  Romance/Love
This week: The Rainbow of Romance Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Romance is often described as a story about how a man and a woman fall in love. However, that is not always the case. There are specific subgenres that included different pairings and the differing range of gender that humans experience. Sometimes it's a man who falls in love with another man. Other times it's a woman born the wrong gender and sometimes there is a mix in both gender question and who they fall in love with too. It all can vary because, unless someone is a-romantic, we all have the chance to experience the crazy wonderful sensation known as love.
This is also what I write and I've waited years in hopes of seeing this newsletter. I'm happy as a newer moderator to get to share this topic with you, the readers.
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I am happy to be this week's editor for Romance/Love and couldn't wait to discuss this topic because for a few years now I've wanted to see a newsletter that focused on stories I write: GLBT romance.
What do I mean by GLBT? It's the shortened way to say "gay, lesbian, bi, transgender" and is often used to describe a large set of groups though there are others who are a part of it but not included in the 4 letters. And the main reason for the newsletter is because we experience love too and I hope to see more stories about GLBT love posted here on WDC in the future.
This is what I write. No matter the genre or even age range, whether it's sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, erotica, or even young adult, there is almost always a romance subplot or main plot. And most of the time it's boys falling in love with other boys though I branch out to other characters on occasion. While some know me for the naughtier stories, my publishing focus is in young adult and fantasy/sci-fi. And to be honest, the scenes I like the most are often cute little moments between two teen boys.
As for writing this type of romance I'll let you all in on a little secret. It's not all that different from boy meets girl. Okay, there are some different aspects but there are also many similar ones when it comes to writing this kind of romance. The basics are there: romance is a story about characters who fall in love and the relationship that develops with conflict that influences the potential of their being together. It's still romance.
Here are some things to consider when writing GLBT romance:
1. Pronouns
Pronouns are a bit more difficult in these stories and well any scene with people of the same gender. When writing a scene with just males or females, there is a struggle to make sure the reader knows who is doing what or saying what and when. It's easier with a male and a female because all you need is "he" and "she" and that distinguishes between the two. Doesn't work when it's "he" and "he" or "she" and "she". Names work but it becomes too much if used too often. So, that's one of the challenges of writing these characters. Transgender and the many others gender differences also will give different difficulties when handling the pronouns while writing. It takes a little practice but it's possible to work through this challenge and edits help.
2. Stereotypes
Most will say stay away for stereotypes in characters and the truth is that writing someone who doesn't fit the stereotypes is a good plan. However, using a single stereotype or two can be okay. Because sometimes it's true. Some gay boys are a bit feminine and join choir. But others play basketball and watch action movies. Some girls are tomboys and able to rebuild a car engine, others like makeup and high heels. It varies. So, mix up your characters, make them well rounded (not cardboard) and the reader will enjoy their story even if there is a stereotype or two used.
3. Conflicts
Aside from the many different conflict options available in romance, there are a few that can occur specifically in GLBT romance. These don't have to be in every story but they are an option for adding tension. Coming out is a common conflict because it's something that many have to go through, whether it's with family, friends, or others. However, it doesn't have to be a part of every story. At some point it becomes living out where it's not as big of an issue. When falling in love there is a question of whether the person will have the same feelings in return. It's not easy falling for someone who might be straight or like a different gender. There is that fear of rejection amped a bit for the possible reasons for it. To sum it up: there is plenty of potential conflict both internal and external with these characters.
There is so much I can say about this topic but a general overview is a good start. Maybe some day I'll do another Romance/ Love newsletter. I want to leave you with this: GLBT romance in its heart isn't different. Love is not limited by gender.
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I tried to find a variety of stories that included lesbian, gay, trans and other romances. But I also tried to find items that weren't rated above 18+. I love a good GC story but for this newsletter, it's good to see other stories that have GLBT characters and just show the lighter side of romance.
A nice speech that a loving sister gave at the wedding of her sister who married a woman. Very touching and while an odd format on screen, I can imagine it sounded great spoken.
A flash fiction story told in first person about a couple who have a touching moment on the beach.
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A touching, not easy moment at prom. One girl has to wait and doesn't get the dance she really wished she could have that night.
This story is a little different and takes some focus to see the undertone about the woman trapped in a man's body.
This author has many stories to choose from but this one is where the lesbian couple goes on a date to see the movie Star Wars. Love that cute, kinda nerdy aspect.
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A trip to the movies for a feminine m2f who gets a special moment with a very cute boy. Takes a leap then has to make a decision.
A story about a kiss that the main character dreams about experiencing. Bit more detail to the events in this one but not very graphic.
Not perfect moment. The two in this one might be in love with each other but there is no happy ever after because of their situation.
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Since this is my first Romace/Love newsletter, I don't have any feedback to use. Instead of having a general question, I'm just going to make a prompt suggestion. There have been contests in the past that focused on GLBT character but they aren't active at the moment. However, one can write these characters for almost any contest as long as the rules don't specifically state that it's not allowed. Even images can be re-imagined if a judge is flexible. I've written boy loves boy stories based off an image prompt that involved a girl. Prompt aren't always exact. So, even if the prompt doesn't seem like it will work, I bet you can find a way.
And that is the challenge I present today: Find a regular WDC contest and enter a story that involves someone who qualifies as "GLBT" and include romance.
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Romance/Love: July 31, 2013 Issue [#5808]
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