Short Stories | Joanne Guidoccio

An early publisher of my novels issued what sounded like a simple request: “Send me a tagline.” It didn’t take long for me to discover that this was a daunting task. How could a handful of words successfully capture the essence of 60,000+ words? That task took me the better part of two days.

What is a tagline?

A tagline is often described as a short, catchy phrase or sentence that acts as a headline for a short story, novel, or film. It can hint at the genre, tone, core conflict, or premise without giving a plot summary. Appearing on the front cover or in promotional copy, a tagline works with the title and cover art to persuade a potential reader to pick up the book.

Ideally, the tagline should be under ten words. Between three and seven words is the sweet spot. But behind that brevity lies the challenge: finding the one line that fits after agonizing over dozens that don’t.

Here are five famous examples:

“Love rewrites the stories we tell ourselves.” Pride and Prejudice

“There’s no place like home.” The Wizard of Oz

“One ring to rule them all.” Lord of the Rings

“Growing up hurts more than staying lost.” The Catcher in the Rye

“When power takes everything, hope learns to whisper.” The Handmaid’s Tale

And here are thirteen taglines from The Big Book of Romance:

Sometimes an accident is just a plot twist.
“Writing Another Chapter” by Kate Flora

A heartsong is never silenced.
“No More Tears” by Viola Russell

A broken window lies in the most light.
“A Crack in the Glass” by Meredith Kazer.

Hope brews in winter’s chill.
“Chocolate Snowballs to the Rescue” by Joanne Guidoccio

You can’t run from your problems—but you can try.
“Runaway Lover” by Maggie Rose

When the drug expires so does your humanity.
“Gain of Function” by J. E. Prim

A single change will make or break their love.
“The Love That Could Have Been” by Raven Hudgins

Even death could not keep them apart.
“Paine’s Creek” by Carole Ann Moleti

A one-night stand that will last forever.
“Bealtaine Fires” by Janina Grey

Choose—The life of a king or lover.
“Caladrius Rescue” by Claire Davon

Cosplay was one thing – being burnt as a witch quite another.
“Marianne” by Cindy Tomamichel

Blasters – Diplomacy – Pirates and Romance
“Arrows and Laser Beams” by S.C. Mitchell

Her creator gave her a mission—her heart gave her a choice.
“The Blind Date” by G. S. Kenney

About the Anthology

Love across genres: A Romance Anthology

Thirteen established romance authors give us a tantalising glimpse into their book worlds with these compelling and enchanting short stories. A teaser – a quickie if you will – that will whet your appetite for more!

Contemporary Romance: explore the challenges of modern-day love with Kate Flora, Viola Russell, Meredith Kazer, and Joanne Guidoccio.

Small Town Romance: cosy up with cherished friends with Maggie Rose.

Suspense Romance: Thrills and love are a perilous combination, as told by J.E. Prim.

Paranormal Romance: delight to tales of love amidst things that go bump in the night with Raven Hudgins, Carole Ann Moleti, and Janina Grey.

Fantasy Romance: take a wild trip into the imagination of Claire Davon.

Time Travel Romance: travel back in time for some olde worlde action and adventure with Cindy Tomamichel.

Science Fiction Romance: leave today behind and explore what love looks like in the future with S.C. Mitchell and G.S. Kenney.

Ever read a story and wished the author wrote more? This anthology is for you.

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Hippie Mermaid is officially available today!

Blurb

From sea to shore, betrayal follows her wherever she goes.

On Christmas Eve, psychic Kendra Adams reveals the secret she’s hidden for decades—she was once Rosina, a mermaid torn between sea and shore. Betrayed in her ocean kingdom and desperate to escape banishment, she persuades a politician to smuggle her into the human world. But freedom on land comes at a cost, as she soon finds herself ensnared in another web, this one spun by the politician’s power-hungry sister.

Excerpt

The human laughter startled me. It sounded so foreign, unlike anything I had ever heard before. I followed the sounds and turned my gaze toward four large humans approaching us. Up close, they were frightening, almost menacing, in their dark garments. I took note of their varying appearances. Two had light brown hair and blue eyes, while the other pair sported dark hair and dark eyes. Intent on observing the darker pair, I didn’t notice the other two men eyeing me.

“Hippie mermaid!” yelled one of the men with light-colored features.

All the men glanced in my direction. I felt myself reddening as I met their liquid eyes and wide smiles. There was interest there, and some other emotion or feeling I had never seen before. For a split second, I was flattered by their attention. And then I recalled what Mama had said. I must let Annabella choose first.

Annabella did not give me a chance to react. She beckoned to the man who had spoken, and he reluctantly turned away from me. Rosetta claimed the other light-haired man, and Lisetta chose one of the dark-haired men. I watched as they moved to separate rocks along the shore.

The remaining man approached. As his features came into closer focus, I realized he was older than the others. Not by much, but there were white hairs sprinkled in the darkness, and his face crinkled as he smiled. “I guess I won this mermaid lottery.”

My eyes widened in surprise.

He laughed and shook his head. “You could have had any of us. You didn’t have to end up with me.”

“But I’m not a Bella or an Etta. I’m an Ina.” There was no point hiding my rank. I had never been embarrassed by it, and after hearing about Aunt Lina’s punishment, I knew my place.

“Honey, I don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re the prettiest of the group. You just don’t know it yet.”

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