Romance Writing 101
By Dawn Arkin
Romance writing is so much more than the
"bodice rippers" of the 70's. Today, romance can on take many forms.
Fantasy, science fiction, mystery, horror, and supernatural themes are
becoming as popular as contemporary, historical, and regency romances.
What was once rejected by publishers without a second thought is now
sought by those same editors.
Regardless of what kind of romance you
want to write, reading current romances in your favorite genre is a great
way to see what is being accepted. While there is not one set "formula"
you can use to write an award-winning, popular novel, but there are
certain things most romance editors look for when reading submissions.
When planning your romance, you will need
to create the perfect characters, setting, plot, and sensuality level for
your story. Here are some of the things to keep in mind while you are
writing your romance to make it stand out from the rest of the
submissions.
Hero
A hero should be strong, exciting and bold. He knows what he wants, and
does what is necessary to get it. He has a purpose in life. He does not
have to be rich, brilliant, political, or economically powerful. But he
can be any of those, if you wish. You want to create a hero who makes your
heart go pitter-patter.
Heroine
Your heroine can be strong-willed or shy. She can have imperfections as
long as they are not overwhelming. She can look anyway you want, as long
as she attractive to the hero. But one thing she must be is someone the
hero is willing to do whatever it takes to have.
Villain
The antagonist is the best character to write. He can be as bad as you
want, as evil as you need. He should be flexible and motivated. He knows
what he wants and is willing to do ANYTHING to get it. But he has to have
some redeeming qualities. Every human on the planet, even the most evil,
has something about them that is not evil.
Secondary Characters
Remember, this is a story about your hero and heroine, not their best
friend or neighbor next door. Your secondary characters should never be
more vivid then your main characters. They can be used to move the story
forward, give information to the main characters, and provide support to
them, but they should never take control of the story. Every scene should
have at least one of the main characters in it.
Setting
Where you set your romance is almost as important as what it is about.
Your setting does not have to be exotic as long as you are able to convey
it to your reader in such a way that they can become part of your world.
Since publishers change what they are looking for based on reader desire,
this is the one thing you should be sure you have researched carefully to
avoid the rejection pile.
Story Basics
The main characters should meet as soon as possible and find themselves in
conflict with each other right off the bat. Their first meeting should be
explosive emotionally. It should make them be attracted, and hate, each
other from the beginning.
Another important basic is every single
line and word must have some purpose in the story and MUST move the plot
along. Use your dialog, descriptions, and conflict to keep your action,
and your reader's interest, peaked.
Story Sexuality
What is a romance story without love scenes? Writing a love scene is a
very personal thing, for your characters and you. Only you can decide just
how much "romance" you are willing to put into your piece. A romance story
can be sweet, with all of the sex happening behind closed doors. Or it can
be hot and steamy, with nothing being left to the reader's imagination. Or
it can be anything in between! But be sure you write your story based on
what the publishers want in their romance line. Do your market research,
then write your romance geared toward their requirements.
The Unacceptable
There are plot lines considered taboo and sure to be rejected. For an
experienced writer, they might not matter. But for the new writer, one who
has not proven they can sell books, these are the kinds of plot lines that
can sink your story before its time. Rape, incest, an evil hero, terminal
illnesses, and terrorism are things you should probably not use in your
first or even second book. All publishers will have a list of taboo
subjects in their guidelines, read them and follow them. Otherwise, your
wonderful romance could become a rejection statistic.
The Romance Writer's Handbook: How to Write Romantic Fiction & Get It Published
How to Write a Romance for the New Market and Get Published
Finding out what publishers want, and
need, is the best way to get published. But also you need wonderful
characters, a strong plot, plenty of tension, and an ending that will make
even the most hardened romance reader swoon and wish she were in the
heroines place. Do that, and your romance will be on a shelf before you
know it.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dawn_Arkin
