Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Touchdown for True Love

by Carrie Langevin from the February 10, 2025 issue

Tagline: When Sherri showed up at her friend's Super Bowl party, she was dreading the though tof having to watch football. Until she hit it off with a handsome stranger by the snack table.

Observations: I really identified with this story, being a non-football fan myself. When I go to Super Bowl parties, which is rarely, I'm only there for the food. LOL

I liked the nod to the national anthem. I am a proud American and I always sing it at live events. I wish more people would. It's exhilarating to sing with a big group of people. 

I laughed when she admitted she tried the guacamole when she made it and my mouth watered when I read about the smoked chicken wings. YUM. As much as I don't like football, I love chicken wings.

It was fun to belatedly realize that this was a matchmaker story, too! I didn't see that coming, but it was a welcome surprise. I really liked the last line too.

Paige looked over her shoulder, seeing this romance unfold, and congratulated herself on a successful strategic offensive play. 

And it's a funny coincidence that this is the second story in a row to feature Swedish meatballs!

So, as a bit of a teaching moment, when writing a matchmaker story, you don't have to identify that trope and/or the matchmaker him/herself right off the bat. You can keep that card close to your vest until later as a fun surprise. 

Photo by Jeremy Keith via Flickr CC License

2 comments:

Sandy Smith said...

This was a good story and especially interesting for me to read as I sent in a similar themed Super Bowl story last year about a couple not particularly interested in football. So I read it in comparison to mine to see how this one apparently worked better!

Kate Willoughby said...

That's a good idea, Sandy! Turn the rejection into an opportunity to learn!