Romance/Love: January 29, 2013 Issue [#5487]
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Romance/Love


 This week: Literary Comfort Zones
  Edited by: Lonewolf
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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

Everyone feels more comfortable with what they know, and writers can easily fall into a habit of sticking to their comfort zones when it comes to literary form, genre, and theme. But these habits can block new and creative ideas. When a writer steps out of that comfort zone, either physically or in writing, there’s no telling what will emerge!


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Letter from the editor

As creative writers, sometimes we need to stretch our muscles, step outside our stuffy little comfort zones, and try something new. Comfort zones are called just that because they are comfortable and safe. And while it’s scary to do new things and take risks, it’s the only way we grow.

We jump out of airplanes, talk to strangers at parties, and visit new countries when we want to face our fears and grow as people. But what can writers to step out of their comfort zones? Try something new.

What level of sensuality are you comfortable writing? The answer is often found in another question. What level of sensuality are you comfortable reading? Many writers find their comfort zone for writing falls within the same comfort zone of their reading pleasure.

If you love hot, steamy romances, then attempting to write a sweet romance may not be the type of book you'll enjoy writing. However, if you cringe and often skip over the sex scenes in the books you read, then you might question if you have what it takes to write a book with lots of sensual sizzle.

In your experience as a reader and writer, you've likely encountered more genres than you even realize, but it's also likely that you are drawn to some while you shy away from others. Because we each have distinctive experiences with the many genres we encounter, it's also true that we have our own comfort levels with each genre. Perhaps you prefer to write romance stories, or perhaps making up whole stories from scratch seems impossible to you.

While there are some writers who are comfortable writing sexually explicit, there are others who don't, and will find writing certain scenes harder to get past which may halt their writing. Determining your comfort zone is what needs to be considered when you decide on the type of stories you intend to write and the level of sensuality you plan to include.

Even erotica writers have comfort zones when writing sex scenes. What one writer considers taboo, another has no problem exploring on paper. The trick is to discover your creative limits and see what you can do about stepping outside that restrictive line.


Editor's Picks

 First Chapter  (GC)
First chapter of Distracting Duncan
#1557083 by Purple is House Florent


Excerpt of: Distracting Duncan


Quinn flung the door open, jumped inside and slammed it shut. He shoved the key into the ignition of the Ford Taurus, and cranked the engine over, then thrust the shifter to drive. The car shot forward. Looking in the rear-view mirror, he realized how close he had come to being caught. The goons were only ten feet from his rear bumper when he squealed his way out of the parking lot. He made the turn onto Michigan Avenue, heading west from downtown for the quiet outskirts of town, taking a few deep, calming breaths. He took the long way home, even heading into the next town over to make sure no one was following before reaching his neighborhood.

 The Dream  (18+)
Her mysterious dream turned into reality!
#1147318 by ~* Moon Beam *~


Excerpt of: The Dream


Shandel could feel her body get warm and tingly all over as this mysterious man kissed her. The urge of wanting this man surged through her body like a bolt of lightening. She could feel his strong, muscular arms wrapped around her trembling body as the scent of his cologne filled her nostrils. The scent intensified her urge of wanting this man. As he released her from his spellbinding kiss, she felt her body go limp in his arms and felt as if her legs would buckle out from under her at any second.

This man held her strongly, but gently against his warm body as he huskily whispered in her ear “ Oh, Shandel. I have always wandered what it would feel like to hold you in my arms and taste your luscious lips. They are as soft as cotton and as sweet as luscious, ripe strawberries.”


STATIC
Bride of the Vampire  (18+)
This is for the Stake and Garlic Vampire Contest. Watch out!
#941160 by Shaara


Excerpt of: Bride of the Vampire


One night, while I was taking a short walk for old time’s sake, I spotted a fruit bat, which is always a sign of good luck for a vampire. I slept that night with a smile on my face and hope in my heart.

It must have been that bat which brought the vision of loveliness into my life. I had just stepped down into the street to cross to the city library, when a woman dressed in black set her high-spiked heel on my toe.

I looked down to berate her for her carelessness, but what an incredible sight met my eyes, for that charming young lady blushed. Do you hear me? She actually blushed!

I took her hand in mine and stopped the flow of her apology. The eyes in that little, heart-shaped face of hers stared up at me utterly entranced. The lips parted, and her small, dainty tongue nervously wet the sweet, pink mouth and then nibbled at her bottom lip. I was so taken with the sight of her, I wanted to carry the girl away that very moment. I think if I’d had my black cape on, I would have done so.


 By The Fire Light - Short Story  (GC)
Two people meet by the light of a bonfire and experience an incredible night.
#1252483 by Blue-Inspired


Excerpt of: By The Fire Light


His eyes twinkled with amusement, and she realized he was waiting for her to speak. She swallowed and managed to find her voice. “Hi, Ryan. I’m Danielle.” She felt her cheeks heat with embarrassment and her heart beat faster with anticipation. She concentrated hard to keep from trembling. I wish I could be as smooth as he is.

“Hi Danielle,” he answered, his voice like melted chocolate dripping over her senses. “It’s a great night, isn’t it? May I walk with you for a while?”

“Of course,” she replied, trying to keep her voice from quavering. “I’d like that.”

They turned and continued walking along the water line, listening to the waves lapping onto the shore. “So, you know me,” said Ryan with a grin, looking sideways at her.


 Love Beyond Reason  (18+)
Bastian and Edana are deeply in love - beyond reason.
#957680 by StephBee - House Targaryen


Excerpt of: Love Beyond Reason


Edana’s dark eyes darted over the formidable physique of her husband. His muscles were deeply cut and well defined. His chest jutted out over his abdomen, glowing a dull bronze as the moonlight came through their window. His golden hair fell in waves past his shoulders. Bastian’s warm hazel-amber eyes betrayed his concern. His rugged handsome looks easily affected her, helping to calm her down.

 
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