TECH: BOOK: How To Write A Romance And Get It Published

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Original Posting: Fri, 6 May 1994 18:35:02 JST

[have not finished reading the book, but... thought I'd mention it while the marshmellows are crisping...]

How To Write A Romance And Get It Published
Kathryn Falk
Signet 1990
ISBN 0-451-16531-4
$5.99

As I said, I'm still reading this one.

One bit from the book that might help our discussions:

Classification of Romance Novels

1. Category Romances

"These follow the 'romance formula,' a set of rules also known as the 'Cinderella legend.'" [seems to be the formula stuff we've seen some references to.]

2. Historical Romances

"Good storytelling is the main requirement, providing adventure, excitement, and titillation."
"The historical romance rules (in brief): accurate historical research, erotic sex scenes, one woman/one man or one woman/many men relationships, and usually a happy ending."

3. Contemporary Romances

"These are in a contemporary setting with modern and realistic characters. The romance rules may or may not be applied. Sentimentality is evoked; readers may shed a tear. The emphasis is on the woman's emotional and romantic experiences."

4. Regency Romances

"Short and medium-length novels of manners; witty, light. ... They capture the flavor of a Jane Austen novel, and emphasize the repartee between the hero and the heroine, rather than a sexual relationship."

5. Romantic Suspense/Gothic

"A romantic suspense novel is always a mystery, full of action, intertwined with romance, and the background is contemporary."

6. Science Fiction and Fantasy

Mentioned setting as an exciting possibility for a romance ...

The rest of the book consists of lots of little articles and pieces which I am slowly working my way through.

As near as I can tell, the minimum necessary for a romance is a woman, a man, and their relationship. Seems as though that leaves a lot of possibilities for writers. Also seems almost the essence of "character-driven" writing - take one man, one woman, and rub together until smouldering?