 For Authors: February 02, 2011 Issue [#4219] |
  For Authors
This week: Romancing a Stone Edited by: Cubby  
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Hello, everyone! Welcome to this edition of the For Authors newsletter.  This week's topic is focused on weaving a little romance into a story, but first off, I'd like to share a few quotes with you. Enjoy!
Quotes:
A tramp, a gentleman, a poet, a dreamer, a lonely fellow, always hopeful of romance and adventure.
-Charlie Chaplin
Deceiving others. That is what the world calls a romance.
-Oscar Wilde
I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions.
-James Michener
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 Romancing a Stone
Incorporating romance into a story can be tricky. Rarely do two characters fall in love at the beginning of a story and have a perfect relationship throughout. Though a story has a main plot, it also should include sub-plots, or other layers, to make it interesting and bring it depth. Weaving in a romance should be carefully thought out. Allow couples to work for their destination.
A few examples:
If there was anyone Britta couldn't stand, it was Marcus McKenzie. He was the most egotistical, child-like, unresponsible man she had ever met. And on top of that, rumors had it he was a womanizer. No way would she ever go out with someone like him.
Delia grated on Brendan's nerves. Her smug smile, quick wit, and that wild, red hair were enough to make him want to vomit.
Tears of frustration and anger streamed down Mercy's cheeks. How could anyone, especially Todd Barker, get the position she had worked so long and hard for? She would hate him forever.
Lance had only asked Ellie to dance. It wasn't like he'd tried to make out with her. But she'd slapped him across the face, turned, and sought out Brice Hampton, the most popular guy in school. Lance's heart raced. Why did he still want her when she clearly did not want him?
Stella had no style. She wasn't like her room mate, Katarina LeDue. Kat wore 5" heels with everything, including her pajamas. Well, maybe the pjs were an exageration, but Kat's painted toe nails always had pretty designs embellishing them, and her make-up, which took hours to apply, made her look like a movie star. Kat's perfume always smelled great, too, though it made Stella sneeze. No wonder Jake never glanced twice at Stella in her baggy sweats and fuzzie footies. Her heart pounded wildly each time Jake walked into their dorm, but he only had eyes for Katarina.
Rob wanted Emma Brookes, but Emma ignored his flirtations since she was in love with Clark Brewster. Gretchen Brewster, Clark's sister, had always been in love with Rob. And Grethcen felt it was her duty to capture Rob's heart before Emma Ballister came to her senses and realized Clark was just using her. It was complicated-- too complicated. But Gretchen had one goal... Rob Marcell.
David Baxter's family was rich-- filthy rich. Why he liked her, Darcy would never know. Her father was a drunk, her mother left them when Darcy was barely old enough to remember, and they lived in a trailer park. The only reason the bills were paid and there was food on the table, was because of Darcy's waitress job at Dunk's Diner. That's where she'd met David Baxter. Why wouldn't he just leave her alone? He was way out of her league.
Like in the examples above, there always needs to be issues between characters in a romantic relationship. There must be a stone tumbling about, causing irritation, flaring tempers, frustration. Don't remove that stone too soon. If there are no challenges, no conflicts within your story, what's the point?
Whip up a few romantic scenarios of your own. Make sure they include stones!
And remember, no relationship is perfect-- Not in real life or fiction.
HappyValentine's Day!
May you have an inspiring week and an exceptionally inspiring winter!
Keep on Writing!
 Cubby ") |
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~FEEDBACK~
keikei-love critical reviews! 
that's so true, thanks for reminding me that easier goals are better attained.
~ You are very welcome! 
BIG BAD WOLF Feeling Thankful 
Sometimes if you listen to a song, it will inspire you to write a story.
~ I certainly agree to that! 
Joy 
Great newsletter , but so sorry for your losses in 2010, Cubby. I hope all will be well in 2011 for all of us.
I agree on aiming at the do-able. As much as we wish to be as prolific as Isaac Asimov, very few of us can write at that speed and with an acceptable amount of skill.
~ Thank you, Joy! Seems like it was a bad year for others, too. 2011 is going to be much better, I know it!
monty31802
Third quote made the newsletter catch my eye, overall it was fine without wasting words.
~ Glad you like it!
M.E. Starr
Question: What causes your palms to sweat or your heart to race?
I can answer that...There are two things that make me freak out like that. The first one is needles. I am a serious needlephobe! I almost gave birth to both my children without medication, I am that afraid of needles. Needless to say, I DID NOT have an epidural <shudders>.
The other thing that really creeps me out or scares the sh*** out of me is Zombie movies because if I watch one I will inevitably dream about being in one. Do you know how horrifying it is to not know you are dreaming and find yourself in a 'Resident Evil' hospital.
That is what makes my palms sweat and my heart to race. LOL.
~ Wow!  Good response!
 Thank you all for the wonderful feedback!
As always...
Have a wonderful week!
AND KEEP ON WRITING!!!
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