  Romance/Love
This week: The Seasons and Romance Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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An Elf Romance Newsletter
There is just something about each season of the year that can help develop a romance story. Whether it's the cold of winter or the perfect summer day, romance can be found any time of the year. |
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I'm a fan of a certain contest that had a round end recently. While I've done the weekly (it's hard to maintain) and held a contest that runs whenever I feel like it, a quarterly or seasonal contest is a good idea, in particular when it comes to romance. There is the contest element and why sometimes it's better to have longer dates but for this newsletter, let's focus on the topic of romance and how the seasons are a good match for those types of stories.
Every season (winter, spring, summer, fall) has a use within a romance story. It all depends on how it's added to the story. In some instances, it's little details in the background that give a little depth and sense of location for the reader. Other times, it's at the center of the plot with the conflict being affected or in result by the particular season. Either way, incorporating one can work well when writing a romance. Let's consider some options with each of the four seasons.
1. Winter
While not the first thing to come to mind for romantic tales, the cold months do have their perks. There are moments like sitting by a warm fire place, seeing snow for the first time, kiss under the mistletoe and other such times that come up during this one. Weather can both increase tension and ease it, depending on the characters and situation, plus there are holidays and family involved that can lead to conflict. Many options exist for a cold yet warm romance story.
2. Spring
A little more common for the genre. Spring is a time of renewal, warmth, growth and the occasional spring fling. The weather is starting to get nicer but there are still some unpredictable elements that could be involved. I've seen snow even in June (back in Wyoming briefly), so you never know what they might encounter when it comes to the odd changes that spring can bring. It's a good time for both budding a new romance and showcasing one that stands strong throughout the years.
3. Summer
Nice weather, plenty of great setting options and hot days are met during summer. The heat can both create tension or help find ways to get around conflict when it comes to a romance story. It's easy to add too because there are many elements that can help showcase it's summer time, whether it's school is out, the temperature outside or type of clothes that the characters wear, not too much of a challenge to have it show at least a little in a story. A good time for romance, whether it's a young character home from college or someone who still has to work all of the time but finds a reprieve with the help of someone special.
4. Fall/Autumn
The final season and we're back to things starting to get a little colder outside, but there is still enough warmth in the air. For some characters, fall is a winter time and it often brings about changes. School is starting, the holiday seasons are approaching with stores putting out candy already, and there is enough of a chill in the air for people to notice. Yet, it can also be a good time for romance. Maybe a chance happens, a new job, a chance encounter and a spark occurs. The rest is up to you to decide.
So, there are many ways to use each of the four seasons when it comes to romance. It can be a subtle mention of the weather, an event that always happens during a particular season (I used a prom reference for a spring story once, for example) or some other minor reference to help set the story. Or, it can be a large part of the characters and the plot. It's all in how you write the romance. |
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Roommates become more over Christmas break. A Winter Romance & LGBT Writing Contest entry.
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And although the round is closed, this contest inspired the newsletter:
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Which is your favorite season for romance? How do you use that season within a story?
Last time that I wrote for Romance/Love, I discussed independence and dependence. Here are a few comments sent in over that topic.
Comment by Osirantinsel 
Reader Annoyance Level. Hmm. This made me think. I do tend to have one dominant character in a relationship and he's not usually the main character, so I probably hit Reader Annoyance Level MAX (in fact, I've just annoyed myself about it). I try to make my characters rounded, definitely individual, but I've realised some have a high amount of dependence that I don't really want. I try for equality in a relationship but with plenty of room for give and take in all things. Anyway, in answer... yes, characters should have independence in a romance story - there are two hearts/minds involved, not one. And thanks for mentioning my story; it's one I'm continuing through A Romance Contest's seasons, and will now ensure I have independence showing it's face.
- I think it depends even more on how you write the characters, dependence and independence wise. I've had the hardest time mostly with first person stories in this regard but there is only so much I can handle "oh but he's so hot and I'm so..." in YA romance stories. But they still sell, so some readers like it.
Comment by Quick-Quill 
Thank you for this. Its very timely for me. I'm writing an historical novel with some romance in it. While there isn't a happy ever after together, its a happy we knew each other, spent time together and you saved my life a few times. He goes his way and she fulfills her dream with a promise some meet someday if they ever are in the same city. They could potentially get together, but the dream jobs they have take precedence. Yes, it can happen.
- I'm glad it can help. Independence and dependence are interesting in historicals because what we know as dependence can be different to a degree, but it can still show well in the characters and their decisions.
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Romance/Love: August 26, 2015 Issue [#7172]
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