Valentine's Day, also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14. But where did the day come from? It originated as a Christian feast day honouring a martyr named Valentine. Through later folk traditions, it has also become a significant cultural, religious and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world. So, I thought I would ask some authors who write romance what they think about the day.

Alissa Callen writes rural Australian romance. And this Valentine's Day marks her 10th anniversary as a print-published author. She writes in a small office on her farm just outside Dubbo. Many threads of the Central West a woven into her books. She writes feel-good stories that explore such themes as home, belonging and second chances. Her latest book was released on January 31 and is called Snowy Mountain Dawn.

Fellow author Joanne Austen Brown (JAB) asked her the following questions: 

JAB: What kind of romance do you write?

Alissa Callen (AC): My stories fall under the rural romance banner. The central relationship is accompanied by either a family secret, mystery or historical element.

JAB: Have you included Valentine's Day in any of your stories?

AC: Not yet but I should as my books come out around early February. 

JAB: What do you think of Valentine's Day, personally?

AC: Many years ago, I was a Rotary exchange student to Colorado, USA, where I attended high school. On Valentine's Day, it was a tradition for carnations to be delivered to students on behalf of other students. When I received a carnation, sent in friendship and as a welcome to the school, it marked the end of my home-sickness. So for me I always associate Valentine’s Day not so much with romance, but with kindness.

JAB: And as for me, I write historical romance. I did not know St Valentine's Day went as far back as I does. I assumed it was a Victorian invention. Seems I was wrong. As I also write romance, I asked myself the same questions:

What kind of romance do you write? 

JAB: Historical romance, with murder or mystery. I also do historical time-travel. They have lots of romance in them.

Have you included Valentine's Day in any of your stories?

JAB: No. After researching for this article I now know that the customs go way back, and I might have to include it in a future story.

What do you think of Valentine's Day, personally?

JAB: I think it can be over commercialised, but I love the idea of it. I always send my hubby a card, thanking him for his love and often get a gift or flowers in return. But we like to do these showings of love all year round, and not just on February 14. I guess that would be a hint for all of us.

Valentine's Day can be an expression of love to someone you love. It can be a chance to show kindness to someone who might need it. Just remember it has been a big part of our society. Celebrate the day in your own way.