Carla Swafford, Author

Misconceptions

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Carla Swafford, Author

I love writing stories about misconceptions. You know where the hero appears to be a bad guy (and may be one) and he has a problem trusting that there are good people in the world. So cynical. And the woman is good, but people say ugly things about her and how her family is trash, so she has to be trouble too, right? Love it! Even reversed.

We all know in the real life nothing is as it appears. That’s why people fight and argue and are ugly to each other. We can only judge others by our own experiences. If our past involves having people betray or berate us, we expect it from everyone. Our insecurities can be a booger.

As most writers know, editors care little for conflict that could be solved by a simple conversation. I’m sure there are some stories written where the hero and heroine trust and love each other enough for that to happen pretty quickly. You know, talk and believe each other.

Oh, no, not my characters. I love seeing my couple suffer as they learn to trust. And trust isn’t a stable emotion. In the beginning it doesn’t take much to blow all their hard work to hell and back. If you don’t trust yourself (Should you really believe in this man or woman? You’ve been hurt or seen others hurt over and over again.), how can you believe they won’t betray you? Again?

Bride and groom kissing.

The gradual move from distrust to believing what they say keeps me reading the book. And of course, the sexual tension keeps me turning the pages too.

Yes, love can conquer all ― that’s why I write romances ― but true love takes time and the length of one book usually does it.

Writing

They Kissed as He . . .

Posted on November 11, 2013April 29, 2026 by Carla Swafford, Author

The last few years I’ve seen a trend for the hero to be six foot five and taller. Yes, I know that my hero, Rex, whose story is in CIRCLE OF DECEPTION, is six foot five and even a secondary character, Liam, is six foot six. But for me those are exceptions in my manuscripts. I usually keep my fellows anywhere from five-eleven to six-two, and still that’s above average for the American male.

Anyway, with this tall man trend going on, I’ve read love scenes where the man would have to be a contortionist to perform sexually as the heroines remain shorter than average (5′ 5″) in most of the stories.

Think of it this way, the hero is thrusting (I’m trying to keep this PG-13) and he decides to suck on something taut in the female chest area. There’s some adjustment that’s needs to be done. I’m not saying he can’t do it, but let’s say his thrusting slows because his center must shift quite a bit as he bends like a paperclip.

Then there is the sweet cuddling scene. They can be in bed or standing next to each other. The heroine is five-three and she snuggles her face into the hero’s neck. Is she standing on a box? If he’s six-five, her nose should be buried in his chest hair. Of course, he could bend down or he could lift her, but I rarely read anything like that.

Oh, oh, and when she feels his hardness (you know what hardness I’m talking about) against her hip/pelvis as they dance or hug . . . LOL! Is he stooping?

Here are some celebrity couples and their heights. This will help you figure it out. I have a feeling that some of the couples have to get inventive in bed (and out).

And don’t get me started on how a six-seven man can hide or steal just anyone’s car. Seats in the average car will not accommodate those legs, no matter how far back the seat is pushed back. That’s why most tall men drive trucks or over-sized vehicles (e.g., Hummers).

I also drew stick figures (6’5 vs 5’4″) to give you an idea of the differences. Be sure to remember, I’m an author, not an artist.

So I suggest you keep your fellow average height. You can always make your heroine shorter if he has to tower over her. Then I sometimes wonder about guys who . . . no, I’m not going there. I might start a fight then or hurt someone’s feelings.

(updated August 7, 2025)

Odd Observation

Quote for the Moment

Posted on November 11, 2013November 11, 2013 by Carla Swafford, Author

Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Odd Observation

Woo-hoo! Here I Am!

Posted on November 10, 2013November 9, 2013 by Carla Swafford, Author

Lately, I’ve been thinking about that episode in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV) where a girl has been ignored by everyone especially her classmates to the point she disappeared. That’s how I feel recently. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve waved my hand (almost figuratively) and been looked over.

As a writer, I do lots of positive things for attention, hoping that people will remember my name and maybe, just maybe, buy my books. I won’t go into details because it’s really so silly.

Okay. Pity party over. (No need to slap me.)

Who Can Forget SPIKE?

Posted on November 9, 2013November 9, 2013 by Carla Swafford, Author

I came across this today and whoever did it, did an excellent job. Plus after reading so many Jeaniene Frost books this year, I’m reminded where she got the idea for Bones. Love it! Enjoy!