Page 4 of Guys Can't Write Romance
“That’s not romance, dear,” Helen said gently. “That’s a health code violation.”
Chad groaned and shook his head. These people just didn’t understand art.
Next up was Daisy. She pulled out a perfectly organized manuscript, with each pristine page color-coded with tabs.
“My story’s a romance between a baseball player and a female reporter. I’m calling it ‘A League of Her Own’.”
Chad snickered.
Daisy shot him a glare. “What?”
“Nothing.”
She frowned and began reading her heartfelt romance. “Janice awoke to a clear sky that morning—”
Chad interrupted her with a cough. “Let me guess. She meets some guy. They talk. They share mutual fund advice. They kiss. The end.”
Olivia snorted, despite herself. “It sounds very nice, dear. Please go on.”
Daisy glared at Chad. “At least my characters have depth.”
“Depth?” Chad laughed. “Your male leads have all the personality of a soap dish.”
“At least they bathe and aren’t covered in slime.”
Mags grinned with mischievous amusement. This was already better than any soap opera. “Please go on, Daisy.”
Daisy did. And for the next few minutes, she poured her heart into reading her first chapter. When she finished, she set her pages down and looked at the ‘adults’ in the room. “What’d you guys think?”
“I have some thoughts,” said Chad.
“Does anyone whose name isn’t Chad have any thoughts?” she said.
Helen thought about it for a moment. “Maybe a financial planning seminar isn’t the most exciting place for a meet-cute,” she offered.
The others nodded in agreement.
“But this shows the readers that he’s focused on his future. He’s safe.”
“But there’s no challenges and obstacles for them to overcome together,” said Ruth.
“Exactly,” said Chad.
“What would you suggest, Chad?” said Mags.
“It needs some car chases and explosions. Or have them meet on a runaway train.”
To Daisy’s horror, Bernie actually perked to this. “Chad might have a point.”
“A runaway train?” Daisy said.
“It needn’t be anything that Clancy’ish,” said Bernie. “But I think you need to introduce them in a more exciting way.”
“Maybe he rescues her dog that’s run into the street,” offered Liv.
“Or, he chases down someone who stole her purse,” suggested Phil. “He’s an athlete, so show us his athletic skills.”
“You guys hate my story,” Daisy groaned as she sank down in her chair.
