Writing 101: How do I get started writing a romance novel?

Good morning. Today starts the first of a writing series titled Writing 101. These articles will be cross-posted from my Examiner.com column.

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Kensington, 2000

How do you get started writing a romance novel?

Like any kind of fiction writing, in order to write a romance novel, you need to know the basics of creating a work of fiction. The author should have command of the English language and understand the elements of story.

We'll explore various elements of writing the romance novel over the next couple of months as the 101 series continues.

So, let's get going! Here are six basic steps to get you started.

• Read romance novels. If you want to write a romance novel, you must read romance novels. By reading them, you will get a feel for how a romance novel plot generally unfolds and how the characters interact with each other.
• Join a professional organization. There are a number of professional writers organizations that support aspiring romance novelists. One such organization is Romance Writers of America (see previous article, as well). RWA hosts an annual conference each year and publishes a monthly magazine on romance writing for its members. The organization has chapters in almost all states, which provides writers an opportunity to network locally. They sponsor several on-line chapters, as well.
• Find a critique partner or group. Once you begin to network within an organization, it is likely you will meet other people who are interested in writing the romance novel. Consider if there are people you have met who would be willing to share information and critique with you. This is usually a mutually beneficial situation, where aspiring authors learn from each other. Some networks or chapters provide times for published authors to mentor or critique aspiring authors.
• Buy a couple of good books on story structure and one on motivation. Many books on story structure exist. Ask other authors/writers about their preferences. Some favorite books about story structure that live on my bookshelf include: Story by Robert McKee; Scene & Structure by Jack Bickham, and Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain. Along with your books on structure, find a book that motivates you in your writing. For me, that go to motivational book is, Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg.
• Study the markets. Although you are just beginning to write, it doesn't hurt to start learning about the various markets for publishing your work. When you read a romance novel, notice the publisher and the name of the imprint (if applicable). Take note of books you read that are similar in style to what you want to write. Who publishes that kind of book? Also, you may want to subscribe to various on-line or print venues for learning about markets, such as Writer's Digest. Professional organizations also provide market news. Even though you are just beginning, it is wise to begin with the end in mind.
• Write your first book. No author can sell a book until it is written. Writing your first novel can be a huge learning experience, in so many ways. Write, write and write some more. Don't stop until it is finished.

For more info: Maddie would love to hear what your questions are about writing the romance novel so she can answer them here. Feel free to email her at maddie.james@insightbb.com. Please put Romance Novel 101 in the subject line.

• Next: Writing 101: What are the different romance genres?

Writing and teaching

I'm a writer. It's a strength I possess and what I am passionate about. I love stringing words together to both inform and entertain. It's who I am.

I'm also a teacher. Again, I like to think that it is a strength. I suppose that writing and teaching go hand in hand, for to be a good teacher, in my opinion, you have to strike that balance between informing and entertaining. To take it one step further, you also have to incite in the learner (and reader) that passion for more.

That, also, is who I am.

For many, many years I taught children. That's not who I am today. All of those years of working with children, however, have prepared me for being the "teacher" that I am today. I no longer have the passion for the classroom. I teach, instead, in other ways. And I like to think that my teaching is more like mentoring, actually, than teaching.

I choose to give back. It might not be in a huge way. It could be on an individual basis. In fact, that is the way I prefer it. Small and quiet, and in ways that mean something to the person on the receiving end. In turn, it makes me smile and feel good about myself.

I also think my "teaching" happens via my writing. All these years I tried so hard to keep my writing separate from my "teaching." And all this time, I realize now, they go hand-in-hand.

But perhaps I was not supposed to realize that until now. Life has an interesting way of revealing these kinds of things when we are ready to receive. Right?

My writing journey is still unfolding. It's a path that has wound in and out of my life over the years. I look forward to where it will take me.

Old Louisville Hidden Treasures Garden Tour

Okay, so I ditched the writing early this afternoon. Instead, I went downtown and took the Old Louisville Hidden Treasures Garden Tour. And as always, have camera will travel. I hope you enjoy some of the shots I selected for you this afternoon.