Cupid's Arrow Has Found Its Mark

Yes, it's official. The powers-that-be have proclaimed that Sioux can indeed do romance. (I'm sure when my husband sees me snoring and drooling, while sitting upright on the couch, at 7:30 at night, he might question that ruling.)

This past weekend I got word that my story, "Playing a Different Tune" will be published in Welkin Press' Cupid's Quiver. 

Since romance is such a foreign genre to me, I used some elements of reality. This year, I am taking violin lessons right alongside my third graders, much to the dismay joy of our violin teacher. 

I took our violin teacher, changed her to a man and made her Venezuelan (my teaching partner's husband is from Venezuela), transformed myself into a young teacher in her early thirties (sweet!),  and added some of the actual screw-ups that have happened to me during our lessons. It's a reality-romance mash-up.

What have you done or tried in order to make a story more realistic? Gary Paulsen once ate a fish eyeball in researching Hatchet and Brian's Winter. (He promptly threw it up, his sled dogs immediately gobbled it up, and that made him hurl once more. This is chronicled in his book Guts.)

I know my fellow WWWP, Linda O'Connell, also has a story that will appear in Cupid's Quiver. I've heard that Donna Volkenannt's story will be included as well. Are there any other blogging buddies who had stories accepted by Pat Smith? Give a shout out and give yourself a pat on the back. For at least Linda and me, it was an instance when writing out of our boxes paid off...

Writing Outside of Your Box

          I admit, this post is not directed at Fireblossom who writes mind-blowing poems every day (and lately, several times a day). Not only are the images and word choices she crafts responsible for lots of teeth-gnashing by those who are envious, but the style and tone of her poems is so varied, it's hard to believe one person actually writes all of that poetry. (There is an investigation underway by the PP--the Poetry Police--because of the many allegations that have arisen, but since witnesses are still being questioned, no details are available at this time.)

photo by jaqian

          I began this new year by writing something that was way out of my box. Late last year, I had submitted to a romance anthology. Since I am incapable of heaving bosoms and men with Fabio-esque looks, it was humorous. It was snarky. It was rejected.

        Stung by the resounding gentle "no" I received in November, during the first days in January I opened up my laptop to craft something for the same editor--a different anthology but still the pesky romance genre. I am holding my breath, waiting for either a yea or a nea.

        Everything else I write is creative nonfiction. Writing a romance is not my forte, but my stubborn nature has fueled my efforts during the occasions I do emerge from my box--these two romance stories...a novel that is currently in a rut--I'm pushed forward by my pride. And when I fail to get something published or a little voice inside me says 'Don't be ridiculous. You can't do that, Sioux,' my uncertainty surrenders to my stubborness.

       What have you done--writing or otherwise--that has brought you out of your box? What fuels you? What keeps you moving forward? Inquiring minds want to know...

(This post is also not aimed at Mama Zen, either. She's a poet who can write mind-boggling poems with just a few words. After the investigation into the ruse Fireblossom has created has concluded, one is going to be launched to check out Mama Zen. Is she really a mother? How can an actual mother squeeze out creative brilliance like that as she does diapers and laundry and lunches?  Was she really a singer in a band in her "former" life?  How much talent can one person hoard?)