When I started this site three months ago, I envisioned a small blog where I’d talk about historical romance novels written in the last quarter of the 20th century and post an occasional vintage review.
Several weeks in, I decided to broaden the scope to include “contemporary” romances published during that era, which opened huge avenues to discovery. For example, authors whom I’d known solely as historical or contemporary writers excelled in multiple genres. Or the history of one paperback publishing house branches out and takes root into one another, making it difficult to define who published what. More importantly, what I thought would be an easy task turned into a major endeavor: learning SEO, CSS, maneuvering plugins, trying to find a slick-looking template that wouldn’t slow the site to a crawl…
So, blogging.
Jacqueline Diaz Romance
Life has a way of catching up to all of us eventually, and one’s health is part of that. In my family recently, we have had a couple of close calls with relatives. I had a bad spell around Mother’s Day and have just been recovering from another set of ailments that hit me hard early last week. I’m here and am thankful that my problems are not life-threatening, not yet, thank goodness.
Living with an auto-immune disease dictates having to work within limits. That means that some plans must change as circumstances do. My upcoming book, The Savage Noble, is near finished, but with meta-reading, editing, marketing, etc., it won’t be released until September. I had wanted What She Says with Her Eyes to be finished by year’s end, although now it likely will not be. I may release it as a multiple-part series of novellas or through Amazon Vella, but I won’t be certain until The Savage Noble is completed.
As for Sweet Savage Flame, I love doing this and want to do more! We’re growing, slowly but surely, and I’d like to supply quality content, not just rants. Research takes time, especially when you want to get it right. I also plan to do more podcasts or vlogs, and that’s a whole ‘nother can of worms to open up.
New Additions and the Future
BlueFalcon has been a wonderful addition to Sweet Savage Flame. We both enjoy Zebra historicals, among other old-school romances. His perspective adds a depth of unique flavor and professionalism to this site. My reviews can be hyperbolic and digress extraneously at times; his reviews are direct, organized, and address plot points with sensitive attention to readers’ perspectives.
I’m probably breaking all the rules of Blogging 101, but this blog is an extension of myself in that I’m sharing a meaningful, enjoyable hobby with others who hopefully enjoy it as much as I do, too. Romance novels from the old-school era–and in general—are so rich with substance: the highs and lows, the politics, history, sex, imagination, humor, campiness, artistry, and talent! I’d like Sweet Savage Flame to be a comfy place where lovers of old-school romances can come to on their Sunday mornings and relive some memories or even make new ones.
If I have not responded to your comments promptly, I apologize and will catch up on my correspondence. (Look at me acting like it’s 1861, and I must handwrite dozens of letters to mail out via Pony Express. What a drama queen! 😄)
Used Book Store
There’s now a STORE attached to this blog. I’m reducing my vast paperback and hardcover library by selling used books. I have many books to sell, from multiple genres, including romance, science fiction, children’s books, and non-fiction. There are few doubles, so it’s first-come, first-serve if you find something you’d like to purchase from my vintage-and-not-so-vintage collection. For example, the rare out-of-print book Bliss by Judy Cuevas is available for $25, a fair price. We also have books like Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton romance, When He was Wicked for only $1. Many books are priced at only 50 cents. I am cleaning out my book collection and there are thousands of books!
The conditions of the books range from excellent to acceptable for reading, and they are priced to sell. Shipping and handling is a default flat rate of $4 for Media Mail anywhere in the US for up to 10 books. If you wish for a faster method, or to ship elsewhere, please send inquiries for the cost.
Financial Support for the Site, Podcast, Vlog, & Books
Donations are welcome to keep this site up and running. It’s getting so busy that I’d like to take on some part-time help if at least to help with reviews!
If you’re feeling generous, you can support the podcast at Anchor – Jacqueline Diaz Romance Support.
You can support our site at Patreon. We have established tiers, which are being tweaked to best benefit your interests. Or you can make a one-time donation below:
If you have any recommendations or requests for reviews, please comment or email me at jacquelinediazromance@gmail.com.
Happy reading!
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Hi, Jacqueline. A few comments on your post:
First off, thank you for creating SSF. As a fan of romance novels in various categories (in no particular order: Colonial America, Regency England, Victorian England, American West, contemporary, romantic suspense, erotic romance) and others I can’t think of right now, I often feel a bit alone with my love for “old-school” romance, as even though I have many books from this century, there’s something about the older books that has great sentimental value to me. It’s a psychological thing.
“My reviews can be hyperbolic and digress extraneously at times”-I have major issues with this comment. First, it is not accurate. Two, it is putting yourself down, and I feel very sad to see you write that about yourself; there are too many people in the world who will put you down; please don’t add yourself to that category. I really would appreciate it if you didn’t put yourself down; although we have never met face-to-face, we have communicated in other venues and I can tell by the way you write that you write, you are an amazing writer, blogger, and person. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise! If I have to come here every day to tell you you’re amazing, I will! As for your blogging, I learn so much from the way your write your reviews; they’re different than mine, but that doesn’t mean they’re worse or better; they are simply different. You bring your experiences, your knowledge, your wisdom to your reviews, and I for one, appreciate them just the way they are. Please don’t change or feel that you have to do things differently. You are you, and I for one am proud of you for your knowledge, courage, strength and overall awesomeness!
As for doing things like adding to the site, catching up on correspondence, etc; please do what you can. I have no expectations or demands of you other than to be the rockstar that you are. I very much look forward to your posts and writing because I know I will learn something, but I do not want you to feel that you owe me or anyone else daily posts or anything of that nature. I look forward to seeing where you take SSF and will do my best to assist in any way I can.
Hello Blue Falcon,
Those are very sweet remarks that really made my day! Sincerely, it’s so nice to hear them and especially coming from you!
Posting every day was not my initial goal and I’ll probably get down to a couple a week, very soon. I wanted to front load some already created content and be secure in knowing that if, for some reason the site couldn’t be updated for a while, there would still be lots of blog posts, images, etc. to look at.
The weekends are when I devote most of my time to this blog. I’m playing catch up for now, but should be back on schedule soon. It’s easier if I do it all at once, then all I have to do is schedule a post to publish at a particular day or time.
I am so glad I saw this comment! I’ve been looking for comments to respond to, since there were notifications, but when I go to view them, there’s nothing. I have to go directly to the post itself to see the comment. Nuts. I’ll take it up with the WP staff.
Thank you again so much for those meaningful words of encouragement, dear Blue Falcon!
Hi!
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading your blog! I also have a historical romance blog, only I review current novels. I have never read the older books, but I have really gained an appreciation for them through your blog! I do this as a hobby, and I get the learning curve with the blogging! I have never done anything like this before! What do you find is the most difficult part of romance review blogging? I find I am always looking for ways to keep it fresh. My blog is my joy, and it is nice to see someone with similar interests! Take care and keep up the great job!
Hello Jenna,
Thank you for the lovely words. I appreciate the sweet hello from a fellow blogger and historical romance fan.
Whatever rating I give a book, love or dislike it, I try to have fun with the review and maybe impart some interesting tidbit. It’s bad enough to read a dull or uninformative book, so reviews should enlighten, inspire emotion, or entertain. I spoil plot points, giving fair warning, and can be blunt, but I aim to be fair. The worst thing a book can do is be boring, as it makes the review harder to write. And for the reader to enjoy!
Blue Falcon’s reviews illuminate the plot, sorting the positives from the negatives, and give an idea of what violence, steam, and emotional angst level to expect.
Your site looks amazing! I do read a few new books every now and then😄 , so I appreciate knowing where to look for some!
Happy reading (and blogging)!
Hi Jacqueline! It’s great to hear from you.
I can’t describe how much I love your blog. I discovered it several days ago and I’m working my way through the content. How wonderful to discover other readers who share my enthusiasm for vintage romances!
Are you looking for reviews and articles? I’d be glad to submit them.
Keep up the good work. And happy reading, everyone!
Hello Mary Anne! It’s so heartwarming to hear such compliments. This is a labor of love for me, so it’s pure joy to hear from other admirers of romance novels.
If you have a review or post idea you’d like to share, send me an e-mail at jacquelinediazromance@gmail.com. We have Blue Falcon providing great historical romance content, but multiple perspectives are always welcome. I can’t promise anything but full credit for whatever you produce as we’re getting our wings settled.
Again, thank you and happy reading!