HEA Canada: A CanLit Romance Hub
For the love of Romancelandia, Canada
Although publishers may have seen three queer Emma retellings as a bad sales omen, rather than creating a Cher and Amber or Emma and Jane Fairfax rivalry, we embraced the rainbow and created distinct variations, demonstrating how Jane Austen is ripe to be played with and evolved in a post-modern way. Consider this my open letter arguing for the formal creation of an Austenverse.
Remember when times were precedented? Yeah, me neither, but let’s assume there was a moment. The world needs stories of all kinds. If you’re struggling to keep writing in unprecedented times, here are a few strategies that might help.
By M. Jacqueline Murray, Author "How did a hydrogeologist end up writing romance?" is a question asked by my long-time friends who've known me since we were undergraduates in Earth Science at the University of Waterloo. The truth is, I sometimes wonder that myself. My journey from environmental consultant to medical marketing specialist to romance… Continue reading M. Jacqueline Murray: From Technical Reports to Love Stories: My journey to romance writing
One unique feature of Bloo Moose is the life-sized moose statues that grace the boardwalk and businesses. Deputy Mooris hangs out at the police station. Elvis likes the view from the boardwalk. Michelangelo sports a cheesy moustache in front of Fortini’s Italian restaurant. Gill with his fishing gear and lures poses in front of Lachance Fishing lodge.
How do you make a story interesting, raise the stakes, and make the journey worthwhile when the map is already laid out for you? When the beats - the set up, meet cute, turning points, crisis, and resolution - are so ingrained into the modern reader they know without knowing what to expect and when to expect it. As someone who - illogically, misguidedly - decided to take that leap, I am here to tell you, it’s not easy. First, writing a novel means coming up with names. So. Many. Names!
As a writer, I adore writing banter, not just between my hero and heroines, but between the FMCs themselves. All of the Everwell Spinsters are unique women, with distinct personalities. They have to rely on and work with each other. And like a family, sometimes they get on each other’s nerves. But they are also there for each other.
Personally, I think we need romance books more than ever these days. We need books that depict healthy, thriving relationships–not just between the central characters, but between the friends and communities featured. We need more love in this world, not less. We need to embrace vulnerability and authenticity. We need hope.
Charlene Groome's Moonlight Valley series will conclude with book 4. Can you guess who the heroine is?
HEA Canada: A CanLit Romance Hub 