the undefinable life of a romance writer

 Once upon a time, I was an engineer. My wife came from the Philippines. While dating, I discovered, much to my liking, that she loved basketball, as most Filipinos/as do. I took her to a Sixers game she was in heaven. As we settled into married life, she became curious about that rough sport I was watching all day Sunday. NFL football.

Things changed when I started writing. I didn't have the time to sit through a whole game, let alone all day. And let's not forget Monday and Thursday. I wrote. She watched. I kept her company for periods, but I was damn close to being a football widower, lol.

As a side note, she watches baseball and soccer as well. Two sports I hardly paid attention to, but do enjoy these now given that I made many interruptions for writing.

I wouldn't say roles were reversed. It's just time and love.

revisiting show don't tell

The real purpose of showing is to keep the reader hooked. When your story raises more questions than it answers, the reader wants to read on. 

So when the novel starts, try not to explain why the characters are the way they are. Try not to spend too much time describing the surroundings. Try not to hand out resumes for each character.

The reader will glean from little tidbits dropped in conversation pieces of who these people are and why they do or say what they say.

Readers like to be engaged. They want to solve problems like a detective.

Try it.

Here's the first draft of the beginning of my novel The Cute-Meeter as an example.

“Your slave is smoking hot.”

“Come on, Sam. I can’t; it’s against university policy.”

“Maybe the Dean could make an exception for a love-sick puppy.”

“I am not.”

“True, you don’t have four legs.”

Christopher spit out just a bit of beer as a small laugh escaped him. “Your joke,” he shook his head, “so lame.”

“Stick to the point. You love her, don’t you?”

“I plead the fifth.”

Justine, our bartender, wiped up the beer and said in her usual flirty way. “If I had known you were a dribbler, I would have taken you to the Knicks game instead of, you know, Chrissy baby.”

She dribbled her fine derriere to another customer, turned, and winked. Oh, I got trouble.

“I can’t believe what just happened. Justine’s not your type. What have you been?...” Justine reached for Dewar’s Scotch, well within earshot.

He shooshed Sam and lowered his voice. “Either you’re a snob, or you don’t know her.”

“I’m not a snob.”

“I know. You were my best man and still are. Although you might drop down to second place behind my dog. Justine has a kid at home and is trying to finish her master’s too.”

“But what’s with the beckoning behind?”

Back to me: I'm sure you'll notice that I don't supply the two men's full names or exactly what they do. I don't mention directly where this scene is located (NYC). I use a save-the-cat moment in describing the waitress, thereby showing Christopher's humanity.

A little later, the subject gets back to Christopher's Ph.D. candidate:

“You’re meeting her tomorrow, right?”

“Yep, she still has that crazy idea for her thesis.”

“My personal opinion?…” Sam let his head lean, and his eyes roll.

“Go ahead, Sam.”

Sam picked up a slew of peanuts and stuffed his mouth. “I’m thin kun yous,” he wiped his mouth and downed some beer. “I think yes, her idea is far-fetched, but it is legitimate enough.”

“Oh, come on.”

“No, you come on. You’re letting your old-school teaching methods get in the way. Give her a break.”

“The fifth.” He patted Sam’s shoulder and pointed at the WyborowaVodka.

Back to me: Does the reader wonder what the woman's crazy idea is? Yes, and that's good because the reader will continue. The problem all writers have is maintaining these little mysteries throughout the entire story.

Why haven't I been blogging

I was sincerely disappointed when I found out my publisher didn't do novels about a young girl who becomes a World Chess Champion. So I published it myself. I believe I sold around twenty copies. This either highlights the strength of the publisher (I sold hundreds of Cinnamon & Sugar), or I wrote a lousy story. OR...

There were other factors. I received three crazy & poor reviews:

This novel should have been for teenagers. [I stated that it was. I guess the guy didn't read the promo material... and was more interested in puffing himself up.]

This novel had racial signals. [Whatever that is. I deliberately left race out of the story except where absolutely necessary to understand the story. There were no signals. What I think is that a racist wanted to knock me. The way I write there is only pone race, the human race.] Do I hear an amen?]

This novel had sex in it. [It did not. Yes, when the protagonist is growing up she asks questions addressed to her big sister to satisfy her curiosity. I ask, who growing up doesn't exhibit curiosity? The reviewer asked me to write out the "sex" in the story. What turnup did she grow up under? Apparently, the Iranian morality police wrote this review. If you don't tell a realistic story...]

So, you see, I got turned off and could not write. Well, now that I let out a little steam. I'll be writing again. Perhaps my publisher will have me back. And yes, I'll probably blog much more often.

The value of a compliment

 Tread lightly here. Women are often turned off by a guy complimenting them. "Oh, it's a line. "He's a dog."

We are cautioned about sexual harassment, abuse, and using one's Job (position) to gain favors. All true and to be respected.

BUT: In romance movies and hopefully in books there comes an appropriate time where the two protagonists complement each other (or one does and it is appreciated). So what's the difference? They're either on a level playing field or recognize the remark as sincere. But there's magic here. They feel the same way. Yep, that's how romance works on one level, mutual attraction. So actually saying that you are attracted becomes an affirmation to the other that they are loved or at least desired by someone they desire too.

There may not be a better natural feeling than knowing that the other appreciates you as much as they appreciate them. This assumes a lot of info has been collected to jump to the conclusion in a romance that you are truly loved. When this happens picture fireworks, because that's the ball game.

Rachel and Gabby: predictions based on no knowledge, lol

Okay, this is for the eyes of the ABC Bachelor fans only. Others can read that novel you've put off because life interrupts.

Gabby and Rachel are co-bachelorettes. They have become such great friends I just know they'll work well together.

BUT, in the previews you see some guys choosing which lady they like. So they refuse a rose from the 'wrong' bachelorette for them.

Although Gabby and Rachel question this, I think it best to clarify and I predict they'll like it more and more. I mean who wants a mate who doesn't want them, lol?

Gabby and Rachel are completely different in their personalities (and looks). So, it would be natural to quickly declare oneself team Gabby or Rachel. But who will and who will not? And there's always the possibility that a guy could change his mind, especially when he thinks he has no or little chance with the one he chose. BUT, how good a fit would it end up being? Ah, the complexities. I'm a chess master so I gravitate to this sort of intricacy in a story (or two stories).

There are many stories. There were 32 men but three were sent home on night one, last week. Who are they? The best place to see the cast is on various internet sites, probably ABC.

I'll have three columns in the future. Men for Gabby. Men for Rachel. The undecideds. And probably two more. Who Gabby likes and who Rachel likes. It's a bear.

The three sent home were predictable. Joey & Justin (twins) seemed (there are edits) to talk about their relationship with each other (too much). Where's the empathy, guys? Roby seemed only interested in showing off card tricks. Is this a one-way street? If so, tell the DMV.

Rachel Recchia is a gorgeous 26 yr old pilot and flight instructor with a sweet personality.

Gabby Windey, with eye-catching and unusual looks, is 31 and a ICU nurse and a former cheerleader for the Denver Broncos. She's very witty and down-to-earth. Both ladies have complementary hearts.

The men range in age from 23 to 36.

Mario Vassall, 31, personal trainer, got Gabby's first impression rose. Mario is a ball of energy who wants a family.

Tino Franco, 28, a general contractor, received Rachel's 1st rose. He is a go-with-the-flow type of guy who loves spending time with his family, friends, and dog.

That's all for now.

Voice in novels clarified

 I often wonder why most authors don't address a character's voice. They do pay attention to the author's voice, the story's voice, or the point of view.

Maybe when writing they don't think about it. So, one must describe some of the characters' voices, please.

Is he/she throaty, (like Marilyn Monroe), chirpy, halting, stuttery, high-pitched, low-low (like Scotty McCreery), staccato, flighty, deep (like the cookie monster, lol), have an accent (like Sean Connery)?

Enrich your story with characters' voices.

endless universe

 As a physicist, I have always thought it not rational that the universe is limited in space and has a shape. There are many scientists that believe in multiple universes. Or that the one we can measure goes on forever. Just as there are gaps between galaxies so should there be gaps between so-called universes and our gap gives us a misimpression, since we can't see beyond it.

If there is infinite matter there has to be infinite life. And if there is infinite life one never has to worry about existence!

Love is Blind

I found a show on Netflix called Love is Blind.

I enjoyed it from a philosophical point of view. If in meeting someone you are overpowered by physical attraction, do you not, at least for a while, ignore or fail to observe their compatibility with you? Some carry this on to marriage and wake up after it is too late. They get divorced, a messy and expensive enterprise that rips hearts.

On a minor note the show's producers must have encouraged the participants to toss around four-letter words like they were going out of style. i sincerely doubt that this represents the way people talk to each other.

The way it works: a bunch of men and women go on numerous dates in pods, separate rooms. They can't see each other. They only have words. Needless to say, this forces the two people in the pods to ask more serious questions than "my place or yours."

IMO, love is not blind but the technic brings people together who might not have given a second thought to the other upon meeting. They would have never talked except for courtesies like how are you, isn't the weather wonderful, got to love those (name a team). This doesn't circumvent natural selection because it is natural. Everything humans do is natural. And secondly, they have a chance to run for the hills if they are not physically attracted to their opposite (or even for other reasons).

Modern life is often shallow and fast-paced. It's our duty to slow down to appreciate the beauty in all things. Anyway, some of the proposals that come out of the show actually result in solid marriages. 2 out of 5. But that's not the point. The show is simply asking us to dig deeper before saying we are falling head over heals with someone. Falling implies losing control. Never diminish your ability to make kind-hearted and rational decisions. Then devote yourselves to that special someone.

Seven Types of love displayed in a romance novel

The ancient Greeks had a thing for love. in fact, they intellectualized everything. This made for amazing advances in civilization.

They categorized love:

1. Eros, sensual passion

2. Ludus, playful love

3. Philautia, self-love

4. Storge, parental love

5. Philia, deep friendship

6. Agape, love for everyone

7. Pragma, committed love

8. Minia, obsessive love

It's those Greeks again. Many scholars water this down to Eros, Agape, and Philos. For the purpose of writing any romance story, I believe that all three types must show up in the novel to make it a meaningful success.

Eros: erotic love or intimate love but according to Plato: Eros is the natural desire to seek beauty. He wrote, "he who loves the beautiful is called a lover because he partakes of it." Okay, this could be an excuse for jumping from bed to bed. But I see a man or woman feeling close or one to become part of that beauty.

Philia: Ideal love or brotherly love. (Philadelphia). Aristotle said that pone must feel love for themselves before they can love others. Plato theorized that the best philia blossoms out of eros. (your mate is your best friend.)

Agape: Universal love. A good current example are the strangers in Poland that are taking into their homes, Ukranians. Agape is something inside us that has love for all living things. There are those who hate ass a way of life. This is not only defective and destructive but a denial of purpose of life.

So what does this have to do with writing romance novels. It's the arcs or growth as human beings that your characters travel through that make your story complete. A story that only focuses on Eros is written in a vacuum. Like a true artist you may paint a picture of how your characters interact in this world and how these goals to be better at life change the way they are. And how about that prospective mate who requests change or challenges to bring out the best in both. And what of their friends? How do they react to events around them together or apart?

Today, it is not sufficient, IMO, to not show them reacting and pro-acting in this world.

The Cute-Meeter

The Cute-Meeter

 

At Pennsylvania University, the head of the graduate department, Joseph Blough, called in his favorite TA, Candice Striper.

“I perused your proposal. You have got to be kidding, you can’t earn your PhD on such drivel.”

“But Professor Blough, it's ground never covered before. Think about the advance in human psychology, the breaking of myths. It could put PU on the map.”

Blough was somewhat swayed by the idea of trading integrity for economic gain. But Candice was all wrong on two counts. She shouldn’t become the subject of her own experiment and with her figure-skating figure, and being gorgeous, God forbid my wife would hear my thoughts, Chinese face, and silky raven hair down to her fine derriere. I have to stop.

“So, Candice, because of your beauty, I hope you don’t mind me stating the obvious, your little experiment will be ruined the moment you start.”

“Thank you, professor. That’s just it, the prettier I am the more likely this experiment will work.”

“That’s the problem.”

“I’ve tried hard to get somebody, anybody to help me.”

“Try again.”

I've reached the end of the internet

 I may be changing direction in my writing. I have written award-winning romance novels and yet haven't sold that much. I don't care for the reasons why. It could be talent, marketing, whatever. I'm moving on.

My first novel Neanderthals and the Garden of Eden sold a ton (approx. 5000 copies) but the romances didn't get close. In spite of that the publisher The Wild Rose Press took me in and I wrote an important novel about racial hatred, Cinnamon & Sugar. It sold less than 500. BTW, there's only one race, the human race. The Nazis would like you to believe there are more than one. Don't buy into their propaganda.

I'm not giving up on writing. It's more like a hobby than a profession. But I have decided to write what I want no matter what it is instead of writing romance because I think it will sell.

So here's my projects that I have yet to pen or had abandoned:

The Girl With Seven Boyfriends (one for each day of the week). I'm on page 85. This one is too sexy for words. And I hesitate to put certain things my bad girl does into words. Perhaps I'll use a non de plume.

A children's book (my idea is top-secret). This should be fun and short. You know it takes way too long to write a novel.

I have an idea for a short story or novella. Anyway I'm not sure which project to do first.

.......................

On another subject, I believe we are near the end of the pandemic and I want to say one thing about the foundation of many religions. The golden rule. This means that one should treat everybody with the love you would hope they would show you. In short, those who refuse masks are saying I don't care about you. Those who don't get vaccinated, much the same.

I know priests that say the same but oddly some priests seem to promote the opposite. I just listen to what Jesus said and follow it.

The good news is we may all soon go back to a world in which masks are not needed in general and vaccines become a matter of personal choice (just like the flu vaccine).

I know when I write these thoughts s I may lose readers but I never had that many to start with, lol.

My new book

 I have been in a funk and not blogging because my new book, The Chess Master, has to date only sold 5 copies. One reason is that I don't like marketing, but at least I should blog about it.

Click below to go to Amazon

The Chess Master

REVIEWS:

Cy Lakdawala, international master and at latest count author of 53 books on chess, wrote. “The Chess Master manages to capture the hearts, minds, and souls of chess players of all ratings. This is perhaps the best book of fiction on the subject of chess. I give it five stars. It should be in everybody’s library.”

Dr. Leroy Dubeck, former USCF President, and current USCF master, wrote. “The Chess Master reminds me of The Queen’s Gambit in that it follows the life of a genius girl, but that’s where it stops. It’s contemporary, more intense regarding chess (the author is a USCF master), and it doesn’t cut the story short. You will see how talent and inspired work lands the protagonist at the age of seventeen in a match for the world championship, and you will know who wins. This is a must-buy chess book.

The Story: Tayshia is turning six, but her daddy isn’t there to celebrate, and he never will be. At least she has her two sisters, brother, and mom. Yet, she’s not happy. Her daddy used to play chess with her, which she remembers for the many happy hours and his love. Like many six-year-olds, she enters a fantasy world with her daddy as her chess and life mentor. She’s brilliant and obsessed with making her daddy proud by becoming the best chess player she can be. Along the way, we see the family struggle without a father, husband. We also see Tayshia mature into a phenomenal chess player worthy of a match for the world chess championship. And you'll be with her when she plays that match.

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHORS

Sami Robinson, author of Broken Toy: “Bob, never having been a little black girl from a run-down neighborhood, needed my help. What we both didn’t count on was Tayshia’s genius being so overwhelming. But my friend had that down pat. You are going to love this girl.

Robert W Richard (Bob) also writes as RW Richard and won an award for the best romance of the year with Autumn Breeze. “Only chess players know how all-consuming the game is. In college, I spent most of my time at the chess club. Later in life and married, I sacrificed chess for my family life and a career as an engineer. No regrets, because now in semi-retirement, I get to live the life of a great player vicariously.”

The authors would appreciate your reviews. The authors rate this book good for general audiences PG.

Okay fans and friends. I feel better now...