Words of the outside world. Truly baaaad sheep puns. My Shetland: Band Names and Album Covers
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<3💻<3
Writer: Hello Muse!
Muse: Hello. You’re in a good mood today.
Writer: Yes! I am! I had an script idea!
Muse: It’s worth three exclamation points?
Writer: Okay, the idea is two exclamation points at best, but it’s just so good to have an idea before I have a deadline staring me in the face.
Muse: Do tell.
Writer: I was having a conversation with a friend (turns around & waves hi) about Heated Rivalry, which I had to admit I started but did not read because the enemy-to-lovers trope is not my flavor of ice cream, and I prefer closed door romance, which this definitely is not.
Muse: Breathe.
Writer: Right. (clears throat) We got to talking about why there is so much ice hockey in romance novels. I mean, it’s almost as popular as football as a setting, which would make sense in Canada, or some northern US states, but I doubt it’s the second most popular sport in the US, by the way, Internet search says basketball then baseball.
Muse: Continue to breathe.
Writer: (does a few box breaths) So, I got to wondering what other sports have been used in the romance genre, and more importantly, which ones have not. What do you think of that idea?
Muse: I think you’ve left out a few steps.
Writer: (reviews conversation to date) Oh, right. The main idea is to set the story in a lesser known sport, maybe a sport that is popular in one place but less know in another, curling in the Caribbean, or cricket in the US, or a sport that is less well known everywhere, maybe because it is new, or maybe because it’s old but a few folks are keeping it alive. Something like that. I haven’t decided. Not only does the main character have all the issues with being a top competitor, but they also have to deal with a lack of respect.
Muse: (nods)
Writer: Of course, the love interest has never heard of this obscure thing. I see two different ways to go with this. If we are going for short & sweet, love interest is ignorant, possibly disparaging, hijinks ensue. Or, it we want a two-parter, the love interest has never heard of the sport, makes fun of it, gives it a try, and turns out to be really, really good at it, maybe better than the main character. Gives us endless possibilities for the third act breakup. You know The Powers That Be. They love it when I give them options. Plus this is me bringing them an idea before they ask.
Muse: (smiles, then nods)
Writer: Either way, love interest has a skill that ends up being crucial for the rising conflict, maybe they are a business type who saves the big fundraiser, because less popular is going to mean less money, or maybe they are graphic designer who makes the team, or club, or group of ragtag misfits a new kick-ass uniform that takes off as a popular item, both making money and helping get their name out.
Muse: I notice you have not mentioned gender for either side of the romance.
Writer: I think that will depend partially on the sport, partially on the intended audience, and mainly on what actors can be brought in.
Muse: You’ve put a lot of thought into this.
Writer: Yes, it’s great. (looks stricken) That’s not a problem is it?
Muse: What would be a problem?
Writer: That I had an idea without you? That’s our thing. I’m at my wit’s end. We talk. You dig me out of the hole. I. I. I didn’t mean to step on any toes. I was just so relieved to think of something. I wanted to share it with you.
Muse: Not a problem. Inspiration is not jealous. Is not poetry part of the divine?
Writer: Well, the Muses are Greek, and the Greek pantheon was not know for even tempers.
Muse: Each society sees us the way that makes sense to them. We’ve talked about this before. [Halloween]
Writer: (thinks back, nods)
Muse: It is the same with the individual. Inspiration is here between us. Inspiration is there between you and your friend. In each case, it is the touch of the finger of God that you perceive in a way that you can understand.
Writer: um. It suddenly got very philosophical in here.
Muse: Philosophy, like inspiration, is everywhere. Now go write your story.
(typing sounds)
<3💻<3
Onwards!
Katherine
Virtual Brush Box 