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In this Romance writing contest, our judges will evaluate your fiction-writing skills, as well as your understanding of the commercial Romance formula.

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Characterization: (50 Points Possible)

1. Does Scene 1 open in the viewpoint of a protagonist (Hero or Heroine?) Has the author skillfully revealed why that character is afraid to fall in love? (5 points)
2. Do the Hero and Heroine (H/H) meet early in Scene 1? (10 points)
3. Has the author introduced a juicy, emotional conflict to pit the H/H against each other? (10 points)
4. Has the author consistently built convincing, sexual tension between the H/H? (5 points)
5. Are the H/H’s goals and motivations clear, consistent, and convincing? (10 points)
6. Does the introduction of secondary characters cause confusion? Are the secondary characters written with clear and convincing goals, motivations, and conflicts? (10 points)

Plot: (35 Points Possible)

1. Has the author hooked the reader’s attention in the first paragraph? Is the literary hook relevant to the unfolding events in Scene 1? (10 points)
2. Has the author skillfully balanced dramatic action with the backstory of the narrating character? (10 points)
3. Has the author introduced (or foreshadowed) subplots? Are those subplots tied to a secondary character? Do the subplots remain subordinate to the love story? (10 points)
4. Does the end of the chapter make us eager to read the next scene? (5 points)

General: (15 Points Possible)

1. Did the author follow standard formatting procedure? (A “no” will disqualify the entry.)
2. Is the entry free of typos and errors in punctuation and grammar? (3 points)
3. Is the author’s voice suitable for the Romance subgenre, which was designated on the entry form? (3 points)
4. Is the scene clearly anchored in time and place? (4 points)
5. Does the writing come alive? Is the author masterfully balancing “showing” and “telling” language throughout the scene? (5 points)