romance | catsignal

Pen to Paper: #Cockygate

Posted on May 7, 2018 by bryon

Writers and other creative folks will want to keep an eye on a trademark controversy that exploded recently.

Romance author Feelina Hopkins has trademarked the word “cocky” and is telling other romance writers who have that word in the titles of their books to change their titles – even if those titles predate her own. Needless to say, this has caused an uproar in the romance world, and it’s going to be a cautionary tale for everyone else no matter how it shakes out.

Romance author and retired attorney Kevin Kneupper (Twitter) has filed a challenge (Dropbox) to Hopkins’ trademark with the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He says it could take up to 18 months for the issue to be settled.

Quotable 122

Posted on October 10, 2012October 7, 2012 by bryon

You’re romancing your reader with every word, every line. And when a romance runs out of surprises, the thrill is gone.
– Jenny Wingfield

Fiction: Stuck Lift

Posted on December 2, 2010December 4, 2010 by bryon

Edward Vicquers was the youngest number three man in the bank’s history. That said, he was in his early fifties and his formerly raven-black hair now held a distinguished streak of gray. He was tall and lean and kept himself physically fit as well as impeccably dressed. Indeed, the suit of clothing he wore he had picked up from his Savile Row tailors only the day before. It was dark and as handsome as the gentleman who wore it.

Mr. Vicquers stepped into the lift to ride up to his office and pushed the button for the twenty-fifth floor.

Just before the doors closed, Emily Chardenne slipped between them.

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