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Romance/Love: August 17, 2005 Issue [#561]

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Romance/Love


 This week:
  Edited by: Diane Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Welcome to this week's edition of the Romance/Love newsletter. Each edition highlights stories and poetry on the site containing romance and love for your reading pleasure.

~*Heart*~ Diane ~*Heart*~



Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

Character Diversity


Cliches invade every aspect of romance, including our characters. Our heros are tall, dark and handsome, while our heroines are petite, curvy and gorgeous. Real life isn't limited to these cookie cutter people, so why limit the characters we create to these molds?

I read an article last week about the magazine industry's effort to change the self-image of women. One way they plan on doing this is by presenting images of diverse women to the readers. Women of every shape and size will appear in their ads and articles. The editors of these magazines are hoping that readers will see themselves in these images and eliminate the stereotype of the "perfect woman." Although the self-esteem of women was the focus in this particular article, I believe this can also be applied to men.

As writers, we too can help in this effort. We can introduce heroines that are not the norm. Inspiration for characters is all around us. Go to the mall or grocery store and look around. Are all the women petite, curvy and gorgeous? Are all the men tall, dark and handsome? If they are, find another spot! My guess is that you will be able to find enough diversity to create interesting characters.

Until Next Time,
Diane Author Icon


Editor's Picks

I've selected some stories and poetry to exhibit below for your reading pleasure. Enjoy, and remember to send a review to the author.



  Holy Tears Open in new Window. (18+)
Sometimes love and romance happens in the personal ads.
#979807 by ridinghhood-p.boutilier Author IconMail Icon


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This item number is not valid.
#996988 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#998028 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#993991 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#944312 by Not Available.



Featured Contest:

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FORUM
Kittiara's Writing Contest Open in new Window. (ASR)
Short story and poetry contest, with a theme!
#861112 by NaNoKit Author IconMail Icon



 
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Ask & Answer

The editors work hard to make sure the newsletters are informative and enjoyable. We appreciate your responses.


*Note1*   xtina529 Author Icon - "Thank you for this newsletter. I was becoming discouraged because I read that publishers of romance novels look for specific aspects of the story. I am sick of the virgin 32-year-old who happens to be a knockout, falling for the rude, overbearing guy who has slept with every married woman in town. Don't get me wrong I am a sap for a good romance, but why are the publishers insisting on the same drab heroines?"

Well, I can't speak for publishers, but I do know that they look for what sells. So we have to change their idea of what sells. The only way to change what they are looking for is through our buying patterns. Look for books on small publishing labels that offer something other than the cookie cutter heroine and plot. You can also write to the publishing companies and let them know they aren't selling books that interest you. If enough of us challenge them to find something different, they will. *Smile*

*Note1*   robi4711 - "I've had trouble creating obstacles mainly because I'm weary of the time-worn ones. Trying to find something different and so far have come up empty handed."

Question of the Week:

Have you created an interesting character for a romance story? How did it differ from the norm?

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This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
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