Emerald, if you think your story works best starting with his POV, go for it! A figurative mention of ‘death’ – I can think of tons of ways that could work. There’s a variety of MH voices. Anne Oliver’s style is different to Nic Marsh. Kate Hardy and Anna Cleary have their own unique styles. In fact, letting your own voice shine through is way more important than which pov you start with. If your voice is a bang on match with MH, the editors are going to want to work with you.

Like you say, it’s all in the execution

Robbie

And if you like a hero who rescues his damsel – but does it in a MH kinda way – I think you’ll enjoy “Confessions” too.

Thanks for your post!

Robbie

Gail, I love it!! Fun and fast-paced. Yes, yes, yes!
And thank you SO much for your kind words about Cooper Smith He does like to rescue people, which works against him toward the end of the story… I do love to tease

Hope you’re entering this contest, Gail!

Robbie

I would say that location/scenery certainly plays a part in a MH. Some authors particularly shine in setting the stage. Kelly Hunter’s first MH (then Modern Extra) was set mainly in Hong Kong, so the opportunity for authors to make the most of an exciting location (we’re talking “cities” here, ladies ) has been there from the start.

I can’t see why a theatre, a school, or a bar in a big city all can’t work as a basis for setting. I’m sure Julie Cohen’s had a teacher, so have I. What you have to keep your focus on is the *tone* of the story. Making sure the developing romance is central, and the kind of characters you put in those settings fit the criteria for MH protagonists. For instance, how about a heroine who teaches method acting during the day and works in a bar at night?

I guess what I’m saying is, shake it up, throw in a twist or two if you can, keep the tone upbeat, the sexual tension high. When two people are falling in love in Paris, Sydney, London, Rome, there’s so much you can do with those locations to *enhance* their (and therefore the reader’s) experience.

Hope that helps!

Robbie

I’m with you, Amy! Great bod, money, killer sex appeal…all most welcome. But when you can laugh with him – when he can laugh at himself once in a while – that’s the icing on the cake

WTG on working on your entry at 4am!!! You’re a woman after my own heart, only I do it the other way round. I’ve been known to work till dawn. Lots. I work better in the quiet of the night. Maybe I should try a paranormal

Very best wishes with your entry, Amy!

Robbie, who loves her morning coffee too.

I read your last comment then opened my contest entry to work on it. And had to laugh!

It opens with his POV and has a (figurative) mention of death. So I might be taking the road less travelled on POV, but at least I’ve got the “execution” stuff worked out.

Aideen, your question is a very good one. Of course, it would depend on the opening scene, the execution. And sometimes it’s worthwhile to write a scene from both points of view to really know which gives the reader the best advantage.

However, if I have to choose, I would say with a MH try your best to go with the heroine’s pov first up. We want to identify and get to know her as soon as possible, see that gorgeous hero through her eyes and experience her emotions. Like I say. that’s not a rule or anything.

Hope that helps! If you need more, just ask

Robbie

Thanks for the great information about the perfect Heat story. I am excited about the contest and the opportunity to submit a story for consideration. I will keep your suggestions in mind as I work on my story.
PS
I loved the Australian Millionaire’s love-child and the way you brought Cooper and Sophie to life. Strong likeable alpha hero meets plucky tenatious heroine. It doesn’t get any better than that I agree with Gail Fuller, Cooper is a wonderful hero and the way he stepped up helped Sophie out of her embarassing situation was awesome.

BTW, I absolutely adore how your Cooper Smith (The Australian Millionaire’s Love-Child) rescues the fabulous Sophie. What a delicious hero!

Gail