Early in the morning on Nov. 4, 1775, between 600 and 800 Native American warriors descended on the San Diego de Alcalá, burning the mission buildings to the ground. It was the only California mission of 21 to be attacked by Native Americans.
The reasons for the attack remain a mystery today, but one San Diego County resident, Lisa Kessler, has given the mystery a new twist. She’s used the unexplained attack as the backdrop for her paranormal romantic novel Night Walker.
Kessler, who’s also the president of the Romance Writers of America San Diego chapter, took part in an author appearance at the Rancho San Diego Library on Friday.
“We enjoy having these programs because it encourages reading and the love of reading in people,” said Rancho San Diego head librarian Brenna Ring. “It draws people into the library.”
Kessler was one of four local writers to appear at the event, and each represented a different subgenre of romance novels. Also appearing were Terry Blain, the author of two historical romance novels (Colorado Silver, Colorado Gold and Kentucky Green), Georgie Lee, who writes classical historical and contemporary romance (Mask of the Gladiator, Rock ‘n’ Roll Reunion) and Toni Noel, author of romantic suspense novels (Restored Dreams, Lawbreakers and Love Makers). The authors participated in a panel and answered audience questions.
The authors each had unique stories about why they became writers and chose the subgenre they did. Kessler started writing horror stories before realizing she liked writing about romance.
“I realized they had a whole genre of romance that had monsters in it, and I’m there!” she said. “All romance genres are different and it all comes from the attributes of your hero.
“I love to really read about a tortured hero, and that’s what draws me to paranormal – you can bring in extra conflict for your heroes.”
Blain had been teaching history at a local community college when people began mentioning that by teaching history, she was telling stories. That gave her the idea to try writing.
“Once you get published, you’re sucked in,” she said. “I like to write about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.”
Lee was writing public service announcements and marketing videos before moving on to try her hand at screenplays.
“One day I just sat down and said, ‘Why don’t I write a novel?’” she said. She’s intrigued by characters with titles like duke or earl and likes researching obscure history.
Persistence paid off for Noel. She toiled for 14 years without success as a writer. In 2009, she decided that was it. If she didn’t sell anything that year, she was going to give up. On Dec. 12, she submitted a manuscript and the publisher bought it the following day.
“I like the strong, silent heroes,” she said. “The guys you can’t get to talk or you don’t know what they are thinking or feeling.”
The authors also talked about the digital divide and how Kindles, Nooks, iPads and other e-readers are affecting the book industry. Some of the people attending were concerned about the pricing of e-books, but most enjoyed the convenience they offer.
“I didn’t know I loved hands-free reading, but I do,” said Kessler. “And you are able to sample two or three chapters and when you get to the end they ask if you want to buy it now and you can just hit yes.”
There are two more local romance author panels scheduled for San Diego County Library branches this month.
Kessler, Lee, Noel and Blain will be joined by Cassi Carver and Teresa Carpenter at the Santee Library, 9225 Carlton Hills Blvd. #17 on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. Lee, Noel, Blain and Jill Limber will hold a panel in the La Mesa City Council Chambers (next door to the La Mesa Library), 8130 Allison Ave. on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 1 p.m.
“When I come to events like these, I get inspired to write,” said Kessler. “To see so many people that like to read is great and it can help people who like to read find new authors.”
For more information on these author visits, please visit www.sdcl.org or contact your local San Diego County Library branch.
