Picture this: You’ve got a couple of characters with a happily ever after tumbling around your head and you know there is a story there waiting to be told but when the time comes to begin writing, it feels like something is missing…
Welcome to the Roadmap to Writing Romance, a new blog series from Write for Harlequin! Over the course of the next year, our editors will cover the important topics for planning a story – the elements that you should think about before you put pen to paper (or fingers to keys!) on your next romance novel.
We will be covering a wide range of topics, from our editors favorite writing resources to insights on the different kinds of romance novels (and the things they all can’t go without). We hope this series will help you build the solid foundation on which your story can grow.
This series will begin next month with 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting Your Romance Novel and there will be a new post every other month for the next year.
Authors Words of Wisdom:
To hold you over until then, some of our wonderful Harlequin authors have shared the things that they wish they knew before starting to write their first novels:
“That my self-worth has nothing to do with the outcome of said novel. I am still a writer, and worthy human being, regardless of whether or not that book sells.” – Danica Favorite
“No other author’s process will work for you. You need to find your own way of producing a book and be confident in knowing that your process, if it works for you, will never be wrong. No matter what anyone else says.” – Anna J. Stewart
“Be prepared that not everyone will love your story as much as you do…” – Tracey J. Lyons
“For craft: be willing to be open to changing your work in progress. Revision is not to be feared.” – Michele Dunaway
“The story in your head will always be better than what you can get down on paper but done is better than perfect. You can edit a mess, but not a blank page.” – Kim Findlay
“Do not be afraid to submit your work. Pay attention to whatever advice you are given. Another pair of eyes on your work is invaluable. Take heart. Have courage that your word baby will be all the better because you sent it out into the world.” – Carol Arens
“Trust the process that works for you and tell your own stories. Try not to compare yourself with other writers. Do your own thing and believe in yourself.” – B. J. Daniels
“That writing the second, third, or seventy-fifth one will be harder than the first one. That first book is generally a book of your heart, written from instinct and dream to be published. But the more you learn, the more you may be apt to second guess your ideas, promo choices, etc. That’s why you need to learn to approach writing as a job. A dream job, maybe. But you need confidence and perseverance to repeat your success.” – Julie Miller
“It doesn’t get easier, but it can get more enjoyable as you become more confident in your craft. Resilience is the key to everything in this business. And remember, it’s a business, not a judgement on your work or your worth as a human being.” – Maggie Wells
