>>> Item number 29577 from WRITERS LOG9405A --- (67 records) ----- <<< Date: Fri, 6 May 1994 18:35:02 JST Reply-To: WRITERS Sender: WRITERS From: Mike Barker Subject: TECH: BOOK: How To Write A Romance And Get It Published [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? tink