Customer Reviews

Writing the Romance Novel

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
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2 star:		(1)
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I've read countless romance novels from the ones who leave you feeling lukewarm and flat to the ones that make you fall in love over and over again. I've always tried to pin-point why some work and some don't, but couldn't always figure it out. I'd go by instinct in my own writing, but that can only go so far. I'm a fan of Leigh Michaels' romance writing and have never been disappointed by her stories. I can always count on her to make me fall in love, so when I saw that she had a book telling you how she writes romance, I had to read it. I've read "how-to" books before and they haven't helped me all that much. Either telling me what I already know or telling me things that I'll never understand. So, I wasn't expecting this book to be that much different even if it was written by an author I trust. But, unlike the other books on "how-to" I couldn't and wouldn't put this one down. She explained why some books fall flat and how to make readers fall in love without telling you what to do. She leads you down the road by giving you a map and driving instructions, but lets you choose the route. Every single one of my questions (from the very beginning before I've even come up with a story idea . . . to the very, very end when the book is published and it's time to start a new one) was answered. She includes helpful writing worksheets to character sketch your heroine or hero, plot the storyline and many more so you can actually write a story as you go along through the book, putting your newfound knowledge to the test. Once again, Leigh Michaels has not let me down and I'm so excited to find a roadmap that I can read! :)

Writing the Romance Novel by Leigh Michaels is an informative guide for writers, at any stage in their careers, who are interested in pursuing a career in romantic fiction. Debunking the myths surrounding the romance novel, Michaels gives instruction as to the hows and whys of plotting, characterization, pacing and dialogue that are endemic to the genre. As well as addressing such universal topics as how to write a query letter, deal with writer's block and submit to a publisher. Filled with personal anecdotes and insights, Writing the Romance Novel is an entertaining, interactive workbook no romance writer should be without.

The author provides pretty basic information in a rather general fashion (more breadth than depth.) The chapters are short and almost all of her examples come from her own books. There's a disk with electronic versions of the exercises, but they were saved in a funny format. Luckily, I knew to change them to text files so that I could open them up at least. If you're just starting out, then this might be a helpful guide. Your money is probably better spent joining RWA or buying Julie Beard's book (which I hear is good but have not yet purchased.)

If you are struggling to write that romance that is bubbling inside of you, this book can give you some guidelines, solidify paths for you to explore and perhaps give you an idea of why your book isn't gelling. This is a well organized, succinct reference that not only will the aspiring romance writer find helpful, but also the fiction writer. The book also touches upon publishing the book as well as marketing and selling.

This book is a no-nonsense "get down to it" read. I have learned more about writing romances than I ever thought possible from one book! Well done.

Offers straightforward and thoughtful information. Definately helpful for anyone interested in writing a romance novel. Would have preffered it not have the spiral binding but a small point since the book's content is solid.