I’ve turned the Round Pen over to fellow Lyrical Press editor, Corinne DeMaagd, this month. Settle in and let’s see what you can do to submit your work and get published with her!

Yippee, it’s June! I love this time of year – the beginning of summer – warm evenings with a glass of wine on the front porch after the kids are asleep, my pup at my feet, the smell of lilac and storms. Tired, but a good tired, after fitting as much as possible into one summer day.

Where I am in the north, our twilight will stretch until 10:30pm around the summer solstice. My enjoyment for this time of year is deeply rooted from when I was a wee thing. My mum allowed us to play outside until the street lights came on, so you can imagine my anticipation and thrill of long June nights.

June is the time for love. Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, sunset skies and stargazing. Everyone is feeling a little frisky after a long winter in hibernation. Summer romance is on the horizon – the possibilities exciting.   

So, I’m looking for some Summer Lovin’ – stories with great sexual tension, action and adventure – from sweet to steamy.

Even if none of the below fit your manuscript, I am still happy to take a look, or you can submit it directly to the Lyrical Editorial team at: https://lyricalpress.submittable.com/submit

• First Days – I use this term a lot, and I’m not sure if I’ve made it up or heard it from somewhere else. I’m looking for stories that really focus on the passion and excitement of falling in love: the butterflies, the wonderment and confusion. The time in life that rarely can be repeated – all the great emotion and buzz that resonates in your gut when you know something is building, something inescapable, something that will change your life.
• Sports – I’d love to see sport involved in a romance – from football to fencing, soccer to swimming, rodeo to rugby. Bring on your sexy athletes and make ‘em sweat it out on the field or in the bedroom.
• Travel – I’m partial to stories set in Scotland, Ireland, England and Australia whether they are contemporary, historical, or fantasy, but any exotic destination will do. Or a good “on the road” story full of discovery and growth.

Keep in mind, I am always on the lookout for the following genres: Contemporary (from sweet to sexy), Historical, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, and anything that falls under the Lyrical Lines: Entice, Embrace, Once Upon and especially Hometown Heroes – I have a soft spot for men in uniform.

I look forward to hearing from you. Go on – sweeten my summer! corinnedemaagd@lyricalpress.com