While writing my latest release, THE RULES
ACCORDING TO GRACIE, I was looking for a fun date idea that would help my
characters get out of their comfort zones…well, get the heroine out of her
comfort zone anyway.
Gracie Greene takes all her first dates to the same restaurant. While the dates
don’t ever go well, her friendship with the owner of the restaurant (and her bad
date saviour!) leads to something special.
It got me thinking about dating. Now, it’s been a long time since I dated as my
husband and I met at the slightly crazy tender age of nineteen. Now, I enjoy a
nice meal and a glass of wine as much as the next person, but restaurant dates
are kind of boring in the beginning, are they not?
There are a few elements to a great date. You need an activity that will allow
you to talk and connect, something that will help the conversation along if it
slows down (first dates can be so awkward!) and you want something that will
make a great memory if you move onto date number two and beyond.
If you’re looking for something to spice up date night then here are a few
things you might want to consider:
1. Take your food outdoors – How about a Night Market for a
fresh take on the dinner and drinks date? These markets usually have a great
atmosphere and, while they can be crowded, there’s plenty to do so you won’t
risk awkward silences if the conversation is a little slow. Plus there will be
plenty of yummy food to try out together.
2. Get active – Try a sport, preferably something that doesn’t
make you too sweaty! I played croquet for the first time at a Hen’s Day and it
was so much fun! Mini-golf is an old favourite, so try something new. How about
lawn bowls (it’s not just for the blue rinse set) or the Italian version, bocce.
3. Walk with the animals –Places like Zoos and Aquariums often
have great events on that would be perfect for a date! There’s something magical
about watching underwater life at an aquarium. Plus you might learn something new.
4. Be a tourist in your own town – Pick a tourist attraction in
your local town that you both haven’t been to. It could be a museum, gallery,
monument or something else! Exploring the place where you live together can make
for a great memory.
5. Play a game - There are a ton of funky places that offer
board games and drinks in the one venue. Have a wine over Snakes and Ladders or
a coffee and quick round of Jenga. This gives you something to do while you
talk, you could even make it even more fun by sharing something about yourself
with each round of the game.
A few honourable mentions go to: taking a class together (try cooking,
photography or coffee art), downloading a walking tour of your city and taking
it together, or going to an old-school video game arcade.
About THE RULES ACCORDING TO GRACIE
Rule number one: don't fall for the wrong guy.
Gracie Green has a shopping list for men. Career, financials, family...and a
long list of rules to determine a guy's suitability. She's already disappointed
her socialite mother once—now Gracie needs to find Mr. Perfect. Too bad she
keeps getting distracted by her super-sexy, six-feet-of-tattooed-hotness friend,
Des, who is so many shades of Mr. Wrong...
Bar owner Des Chapman has vowed never again to get involved with society girls.
Yet he's irresistibly drawn to Gracie—those lush curves, those lips, and her
ridiculous ability to date the wrong guys. As Gracie's discouragement grows, Des
realizes it's time to show her what she really needs in a man—and it has nothing
to do with a briefcase and generous bank account. He'll teach Gracie the Rules
According To Des…even if it means breaking his rule in the process.
About Stefanie London
Growing up, Stefanie came from a family of women who loved to read. Her
favourite activity was going shopping with her Nan during school holidays, where
she would sit on the floor of the bookstore with her little sister and
painstakingly select the books to spend her allowance on. Thankfully, Nan was a
patient woman.
Thus, it was no surprise Stefanie was the sort of student who would read her
English books before the semester started. After sneaking several literature
subjects into her ‘very practical’ Business degree, she got a job in
Communications. When writing emails and newsletters didn’t fulfill her creative
urges, she turned to fiction and was finally able to write the stories that kept
her mind busy at night.
Now she lives with her very own hero and dreams of travelling the world. She
frequently indulges in her passions for good coffee, French perfume, high heels
and zombie movies. Recently she gave up her day job to write sexy, contemporary
romance stories and she couldn’t be happier.
Leave a comment below to be entered to win this week's Fan of Fresh Fiction
mystery prize!
4 comments posted.
I enjoyed you list of possible date night ideas. I lost my husband 2 years ago to cancer, after 22 years of marriage. I have not yet started dating again, but have been thinking about it. Your list is something to consider once that time finally comes. I am looking forward to reading this new book.
(Theresa Richardson 1:01pm January 23, 2015)