When I scroll through news apps or the internet, it seems the romance genre is receiving more attention from the media. But the attention isn’t the same type received just a few years ago. Bodice rippers that received sneers and snide comments are now talked about with respect the work deserves. And the fans don’t hide their books anymore but now proclaim themselves fans including the UK Prime Minister. It’s even a rumor Queen Camilla is a fan.
So, why the change? It may be because of money. That does always talk but it surely isn’t the only reason. I believe it’s because of the changes in society. The saying goes, “Behind every great man is a great woman.” These days, when you look beyond the man’s shoulder you won’t see the woman there, she’s beside him or even a step ahead, or perhaps, she’s all on her own. Women are now running corporations and their—our stories are being explored. Our entertainments that might have received a pat on the head from the boys or a isn’t that nice, dear now earn big bucks.
Women’s lives haven’t been the only change in society. The LGBTQIA community has also stepped into the light and fought for their place. Their stories are being told. No longer the angsty gay man hiding behind a fake marriage or a lesbian couple who are the focus of the male gaze. On the shelves, there are love stories featuring the LGBTQIA community such as Red, White, and Royal Blue and Written in the Stars (Just to name two of the most popular novels).
So, what does this mean? It means that those businesses producing outlets for our entertainment are paying attention. We are finding more stories to help us escape, relax and just have fun. And that means us romance readers will find more stories and more books to add to our favorite bookshelves.
Life is filled with those moments when comfort is the only medicine needed. Most people think of comfort food, perhaps something that your mother cooked for you or that place where you stopped off to pick up your favorite treat or meal.
Yet, comforts in life can be found in different areas besides food. Such as comfort television or movies and books. For me, I have my comfort television shows, movies, and of course, books. Those films and shows I’ve watched so many times that it borders on embarrassment and obsessiveness still feel like a warm blanket that cocoons me from the outside world and lets me escape. As for the books, well, I’ve had to purchase numerous copies since the binding fell apart and pages fluttered away.
Those comforts for me are The Big Bang Theory, Hot Fuzz,Galaxy Quest, Wicked by Jill Barnett as well as Dreaming by the same author. I also cannot forget Julie Garwood’s historical romances. For me, these items are like a safe haven when life needs to be escaped from. Now, that the world seems to be opening up again, I think we can all use some comfort. Why?
Because it can feel overwhelming, anxious, and for some downright scary.
For me, this past year has been easy. Luckily, no one in my family caught Covid-19 but I know people who succumb to the virus. Yet, while people complained about not being about to go out and socialize, I loved it. Yes, I’m an introvert but also I’m chronically ill so for the past year, I found some understanding and for those that don’t I can tell them that my life was like the lockdown. I have to prepare to go out and set up for my return when I come home spent for being out.
I’m not the only one who feels this way. Life became harder for all. And those without pre-existing conditions or disabilities, now have a way of explaining parts of our lives to others. That in itself is a comfort. So, while the world opens up and people return to their lives, I will be here with my comforts and hoping you all have a good and safe time.
New’s Year is over. The resolutions have probably been broken. Valentine’s Day is some weeks away (that’s if you have someone to celebrate the holiday with), and winter has fallen over the Northern hemisphere so there is nothing else to do but settle at the home and find some comfort.
A natural association with comfort is comfort foods. Though hot chocolate or mac and cheese may be the thoughts that come to mind, I speaking about comfort books and TV shows.
For me, I love reading those romance novels that still warm my heart, entertain me with a laugh, and romance. Lately, I have been re-reading Julie Garwood and Julia Quinn (thanks to the Bridgerton series on Netflix that reminded me how much I love the series and the author). As for TV, I’m watching my favorites The Big Bang Theory and Family Guy.
These favorites of mine just seem to make me melt into my favorite chair or into my mattress and burrow under the blanket. All the stress slips away and my thoughts stop. We all need some comfort especially after the times we have experienced. This is the perfect time of year to seek out that comfort even if it’s fifteen minutes. The mind and body need to recharge so we can face the tasks of daily life.
Some might call it self-care. That might put some people off so I call it comfort. So, what are your comforts? Is it reading your favorite books? Seeing your favorite TV shows or movies? Or something entirely different? Where do you find your comfort?
Earlier today, I was scrolling through Twitter and I came upon a conversation about Outlander. The topic centered around how they couldn’t watch the show anymore. That for them the magic was gone. That had me thinking about series. Sure, series are going to lose some fans. Times change, stories become dull or a myriad of other reasons. Series burnout, I call it. I have dropped a few series that once brought me enjoyment. And I’m sure you have too.
So, what happens when an author tires of writing a character or world? Agatha Christie killed off Hercule Poirot because she was tired of writing the character. Authors are encouraged to write a series to lure back the readers. And it’s wonderful when readers love the stories we weave and we can support ourselves by slapping our fingers against the keyboard but how do we keep our passion for the projects especially when we are under contract?
Through we are creatives we are still in business—the publishing business. I’m really don’t know a definitive answer to that question. I can only think of a few things. First, let’s set a challenge for ourselves. Perhaps, we can get more newsletter subscribers or getting an ad or an interview. Anything that can make us feel like we are growing. Second, rediscover what you loved about the story and add a dash of something new to spice it up. You can even ask your readers what they love about the series or even hate. That might help you see a bright new angle in your series. Third, get a hobby. Writing might have started off as a hobby that turned into a business so you need a different creative outlet.
Burnout is real and as both readers and writers, we must keep that spark alive. It will fuel us. Yet, sometimes we have to let go.
Have you written a series? Do you feel excitement?
Readers, do you have a series you love or one that you had to let go? So why do you feel the love for one and let go of another?
It’s a grand time for readers. We have various ways of consuming books. There are print books, e-books, and audio books. Through the ages, each format has had its heights and lows along with its advantages and its flaws.
So let’s examine each format.
Naturally, I will start with the oldest format—Print books. This format engages all the senses. The weight of the book whether its a trade paperback, a hardcover or a mass-market book is the first sensation to be experienced. The crack of the spine pronounces the beginning of the new adventure awaiting in the pages. The paper’s texture is a unique feel that fires up the fingertips as the paper suck in the fingers’ heat. The special scent of paper and ink is a fragrance that lights up the brain. That’s all before reaching the first line. The black print hooks the brain and doesn’t release its hold until the last word. The body and brain are engaged in the reading process in a way that e-books and audio books fail to rouse.
The flaw with print books is one—storage. Books eat up the bookcases, hover in corners of rooms, and any other bit of space those square objects of wonder can fit. In this age of the Marie Kondo method, storage and organization are important.
Nevertheless, nothing beats print. Johannes Gutenberg was a genius and my hero.
With the electronic readers, the publishing world and readers’ lives changed. There are a two great aspects of e-books. First is the instant gratification. All that is required is a reader or app, a credit or debit card then hit buy and the book is delivered to you in seconds. The second benefit of e-books are that the library is portable. All the books are just a couple taps away.
As for the flaws of e-books, there are a two as well. First, one is readers and smart phones need charging. So, the access to a book could be withheld. Another one is that electronic devices lack the warmth that print books possess.
Now audio books. This format has been around for a time and at this moment, they are centered stage. Audio books have an ease that many busy people find beneficial. The books can be read while in the car or preparing dinner or any other task. Audio books also rouse the memories of being read to by parents. And when the audiobook’s narrator can bring the story to life in a way that stimulates the mind like Stephen Fry does with the Harry Potter series.
But all isn’t rosy for this format. It can be easy to block out the audio and then whole parts of the book are missed. Another minus is the audiobook’s narrator could be bad. The voice may be unpleasant or grating even too dramatic that it pulls the listener from the tale. Another defect is that taking notes are not possible unless you want to feel like you are at a college lecture again.
How do you rank the book formats? Did I forget a benefit or flaw?
Most writers know that to have an interesting story which draws the reader in, you must have conflict.
Conflict = story.
One way to have conflict is to make your main character an underdog.
Why an underdog?
Because people love to root for an underdog.
Example: Remember Charlie Brown, trying every year to kick that football? Didn’t you root for him, even though you knew Lucy would pull that ball away each and every time, he tried to kick it?
That’s conflict.
Let’s face it, no one wants to root for Ken and Barbie who live an idyllic life in the suburbs.
In my short story, Cowgirls Don’t Cry, I have my heroine, Gwen have a bad day:
Cowgirls Don’t Cry:
Arthur helped Gwen into her jacket and sniffed her hair, getting a lungful of cherry blossom from her shampoo. “Your jacket does nothing for that sexy dress.”
She slipped her arms into the sleeves. “Sorry, but it’s all I have.”
He settled the coat on her shoulders. “I’ll have to buy you another one.”
“It never ends, does it?” Mr. Ortega shook his head before stepping through the doorway.
Gwen flipped her dark hair out of the coat and glowered after him. “Client of yours?”
“Yes. What are you feeling?”
“His disdain for women is like a throb in a bad tooth.”
A chill flowed up his spine. “What else?”
Gwen met his gaze. “Whatever he’s done, he’s guilty as hell.”
That left him stunned, but he had no reason to doubt her. Understanding emotions was Gwen’s talent. Feeling eyes on him his gaze met those of the secretary, Mrs. Blackstone.
She stopped by a white, king cab truck and was in the process of digging out keys from her purse. “I don’t appreciate being laughed at.”
“I know.” He jogged the last few steps to her, still putting on his overcoat. “We should have discussed what you were getting from my client when we got outside.”
“You are representing him.” She clicked her key fob. The truck’s interior lights came on and the door clicked. The truck had the name ‘Clarkson Ranch’ on the door in dark-blue letters.
He stared. “When did you get a new truck?”
“Steve gave it to me today.” Her smile was equal parts sadness and pride.
“It’s official?”
“Yes, he saw his lawyer about his living trust and it’s a done deal. I’m officially my stepdad’s heir. He even introduced me to the hired hands. I also had to quit my waitress job and drop out of college.”
He took in her sad expression and hugged her. “I’m sorry. I know how much school meant to you.”
“I wanted so much to become a professional artist.” She shook her head. “I’ll never get the chance now.”
***
Another way to have conflict in a romance is to have newly divorced Ken, (Barbie ran off with G.I. Joe), have a miserable day—conflict.
Example: Say Ken’s Porsche breaks down on the way to work and he has to have it towed. As he waits impatiently for the tow truck driver, he’s mentally marking off all the things that went wrong that week (conflict). Just after he’s comes to the conclusion that he is alone and unloved the tow truck driver arrives. But a pretty woman steps out. It’s P.J. The baggy coveralls can’t hide her full figure and the grease smudges on her cheeks can’t cover up her lovely face or her Malibu tan.Maybe P.J.’s father or uncle owns the business, or maybe she owns it herself.Or maybe she’s not a tow truck driver, but a pick-up service for a car rental agency.
So, Ken thanks his lucky star that he’s spotted this beauty, but when he asks P.J. out she turns him down—flat.
Why? Conflict.
No conflict—no story.
In Cowgirls Don’t Cry, I have Arthur’s father getting overly involved in his grown children’s lives.
Why? Conflict.
Cowgirls Don’t Cry excerpt:
His father, Ector Castel, had his back to him as he spoke to his sister. “I think you should marry Roger Clemens.”
Arthur frowned. Clemens is the senior partner at my law firm. The guy is way too old for Melissa.
Melissa crossed her arms and glowered at their father. “No, Dad. He’s white-haired and wrinkly. I have no desire to be saddled with a senile old man.”
“Your makeup business is not producing enough of an income. You’re pretty enough to be a second wife for someone of means. And Roger will provide well for you.”
“That’s a no, Dad. I’m not going to be a trophy wife.” When her gaze swept in Arthur and Gwen’s direction, Melissa’s sour expression changed into a grin. “Arthur, Gwen. You’re here.”
“Had to stay a little late today because of a meeting with a client,” Arthur said by way of a greeting.
“Now, that’s what I like to hear. My boy is going places.” His father slapped him on the back.
Gwen raised an eyebrow. She didn’t understand their relationship, so he let it go. If it came up later, he’d explain then.
“Dude.” Will, his little brother, walked over and offered his knuckles in greeting.
Arthur did a fist bump with him.
His stepmother Stephanie leaned into the kitchen. “Our guests have arrived. You can serve the meal now.”
The family took seats around the table. Soon one of the female servants brought out a huge bowl of salad and started to serve everyone.
“Son, you have something to announce?” Ector took his seat at the head of the table, and Stephanie sat next to him. “I know it’s too early to be offered a partnership. You’re still a junior associate at your firm.”
“How wonderful.” Melissa clapped her hands. “You two make a perfect couple.”
“That’s great!” Will grinned. “Welcome to the family, Gwen.”
Stephanie, as usual, said nothing and looked toward Ector.
Ector Castel grimaced. “Are you sure about this, son?”
***
Whatever your conflict is, you’ve got to either keep it going or bring in some new conflict. New conflict is great, especially if you overlay it with the old conflict.
Example: Charlie Brown gets depressed about not kicking the football and visit Lucy at her psychiatrist’s help boothto tell her all his troubles. Then she basically calls him a loser.
Why? For additional conflict.
Lucy is the antagonist; her job is to cause conflict.
Back to Ken. He’s finally got P.J. to go on a date with him. All’s great in Ken’s life, right?But what if her business partner doesn’t like Ken and tells him so right to his face?
Why? For additional conflict. That partner is the antagonist for Ken’s story. He’ll keep poor Ken on his toes for the rest of the story.
In Cowgirls Don’t Cry, I have Arthur’s father disapproving of his choice in brides.
Cowgirl’s Don’t Cry excerpt:
“Gwen is still a poor college student.” His fatherslammed his fist down on the table. “She has nothing to offer you.”
Gwen had flinched at Ector’s show of anger and, being empathic, probably felt it, too. She stared down a moment at her untouched salad. “As of today, I’ve withdrawn from college and quit my job. I’m officially Steven Clarkson’s supervisor at his ranch. He’s teaching me how to manage a huge estate, so when I inherit it I can run it.”
“It’s a million-dollar property, Father.”
“Um, no.” Gwen glanced over to him. “It’s been recently reevaluated for his living trust. It’s actually worth four million.”
“So, you see, Father, Gwen is worth four million dollars. Isn’t that something to offer?”
“Where are you going to live once you marry?” Ector’s voice took on a sarcastic tone. “At the farm or the condo?”
“Steve has already given me a three-bedroom, two-bath house on the ranch.” Gwen cleared her throat. “It’s being updated.”
“Updated?” Ector echoed. “You mean renovated?”
Gwen nodded. “With hardwood floors, granite counter tops, new cabinets, and a larger master bedroom with a bath that’s connected to it.”
“That’s called an ensuite,” Melissa said in a low voice.
“Um, yeah.” Gwen nodded. “My mom has really good taste and she’s picking out the furnishings.”
“I’m sure you think so.” Ector switched his stern gaze to his son. “Steven Clarkson is a healthy fifty-year-old. He probably has another twenty years in him at least. Are you willing to wait that long, or longer, until her inheritance comes in? No, Arthur, she isn’t for you. You need a wealthy woman, or one who will help you politically. Not a child with more dreams than brains.”
See, conflict. Now, hopefully, you feel for my heroine and hero and want to know what happens next and will want to read on.
I hope this helps you with your own writing.
Hot Fun in the Summer Time, our summer antho, releases 25 June.
The weather is heating up, but it’s not just thesun and the sand which will keep you hot.
This summer anthology brought to you by the authors of Romance Books 4 Us will bring temperatures to your eReader that will set unheard of heat records, scorching the tips of your fingers as you turn the pages.
Hi this is Janice Seagraves. Welcome to my channel.
Before we start, I want to put this *disclaimer* out there. Please keep in mind that critiquers and critique groups are committing their time and effort for free. And it does help your work became more readable.
Would it help you to know that I've gotten some harsh critiques in the past, too?
Years ago, I received one that began with... "This is why I hate romance."
That critique... totally... destroyed me.
I was a wreck. I couldn't write for weeks. It made me wonder if I was even cut out to be an author. But... I had to develop that all-important thick skin. And the sad part was... I thought I had.
*sigh*
And…more recently I got another harsh critique.
I had to go off and pout for a couple of days before I could even look at that critique again.
When I did, I realized...my critique partner was correct. She gave it to me straight and didn't pull any punches.
But, hey, there is always room for improvement.
Right?
Sometimes a manuscript will need a lot of work.
Here are some things to keep in mind when writing.
Remember to commit the emotion to the page. Most popular books today, tug at the heartstrings. They deliver the feels.
In every scene, try to incorporate the four senses: what they hear, what they see, and what they smell to really put your reader right there with your characters.
Now for the head hopping. Just remember to keep it to one scene, one POV. It’s as simple as that.
Easy peasy.
There are some wonderful tutorials on YouTube that can help. Critiques are the best way, but just reading in the genre that you're writing in will greatly improve your skills, too.
Blurb:
Morgan isn’t expecting romance when she accompanies her friend for a week of skiing, but when she meets Jared all bets are off. Haunted by the loss of his parents, werecat Jared Catterick earns his keep working for the Catclaw Clan. Jared has secrets that he doesn’t mind sharing with a special lady, and he hopes Morgan is that special someone. When his past and present collide it’s worse than he imagined, and he’s forced to fight for his life.
Excerpt:
Auntie walked into the middle of the hollow. “We the Catcall Clan are gathered here together to witness a challenge. Called by Munch son of Tiger, who challenges Jared Catterick son of nobody.”
“I am the son of somebody,” Jared yelled. The sudden flow of anger had his heart pounding hard against his ribs.
“Who? What are their names?” Auntie crossed her arm and leaned on one hip and tapped a toe.
“I donna remember. I was too young when they killed them and took me away,” Jared muttered. “And she knows that.”
“Is Catterick your real last name?” Killer asked him in the canine speech.
“Aye. I donna remember much about me old life, but I never forgot me name.”
“Just tell her Mr. and Mrs. Catterick,” Killer said.
“Me parents were Mr. and Mrs. Catterick,” Jared said in a loud clear voice.
A few people around the hollow snickered.
Auntie gave a quick nod. “Jared son of Mr. and Mrs. Catterick. Munch challenges you for the death of his da, Tiger.”
Munch marched to Auntie’s side. He was every bit as big as his father. Well-muscled and not just tall but wide. Where Tiger’s hair was gray and white, Munch was blond and black. Another man accompanied him, his second, a tall, lanky male named Boyd. Jared knew him well, even though he was younger.
“Och. Here we go,” Jared told Killer and walked out into the middle of the hollow.
“He’s big,” Killer said in the canine speech.
“And ugly. I wouldna want to ride him into battle.”
Killer stayed at his side. “Psst.”
“Eh?”
“You can fight, right?” Killer asked.
“Aye.”
“Good to know.”
Auntie looked at both males. “Jared, as the challenged, you may decide on weapons and forms.”
“Human and no weapons,” Jared said.
“Very well,” Auntie said. “You may use your feet, hands, elbows and knees. Even your head if you feel the need.”
“What aboot sticks and stones?” Munch asked, his voice youthful.
“Will break my bones,” Jared said under his breath.
Killer snickered.
“No weapons,” Auntie shook a finger at Munch. “That includes sticks and stones.”
“Well,” Munch crossed his arms, “since I canna change into cat form, I think I should be able to use whatever I find in the hollow.”
“This isn’t a free-for-all, Munch. There is discipline to a challenge. You must remain in your human form and fight like a human. With this match, we’ll have a square go.”
“Not very cat-like.” Munch sniffed.
Auntie fisted her hands and leaned toward Munch. “You’re not a cat. You are a shifter. You shift between three forms. Now stay with one for the duration of the fight.”
“Doesn’t he understand?” Killer asked.
“A bit daft that one,” Jared muttered back. Munch doesn’t seem have a lot of self-control.Unlike Tiger who would have done exactly what Auntie said to the letter.
“Seconds, to the side.” Auntie pointed. “You may view the fight only. Do not interfere unless your partner is hurt or someone breaks the rules.”
Both Boyd and Killer trotted to edge of the clearing.
Jared stood facing Munch. Several feet separated them. Jared shook out his arms, moved his head from side to side, and loosened his muscles.
Auntie raised her hand and did a karate chop between them. “Now fight.”
“I swear on me da’s grave, I will end you!” Munch roared and the skin on his face boiled. His hands burst out of his gloves and feet from his boots. The shift made Munch bigger, tearing his clothes. He stopped in the in-between state, like movie werewolves of old, but in this case half-cat and half-human. The only thing that remained of his clothes was his black overall snow pants and even that stretched taunt across him. Extending his claws, he snarled and reached for Jared. “I want to see you bleedin’.”
---------------------------------------------------
