However, before you can produce a romance novel, there are a few things you should know. First, the 2008 report from Simba Information reported that romance fiction generated a whopping 1.37 billion dollars in revenue despite the worst economic slid since the Great Depression and snagged the largest share of the consumer market. Why is this? Despite the cynicism of some for romance fiction, it has proven to be smart, fresh and diverse.

Secondly, you first need to know how to write a romance novel. “Know the romance market,” says Sheri McGregor, author of “Under One Roof.” Romance novels make up more than 50 percent of mass market fiction. “Read in the genre and find where you think your story ideas fit. Get the guidelines. Then write your story with the market in mind, without letting go of your story’s heart,” McGregor says.

1. Know the story you want to tell, and know your characters.
2. Join a writer’s critique group, either online or face-to-face.
3. Write, write and write more. Nothing helps more than practicing your craft.
4. Develop a thick skin. No one writes a masterpiece the first time.
5. Learn from criticism, but don’t lose the voice that makes your writing unique.
6. Read books about writing, such as Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird,” Natalie Goldberg’s “Writing Down the Bones,” or Evan Marshall’s “The Marshall Plan for Writing a
Novel.”
7. Study your market, and be prepared to write for a specific genre.
8. Become familiar with the publishers in your genre and subgenre.
9. Join a romance writers’ club and attend writers’ conferences. Make sure to schmooze with agents at these conferences.
10. Submit your book to an agent to make the rounds of publishers.

Blessed is the author who continues to write despite the circumstances in their lives, for eventually their story will be published. Times are tough in the publishing industry? Write! Your personal life is going to hell faster than a jet? Write! You can’t find an agent? Write! Your manuscript is still orphaned? Write! Your book finally sold? Keep writing!

Until next time – stay well and be blessed!

Curious to know more, I dug a little deeper and discovered that an impressive African-American influence had been woven into the fiber of RWA from the beginning. Since 1981, this association has advanced the professional interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy. However, the existence of an organization with over 10,000 members today would not have been possible without the vision and of its Founder, Vivian Stephens.

As the editor for Harlequin, Dell (Candlelight Romances) and Bantam, Ms. Stephens launched the careers of authors such as Sandra Brown and Jayne Ann Krentz, but didn’t stop there. Recognizing the importance of getting African-American romance published, Ms. Stephens established Women Writers of Color with the goal of assisting African-Americans who wrote commercial fiction with people of color as the major characters and guiding them to ultimate publication.

Multi-published author, Shirley Hailstock walked through the doors opened twenty-years earlier as the first African-American board member for RWA. In 2002 she became the first African-American president of the largest genre writer’s organization in the world.

The year 2010 ushered in another milestone for RWA. My author colleague and friend, Michelle Monkou was elected President. My only regret is that I wasn’t able to attend the convention in Orlando when Michelle assumed the reins. Congratulations, Michelle!

Thank you is such a simplistic phrase, but it’s the only one I can find to express my heartfelt gratitude for the courage, wisdom and leadership these three pioneers have given to the largest consumer market that’s 1.37 billion dollars strong.

Until next time – stay well and be blessed!

SO, WHEN WILL YOU WRITE SO-IN-SO’S STORY?

First, let’s define who “so-in-so” is.” These are the secondary characters (flat characters) in a fiction novel. Although these characters rarely undergo any substantial growth or change in the story, they do provide a supporting role to a story’s main characters.

Not ever secondary character I create will have their story. Remember, they were created to serve a particular purpose in a particular story. However, I’ll go so far as to allow my intuition to take over so the character speaks to me outside of the role they were originally created for. If the character shows me their strengths and weakness, what they fear and what event will spark them to rise up and fight like hell then there’s a fair chance a story is in the horizon for them.

For those readers who’ve followed my writing career, they’ve become intimately acquainted with the Baptiste Clan. As the saga of this family has progressed, many secondary characters have emerged. Two of my favorites are: Alex Robinson and Zachary “Zach” Tate. Many readers have threatened me with bodily harm if I don’t come up with a story line for both of them. Only time will tell, so stay tune.

Until next time – stay well and be blessed!

WHERE DO YOU GET THE IDEAS FOR YOUR STORIES?

A casual conversation with friends, a newspaper article or even a television show can spark the beginning idea for a story plot. So far, the premises of my stories have dealt with the social issues I’ve experienced and/or taught as a public health educator for the past twenty-plus years. Trust me I’m not talking about your typical run-of-the-mill romance story plots, either. I love to take real-life issues individuals face every single day and spin a romance from it.

Now you would think after I’d come up with the idea that sitting down and outlining the story would be a fairly simply process, right? Well, most times it isn’t. Let me share an example.

It was Thursday, May 27, 2010. On this day, I walked through the doors at the Port of New Orleans with gleeful anticipation. After a grueling, but successful two-month promotion for my latest release, If I Were Your Woman, I was about to board the Carnival Triumph. The last thing I wanted to think about was another story. All I wanted was to enjoy total relaxation and kid-free bliss on my four-day sail to Cozumel, Mexico.

However, weeks prior to my cruise, I’d grappled with an idea for my next story. I’d become so acquainted with the persona of my characters, that I knew them as well as I know my best friend. Scenes from this yet to be named story boomeranged in my head. The premise for the story had even settled in my spirit. Still, I couldn’t take all of this and connect the dots. Oh well, I’ll deal with it after the cruise or at least that’s what I told myself.

The cruise was fabulous!! On day three, I spent hours shopping in Cozumel and had a few mango margaritas along the way. After dinner that evening, I made my way to the ship’s lower deck. Alone with the coolness of the night air at my face, I stood with my arms draped over the rail. For a moment, I glanced up and studied the stars. They were crystal clear against the velvet black skies. Then it happened.

Upon a midnight clear, the story I’d struggled with for weeks flashed before me from beginning to end.

No, I will not go on a cruise every time I have trouble outlining a story Here’s my point: The problem wasn’t that the story wasn’t there. It was. The problem was me. I wasn’t in a place to receive it. Before the cruise, I was juggling a zillion projects. But once I got into a setting where I was uninterrupted by the hustle and busy of life, the story manifested itself. Ever been there??

Until next time – stay well and be blessed!

Was it gentle, yet seductive? Or was it greedy and explosive? With the characters in my novels, I pay particular attention their first kiss. In the case of Raphael Baptiste and Laney Houston, the characters in my new release, If I Were Your Woman, I was very meticulous when I wrote the scene for their first kiss. The setting was private, just before dawn, and the chemistry between them was like a lightening rod.

But there’s more to a relationship than a kiss. Raphael and Laney are attracted to the favorable facets of each other’s persona. Relax for a moment and remember the attributes which attracted you to the love in your life. Can you remember? Was it their strong work ethic, their education, or the authority they possess to confidentially confront a dilemma?

We all know the way a person kisses or their personality is not all that’s needed to sustain a relationship. Can you remember the things that keep the spice in your relationship? Perhaps it’s the simple things, which fans the flames like receiving a text message or a quick phone just to say I love you. Aaah those subtle gestures can be explosive!!

So the next time images of the person you love filters through your mind, I trust you’ll remember how very bless you are to have them in your life.

The night I was inducted as a Pyramid, I heard about the relationship of Edna Brown, one of the twenty-two Delta Founders and Frank Coleman, one of the four Omega Founders. As two young pioneers in an era where limited opportunities existed for African Americans, they married. Despite the obstacle they faced, these two like-minded individuals forged headed, guided by the power of their love and the bond between the sisterhood and brotherhood they helped create. Through their marriage, the purple and gold of Omega Psi Phi fraternity and the crimson and cream of Delta Sigma Theta became linked. I’m sure neither Edna nor Frank realized it then, but their union would be passed down generation after generation. Their work on behalf of their respective organizations has united African-Americans and propelled them as positive role models for countless young men and women.

So you see, a great love story and a happily-ever-after isn’t something found only in romance novels. One of the greatest love stories of all times was very, very real.

Now tell us about your ‘Coleman Love’.

So this week . . .

I have an awesome animated Book Mark Ad on display at Romance Reviews Today. If you look closely at the large 980 x 300 pixel rotating banner ad and wait for the 4th ad in rotation you will see the major ad spot I was lucky to secure at Night Owl Romance this month.

In addition to my banner ad, my book’s video has been added to their Book Flicks/Digital Preview for all to see, too.

So if any of these romance reading communities are new to you, as they were to me, stop by and check them out!

Romance at Heart is an online magazine where the writer within can emerge and where avid romance readers can join like minded individuals for fun and leisure. This wonderful online publication offers reviews, author interviews, and give readers an opportunity to exchange their ideas and opinions via interactive chats with other readers and authors alike. Overall, this site strives to be of assistance to its members and offer authors the opportunity to showcase their skills and acquire new ones to aid them in their writing endeavours.

So join the celebration of IF I WERE YOUR WOMAN at RomanceAtHeart.com today!

Then stop by my promotional page to enter in your details, your Red Rose receipt/transaction number, and promotional code – WEEKEND – to enter a drawing for a visit to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Your purchase and download guarantees you an entry in a drawing for a FREE weekend visit (hotel and airline) as my guest on March 27th at the Colors of Coffee Book Club discussion of IF I WERE YOUR WOMAN. The more purchases you make, the more chances you have to win!

Winners will be announced on Saturday, March 20, 2010 right here at my blog.

Here is what Anna shared with me about reading romance . . . .

Why did you decide to read romance novels?
I love romance! I especially love African American romance and the “happy ending” between strong male and female characters.

What are the elements of a great romance for you as a reader?
The depth of love that is part of the story

What is the hardest part of reading a romance/the easiest for you?
Sometimes you can’t connect with one of the main characters and you have to keep reading.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a romance reader?
Knowing that I will be smiling at the end of the story!

Join the celebration and show Anna some love by listening to her review of IF I WERE YOUR WOMAN!