The Love Story Paradox by Angela Burke

Posted on July 23, 2011 by mtmuse

As I finished writing my debut novel, Lucidity, I had difficulty determining what genre the story fit into. I was stuck. It certainly didn’t meet the criteria for the traditional romance genre, nor was it an exact fit for the realm of paranormal. Eventually I was given a bit of advice and it was determined that Lucidity would be categorized as mainstream fiction containing a love story. Ah…a love story. Of course. And what exactly is that?

I suppose a love story could be considered a new term for the old tragedy. True to its name, a love story must contain, well, yes, love. But it is the element of misfortune that sets apart this unique sub-genre from most romantic stories. A love story doesn’t guarantee a happy ending and yet, it is the critical component of tragedy that makes it unforgettable.

Life is full of contradictions – the night versus the day, the winter cold versus the summer heat, femininity in contrast to masculinity. To recognize the opposite is to understand the whole. The love story paradox is simple. To know love, we must know loss. And we can only experience loss if we have loved.

Perhaps this is the appeal of the love story – to seek an understanding, a balance – between idealism and realism. Tragedy enables us to appreciate the entire circle of human experience…the so-called yin yang of our universe.

Read any love story – Romeo and Juliet, The Bridges of Madison County, The Notebook – and you will discover the irony in life and death, love and loss, and the darks and lights of life.
But perhaps the real paradox is what we experience as a reader. Aristotle believed that tragedy leads to catharsis, or a purging of heartbreaking emotions. It is through tragedy that we find healing.

If you would like to learn more about author Angela Burke, you can find her at www.angelaburkebooks.com. Lucidity is her debut novel published by Solstice Publishing ( www.solsticepublishing.com ). It is available at most e-book sites and in print through Amazon.

LUCIDITY by Angela Burke

Raya Walden doesn’t believe in ghosts…just the thought sends shivers up her spine. But as she falls in love with Jack Castille during a summer job at the rustic Hideaway Lodge, a resort nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Raya discovers she has an undisclosed paranormal talent. A talent that she doesn’t want. Yet it is this gift that will ultimately save her life…

Lucidity is a story about the secrets of the unknown, the essence of the spirit and the endurance of love….will you believe?

ABOUT ANGELA…

Writing has always been a part of my life and it is truly one of my passions. I was born and raised in Nebraska, but I currently live in Grand County, Colorado, home of Winter Park resorts, Sol Vista, Grand Lake and the west entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. The beautiful mountain surroundings can be incredibly inspiring and the long winters give me ample time to develop my story ideas.

I keep busy running after my three great kids, ages 8, 4 and 1. I am also a part-time special education and gifted and talented teacher. I religiously write five nights a week...once the kids are tucked in. The other two evenings are spent with my love Mark (his nights off) and we are currently revisiting all of the past episodes of LOST via DVDs.

I enjoy running and it is during these long hours on the trail that I get many story ideas. I also love to hike in the summer and when I can, ski.

Thanks for taking the time to visit this page. Namaste!

Find Angela at:

WEBSITE: http://www.angelaburkebooks.com

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The Mountain Muse
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