by Kate Walker, author of The Konstantos Marriage Demand (Harlequin Presents Extra, March 2010)
Shakespeare was a genius. Well, yes, we all know that anyway, but apart from the magnificent dramas he wrote, he knew how to take a plot and turn it whichever way he wanted – comedy, tragedy…. He knew all about conflict and how to put his characters through it. And when I’m teaching writing, I always bring in examples from his plays to explain that conflict isn’t just about my hero and heroine shouting at each other, but about the things that keep them apart – that stop them falling into each other’s arms, when you (the reader) and I (the author) know that’s really where they belong.
So most of my time as a writer is spent thinking of reasons why this particular hero and heroine can’t just fall in love and live happily ever after. And with The Konstantos Marriage Demand, I got to use a plot line that comes straight from W Shakespeare – and that is the story of Romeo and Juliet. Everyone knows that story – The Montagues (Romeo’s family) and Capulets (Juliet’s family) are locked into a feud with each other that results in fights in the street, deaths, and, ultimately, even more tragedy when Romeo and Juliet themselves end up dead because of the way that the feud split them apart. They are ’star-cross’d lovers’ whose story ends in tragedy.
It’s the sort of plot that sends shivers down my spine as a writer because it adds so much of an edge to the story. Can these two work through not only the problems that have kept them apart but the anger, suspicion and hostility that comes from them just being who they are? And can they hold out against the history created by the rest of their families? Be the ones who finally break out of the destructive cycle that everyone else has been locked into?
Feuds are such powerful things. Specially those that come down through generations, and where often no one really knows exactly why the feud began, only that they hate the other family and they don’t always look at what happened to set it all off. I don’t have any personal experience of a feud – not between families at least. But I do know that my Grandfather used to have a very strong friendship that started in his schooldays and carried on through university, first jobs . . . But this was in Ireland, back in the days of the ‘Troubles’ and they had a major argument over politics and never spoke to each other again. When my Grandfather died, we met his by then very old friend and learned how badly they had both regretted keeping the distance between them for the rest of their lives and how it had always left such an emptiness in their time ever since; how they wished they’d made the move to break down the walls they’d built around them. Feuds are like that, they divide people, putting them on different sides of a great chasm and keeping them there.
And that’s how it was with The Konstantos Marriage Demand. A long time ago, in my ideas notebook, I wrote down ‘family feud – Eastenders’. I was watching the UK ‘soap’ Eastenders at the time and there was a storyline running through the episode about a family feud. I just noted the idea and never used it. Then last year on one of my courses I was teaching about conflict – internal and external conflict and illustrating external conflict with the story of Romeo and Juliet. And there was that word again ‘feud’. The feud between the Montagues and the Capulets.
And that started me thinking… How could a feud come about in the 21st century? How would it divide the families and what would they do about it? What effect would it have on my hero and heroine…
So that’s how the book that turned into The Konstantos Marriage Demand got started. I loved working in the ‘feud’ part of the story – it gave an added edge to the whole plot. The idea of people who should love and protect each other being a place where they just can’t do that always – because the people they need to protect them from are their own family — makes for a great story. And when I thought out a reason why the feud had really become so bad as to tear Nikos and Sadie apart, I felt I had a something that gave it al the emotional punch I had been looking for.
Of course, being a romance, The Konstantos Marriage Demand doesn’t have the tragic ending that comes to Romeo and Juliet. And that’s another edge that writing about this theme gave me. When Nikos and Sadie find the strength to work through the hostility and suspicion that the feud has created, the result is not just a happy ending for them but also for their whole families who find new happiness for a future that is no longer tainted by the 
aggression that once came between them. Romeo and Juliet only managed that in death but Nikos and Sadie have a much brighter future to look forward to. And it seems that the Romantic Times reviewer agreed when she wrote : Misunderstandings and family betrayals propel this terrifically well-paced and fiery romance to its very rewarding conclusion. RT also awarded The Konstantos Marriage Demand one of their Top Pick choices for this month. I’m really thrilled about that.
I hope you don’t have any feuds in your family, but I’d love to know if you enjoy reading romances that have that extra ‘edge’ to them. Stories where there is more than just the relationship between the hero and heroine involved so that the stakes are raised even higher as a result. What sort of things do you like to see that raises those stakes – have you read some great story recently that really had the edge you were looking for? I’ve just finished my latest book and sent it to my editor so I have some reading time. I’d love to see your recommendations.
And I hope you’ll enjoy reading Nikos and Sadie’s story which is out in Presents Extra this week.
Tagged with: author Kate Walker • family feud stories • Harlequin Presents Extra • Romeo & Juliet • The Konstantos Marriage Demand
Kate, I adored The Konstantos Marriage Demand, another great book!
In Sarah Morgan’s latest: Bought: Destitute yet Defiant, I thought it definitely had an ‘edge’ to it. The menace that Sarah put across at the start when Silvio confronted the thugs, whilst protecting Jessie, was excellent. She was in such trouble with the debt that had been left to her by her brother, she didn’t know where to turn, I loved it.
It could very well prove to be my favourite of Sarah Morgan’s books, I have always loved her writing, I literally couldn’t put it down. Its a great.
xx Karen
First of all, I want to comment on your photo, love it! And Yes, to your answer, I love a romance with an edge.
Karen, like you I also adored The Konstantos Marriage Demand.
Yes, I’m definitely a hands-up for romances with more “edge” but I don’t enjoy the meddlesome ex who stirs things up and sends the heroine/hero off in a huff.
I think most family feuds start off as petty squabbles that escalate until it’s too late for either party to back down. My late grandmother took a dislike to her daughter-in-law (why, nobody really knows), causing her son to cut himself off from the rest of the family. I therefore have an uncle, aunt and cousins who are out there somewhere but I haven’t seen them for over thirty years.
Still, I guess it saves on Christmas cards!!!
Hello Karen – I’m so glad that you enjoyed The Konstantos Marriage Demand. Of course, my UK readers have had a chance to get their hands on it earlier.
I agree with you about romance with an edge – the opening to Sarah’s book certainly was an attention grabber from the start. That’s just how I like them!
Hello Marilyn – I’m so glad you like my new photo. I thought it was time that I had a more up to date one as the one I’ve been using was taken some . . .mumble mumble years ago! I was lucky with it too as I hate having my photo taken but this photographer was so easy going he made me relaxed and I think that’s why it turned out well.
But easy-going is not how I like my romances! I love to feel unsure that the happy ending will come about – that way when it does it feels all the better!
Hello Mary – I’m in agreement there, I’m not so keen on a troublesome ex stirring things, I like to really dig deep with my conflicts if I can.
I wonder what started the problems between your grandmother and her DIL – I’m glad your uncle stood up for his wife in that way but what a pity that you have those relations you have never seen. That’s the trouble with feuds isnt it? Have you ever tried to find them? That would be intriguing
Hmm – so sorry Karen, I did write you a reply but it seems to have vanished. Perhaps it will appear later but just in case – I wouldn’t want you to think that I didn’t answer you! I’ll wait and see if it does appear . . . .
Hi Kate – I really love your new photo, too! I’ve been blogging about Gone With the Wind on Authorsoundrelations. That book had quite an edge for me as there were things about both Scarlett and Rhett I didn’t like, yet the chemistry between them meant I had to follow their conflict through to the end.
To go off on a bit of a tangent, I’ve just finished reading Terry Pratchett’s ‘Unseen Academicals’ to my daughter. I thought the romance between the uncomplicated Trev and his similarly ’special’ Juliet was hilarious – very Mr and Mrs Beckham!
Kate,
Love the new photo!
What was very refreshing about The Konstantos Marriage Demand was the unique spin on the old theme of revenge. I don’t want to post any spoilers here but it was definitely a surprise.
Books with the extra “edge” are more intriguing. Many times it seems that the h and H just weren’t meant to be together, they won’t be able to get past that “conflict.” Following their path to their HEA is usually a very satisfying read.
I also don’t care for meddlesome ex’s for the simple reason that in some books they are the main conflict between the h and H. I prefer books with “more meat” to them. Usually the issues with the ex’s could have been resolved by a two-minute conversation. Though I will admit that there have been some very well written books with this plot — but there are very few of them.
Sometimes when re-reading older HPs, I now laugh when the H’s assistant, for example, goes around calling the H “darling” and causes problems for the h. I don’t know of anyone (male or female) who works in a place where the assistant calls the boss “darling.” It simply isn’t done and that makes the entire premise out of touch with the real world. LOL
Nikos and Sadie’s story was one of my favorites, Kate. You did a beautiful job with the backstory making their conflict real. The trouble with some ‘feud’ books is that it seems like a paper set-up, not a real one. This one was ‘real.’
I like reading edgy stories sometimes (not all the time) because a variety of conflicts and intensities appeal to me. An I honestly don’t like writing them! It’s too draining to show up every day and have to grapple with that much emotional angst.
If I can read it in a few hours, that’s fine. But to live with it for months, no thanks. I don’t enjoy doing that, which is likely why my books don’t have the same edge to them that yours do!
Great picture. I expect to see a new pawtrait of Sid, too. It’s been a while since Himself has had an official sitting for a new likeness.
Hello Christina – great to ’see’ you.
Gone with The Wind is an interesting case isn’t it – two very flawed human beings but their story is so compelling. And the background – the civil war – gives the whole story such an edge doesn’t it? Writers of historical romances have much more scope with those things.
I don’t know the Terry Pratchett book but I must look it up.It sounds a lot of fun
Hello Lidia – and thank you! Everyone seems to like this new photo. I must let the photographer know.
I know you enjoyed The Konstantos Marriage Demand – and as you are so widely read in Presents and have strong opinions I was really happy to know that it worked for you.
I love your comment that:
Books with the extra “edge” are more intriguing. Many times it seems that the h and H just weren’t meant to be together, they won’t be able to get past that “conflict.” Following their path to their HEA is usually a very satisfying read.
That’s just howw I feel – and that’s why I enjoy reading books that have me wondering if it will all work out or not – writing them can be exhausting – though worth it when you get the effect you want.
And I think the ‘interfering ex’ needs to be handled with care – after all, the author doesn’t want to make the hero or heroine – whichever is the one who has the ‘ex’ appear stupid and a bad judge of character for having been involved with them in the first place. It’s a fine line to tread if you bring the ‘ex’ back in.
Thanks for not posting any spoilers!
Helo Anne and thank you for the lovely comments on Konstantos. I know what you mean about making the background – specially the feud ‘real’. I think that;s why I waited quite a while after making anote of the feud idea befoe I actually wrote it – I needed to feel I had the background right.
Like you I live to read a variety of conflicts – and types of books – though I find I always end up writing the ‘edgier’ books because my hero and heroine always take things so seriously. But I love reading other books – like yours -too. It would be a great pity (and terribly boring ) if we all wrote /read the same things. But you’re right – living with an intense conflict while writing it can be exhuasting. That’s why I’m enjoying some ‘down’ time and reading different things now I have the latest book on my editor’s desk.
Oh and Sid says that the photographer who took my picture also took his pawtrait – you can find it here on my blog:
http://kate-walker.blogspot.com/2010/02/publicity-seeking.html
Kate,
Funny that you siad: ” the author doesn’t want to make the hero or heroine – whichever is the one who has the ‘ex’ appear stupid and a bad judge of character for having been involved with them in the first place.”
That made me think of a book I read years ago where the husband and wife are separated — he wanted her to grow up, become “woman enough for him.” When they meet up again he has been escorting a model type to all sorts of functions. He proceeds to tell his wife that they are just friends, he likes the “other” woman as a person and they had a good time. Then this nice woman goes to see the wife, lies to her, etc… The wife leaves.
The husband finds her and convinces her that the other woman was lying. So much for being a nice person, etc… So, yes, it does appear that the H was a bad judge of character when it came to his friend. LOL
I saw the picture of Sid — what about he “floosie?”
Kate,
This book sounds wonderful! I think I have to add it to my growing TBR pile (virtual as it’s on Kindle). I LOVE the idea of star crossed lovers and forbidden love is an extra edge I always welcome!
Also, love the new pic!
Maisey
Yup! Just bought it…
Hi again Lidia – that sounds likem it could be one of those problematical books.
And Flora the Floozie (my Maine Coon cat) hasn’t had a recent picture taken like Sid. I shall have to remedy that fact – or she will have her pretty nose put out of joint.
Just need to find my camera . . .
Hi Maisy thanks for coming by. I’m glad the idea of The Konstantos Marriage Demand appeals to you. Like you I think that star crossed lovers and forbidden love hints at a book I’d love to read.
I hope you do enjoy it when – oh – now you’ve bought it!
I couldn’t resist, Kate.
Like I said, forbidden love? I’m SO there! Same reason I loved The Antonakis Marriage. (I heart that book!)
Hello Kate Walker
Love the new photo – got a painting in the attic?
I’ve followed you for years (I’m not a stalker, honest) and have the wanabee romantic novelist’s bible – 12 point guide to writing romance!
I haven’t read your new release yet, but it is on my ever increasing list of things to do. Like Maisey I loved the Antonakis Marraige. You have a real talent for getting to the ‘nub’ of a conflict and keeping it deep and real. Also your characters are drawn in a wonderful way. I can see them in my head. I’ve recently made an attempt to write a hearbreaking emotional scene and it took me a full day to recover from it. How do you do it?
Family conflicts draw the most emotional blood and can be so painful to resolve, simply because hurt and love are felt so deeply on both sides, and each protagonist believes they are ‘right!’
The ‘ex’ in a story can be an irritant if not used correctly. Rather than an evil ‘ex’, I think it’s more interesting to have one who is actually rather wonderful. Who has found love her/himself and it’s an amicable split with real affection between the exes. (It does happen in real life.) Now, a writer could have a lot of fun with that!
All the best.
Christine
Hello Christine and thank you for coming by – not just because of the compliments! I quite like the idead of having a reading – stalker.
A painting in the attic? Ah you’ve caught me out! Either that or I started writing as a child! I’m really glad that you’ve been finding the 12 Point Guide To Writing Romance helpful with your own writing – after all that’s what I wrote it for! Good luck with your own writing and if you do ever have good news do let me know.
What a lovely compliment you and Maisey (Thank you again Maisey!) have paid me on The Antonakos Marriage. It’s fantastic to know you enjoyed that book so much. Perhaps some books resonate more with us than others. I know that I always try to write from the characters rather than and plot or theme or other details. Even with The Knostantos Marriage, when I knew that the family feud was going to be important, it was much more from the point of view of how this feud would affect Nikos and Sadie. I think that’s what keeps it ‘deep and real’.
I’ll tell you the truth about writing those emotional scenes – when I’m writing them, they give me an uplift because I know I’m really getting inside my characters and they carry me on – and then when it’s done – or particularly now when I’ve just finished a book, I’m drained. It’s both exhuasting and wonderfully exhilerating at the same time.
>>Family conflicts draw the most emotional blood and can be so painful to resolve, simply because hurt and love are felt so deeply on both sides, and each protagonist believes they are ‘right!’
I love this comment – it’s so true. And that’s one of the things I worked with in KMD . I needed to make sure that both characters, in fact both families had some right on their side because that’s what makes things go deeper – and then I needed to add the final twist that made things so much worse this time. People have been writing to me to say they guessed who was involved but not how!
Oh yes- and your comment on ‘exes ‘ – I did actually write a book long ago that hinged on the fact that the H&h had split up amicably . It was called Runaway (1990!) and part of the heroine’s mental conflict was that she couldn’t even hate the ‘ex’ (though they weren’t actually married, but decided not to go through on the wedding day). The heroine and the ‘ex’ ended up as best friends.
I do hope you enjoy Konstantos when you get round to reading it
Thank you Kate, I’m off to download it!
Christinex
I do hope you enjoy it, Christine – please let me know what you think
Kate
Hi Kate,
I have your latest on my very tall TBR pile. Waiting for my husband to go on another trip so I can have some quiet time to enjoy it.
Have to say that I love the new pic too.
Hope you’re both well.
Chris.x.
Hello Chris – lovely to ’see’ you here. I’m so sorry that I missed you when at Fishguard. Thank you for the compliments on the photo. The old one was getting rather dated
And I do hope you enjoy Nikos and Sadie’s story when you get to it. I’m like you – but the opposite way round – waiting for the Babe Magnet to go on another teaching trip so that I have peace to concentrate on the new book! And yes we’re both well – I hope you and your family are too.
Maybe next year?
Kate
Hi Kate,
Mum is doing very well, thanks for asking. She’ll be having more surgery at the end of this month so I’ll be back in Wales for that.
It was a shame that I missed you in Fishguard, hopefully next year if not sooner.
Will have the pleasure of reading The Konstantos Marrige Demand this weekend. Very much looking forward to that.
Glad you’re both well.
Chris.x.
I love feuds and edges and revenge and all the problems such things kick up for the hero and heroine. Must move this book to the head of my towering TBR pile!