Writing Romance Fiction
Romance is a popular fiction genre. Before you decide to write romance fiction, though, keep in mind that most romance readers have certain expectations. Romance novels should have lots of romance, but keep in mind is that sex does not equate to romance. Romance readers are very discerning when it comes to romance content and they know when an author who doesn't have a clue about what makes a good romance novel tries to pass off erotica as romance.
Writing fiction for the romance genre
Much of the advice in the following books is from multi-published, highly talented and successful authors of romance. Kate Walker and Leigh Michaels have written numerous popular novels for the mega-publisher Harlequin. Angela Knight is a phenomenal author of sexy romance for the Berkley imprint. Taking advice from authors you trust is one of the smarter ways to improve your romance writing skills.
- On Writing Romance: How to Craft a Novel That Sells by Leigh Michaels
- Writing the Great American Romance Novel by Catherine Lanigan
- Kate Walker's 12-point Guide to Writing Romance by Kate Walker
- The Romance Writer's Handbook: How to Write Romantic Fiction & Get it Published
- Romance Writer's Phrase Book by J. Kent
- Writing a Romance Novel for Dummies by Leslie Wainger, Linda Howard
- You Can Write a Romance by Rita Clay Estrada, Rita Gallagher
- Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Your Romance Published by Julie Beard
- Improve Your Romance Writing Skills by Genevieve Montcombroux, Michael Montcombroux
- Writing Romance by Vanessa Grant
- Passionate Ink: A Guide to Writing Erotic Romance by Angela Knight
- The Joy of Writing Sex: A Guide for Fiction Writers by Elizabeth Benedict
- Writing the Romantic Comedy Paperback by Billy Mernit
- Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women: Romance Writers on the Appeal of the Romance (New Cultural Studies Series)
- How to Write Romances (Genre Writing) by Phyllis Taylor Pianka
Writing Erotica
If you find you're more suited to write the steamy and forget the romance, then these books might help.
- How To Write A Dirty Story: Reading, Writing, and Publishing Erotica by Susie Bright
Easing the aspiring writer into the creative process, she tells you how to write the steamy plots and sensual characters that publishers and readers are looking for. - The Bald Headed Hermit and the Artichoke : An Erotic Thesaurus by A.D.Peterkin
- The Joy of Writing Sex: A Guide for Fiction Writers by Elizabeth Benedict