August is Romance Awareness Month. Eileen Buchheim created the event to encourage people to improve their relationships through romance. That’s pretty sweet. But as a romance writer, I take the liberty to use this occasion to encourage people to learn more about the romance genre.
According to RWA (the Romance Writers of America), there are two main elements of a romance story: a romance is central to the plot, and it must have an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending. In romance circles, we often call that a HEA (happily ever after). Outside of those two things, the sky’s the limit! Romances can be contemporary, fantasy, paranormal, you name it. And subgenres can be combined to create smaller niches. As you may know, I write young adult historical romances set in Alaska.
Thousands of readers find solace and joy in reading stories about couples who find their HEA. Why not enjoy one yourself?
Also this month, the Alaska chapter of RWA, AKRWA, is hosting our annual cover contest. Romance authors can submit their covers until September 1st. Every entry will be on display to over 150 voracious readers at the 2021 Writers and Illustrators Conference who will vote for the top entries. (And perhaps buy your books!) Learn more at https://akrwa.rwa.org/iCore/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=AKRWMSCC21
And whether you’re a longtime romance fan or just discovering the genre, go find a romance to read this month!
Note: The Writers and Illustrators Conference has been rescheduled for spring 2022. We are working on a new judging process.