When asked to describe Red Polka Dot In A World Full of Plaid, I usually take the easy way out and describe the novel as contemporary fiction. However, if I had to be technical, I’d say it’s an upper YA / adult contemporary novel with elements of romance, chick-lit, and Christian fiction (you see why I just say “contemporary fiction”). And yes, I’m comfortable enough in my masculinity to say that portions of the novel are romantic. I’m a sucker for romance, to the point that there’s some romantic element to everything I write. I think romance (whether it be the search for romance, the joys of romance, or the consequences of romance) is a big part of the angst that makes up most young people’s lives.
As I said last week, the novel got reviewed by Romantic Times BookClub magazine (in the Mainstream Fiction Section). Although the online review isn’t available yet, the print magazine should be in bookstores now (I picked up my copy from Borders last week). It was a great review (4 stars), and the reviewer called the novel, “…a compelling story with dynamic characters.”
Next week, I’ll be participating in an online conference sponsored by Shades of Romance Magazine (Sormag.com). The conference is free, but you have to register for it. I’ll be participating on the Tuesday panel, Men In Fiction. If you have a chance, check it out.
Unfortunately for Mrs. V., my romantic side doesn’t manifest itself as strongly in real life. As I’ve told Mrs. V countless times, “What’s the point of being romantic when you’re already married?”
You ask: “What’s the point of being romantic when you’re already married?”
Answer: You stay married. Or at least greatly increase the odds.
I started to answer that same question wnen I read it a week ago, but decided instead to chuckle to myself. I think you know the way my mind works well enough to know what I was chuckling about.
Don