For the Criminally Inane

I watched Roman Holiday a few days ago.  You know the black and white romantic comedy classic, with shining star Audrey Hepburn and the impressive Gregory Peck (you have to say his name in a bass voice).  I'd seen it before, but this time, I can't help but be so sad a the end.  I mean, we know from the beginning that she's a princess.  And a princess and a reporter could never get together.  But there is still something terrible that happens within me, a heartache, a longing when Audrey Hepburn puts on her stony regal face and chooses duty over love.  Shouldn't love conquer all?  I am such a hopeful (not hopeless) romantic, that I have to rewrite the ending to the movie, where she abdicates and lives a humbler, yet happier life as a struggling reporter's wife.   They'd have to be happy.  Love has to conquer all.  To you, what is more satisfying ending to a movie or a novel?  Realistic endings?  Or romantic ones where the two lovers live out their destinies toget

So apparently "chick-lit" is dead.  See here "Pub Rants" by Agent Kristen Nelson and here an interview with another agent I researched.  That totally stinks.  My guess, from some of the comments on Kristen's blog, is that readers want something more substantial than dating and drinking, shopping and s-e-x.  Depth.  They are looking for depth.  I can give them depth, but how do I get past the stereotype of frivolous fluff?

I really do covet.  I meet people with personality traits I wish I had, and I covet them.  And then I try to implement those qualities in my life.  I went to a party over the weekend and met a new friend with an attribute that is so enviable: she was encouraging.  I told her how I've written four novels but have not yet made a serious attempt at publication. She was so enthusiastic for me to put myself out there, asked me for my website address, asked me what kind of books I write, even assured me I had the personality to succeed--such ego fluff!  I'd just met her 15 minutes before and she believed in me!  I want to be a friend like that.  All of us seem to be trying to accomplish a difficult task.   We could all encourage each other a little bit more.  Be that friend -- the one who has a positive word, who believes in dreams against all odds.  And guess what I'm doing today--I'm writing query letters!  Believe in the impossible dream!

How can you tell the difference between a chick flick and a bromantic comedy?  Both have romantic themes, but one girls babble about for hours afterwards. The other, the girl comes out feeling cheated like she'd spent two hours trying on clothes and coming home empty handed.  So what is the difference between the two types of movies?  First clue is see who picked the movie for date night.  If it's the guy, uh-oh, it's probably a bromantic comedy.  Certain actors send up red flags as to what kind of movie it is (Adam Sandler doesn't do Jane Austen).  Usually, you can identify them by the tropes that run through each of these movies. If you see this popular trope: Average Girl does something absolutely embarrassing right in front of Hot Guy, in my fantasy it's Chris Evans.  He finds it endearing, attractive even.  There is "funky chemistry."  There may be some fighting where the Average Girl treats Hot Guy like dirt.  They are separated. It seems not &qu