It’s August, and you know what that means… Football season is right around the corner.But wait. Let me cool my heels for just a second. So, everyone knows I’m a huge sports fanatic. Football, hockey, diving, baseball, cheerleading, volleyball, you name it. (Okay, strike that. Don’t name it. I made that challenge to my bestie who said boules. I didn’t even know what the heck that was until I searched it on Google, and now, I’m depressed that I do.)
Saturdays in fall, everyone knows where to find me—at an SEC tailgate, of course. (Specifically, supporting my Bayou Bengals. Love purple, live gold.) And after a year of social distancing, lockdown, and all other kind of medieval atrocities that drug themselves up from the decrepit crypts of the past to revisit and wreak havoc, I can’t wait to get back into the stands (safely, of course). However, my love of sports doesn’t stop at stadium gates or a remote control. It has spilled over into my writing. I’m an author of sports romance. What beauty to be able to blend two loves into one. Perfection!
Here’s the real secret about sports romances. The romance is at the core.So, even if a reader dislikes sports and/or athletics, he/she can still enjoy the romantic story. What makes sports romances stand out from all other romantic subgenres is that sports, naturally, play a large role in the story. Well, duh! Hence the name “sports romance.” But hang on a minute. Not so fast. This is where it may become confusing for some. In a sports romance, sports may play a substantial role, an essential role, or both. What it can’t be is a backdrop. To demonstrate my point, I like to refer to the 1950s sitcom, Leave It to Beaver.
In the classic sitcom, typical of its time, Ward Clever was the dutiful patriarch of the family. Husband to June and father to Wally and Theodore, Ward faithfully traipsed off each morning in his crisp white shirt, sensible shirt, and polished shoes with a hat on head and briefcase in hand to work to be the breadwinner of his family. But what did Ward do? For the six years that it was on the air, Ward’s actual job was vague. He worked for a “big company” doing who knows what exactly? He could have been a stockbroker, an architect, a real estate agent, an attorney, an insurance salesman, or a slew of other professions. The point is, Ward’s specific job title or duties weren’t important to the narrative of the show. All that was needed was to show viewers that he was a hardworking provider for his family. Thus, the nature of his job was a backdrop.
In a sports romance, it is not enough to have a character be a current or former athlete for the story to be considered a sports romance. If the sports aspect of the story is unimportant and can easily be substituted by something else, then that’s not a sports romance. Rather, it’s a romance with an athletic character. Now, I know the arguments against this position but think about it.
Many of John Grisham’s stories and novels feature characters who are attorneys. It makes sense. His plots deal with the legal system. Being an attorney is a central aspect of many of his characters and plots. In Harper Lee’s American classic, To Kill a Mockingbird, it is fitting that one of the major characters, Atticus Finch, is an attorney. Exchanging the professions in these books would create an overall different feel and direction for the stories. Now, what if Frank Kennedy in Gone with the Wind was an attorney? Would it matter to the story? Would it change any outcomes or character arcs? In Bridget Jones’ Diary, Mark Darcy is an attorney. How much does this impact the story? Suppose he was a wealthy run-of-the-mill philanthropist or business investor? Would that make any difference?
Another way to consider it is this. Suppose a story has a character who is a vampire, but that character is never shown doing anything “vampirish.” Instead, the story focuses on retrieving a lost treasure and the only reason the vampire is relevant is because he/she was alive when the treasure was originally lost. The vampire poses no threat to the recovery of this treasure or any other characters in the story. He/she is simply there to provide expository information to the other characters. This wouldn’t be considered a vampire story.
Yet, that is only half of it. Just because a story is a sports romance does not mean it is chock full of sports jargon and Game Day scenes. I mean, it could be but not necessarily. On Netflix, there is a series titled Last Chance U. Its focus is on JUCO athletes. The majority of the show does concentrate on athletes participating in games and training. However, it also highlights their struggles with school and their personal lives. With some shifting, this show could spend more time emphasizing the educational aspect and still be equally interesting. The role of sports would be decreased but still prominent.
Some readers are put off from reading sports romances because they believe the text will be too technical for them to understand. Good and creative storytellers prevent that problem by presenting the sport in such a way that it can be understood by sports novices while not alienating sports enthusiasts. This reminds me of a conversation I had with two former neighbors some years ago. As I was entering my residence one Friday afternoon, one of the neighbors was standing outside speaking with another neighbor. I had been grocery shopping for a Saturday game day party. My neighbor, seeing the bags and being from a rival university, naturally tossed a few playful taunts my way. Smack talking is nothing for me; so, I gave it right back to him. In it, I mentioned that his team had no depth. The other neighbor’s eyes grew as wide as saucers (I hadn’t yet met him). “Listen to you,” he said. To which the first neighbor applied, “Oh, man, she knows her stuff.” (Well, of course, I do. *big eye roll* It’s so sexist and antiquated to think a woman can’t talk sports, but I digress.) So, once the second neighbor realized I could hold my own, he decided to have a go at me. Everyone was laughing and having a good ole ha-ha and kee-kee when the second man’s wife (who I also had not met) came outside and ventured across the lawn to join the bunch. Only, this beautiful woman wasn’t a happy camper. She had an issue…with me…because I had her husband’s full attention. And she clearly had no inkling of what is going on in the conversation and felt left out. Well, that wasn’t my fault, but okay.
What did I do? I changed my language. I began speaking in a way that she could follow the conversation without feeling patronized—something that it seemed her husband had never done. I was able to include her. The basics of many sports aren’t that complex and can be learned in a couple of minutes if one is interested. I convey this to readers who may be hesitant to give sports romances a try.
Okay, okay, I know what some people might be thinking at this point—that I’m biased towards sports romance. I won’t disagree with that. For that reason, it is only fair that I list reasons that a person may want to avoid picking up a sports novel for their next vacation read or rainy afternoon pastime.
Today’s post is just a reminder that I have a story coming out next Tuesday. If you love cowboys and vampires and ex-military men and post-apocalyptic worlds, served with a heavy dose of eroticism, this one might be for you! It’s the first in a trilogy of Texas Vampires books!
Her Sanctuary
A woman surviving on the edge of a dark frontier strikes a sensual bargain with a handsome stranger hiding a dangerous secret…
In a post-apocalyptic future, creatures who’ve hidden in the shadows for millennia are freed to roam in a world shrouded in darkness. Rancher Kate McKinnon runs Sanctuary Ranch—a last refuge on the western frontier. While running herd over her cowhands and integrating refugees into their self-sufficient refuge, she escapes her responsibilities the only way she has left—via radio to pockets of other survivors. One man, Ty Bennett, is her confidante, and she thinks she might be falling in love with his deep, rasping voice. Although they’ve never met, he seems to know her heart.
On a patrol to scavenge supplies, Kate and her cowboys are surrounded by a gang of renegades intent on claiming her. Rescue comes unexpectedly by a militaristic band led by the man she’s spent so many hours talking to through the dark nights. She brings him home only to discover she’s brought vampires inside the refuge.
Already half in love with the human woman, Ty offers added muscle to her defenses and promises to move her people to safety. Fighting his own nature and appetites, he seeks redemption for his many sins but can’t control his hunger to possess Kate. Getting past her prejudice and choking responsibilities tests his seductive powers.
Da-dah, da-da-da-da… Is the song in your head now? You can thank me.
We’re excited here. Three of the kids are back in school today. We’ll see how long that lasts! Thankfully, our school enacted a mask mandate. For now, the house is quiet, and I’m hoping I’ll have more “me” time to do all the things I need to do…like write a dang book by the end of the month, edit four projects, and make some art.
I’m one of the “artists” (cough, gag) who will be showing in town in October at the art festival. Still don’t know how they selected me. I mean, we have some seriously good artists in this area. I hope to fill up my 10×10 space inside my tent with pieces people might like to hang in their house (I’d be thrilled to appear in someone’s bathroom!).
I have some older pieces I can use, but I’m trying to produce more. It’s been very slow-going. Like, only two new pieces so far. Want to take a look?
I made this one last night. I love it. Yeah, it’s all beige-y, but it works for me. It’s a water-doodle (watercolor and pen).
This one was done with soft pastel sticks.I had so much fun with it. Working with pastels makes me feel like a kid in kindergarten making a big mess.
Anyway, this is what I’ll be doing in the evenings after I finish work for the next two months.
Do y’all have any big projects in the works? Answer for a chance to win a hand-painted postcard from me. 🙂
I love writing stories, and taking photos of nature is how I refill my muse. Nature’s beauty is inspiring.
I enjoy the gorgeous flowers of summer, which are a beautiful backdrop for photos of butterflies.
Each day when I head out on my morning walks, I never know what animals or birds I’m going to see.
With dragonflies gliding through the gentle wind currents or resting on dried sticks, they seem to be soaking up the summer sun.
At the pond, the newborn chicks have hatched and are flying about, with a myriad of flowers swaying in the breeze along the shore.
It’s always a treat to see the red-eared slider turtles. I usually find them basking on logs in the sun, enjoying the summer day. Take care, and enjoy the rest of your summer.
Contest
ONE winner will be drawn from everyone who posts on my guest blog post about, ‘Nature ‒ Muse Inspiration!’ on Delilah’s blog between 15 August 2021– 22 August 2021, and will win a signed copy of His Woman.
About the Author
A retired Navy Chief, Diana Cosby is an international bestselling author of Scottish medieval romantic suspense. Books in her award-winning MacGruder Brothersseries have been translated into five languages. Diana has spoken at the Library of Congress, Lady Jane’s Salon in NYC, and appeared in Woman’s Day, on USA Today’s romance blog, “Happy Ever After,” MSN.com, Atlantic County Women Magazine, and Texoma Living Magazine.
After her career in the Navy, Diana dove into her passion – writing romance novels. With 34 moves behind her, she was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people she’s met throughout the world. After the release of the bestselling MacGruder Brothersseries and The Oath Trilogy, she released the bestselling The Forbidden Series.
Diana looks forward to the years of writing ahead and meeting the amazing people who will share this journey.
Our family is very serious about celebrating the seasons and holidays. We have garden flags for EVERYTHING. My daughter hangs signage she makes with her Cricut and decorations inside the living room. Summer is still here, but we’ve already had the conversation about what the kids will dress as for Halloween!
In early September, she will be eager to put out all her decorations, including my contribution—a tree filled with Strangling fairy ornaments. Something else I collect. I currently have twenty of them. Isn’t this one cute?
I’d love to hear whether you decorate or have some family tradition to mark the holidays. And have fun with the puzzle!
Puzzle-Contest
For a chance to win your choice of a download from among my many books, tell me when you start your Halloween prep or whether you do anything at all!
Tagged: game, jigsaw, puzzle Posted in Contests!|9 People Said|Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: Misty Dawn - Colleen C. - Debbie Caswell - bn100 - Delaine McLafferty -
It’s been a busy week, and I didn’t have time to review ALL the songs you ladies previously mentioned on my first request for playlist recommendations! So, here’s one more chance to win another $5 Amazon gift card! All the Queen songs were spot on, BTW. I’m thinking AC/DC, too. (“The Jack” is my fave!).
This one’s quirky and fun and perfect for the start of a workout (which for me is all about housecleaning—don’t you dance with the vacuum cleaner?). Thanks to Christine for reminding me this song exists!
Tagged: music Posted in Contests!, Real Life|9 People Said|Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: Mary Preston - Jennifer Beyer - ButtonsMom2003 - Angel M Shaw - pat -
For us, today’s all about kids’ open houses. We have four children in the house, so mama will be heading into town three times to take kids to meet teachers and pick up schedules and school T-shirts. We had good news yesterday that our kids won’t be the only ones wearing masks! I know some locals are upset about that (I’ll never understand why, but I won’t get into the politics). All I care about is that three of the kids will be able to resume in-person instruction, somewhat safely, or at least, more safely. The three oldest are already vaxxed. We’re praying the youngest will get hers this fall, so we don’t have to be quite so fearful for her safety.
It’s weird to me the things people get upset about. I don’t get it. Maybe it’s because I’m an Air Force brat and an Army vet. I’m pragmatic. I understand duty. I remember getting a mystery shot while I was stationed in the Middle East during the Gulf War. Turns out it was for anthrax. Did I balk? No, I rolled up my sleeve.
But I said I wouldn’t get political, and I think maybe I already have, but I hope you know it comes from a good place. I love my family. I want them to live long, healthy, happy lives. And I’m beyond excited for the kids being able to return to school. Yes, we managed to thrive through at-home schooling for the first year-and-a-half of the pandemic, but it was draining, too. My dd and I are ready to get back to having some “us” time to catch up on so many things we haven’t had time to pay attention to because we’ve had kids underfoot who required supervision and entertainment 24/7. As much as we love them, we’re hoping the mask mandate will enable our schools to stay open rather than having multiple, roving lockdowns for COVID spread.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please, no rants. I’m just really curious how other folks are preparing for the new school year! Are you upbeat? We’ve had fun shopping for school supplies and clothing!
