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. Has the author created a lovable male protagonist, who exudes sex appeal throughout the scene? (10 points possible)
2. Is the Hero’s Alpha/Beta persona consistent and convincing throughout the scene? Alternatively, is the Hero’s Good Boy/Bad Boy persona consistent and convincing throughout the scene? (10 points possible) 
3. Is the Hero’s scene goal clear, immediate, and concrete? (5 points possible)
4. Has the author effectively applied internal conflict and character motivation to make the Hero interesting, complex, and memorable? (10 points possible)
5. Has the author revealed the goals, motivations, and conflicts of other characters in the scene? (5 points possible)
6. Is sexual tension present throughout the scene between the hero and heroine? (10 points possible)

Dialogue: (15 Points Possible)

1. Does the dialogue sparkle with wit, humor, and tasteful innuendo throughout the scene? (10 points possible)
2. Does the dialogue deepen the Hero’s characterization? (5 points possible)

Plot: (20 Points Possible)

1. Has the author established emotional tension, escalating that tension in a consistent and convincing way between the Hero and the other characters in the scene? (10 points possible)
2. Does the Hero tackle obstacles in ways that Romance readers can admire, or at least understand? (10 points possible)

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 possible)
3. Is the author’s voice suitable for the Romance subgenre, which was designated on the entry form? (3 points possible)
4. Is the scene clearly anchored in time and place? (4 points possible)
5. Does the writing come alive? Is the author masterfully balancing “showing” and “telling” language throughout the scene? (5 points possible)