Racheline Maltese's Blog, page 23

Nine things Bridget Jones’s Diary taught us about the romance genre (or, two queer romance writers, one really heterosexual romantic comedy — what could possibly go wrong?)

Erin and I each just watched Bridget Jones’s Diary for the first time.  We’re romance writers; it’s kind of a moral obligation.  And we found it by turns baffling, delightful, and weirdly instructive.

So here are nine things Bridget Jones’s Diary just taught us about the romance genre, and our relationship to it.

1. The hero is there to reassure the heroine that she’s awesome just the way she is.  He’s also there to be enough of a fool that the heroine has to find more bravery and gumption than she’s had before.

This, we sort of love.  And it’s easily extensible to LGBTQ romance.  It’s definitely something lurking in our stories.  But wow, neither of us could stand Bridget’s fear of singleness.  She lamented about being single all 32 years of her life; I’m fairly sure that wasn’t a crisis for her when she was four, or ten, or hopefully even 18.  We love that romance is about characters looking at their fears and overcoming them; but we’re less enthused by what this film, at least, says female fears are.

2. Romances should remind us of ourselves at our worst, and also at our best.

This film did that for me in spades.  When this film came out I was 29, ending a mess of a long-term and very muddled relationship, and out of my damn mind.  If I had seen this then, I absolutely would have recognized my then immediate circumstances in it, and then lamented that all the misunderstandings of the relationship I was ending weren’t going to work out in a set of adorable, happily every afters with a surprise, you get Colin Firth! at the end (more on him later).

Which makes Erin and I wonder — romance as a genre is about fantasy, and about feeling good, but isn’t it also a little bit about pressing our thumbs into the romantic bruises we already have?

3. Heterosexuality seems kind of weird and stressful when you take a step back.

Erin and I are both queer authors.  We’re also both bisexual.  She’s partnered to a man; I’m partnered to a woman; and we both spent most of this film emailing each other about how weird it felt to be touristing in the land of straight people.  There was so much status being derived from partners and women trying to out woman each other and men trying to out man each other, and it kind of didn’t make sense to us, except when it did.

I talk about my sexuality as a choice, even though born this way language is fashionable these days and is true for many many people.  This movie exemplified why I like the language of choice.  Being any of these people struck me as terrifying, even if every time I find Colin Firth wildly attractive I suddenly realize me and straight women actually have something in common.  (P.S., to re-queer this up a little, Renee Zellweger’s assets in this movie are amazing).

4. Every romance needs a cheering section.

How great were Bridget’s friends?  Heroes and heroines need people on their side, even if they’re too wrapped up in their drama to see that.  Erin and I want all the romances we read and watch and write to be filled with more awesome friendships.  While we’re celebrating love, we should celebrate many types of it.

5. What even is a Happily Ever After?

By some definitions Bridget Jones’s Diary only has a Happy for Now ending.  After all, there’s no wedding, and apparently it has a sequel (not sure we’re actually brave enough to face that).

So what even is an HEA? Is it a wedding?  I hear from lots of people it’s a wedding. In LGBTQ romance, that still feels weird.  Our people can’t get married everywhere, and our cultural feelings about marriage are complex.  If we’re writing LGBTQ romance for an audience that’s inclusive of LGBTQ readers, then a wedding isn’t the right HEA for every story.  Here, and with great caution because I know how important HEAs are to readers, I think Bridget Jones’s Diary tells us that maybe we should expand our definition of what an HEA is.

6. Love is the most important thing.

In Bridget Jones’s Diary the guy gives up his swank job in New York for the weirdo girl in London.  And it’s romantic as hell.  But for Erin and I, who relentlessly write romances about ambitious people, the question becomes how much sacrifice has to be made to satisfy the reader?  And if two people are perfect for each other, how much of themselves or their other desires should they really be giving up?

7. You don’t need a villain, but you do need a cad.

Bad guys in romances don’t have to be evil.  Just callous.  These stories aren’t about good triumphing over evil, but the emotionally present triumphing over the fearful and uncaring.  No mustache twirling needed.

8. Farce is your friend.

The ridiculous misunderstanding is a staple of the romance genre.  And while sometimes that can get irksome and frustrating (and it did for both of us regarding this film), that structural device is great for pacing your story.

9. You need a killer last line.

That’s it.  There’s no other observation to make here.  For everything about this film that didn’t resonate for one or both of us, we were both totally head over heels for the last two lines of this film. Sexy, perfect, and clever.

Now, we want to hear from you.  What did this ridiculous film teach you about our genre? And what romance should we engage with next in our ongoing quest to understand the ins-and-outs of the stories we tell and how they do and don’t fit into the romance genre?

Panels! Readings! Giveaways! – RWA NYC Romance Festival

Tomorrow, I’ll be taking part in RWA-NYC’s annual Romance Festival at the Morris-Jumel Mansion in upper Manhattan.

The day will include readings, panels, giveaways, and music.  The event is free, although tours of the historic house are $5, and the mansion is graciously welcoming historic costumers to come dressed up for the event (which will include Regency, contemporary, and paranormal romance writers. We expect a significant presence of multicultural and LGBTQ romance writers as well).

I’ll be doing a reading (I haven’t decided from what book yet, so let me know if you have desires) and also vending at the event.  I’ll have copies of Starling, Doves, Best Gay Romance 2015, and Bitten by Moonlight on hand. If you’d like me to bring any of my non-fiction titles, please let me know in advance.

The Morris-Jumel Mansion is located at 65 Jumel Terrace (btwn W. 160th & 162nd Streets), NYC and the event will take place on June 20, 2015 from 1-4:30pm.

Phoenix now available in paperback!

The paperback is now in stock at Amazon.com US, and should appear on the international site and with other retailers shortly.  Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm!

http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix/dp/1610409272

Coming Soon — Plaid Nights and “Off-Kilter”

Our first thoroughly PG story will soon become available from Torquere Press. “Off-Kilter” is a short M/M romance involving an incompetent wingman, a ridiculous seduction plan,  and Scottish Country Dance.

Because “Off-Kilter” will also be available as part of Torquere’s Plaid Nights anthology, it shares a cover with all the other stories in that antho.  And that cover, as you can see, is scorching hot and perhaps accidentally mocking us for finally writing a rather sweet and gentle story.

“Off-Kilter” will be available for pre-order soon both on its own and as part of the Plaid Nights anthology; the release date for both is July 15th. We can’t wait to share this story with you!

Phoenix is here!

Yesterday was release day for Phoenix (LiLA 3) and we couldn’t be more thrilled that it’s out there in the world.

Sometimes the end of everything…

Now happily married to writer and producer Paul Marion Keane, television star J. Alex Cook’s life has been a fairytale of success and romance for years. But when an unexpected tragedy throws his and Paul’s social circle into chaos, the alumni of hit TV show The Fourth Estate are forced to pick up the creative pieces left behind.

…is just the beginning

Confronted with his own mortality, Paul suggests he and Alex start a family. But figuring out what family means when your best friends’ polyamorous marriage may be melting down and you have Hollywood’s most malevolent fairy godmother to thank for your success is no easy proposition.

As Alex questions whether anyone in a profession full of make believe can truly have fame, fortune, kids, and the happily ever after of their dreams, he sets out to take control of his own life and discovers that the best love stories never truly end.

Phoenix is Book 3 in the Love in Los Angeles series.

Ebook available at All Romance | Amazon | Torquere now!  More retailers and paperback coming soon!

9 things from the first two LiLA books you’ll want to remember heading into book 3

With less than two weeks to go until Phoenix (LiLA 3) comes out, we thought we’d tease you with nine key things from the first two books that are worth remembering as you head into book 3.

1. Paul’s sister

2. Liam’s family in New York

3. Alex and Gemma’s friendship troubles

4. Carly’s non-monogamy

5. Victor’s love of secrets and mystery

6. Alex’s guns

7. Liam’s shoelaces

8. Paul’s self-sabotage

9. Darcy’s idea of being helpful

Phoenix  is now available for ebook pre-order on the Torquere Press website.  Other retailers and the paperback version will be available as we approach the June 10th release date!

Phoenix by Racheline Maltese & Erin McRae

Sometimes the end of everything…

Now happily married to writer and producer Paul Marion Keane, television star J. Alex Cook’s life has been a fairytale of success and romance for years. But when an unexpected tragedy throws his and Paul’s social circle into chaos, the alumni of hit TV show The Fourth Estate are forced to pick up the creative pieces left behind.

…is just the beginning

Confronted with his own mortality, Paul suggests he and Alex start a family. But figuring out what family means when your best friends’ polyamorous marriage may be melting down and you have Hollywood’s most malevolent fairy godmother to thank for your success is no easy proposition.

As Alex questions whether anyone in a profession full of make believe can truly have fame, fortune, kids, and the happily ever after of their dreams, he sets out to take control of his own life and discovers that the best love stories never truly end.

Phoenix is Book 3 in the Love in Los Angeles series.

Midsummer — great reviews and on sale!

Midsummer is currently on sale in several locations.

From now through May 28, you can get it for 25% off if ordered directly through the Dreamspinner site, bringing the price down to $2.99.

For those of you who like to buy your books through All Romance, for their buy 10, get one free program, it’s 20% off there for $3.19.  That sale will last through the end of May.

Midsummer has also been getting some great reviews!  Carly’s Book Reviews says “Midsummer is a beautiful blend of classic and contemporary themes.” (4 stars).

Meanwhile Inked Rainbow Reviews says “I appreciated how the authors handled John’s discovery of his sexuality. I’m always excited to see genuinely bisexual men represented well, and John is incredibly well-written. I loved how even in his inexperience, the maturity of his age showed and he wasn’t afraid to put Michael in his place when Michael tried to pin him down to the identity Michael preferred. The writing is superb, and it’s clear the authors know their craft.” (5 stars).

Midsummer — Out today!

Erin & I are super happy that release day has arrived for Midsummer, which we jokingly call the book (novella) we never meant to write.  But write it we did,and we hope you’ll enjoy it. Book 2, Twelfth Night, will be out late this summer and we’re currently working on Book 3!

This is the book for readers who want summer romance, magical realism, absolute monogamy, and, of course, a clear HEA.

Midsummer (Love’s Labours 1)

John Lyonel, a long-time theater professional and teacher, heads to Virginia to play Oberon in the Theater in the Woods’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, intending to focus on his work. John is recovering from the tragic loss of his family and needs a break. The last thing he expects is to become captivated by Michael Hilliard, the professional actor playing Puck, especially since John has never been attracted to men, let alone one so much younger.

They rush headlong into an affair, which falls apart dramatically over secrets that John and Michael are keeping from each other. A steep learning curve, the gossipy cast of the show, and the sometimes sinister magic of the woods conspire to keep them apart. But stage lights and stars might work their magic and help them define a new future.

All Romance | Amazon | B&N | Dreamspinner | Kobo

Hop Against Homophobia & Transphobia — Show your favorite LGBTQ organizations some love

So Erin & I are participating in the Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia (click on the image at left!), in honor of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Say that three times fast.

The blog hop is specifically for those who write, publish, review or are otherwise involved in the world of LGBTQ fiction. When it comes to the romance space, I think there’s a lot of discussion to be had (and that is being had) about the perception that LGBTQ romance is really m/m romance and that it’s really being written for straight women. The thing is, just like human sexuality, it’s almost always more complicated than that. So while those are important/awesome/difficult discussions, we’re not going to do that here today.

Instead we just want to remind people that hey these things still exist, and that they are global issues, that even from within the community are not always addressed as comprehensively as they should.

To that end, we’d like people reading this who support specific organizations that aim to advocate for or help LGBTQ people in any sort of need, to comment here, with the names of and links to those organizations.

On May 25, the day after the hop ends. Erin and I will dump all the commentors into a random number generator, and choose a winner.

We’ll then make two donations on behalf of the winner (or a person the winner names or anonymously, etc. as appropriate). One will be $25 to Lambda Legal. The other will be $25 to the LGBTQ organization of their choice.

So tell us about organizations you support and what they do — no matter how big, no matter how small, no matter where they are located. Hopefully that can help drum up support above and beyond the small donation this blog will make.

Meanwhile, be sure to click on the icon for this hop to visit the other over 100 blogs participating.

What’s coming up, maintaining the schedule, and New Story Energy

Actual picture of our actual office, mid-edits. You should be afraid.

Right now, J. Alex Cook is trying to figure out what family means to him. There’s a kid named Nate who’s about to have what he hopes isn’t the most awkward coming out party Nashville’s ever seen.  Michael has the (not so) bright idea to propose to his boyfriend on a stage at a theater in the Virginia woods. And a tech geek on a business trip in Budapest just saw his boss shoot a guy in the head.

Erin and I write a lot of stories at once, and we put a tremendous amount of pressure on ourselves to get everything done fast, so we can do the next thing, so you can read the next story, and so that we can keep up with the ever-accelerating pace of Romancelandia.

Sometimes, it makes me long for the genres and careers of friends who publish a book one year and promote it the next year.  Right now we’re staring down two blog tours (Midsummer and Phoenix) with more to come soon.  If I list it all, I’ll go a little bit crazy.

The reality is, despite this rapid fire year, the publication schedule is going to slow down soon.  Sort of.

Phoenix will come out June 10, but you almost certainly won’t be seeing the next Love in Los Angeles book until 2016.  There’s a bigger time jump there, between books 3 and 4 (which we’re in revisions on now), and it’s a natural place for a little bit of air, but we wanted you to know. It’s also a point that we’re really going to want to sit down and talk about the series; it has been and continues to be so personal to us, but it’s after book three that we can really begin to talk about why and what we’re up to with it.  We’ll also be sure to keep providing you with LiLA story tidbits while you wait in our mailing list, which you can sign up for at right.

After Midsummer, which is out on May 20, you’ll get its sequel Twlefth Night late this summer.  We’re working on the third book there now also, and that may edge in in 2015, but we’re not sure yet.

You’ll also get Off-Kilter, a PG-rated short story about Scottish Country Dance, this summer. And, we hope, that story about the kid in Nashville, which is due for submission this week. Probably a few other shorts too.

We have an anthology project happening we’ll tell you more about in the fall, and Racheline’s long-mentioned big announcement really is coming soon.

Meanwhile, we’ve put something new on the calendar, somewhere between now and Secret House, our HEA triad story about age differences, generational trauma and being the children of immigrants.

The new thing is a spy duology — one book is M/M, and one is M/F.  If you saw me on Twitter talking about our sex-worker heroine (it’s her job, it doesn’t drive her plot, she doesn’t give up her job to have an HEA), that is related to this.

We have no idea why it didn’t occur to us to write about spies (or sex workers) sooner. After all, I’ve seen every James Bond movie and travels all over the world; Erin works in international affairs.  And spy stories are, at core about logistics (Erin), farce (me), and over- and underestimating people in the right combinations.

None of any of this would be possible without our army of first readers who check for accuracy on things like queer culture in Rome (LiLA 4), how to encrypt data in pornography (Spies), and whether to call that thing in set dancing a reel or a hay (Off-Kilter).

One of the reasons we write about polyamory as much as we do (it’s not in all our stories, but it is salient in Love in Los Angeles and Room 1024 — and if you want monogamous narratives we recommend our other work instead), is because we think it’s applicable to a lot more than love or sex.

It’s applicable to work. To hobbies. And to which book we’re writing this week. Life is often all about managing New Relationship Energy even when that’s not with a person, but with a project. You can worry you’re falling out of love with the thing that isn’t new, or you can see the energy you’re pouring into the new shiny thing reflected back in all the other stuff you love too, and become deeply invested all over again.

So that’s the story we’re telling right now.  Not just in all the stories that we’re writing currently and need to be writing right now (but, as we’re trying to convince ourselves, not Right Now), but by writing at all.  Somehow, this post doesn’t even include all the projects in the hopper.  But they’re waiting for us, and we will get there.

Thank you always for being patient and enthusiastic and delightful and curious and critical and engaged with our stuff.