Writing a Romance Novel for Dummies

In love with romance novels? You’re not alone! Romance is today’s most popular fiction genre, accounting for more than half of all mass market fiction sold. If you’re looking to make a serious effort at writing a romance and getting it published in today’s multifaceted markets, you need to learn as much as you can about this highly successful field--especially how to create the perfect heroes and heroines. Now, in this easy, step-by-step guide, a top romance editor gives you the know-how you need to succeed as a romance novelist!

Writing A Romance Novel For Dummies is perfect for both beginning and more accomplished writers who are looking to get the leading edge on writing a romance novel and get it published. Leslie Wainger, Executive Editor at Harlequin Books, explains what it takes to become the next Nora Roberts, providing the techniques you need to:

• Select a pseudonym
• Write a compelling, heartfelt story
• Find the right agent and publisher
• Submit a manuscript
• Market your novel
• Join clubs and associations

Packed with insider advice, this plain-English guide helps you grasp the building blocks of a great romance, providing practical tips on the craft of writing as well as savvy pointers on how to hook your reader from page one, write with passion, and shape a proposal that will wow agents and editors. You get lots of expert tips on analyzing the marketplace, creating compelling characters, and finding your own voice. Wainger also:

• Demystifies the sub-genres of the romance world, from historical, contemporary, and multicultural to paranormal, romantic suspense, and Christian/inspirational
• Explains plotting, pacing, and writing those crucial love scenes
• Discusses how to conduct research, assign credits, and get permissions
• Helps you decide whether it’s best to write alone or with a partner

Complete with a manuscript preparation checklist, tips for revising your work smoothly and successfully, guidance in understanding and negotiating a contract, and a list of romance writing resources, Writing A Romance Novel For Dummies is your one-stop guide to becoming a published novelist!

Price: $19.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Writing the Great American Romance Novel

The complete guide to turning romances into cash

* Romance accounts for $1.2 billion in sales and 55 percent of the paperback market
* Takes writers beyond writing to selling and promotion

Romance novels are the top-selling genre in fiction. How can aspiring writers break into this lucrative field? With Writing the Great American Romance Novel, the most complete guide to writing that novel, getting it published, working with editors, agents, and publicists, and promoting it once it’s out! Step-by-step instruction shows how to create romantic heroes and heroines, structure a story, and write love scenes, as well as how to plan outlines, use timelines and grids, conduct personal interviews, and do historical research. With extras such as a list of publishers, a sample press release, a sample synopsis, and much more, this book is must-have for any aspiring romance writer passionate about writing.

Price: $19.95

Click here to buy from Amazon

Fan Letter Writing!

Getting kids writing can sometimes be a challenge. One fun and authentic writing lesson is to write a fan letter to their favorite athlete. My son is wild about Ichiro so we looked up the fan mail address on his team website , sat down and wrote. My son is only 3 so he dictated the letter to me and I wrote but he drew a picture to go with it. Then the learning was still not over. We took a field trip to the post office, bought a stamp, and mailed the letter away.

It's amazing what a huge hit this was and how with a little creative thinking a reluctant writer can find excitement in the task.

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