Posted on 3/14/2024
I self-published my first romance book in March 2015. Back then, I could write for 10-14 hours a day, fueled by the words in my head and the clawing need to give my characters their hard-earned happily ever after.
Posted on 3/14/2024
Quick, slow, quick, slow, medium? Pacing may be one of the most complicated concepts in writing. As an author, judging how to pace a story is either natural or very planned. Don’t get pacing and speed mixed up, because pacing is all about the movemen
Posted on 3/14/2024
In the March issue of the RWR, Clair Brett shares a message for Women's History Month.
Posted on 3/14/2024
In the thirteen-plus years it took me to sell my first book, I learned a lot about the craft of writing, and how to develop characters and focus my dialogue, but I continued to struggle with pacing, receiving nice rejections that loved my heroes, and
Posted on 3/14/2024
Our chapter was started in 1986. Currently we have 43 members. Since we conduct our monthly meetings via Zoom, our members attend from all over the US. This year we have two new board members, Candace Lucas (Katy Berritt) as president and Jean Joachi
Posted on 3/14/2024
Not knowing what’s at stake for the characters in a story/scene is like watching a game in a sport where you have no idea of the rules or even the teams. There’s a lot of noise and movement, but if you don’t know what it means—who’s winning and who’s
Posted on 3/14/2024
Dialogue is a great tool for telling your story, but it’s not your only tool.
In certain situations, dialogue can backfire. One such situation is affectionately known as “As You Know, Bob.”
Posted on 2/8/2024
The Hearts Through History chapter of RWA discusses different aspects of the historical romance genre and how we as writers can further promote romance fiction.
Posted on 2/8/2024
Character dialogue. It’s a blessing for some writers and a bane for the rest of us. Like it or not, though, it plays a pivotal role in any and every story you create. What your characters say
performs double or even triple duty, carrying essential i
Posted on 2/8/2024
Writing conflict can get us a bit conflicted ourselves at times, no?
It can prompt occasional stints of hair-pulling. Our own, mostly. (It is to be hoped.)
How does this happen?
Several ways.
Posted on 2/8/2024
New to pitching—and perhaps even a little (or a lot) intimidated by the whole process? Join the club!
But take it from me—there are tips and tricks that will help you polish your pitches like a pro.
Matching what you have to offer with what edito
Posted on 2/8/2024
What’s your first thought when you see the title above?
Do you think of being "freed" to write badly, to have "dreck" as a first draft, knowing it’s only your starting point? That you can make notes to yourself about “stuff” you don’t know, or pla
Posted on 2/8/2024
In the February issue of the RWR, Clair Brett discusses the importance of diversifying your TBR list.
Posted on 1/17/2024
The Romantic Women’s Fiction Chapter encompasses all subgenres of romance.
Posted on 1/17/2024
One of the strangest things about being a romance writer is the need to write regardless of your mental state. Sure, everyone has to do their job when going through hard times.
Posted on 1/17/2024
We live in a society where F-bombs are the norm. Men use cruder language than women. Naturally, we want our heroes to sound like real men on the page. But as authors of Romantic fiction, where do we draw the line?
Posted on 1/17/2024
When you start a story, you may have an intriguing “what-if” question, or a couple of characters who’ve walked up and demanded to have their stories told, or a premise that makes you itch to hit the keyboard. The good news is you’ve got a good star
Posted on 1/17/2024
From jacket copy, to website blurbs, to that all-important middle of a query letter, writing an effective book summary involves a special set of skills that don’t tend to overlap with writing a novel.
Posted on 1/17/2024
Most writers have heard the advice, Show, Don’t Tell. But what does it really mean and how do we use it in our stories? Through study and practice, I discovered that this misunderstood tool helps my narratives connect with readers more deeply.
Posted on 1/17/2024
I don't know what it is to be an artist. I couldn't do anything substantial in my life. I can easily merge within a crowd. Not disturbing a speck of this universe. Do I know if my stay or departure affects this world? Other than my family.
Posted on 12/14/2023
A lot of things contribute to how your character’s talk and behave. There are many outdated
stereotypes that go along with Alpha men and the submissive woman that do not always apply to
today’s interactions within relationships. Looking toward evid
Posted on 12/14/2023
Northern Lights Writers was formed in 2002 by a group of women called “The North End Breakfast Club.”
Posted on 12/14/2023
Have you heard? Neurologists say there are more than just five senses. Some list more than
Thirty!
A few examples: Your sense of balance. Hunger and thirst. The sudden need to find the ladies’ room.
Posted on 12/14/2023
Feeling intimidated by the idea of self-publishing? Don’t know what to do or where to start? This checklist provides an overview of the steps you’ll need to take to transform your completed manuscript into a published book.