Customer Reviews

Writing the Great American Romance Novel

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If you saw my bookshelf you would be blown away at how many books I have on the topic of writing. Then, you would be even more flabberghasted at how many romance writing books I have. I don't know why I have so many. I think I got stuck in a mode of collecting them or something.

Most of the romance writing books aren't worth the paper they are printed on. They are usually lacking in some very important topics. Maybe they'll cover a romance novel's structure but leave out what you're supposed to do with the manuscript when you're finished. Many are outdated because the market does change rather rapidly.

When looking for a romance writing "how-to" book, consider the date it's been published. The newer the book, the better. Again, the romance writing market changes so fast that you need the most up-to-date information.

This book, next to the Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Romance, is one of the best books on the topic out there. Catherine thoroughly discusses the topic without bogging down the reader with too-technical writing advice. (After all, there has to be a "creative" element.)

Most importantly, however, she goes into the aftermath of the novel. What to do with the manuscript once it's finished. No other book that I've read on this topic covers EXACTLY how to write a synopsis. Some books will cover how to write a query letter. Again, because you need to be up with the current times, most publishers like Silhouette and Harlequin are asking for a synopsis and three sample chapters. I've scoured books high and low to figure out how to write a GOOD synopsis and this is the ONLY book that covers it in detail.

If you can only afford one book on writing romance, GET THIS BOOK and forget about the rest. This book will give you all you need to get started as a successful romance writer.

Good luck!

I bought this book since it looked like a good place to start writing, and I have not been disappointed. The information is concise, to the point, and has great examples. I have treated this book like a textbook and my highlighter never sees its cap! I highly recommend for a first time writer or romance books!!

I'm not a writer, but I do think it's fun to write and this book has helped me see how a romance novel would be pieced together, and what readers would look for. If you're interested in how to make a good romance novel, you should read this. :]

This book was amazing. Catherine Lanigan has written some of the most beautiful Romances books. Becoming, and Romancing the Stone just a few examples.
Now she tells you how you can do the same. I first bought this book for help with a romance I am trying to write and her advice on Query letters and inspiring In Spriritu chapter at the end of the book gave me the confidence to keep forging ahead in my career.

The best part about Author Lanigan's book on writing the Great American Romance is her section on outlining. She advises you to dedicate one page per chapter when you outline. To this chapter page staple information on setting, decoration, or history pertinent to that specific chapter. She also stresses the importance of character sketches before you write of up to 20 pages for each major character. I also liked her advice on creating genealogy trees for the heroine and hero so you could include heartfelt information on their family - aunts, cousins and so forth. There's similar information you get from other books on the writing craft but all in all this is a very strong, absorbing book on writing romance.

"Writing the Great American Romance Novel" is persuasive because it is practical and beautifully written; one does not expect to shed a tear at the end of a reference guide like I did at the end of this book. Ms. Lanigan generously shares her significant experience in the field and leads her readers toward rewarding relationships with the novel itself and with publishers and agents.The Artist's Way

I like to think that I am a pretty good judge of reference materials having spent many years in academia, although I only have one other novel-writing manual. Having serendipitously stumbled upon this wonderful resource I am sure I will be satisfied with my writing-reference library for some time to come.

Ms. Lanigan refers to another one of my favorite authors, Julia Cameron; I think that if you like Ms. Cameron's work you will find Writing the Great American Romance Novel is "right up your alley".

I don't recommend this book. I've read several books on writing a romance novel and this is the least helpful one I've found. I got nothing out of it and was irritated by the amateurish style. Leigh Michaels' book "On writing Romance How to Craft a Novel that Sells" and Helene Schlellenberg Barnhart's book "Writing Romance Fiction for Love and Money" are both extremely helpful. They are both an organized treatment of the nuts and bolts of writing a romance novel. Even the "Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Your Romance Published" by Julie Beard is better than this book. This book was a waste of money.

Fantastic "how-to" book. I felt as though the author spoke to me, girl to girl. The text was engaging and educational. New concepts and old secrets of the trade. Provides steps and publication advice. A complete guide from outline to print. Plus, the cover is adorable. A book that makes you happy.

This book is the complete resource if you want to break into the romance category in publishing. Spending another day wondering how to break through. The information is priceless.