Writing the Great American Romance Novel

If you've ever thought of becoming a romance novelist, Writing The Great American Romance Novel is for you. This book states that romance novels are still the best selling books in the world. Romance junkies are constantly looking for new material to feed their insatiable appetite.

Unlike other fictional works, romance novels follow a strict formula. Over time, through trial and error, writers have learned what works and what doesn't. Although I had always joked with my colleagues that romance novels had such a formula, I was really surprised at the depth of this reality. For instance, have you ever read a good romance novel where the hero and heroine didn't grow as individuals or get through some sort of crisis? How about a story about a balding heroine (cancer doesn't count) or a rude abusive hero? I'm sure we've all read bad romance novels where the characters have no likeability or the dialogue is bad.

Writing The Great American Romance Novel tells all the secrets of the best romance novelists on today's market. Moreover, the book serves as a step by step guide to creating and publishing your own stories. A must have for anyone considering any of the romance genres.

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 Many are outdated because the market does change rather rapidly.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!

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.

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!!

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.