Page 5 of Guys Can't Write Romance
“We don’t hate it, Daisy,” said Liv.
“I do,” Chad cut in.
Liv shot him a frown and continued. “We just think your characters should meet over something more enticing that a 401(k).”
“Told ya,” said Chad.
“We’ll prepare some notes on your scenes and send them to you, Daisy,” said Mags. “In the meantime, I have some exciting news to share with the group, with the possible exception of Chad.”
“Why won’t I find it exciting?” said Chad.
Daisy sneered at him. “Maybe it requires talent.”
“Then why aren’t you excluded?”
“Would you kids like to hear this?” Mags said.
“Yes, I would,” said Chad, folding his hands on the table and trying to feign maturity for the first time in his life. “And I apologize for Daisy’s behavior.”
“My behavior?” Daisy said. “You’ve been picking on my writing all night.”
“Critiquing,” Chad corrected her. “There’s a difference.”
“Not when it comes from you.”
Phil cleared his throat and turned to Mags. “The rest of us are listening.”
Mags nodded. “For those of you paying attention, this will be a writing contest for romance novelists. Heartstrings Publishing, which you know is a top romance publisher, is looking for fresh voices. The grand prize will be a full publishing contract and a $10,000 advance.”
Chad’s jaw dropped. He looked at Daisy, who was already snickering, then shot up his hand. “When you say romance, do you mean like actual romance?”
“I do indeed, Chad,” Mags said. “Which means no monsters, no zombies, and no… whatever this slime creature was.”
Daisy couldn’t help herself. She turned to Chad with a smirk. “Bummer, McKenzie.”
“Not so fast, Fields,” Chad said as he sat upright. “I can totally write romance.”
“Yeah, right,” Daisy snorted. “The swamp monster kisses the cheerleader. I’m swooning already.”
“It’s a slime monster. And I can make him swoon-worthy.”
Bernie turned to Chad from his seat in the corner. “You do realize that romance isn’t about racking up a body count before the love scene?”
“What about after the love scene?”
“Still not.”
Chad looked at Daisy, who was snickering. This was so game on.
“Fine. I can still totally do this, even with these crazy rules. And whip Daisy’s butt in the process.”
“You? Write a romance?” Daisy rolled her eyes.
Chad leaned back and cracked his knuckles. “Yup.”
“Bet you can’t,” Daisy said.
“Bet you I can. And I bet mine does better than yours’ in the contest.”
