Picture a Louisiana-born storyteller who set hearts ablaze with passionate tales of love and adventure—meet Kathleen E. Woodiwiss! Known as the 'Queen of Romance,' she revolutionized historical romance with her 1972 debut, The Flame and the Flower, introducing bold heroines and steamy scenes that captivated millions. Her legacy as a trailblazer continues to inspire romance readers and writers worldwide.
The Making of Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
Born Kathleen Erin Hogg on June 3, 1939, in Alexandria, Louisiana, she was the youngest of eight children in a close-knit family. Her father, a disabled World War I veteran, passed away when she was 12, shaping her resilient spirit. By age six, Kathleen crafted bedtime stories to lull herself to sleep, a habit that sparked her lifelong love for storytelling. At 16, she met Ross Eugene Woodiwiss, a U.S. Air Force lieutenant, at a dance. They married a year later, embarking on a life that took them to Japan and beyond, where she began writing longhand, dreaming of novels that would change the genre.
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss’s Unforgettable Stories
Kathleen’s debut, The Flame and the Flower, was a game-changer. This 600-page epic followed Heather Simmons, a spirited heroine, and Captain Brandon Birmingham, a dashing rogue, through a sweeping romance filled with danger and desire. Rejected by hardcover publishers for its length, Avon published it in 1972, selling over 2.3 million copies in four years. Her vivid prose and fearless exploration of intimacy set a new standard for romance.
Other masterpieces include Shanna (1977), a tale of a fiery heiress and her roguish husband, and The Wolf and the Dove (1974), a medieval saga of conquest and love. Kathleen’s novels, often set against historical backdrops like the American Civil War or Regency England, featured strong-willed heroines who defied convention. Her meticulous research and lush descriptions created immersive 'fairy tales' that felt like an 'Errol Flynn movie,' as she once described.
With only 12 novels published, Kathleen prioritized quality over quantity, sometimes taking years to craft each story due to health issues or creative burnout. Her final work, Everlasting (2007), a post-Crusades romance, was released posthumously, cementing her enduring artistry.
Why Kathleen E. Woodiwiss Matters
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss didn’t just write romance—she redefined it. The Flame and the Flower birthed the modern historical romance genre, paving the way for authors like LaVyrle Spencer, whom Kathleen mentored by sharing her manuscript with Avon. Her books, with over 36 million copies sold, inspired countless writers, including Julia Quinn, who credits Kathleen for making romance a 'sisterhood' of readers. Her bold heroines challenged stereotypes, offering women escapist yet empowering tales. Even today, her work remains a touchstone for romance fans craving passion and adventure.
- Birth Date: June 3, 1939
- Key Works: The Flame and the Flower, Shanna, The Wolf and the Dove, Everlasting
- Notable Fact: An avid equestrienne, she once lived on a 55-acre Minnesota estate.
Snag The Flame and the Flower and dive into Kathleen E. Woodiwiss’s world of heart-pounding historical romance!