LaConnie Taylor-Jones

Have you ever wondered what steps are involved to produce a romance novel? Well wonder no more! Click here and review author, Stephanie Bond’s step-by-step process on “The Making of a Romance Novel.”

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!

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TIME TO WRITE?

I absolutely have a special time to write. It’s when the duties of mother, maid, cook, chauffer, doctor, business owner and referrer have ended. It’s when I stumble down the stairs, groping in semi-darkness for my best friend, the coffeepot. It’s when there’s graveyard silence in my house.

The illuminated numbers on the clock indicate one in the morning.

It’s the right time for me to write.

Until next time – stay well and be blessed!

HOW CAN I GET MY BOOK PUBLISHED?

The first tip I’d give an aspiring author is to prepare. Preparation can be accomplished in a variety of ways such as: reading books from authors published in the genre you want to writing in, taking courses or workshops, entering contests, and if possible, speaking with published authors in your targeted genre. Once you have a workable draft of your manuscript, join a critique group and above all, accept constructive feedback. All of these things will help in the end so that you provide a quality product for agents and editors to review.

A couple of books I’d highly encourage aspiring authors to purchase are: Building Better Plots by Robert Kernen and Writing Novels that Sells by Jack Bickham.

See you on the New York Times Bestsellers List!!

Until next time – stay well and be blessed!

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

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What the heck is Dear Author Friday? Thanks for asking. Shortly after I became published, fans would shoot me an e-mail with a particular question and I’d respond back. A few weeks ago, I realized how many questions and answers had accumulated over the past three years and decided it might be fun to share them. So beginning today, l’ll post some of those questions and answers every other Friday.

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I’m the guest blogger today at Novel Spaces.

Novel Spaces is an eclectic group of authors bound by a singular passion: writing. If you love reading great stories from across the broad spectrum of tales to be told, then you’re definitely in the right space.

Hop over to see what the topic of discussion is today!!

When I put the call out to my author colleagues to join me in this promotion, Lisa didn’t hesitate. Be sure to stop by her website and check out her debut release, Double Out and Back. Here’s what Lisa shared with me about her writing career. . .

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Thank you Shantal Young!! Every author should be blessed to have a fan as dedicated, candid and supportive as you. I’d be remiss if I didn’t publically express my heartfelt appreciation to you for taking the time from your busy schedule to offer a review of If I Were Your Woman.

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I recently joined the Between Your Sheets family and I’m so glad I did! Their commitment to the romance industry is as strong and deep as mine. Networking with so many excellent writers in the romance genre is definitely an opportunity I’m looking forward to at BetweenYourSheets.com!

All right fans and friends – go between the sheets with me right now and check out my Spotlight Novel Feature in, “The Hot Sheets,” the weekly newsletter from Between Your Sheets.

Between Your Sheets (BYS) is for those with a passion for books! If you’re a passionate reader then this website has a story, featured author, and the hottest book news for you. So join the celebration of IF I WERE YOUR WOMAN at BetweenYourSheets.com today!

I’m not sure who loves romance more – Mia or me! I was delighted and honored that Mia took the time to review my latest release, If I Were Your Woman. Here is what Mia Geven-Tate, shared with me about reading romance . . . .

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