| Many people dream of writing their first novel and | | | | words, don't spend all of your time reading books |
| in particular a romance novel. But how to write a | | | | on writing and none of your time actually writing. |
| romance novel? I mean, is it really that difficult? | | | | Don't expect that it will be a lot easier to write a |
| For some reason, there is the idea that romance | | | | romance novel than it would be to write any |
| novels are extremely easy to write. I cannot | | | | other kind of book. Those who spend a lot of |
| count the number of times I have heard people | | | | time reading romances can spot those kinds of |
| say that they could easily write a romance book | | | | authors in a heartbeat. Their characters will seem |
| "if I wanted to." In other words, they have not | | | | very stiff and wooden and not real. I've read |
| actually tried to write a book or a novel of any | | | | many books like this, probably written by people |
| kind, yet they are utterly convinced that it would | | | | who really were not fans of the genre. |
| be super easy to pen a romance. | | | | If you love reading romance novels and you love |
| I actually don't really know why people think like | | | | writing you may find that you will be a good |
| this. It seems to be almost a universal belief. If | | | | romance author. But don't go into it thinking it is |
| you tell someone you write romances they will | | | | an easy task. The same amount of research, |
| almost look down their nose at you. But the fact | | | | plot, and skill needs to go into the writing of the |
| is, writing a romance requires just as much effort | | | | romance as it does for, say, a mystery or thriller |
| as any other novel and certainly does not write | | | | type of book. |
| itself. You still need all the basic ingredients of a | | | | Study the romances that are on the bestseller list |
| great novel, i.e. a good plot, great characterization, | | | | and the novels the readers love. Try and |
| likable characters, and good writing skills. | | | | understand what made these books so universally |
| Many people who want to know how to write a | | | | loved. Was it the technical skill of the writer or |
| romance novel will invest in many writing books. | | | | the characters that everyone fell in love with? |
| This is actually something that can be a great help | | | | Once you understand the answer to that question |
| to the aspiring writer, but don't overdo it. In other | | | | you'll be well on your way. |