Good morning, fellow writers! I am thrilled to be here today to talk about Romance University (www.RomanceUniversity.org). For those unfamiliar with this group blog, our tagline is “Empower Writers. Entertain Readers. Understand Men.” That’s a tall order and not a venture Kelsey Browning, Tracey Devlyn and I undertook lightly. We spent six months brainstorming the [...]

Conflict on the page is so very different from conflict in real life. We need believable conflict between what our characters want and what they must do to achieve it. Yet, I struggle to throw the obstacles, the challenges, the crises at my characters. Mind you, I know why – I don’t like conflict in [...]

Writing a novel is like a juggling act and not the easy kind with squishy-soft balls—no. Authors are trying to keep a broad sword, piccolo, chain saw and feather in the air all at the same time. When the action kicks up all those objects can come crashing down turning what should be one of [...]

Barbara Samuel’s article on characterization in this month’s newsletter prompted some questions for discussion: What tricks and tips do you have for creating depth of character? Who are some characters in fiction you have loved reading, and can you pinpoint why you love them so much? Take a crack at these questions, or ask your [...]

I believe most authors consider revision an excruciating process. I know I do. But I think what most of us who slave day after day on our key boards don’t realize is that good writing comes from bad writing. We labor over stories in fast paced frenzy and get caught up with, I’ve got to [...]