Blog Post The Role of the Heroine in Romance Novels 500
Posted inArticles

The Role of the Heroine in Romance Novels by Writers Exchange E-Publishing

Romance novels have captivated readers for centuries, evolving through the years while maintaining the core elements that define the genre--love, emotional connection, and the journey of two individuals toward a happy ending. At the heart of these stories often lies the heroine, a character who drives the narrative, connects with readers, and embodies the challenges, growth, and desires central to the human experience. Understanding the role of the heroine from both a reader's and a writer's perspective can enhance the…
Blog Post How to Choose a Setting: Real or Fiction 500
Posted inArticles Writing Advice Articles

How to Choose a Setting: Real or Fiction by Deborah Nolan

Choosing a Setting: Real or Fiction By Deborah Nolan   It's been said that location is another character in a story.  I think that's true if the setting is described well enough and with enough detail for the reader to actually imagine it.   Some authors are known for certain locations.  Most of Susan Isaacs' novels take place in Nassau County, Long Island.  I grew up there and it's one of many reasons I like her books so much. For…
Blog Post Avoid a Sagging Middle 500
Posted inArticles Writing Advice Articles

Avoid a Sagging Middle by Dee Lloyd

No middle should sag. The dragging, sagging pace of the middle of a romance is every bit as unattractive as the lax muscles of a person's physical midsection. No matter how enthralling your opening chapters are, you will lose your grip on the reader's attention if nothing significant happens or if the pace falters midway in your story. The last thing you want is the reader to think, "She already told me that!" Even if your hero is irresistible and…
Blurb Writing Series, Part 2: Crafting Blurbs Overview by Karen Wiesner
Posted inArticles Writing Advice Articles

Blurb Writing Series, Part 2: Crafting Blurbs Overview by Karen Wiesner

Crafting Blurbs Overview by Karen Wiesner   Back Cover Blurbs A back cover blurb can be anywhere from one to four paragraphs. If the whole package is short and punchy, as we've said, it's practically guaranteed to be intriguingly memorable. But, while shorter is generally better these days, that's not always the case. A too-short blurb may be less than dazzling. Instead of being memorable, it can lack details to capture true interest in readers. Another thing to note is…
Blog Post The Stuff Series are Made of 500
Posted inArticles Writing Advice Articles

The Stuff Series are Made of by Karen Wiesner

The Stuff Series Are Made Of By Karen S. Wiesner   "The disease of writing is dangerous and contagious," Abelard famously said to Heloise. So, too, can a book series become a relentless obsession: It's why readers follow series devotedly to the last, why writers write them for years on end, and why publishers contract them in spades. In our trend-driven world, series are hotter than ever. But if writing a novel can seem overwhelming, the idea of creating a whole…
Blog Post Scene business, style, and dialogue 500
Posted inArticles Writing Advice Articles

Scene business, style, and dialogue by Will Greenway

Scene business, style, and dialogue By Will Greenway Viewpoint is one the most important aspects of writing. It is the eye through which readers see your work. Creating a strong viewpoint "presence" within your story relies on several related narrative techniques. One of the most important is the handling of character interactions and specifically dialogue. Related to dialogue, one of the most common problems in beginning writing is the "talking head" syndrome. Essentially, characters in a scene begin talking, and…
Blog Post World Building, Not Just for Genre Writers 500
Posted inArticles Writing Advice Articles

World Building, Not Just for Genre Writers by Will Greenway

Writing: World Building, not just for genre writers By Will Greenway Overview When we see the term "world building", many writers tend to associate this concept with genre fiction, specifically science fiction, fantasy, and often horror as well.  However, building a world is something that all fiction writers must do. Simply because your world is closer to the "real world" in terms of conventions does not mean that there isn't still work to be done. When we take the idea…
Blog Post Writing: Dynamic Beginnings (2 of 2) 500
Posted inArticles Writing Advice Articles

Writing: Dynamic Beginnings (2 of 2) by Will Greenway

Dynamic Beginnings (2 of 2) By Will Greenway If you read the material on Dynamic Beginnings and the 8 rules for starting a novel or short story, this article contains additional "starter" tips and some concrete examples for launching stories. One mechanism that is good for teaching writing self-discipline and makes for an evocative story opening is the six-line opener paragraph. The goal of the opener paragraph is to hook the reader and do most of the things talked about…
Blog Post How To Write Dynamic Beginnings (1 of 2) 500
Posted inArticles Writing Advice Articles

How To Write Dynamic Beginnings (1 of 2) by Will Greenway

Dynamic Beginnings (1 of 2) By Will Greenway The opening of your novel or short story is crucial. It must be well written, catchy, and evocative. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, your opening doesn't move the story forward in the proper manner. This may not be a shortcoming in your writing ability, but a reflection of an improperly framed narrative. Many people think of their stories as written in stone. In their minds, the narrative doesn't exist outside…