Tag: writing tips

writing tips

Amore, Amore, Love Is in the Air! Tips on Writing a Successful Romance Novel

Roses on book near scattered petals

Have you ever considered writing a romance novel? . . . If not, what are you waiting for?

Romance is one of the best-selling genres and has a built-in audience addicted to the drama, intrigue, and complex characters created specifically for them. Danielle Steel is one of the highest-paid authors globally, with Nicolas Sparks as a close second.

Maybe it’s time to add YOUR name to that list . . .

But romance writing, unlike many other genres, usually follows a specific set of rules; some methods make some authors more successful than others. Here are some tips to consider as you embark on your career as a novelist:

READ

As with any genre, it’s crucial that you read anything you can get your hands on, but it’s even more critical with romance. As you examine more and more books by different authors, you might see patterns that work for you and some that don’t. By reading the works of others, you’ll get a better idea of your own voice, and because romance is so personal, the result will be a book that will engage your reader and leave them begging you for more! And if you genuinely don’t love what you’re reading, then romance might not be the genre for you. Romance readers can tell when an author is not completely invested.

IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM

As with most fiction, there needs to be a conflict or problem that your characters must overcome, but with romance, you really need to think about what the issue will be because this will be the central theme of your book. It needs to be believable to the reader and falls somewhere in the middle of complex and simple. It can’t be a simple misunderstanding that could be solved in a short conversation. Still, on the other hand, it can’t be so complicated that it will get in the way of the couple’s happily ever after (which is an essential facet of romance writing).

FOCUS

Of course, your book will have secondary characters, but be careful how much you develop them. With romance writing, the focus should remain with the hero or, in most cases, the heroine. Generally speaking, most romance novels are told in first-person so that the reader will be truly invested in their story. Developing this point-of-view allows the reader to feel the emotional response you’re looking for when it comes to romance.

FIND YOUR VOICE

Yes, romance novels are all similar in some ways (for example, they generally all end with a happy couple). And while you should follow the general guidelines, make sure that your book is . . . well . . . YOU. While there might be comparable conflicts throughout many romance novels, you need to include your own twists and turns along the way that the reader doesn’t see coming. Be daring! This will keep the reader engaged and your novel moving at the perfect pace.

CONSCIOUSLY COUPLE

While romance always includes a physical relationship, pay attention to how this plays out in your book. Yes, you can include knee-weakening physical scenes, but an emotional connection between your characters is a must. This should be carefully developed, adding to the reader’s emotional experience and response to your book.

So, off you go! It’s time for YOU to face that blinking cursor on your screen and start writing the perfect romance novel you know you have inside of you. And if you’re not quite ready to start, maybe it’s time to settle on the couch with a novel that just might spark your own ideas!

If you would like to talk to an Outskirts Press Publishing Consultant about publishing YOUR romance novel or another book, call us at 1-888-672-6657 or visit our website at www.outskirtspress.com to chat with a Publishing Consultant.

We can’t wait to publish your masterpiece!

Publish Your Story Today!
Advice, Author Inspiration

Overcome Writer’s Block: Tip 2: Build on What You Have

Every writer, at one time or another, has found herself staring at a blank computer or notepad with nary an idea in mind. Perhaps you’re up against a deadline, but your creative juices don’t flow on anyone else’s schedule. Is this, of all days, the day your talent finally eludes you for good?

Writer’s block can stymy a project faster than anything, but over the course of years writing and communicating with other writers, Outskirts Press staffers have discovered and gathered some unique strategies for helping writers deal with a stubborn creative funk. One of these techniques is bound to work for you, too.

Build on what you have.
Writers aren’t always inspired by the opening paragraph first. And, sometimes, the entire storyline isn’t even clear. If you’re itching to write but don’t yet have the whole picture, you don’t necessarily have put off writing until the entire outline is sketched out.

Sometimes a small plot point is all we really have to go on, but we feel it could lead to something big — follow it! There’s no rule against starting there, even if the destination isn’t yet clear. Elaborate on a catchy bit of prose or an intriguing concept you haven’t fully fleshed out. Sometimes you can build an entire chapter or story from that nugget.

Bounce your “scene” idea off an unbiased party; he or she may be able to provide feedback that helps you hash out the entire plot. Choose your writing confidants carefully, then lean on them in times like these.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll discuss more of these techniques in-depth. We want to hear from you, too. What writer’s block-breakers have gotten you past the creative brain freeze? Do share!

Start Self-Publishing Now!

Advice, Author Inspiration

Overcome Writer’s Block: Tip 1

As writers, we’ve all found ourselves at one time or another staring at an empty notepad or Word doc with nary an idea in mind. A deadline looms — either self-imposed or external — and you can’t seem to put together a single coherent thought. You’re desperately chasing that gem of an opening paragraph or the plot twist that will set your story apart, but the right words elude you. Is this, of all days, the day your talent finally fails you for good?

Yes, writer’s block can slam the brakes on a project faster than anything, but over the course of years writing and communicating with other writers, Outskirts Press staffers have discovered and gathered some unique strategies for helping writers deal with a stubborn creative funk. One of these techniques is bound to work for you, too.

Start in the middle – or anywhere!
Sometimes what hangs up the best of us is not starting a project, but starting a project at the beginning. Every writer wants to make a memorable statement with the opening line, but the pressure to do so can throw us straight into full-fledged vapor lock.

If you know your topic and know where your story’s headed but aren’t sure how to introduce it, why not jump in right smack-dab in the middle? Elaborate on your theme and let your intro come to you organically, later. Remember: Just because readers will begin your tome at page one doesn’t mean you have to write it first. They’ll never know if you penned your story’ backward.

Of course, it always helps to bounce ideas off an unbiased party, who may be able to offer useful suggestions that inspire you back to your usual greatness. Choose your writing confidants carefully, then lean on them in times like these.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll discuss more of these techniques in-depth. We want to hear from you, too. What writer’s block-breakers have gotten you past the creative brain freeze? Do share!

Start Self-Publishing Now!