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Home » Romance » Page 3

Romance

Fresh Formulas

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon February 2, 2012
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fresh-formulas

Some have a hard time appreciating the talent involved in writing genre fiction. By genre fiction, I mean novels that fall into a defined category such as contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense, or cozy mystery. Many of these novels are published by mass market publishers (like Harlequin) and fit in lines they have formed for the sole purpose of selling the genre.

These are distinguished from Trade fiction where there isn’t necessarily a specific line that has been formed to sell a genre, although there are exceptions to that “rule” like the “Love Finds You” series from Summerside Press. In publisher’s lingo “trade” means a 5 1/2″ by 8 1/2″ trim size and is probably between 80,000 and 100,000 words in length. “Genre” or “category” fiction can mean the 4″ by 6″ trim size (also known as mass market) and between 50,000 words and 70,000 words.

Critics think genre writers churn out story after story with little variation…following a proscribed formula. And while opportunities to be published in genre fiction are more plentiful than trade simply because genre lines publish a greater number of titles (see the statistics incorporated into this blog post), editors are nevertheless highly selective. They must be, because readers are right to be demanding, and genre authors must be dedicated to the craft.

Success

To be successful with a line, stay fresh and new while following the genre’s rules. When thinking of genre fiction, I like to visualize a box that needs to be filled with a story. The rules of the box include a strict word count. If you’re writing for a genre line, be sure to stay with the word count.

Guidelines for plot are concrete. For instance, with romance, the story of the hero and heroine must take precedence over anything else. The romance cannot be overshadowed, for example, by a murder mystery, a setting becoming a character in its own right, or a subplot involving secondary characters. Because of these guidelines, readers can rely on certain types of books to provide them with the stories they expect. In an uncertain world — and the world is always an uncertain place except for God’s enduring love — seeking genre books again and again offers readers comfort along with entertainment.

Twists and Turns

Once the writer learns the rules within the box, then what? Know that editors are looking for fresh ideas within the parameters of the genres they edit. To get an idea of what might work, read books from the line you are targeting. See what themes work. Concentrate on those that capture your imagination.

Interested in history? Consider researching real events that can launch a novel. For contemporary or historical, find a unique obstacle that will confront your characters so the reader has no idea how they can overcome it, and wrap a romance or mystery around it. Then plot and write. The author who stays within the rules of the line, yet comes up with a variation or twist on a beloved theme, is likely to find success and avid readers.

Your turn:

Do you read genre fiction? What are some fresh ideas you have enjoyed seeing in recent books?

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Category: Agency, Branding, Craft, Creativity, Genre, Get Published, Romance, Tamela, Trends, Writing CraftTag: Book Business, Craft, Genre, Ideas, Proposals, Romance, Tamela, Writing Craft

Clarification on Sale of Heartsong to Harlequin

By Steve Laubeon January 30, 2012
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New information has surfaced regarding the sale of Heartsong to Harlequin.

In my post on Friday I made the assumption that the sale included all the backlist and the currently contracted titles. This was reflected in point #5 in the post.

That is not the case. Harlequin did not buy the backlist or the currently contracted titles. Those will remain the property of Barbour Publishing. Thus …

Read moreClarification on Sale of Heartsong to Harlequin
Category: Agency, Book Business, Get Published, Romance, Steve, TrendsTag: Agents, Book Business, Editors, Publishing News, Trends, Writing Craft

The Superiority of Christian Romance Novels

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon December 8, 2011
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A dedicated reader of the blog (Thank you!) posed an excellent question in response to a recent post:
 Recently, I heard a female Christian marriage counselor/speaker say that women should avoid Christian romance books. She stated there was no such thing as Christian romance. Since she was speaking on the topic of pornography, I assumed she was referring to fiction that leads the reader’s mind …

Read moreThe Superiority of Christian Romance Novels
Category: Genre, Romance, Tamela, Writing CraftTag: Romance, Tamela, Writing Craft

Christian Romance — Fact or Fiction?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon December 1, 2011
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In response to a recent blog post, "A Matter of Taste,"  a reader asked what I would say if someone claimed there is no such thing as Christian romance.

In fact, I have been confronted with this question before. At a Christian writers' conference a few years ago, a woman told me in a snide manner that romance is a "fantasy" and walked away before I could respond. I felt especially sad that the …

Read moreChristian Romance — Fact or Fiction?
Category: Genre, Romance, Tamela, Writing CraftTag: Christian, Get Published, Romance, Tamela, Trends, Writing Craft

A Matter of Taste

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon November 3, 2011
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I always enjoy reading comments on our blog posts. Recently a reader posted a provocative question:
In this time of great emotional upheaval, instability, and unrest, aren't we ready for something more solid and inspiring than just different types of romance novels?
Those of you familiar with my career know that I am the author of many romance novels and stories -- and Bible trivia books!

And …

Read moreA Matter of Taste
Category: Book Business, Genre, Marketing, Romance, Tamela, Writing CraftTag: Get Published, Marketing, Romance, Tamela, Traditional Publishing
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