Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Is WICKED GAME a romance?

Help! I'm preparing to register Wicked Game for the Rita Award, which is the major annual award given by the Romance Writers of America (RWA). Eyes of Crow was nominated for two Ritas in 2006: Best First Novel and Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements.

The problem is, I'm having trouble deciding which category to enter Wicked Game.

Below are the descriptions of two categories and their judging guidelines:

Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
A work of fiction in which a romance plays a significant part in the story, but other themes or elements take the plot beyond the traditional romance boundaries.
Judging guidelines: Novels of any tone or style, set in any place or time are eligible for this category. A romance must be an integral part of the plot or subplot, and the resolution of the romance is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.

Paranormal Romance
Romance novels in which the future, a fantasy world or paranormal happenings are an integral part of the plot.
Judging guidelines:
In this category, a futuristic, fantasy, or paranormal element is blended with the love story, which is the main focus of the novel, and the end of the book is emotionally satisfying and optimistic.

I think it fits in both categories, but I can only enter one. Looking strictly at these descriptions, which one do you think fits Wicked Game better?

The Key Question: is the romance the main focus of the novel or is it a subplot?

Much thanks!


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5 Comments:

I'd say paranormal romance, me.

Posted by: Blogger Catie at 10/01/2008 8:01 AM

I vote for paranormal too.

Cecilia

Posted by: Anonymous Anonymous at 10/01/2008 8:06 AM

Paranormal romance.

Have a lovely day! :-)

Posted by: Blogger Tez Miller at 10/01/2008 9:54 AM

Yup, I think paranormal romance, too! :)

Posted by: Blogger Kristin at 10/01/2008 11:05 AM

Agree with all of the above comments--definitely a paranormal but Cecilia would be a good judge for you--Love, MOM

Posted by: Anonymous Anonymous at 10/01/2008 2:18 PM

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Jeri Smith-Ready

Jeri Smith-Ready is a Maryland author of romantic and urban fantasy.

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