A long-awaited addition to my popular, "Alphabet of Happiness," published in 2000. This card, created with a dreamy hybiscus flower design, in the tradition of my earlier one,  touched me deeply. I think it will touch you too.

New Valentine's Day Ecards

Touch someone's heart this Valentine's day with a message of love, hope, and inspiration.

If you're looking for Valentine Day greetings for your true love, a friend, or a family member, here are some of the most beautiful ecards ever created. With heartfelt poetry and scintillating designs, these greetings will take your special someone to another world. They are as unforgettable and lovely as antique lace and will lift hearts like the morning sun.   So what are you waiting for?  If you want to express your heart and soul and get closer to someone, here's your chance.

New Valentine's Day Ecards