The Beginning...
The creation of "Cherif -a true knight" and Romance Reader at Heart
by Deborah
I’m sure many people are wondering why I started a fan site for Cherif and Fortin & Sanders, and the answer is simple: it’s because I saw a need for one. Personally I have been a long time fan for Fortin & Sanders, going back to the day of “Romantic By Design.” When “Passion’s Blood” came out in November 1998 , I was so inspired by the artistic team, I had to do a review for it on B&N. com. My personal appreciation comes from years of schooling, being involved in some aspects of fine art and photography, always trying to grasp the combination of the two mediums and truly not succeeding. They say we admire others for what we can not accomplish ourselves, and I am in agreement. Fortin and Sanders artwork embodies all that I could never personally accomplish. And I greatly respect them for their talent, hard work and dedication for their art form, which shows through in every one of their poetic illustrations. They are truly an amazing team.
It was not until I went to Romantic Times convention in Houston did I realize I was not alone in my admiration. Whispers of the talent of Fortin and Sanders was on the lips of many in attendance, but it was the heartfelt emotion of fans speaking of the warmth and grace of the pair that caught my attention. I believed a fan site would be the perfect medium to bring us all together, expressing our love of their work, and thus giving us a chance to share our experiences.
And as how all things are created, the idea was formed, permission was given, and I was off and running trying to learn every aspect of web design. Along the way I sought the advice of Nancy “Java Queen” and over time, with the combined efforts of Nancy, Vickie and myself, the Romance Reader at Heart website was created, a perfect forum for learning and sharing our love of romance, history and fine art.
Once the Cherif pages were completed, I got a wonderful review from the “Cherished One” himself, and lots of emails from fans wanting more. Going on a brainstorm idea, I nervously emailed Cherif asking if I could do a behind the scenes interview for the site, from a fans perspective. He said they would be willing and to call to make an appointment. You can imagine when the special day arrived, Nancy and I were bubbling with questions and nervousness, awe stuck that we got the chance to visit the dynamic duo in the midst of their domain....
