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Hello, romance enthusiasts! Today’s roundup includes an intriguing lawsuit involving an unpublished romantasy author and Tracy Wolff, the most anticipated romance films set to release this year, a plea for support for a Virginia romance bookstore, and more. Let’s dive in!
Did Tracy Wolff Take Another Author’s Idea?
The New Yorker recently published a thought-provoking piece examining the complexities of copyright infringement, particularly in the realm of romance and fantasy. The article details a lawsuit initiated by Lynne Freeman, an attorney and unpublished author. Freeman alleges that Tracy Wolff, known for her best-selling Crave series, has used elements from a manuscript she penned years prior. Katy Waldman, the author of the article, does a commendable job outlining the similarities and the legal challenges associated with asserting plot theft.
The article highlights a significant challenge within the romantasy genre, where reliance on common tropes complicates copyright claims. The law typically safeguards the unique expression of ideas rather than the ideas themselves. The French term scènes à faire refers to standard genre elements, implying that fundamental plot points, such as inevitable character confrontations, cannot be exclusively owned, even though their unique combinations might be eligible for protection.
This isn’t merely a frivolous case; it draws attention to Wolff’s agent, who previously collaborated with Freeman before opting to represent Wolff, raising additional questions about the circumstances surrounding this situation.
An Interview with Thea Guanzon
Shifting gears to recent developments in the romantasy scene, The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon has made a significant impact. The second installment, A Monsoon Rising, has recently launched, and Paste interviewed Guanzon about her creative journey and insights into the genre.
Paste: How do you feel about the growing popularity of romantasy? What are your aspirations for its future?
Guanzon: Romantasy combines the enchantment of fantasy with genuine love stories, offering an escape into captivating worlds while exploring the authentic experience of romance. I appreciate that this genre has encouraged more women to write in fantasy, which opens doors for varied narratives.
Exciting Romance Films Coming in 2025
If you’re looking for an alternative to romance literature, consider indulging in some romantic films. Marie Claire has compiled a list of must-see films set to hit theaters in 2025, featuring new installments such as Bridget Jones, and intriguing titles like You’re Cordially Invited starring Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell, and Love Me featuring Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun.
Navigating Love and Conflict in Let’s Call a Truce
In her debut office romance, Amy Buchanan spoke with The Nerd Daily about Let’s Call A Truce, which weaves together themes of love, second chances, and workplace conflicts. The narrative centers on a widow with two children who confronts a colleague who has been spreading doubts about her professional abilities. Their rivalry escalates until they are compelled to collaborate on a career-defining project. Buchanan also shared her motivation for writing and her future projects during the conversation.
“I’ve always created stories, but it wasn’t until recently that I dared to write them down. The idea of becoming an author seemed amusingly distant until a friend enlightened me. People often avoid writing, thinking that if they’re meant to be writers, their words should flow perfectly from the start. But crafting prose is a skill that develops over time. If you wouldn’t expect to master the piano on your first attempt, why expect flawless writing from the onset? That night, inspired (and perhaps a bit tipsy), I began the rough draft of Let’s Call a Truce. Huge thanks to my friend for that timely reality check.”
Fire Devastates Virginia Romance Bookstore
To conclude, while wildfires in California tragically impact numerous establishments, including bookstores, there’s a pressing need for community support. Jamie Fortin, the owner of Friends to Lovers Bookstore in Alexandria, Virginia, faced the loss of her new romance bookstore to a fire just three days after opening. Fortunately, the response from the local community has been heartening. Through generous contributions from readers and local businesses, alongside coverage from NPR, over $46,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign to assist in reopening the bookstore.
“When the fire struck, Fortin was overwhelmed, especially just before the holiday season. She had recently placed a $20,000 order for new romance titles and found herself with no place for them, deeply concerned for her part-time staff. Organizing a GoFundMe seemed daunting, but the community’s response was incredible,” Fortin shared, reflecting on the outpouring of support.
Source
bookriot.com