But there will be times, probably lots of them, when you really DON'T want to do what you're being asked to do. You need to decide what you want to write. I can't tell you the number of contests I've judged when the entrant had no idea that her story was not really a 'traditional romance' or a 'short contemporary,' and therefore didn't fit the category she'd entered. Not only that, there are also lines that allow mystery, intrigue and fantasy elements. Some lines permit paranormal situations.
Some lines are heavy into humor, some into angst.
Many times I've spoken with women who profess to be interested in writing Romance. You may be shocked to hear this, but too often these women stare at me looking confused. Right then I know they've done no homework. Most of the time those women drop by the wayside fairly quickly. They weren't Romance readers, and were just looking to make a quick buck.