Writing the Romance Novel (Plastic Comb)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

An updated and expanded version of a popular workbook approach to writing the romance novel, by the author of more than 60 contemporary romances.

From the Back Cover

"It's all here! A carefully crafted how-to that will take you step-by-step through the process. Leigh Michaels teaches as well as she writes." --Day LeClaire, Harlequin Romance author "Helpful and honest, encouraging and straightforward, this book is like having a bestselling author take time off to tell you how it's done--not how she does it, but how you can."

--Margot Early

Harlequin Superromance author "Leigh Michaels' advice is savvy, no-nonsense, clear, and comprehensive, an excellent resource for both beginning and published writers. It's got a permanent place on my reference shelf."

--Bethany Campbell,

Bantam author "Leigh Michaels' students, who come from all over the country, evaluate her and her classes giving rave reviews. Her warm personality shows through with her willingness to share her knowledge in the field." --Peggy Houston, University of Iowa

Assistant Dean and Director, Iowa Summer Writing Festival

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Product Details

• Plastic Comb: 272 pages
• Publisher: Pbl Ltd; 2nd Bk&Dk edition (September 20, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892689014
• ISBN-13: 978-1892689016
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,347,064 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Roadmap to Writing Romance, July 2, 2001

By A Customer

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! :)

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A quintessential guide for writers of romantic fiction, October 16, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Writing the Romance Novel (Plastic Comb)

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing Unless You're a Complete Newbie, June 6, 2003

By A Customer

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.)