IE #9: Call for Submissions

A friend of mine who runs Cupola Press in Lafayette, CA, has just put out a call for submissions for an anthology of essays titled The Social Cause Diet: Finding a Service That Feeds Your Soul. Even if you don't normally write essays, I'd encourage you to think about doing so for this project, since she's chosen a subject near and dear to many people's hearts, that of social action volunteerism.

She needs about 35 stories. For guidelines, email her at: info@cupolapress.com

Good luck!

WW #9: Writing a Romantic Scene

I used to assume romantic was synonymous with sappy and required me to believe fantasies I found unrealistic.

I now know one person's definition of romance is different than another's. If I find a romantic scene outlandish, that scene doesn't conform to my idea of romantic. Whereas a scene that falls within my definition feels very real and sincere.

Romance isn't a fake or unrealistic concept. Romance and its many definitions imply strong emotional involvement — whether through a ballad, love affair or daydream — of which our species is eminently capable.

So as a writing exercise, write a scene — either fictional or not — that you think epitomizes your take on romance. Not what others would find romantic, but rather what you find romantic.

BQTP #9: Romance

In honor of my online class titled Passion Play that's being offered in February through the Wine Country Romance Writers, this week's Bid Question to Ponder is this:

What's your definition of romance?

Go global with the answer, which means include every definition you can brainstorm. Consult the dictionary, describe your personal definition and attempt to fathom someone else's understanding. Think of examples from the your experience as well as those in books and movies. Is romance different for men than women?

This is an excellent subject to contemplate, given romance is so closely tied to passion, and therefore is present in almost everything we write, if, that is, we're passionate about our characters and their stories. Do you have a romantic view of the era or culture you're writing about? Are you seduced by word usage and writing style, and what are the words of romance, anyway? Do you consider yourself a romantic? Even if you're a hardcore logician, chances are good there's romance somewhere in your being. Follow the romance and you'll find the passion.

Romance for Everyone

Romance, according to Wikipedia