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Failing Forward with S. C. I. E. N. C. E

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.

The Complicated Concept of Pacing

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

Message From the President - March 2024 RWR

Posted on 3/14/2024
In the March issue of the RWR, Clair Brett shares a message for Women's History Month.

Plot and Pacing Pointers for Today's Commercial Fiction

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

Chapter Spotlight: Romance Writers of America NYC Inc

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

Unlock the Mystery of Pacing: Make Sure Your Reader Knows How to Keep Score

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

As You Know, Bob: When Characters Need To Shut Up

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.”

What Keeps A Reader Reading?

Posted on 2/8/2024

Chapter Spotlight: Hearts Through History

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.

Voices Carry

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

What's The Problem? Or, Writing Convincing Conflict (Part 2)

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.

One Question, Three Perspectives: How to Pitch Like a Pro

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

Writing Stupid

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

Message From The President - February 2024 RWR

Posted on 2/8/2024
In the February issue of the RWR, Clair Brett discusses the importance of diversifying your TBR list.

Chapter Spotlight: Romantic Women's Fiction

Posted on 1/17/2024
The Romantic Women’s Fiction Chapter encompasses all subgenres of romance.

How to Write When You're Sad

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.

When Heroes Must Swear: How to Keep Your Heartthrob Real Without Offending Readers

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?

What's the Problem? Or, Writing Convincing Conflict (Part 1)

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

The Not Sexy, but Very Important Secret Art of the Novel Summary

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.

Show, Don’t Tell: A Fiction Writer’s Secret Weapon

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.

The Seriousness of Being an Artist

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.

Using Theory to Develop Character Dialogue & Behavior

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

Chapter Spotlight: Northern Lights Writers of Minnesota

Posted on 12/14/2023
Northern Lights Writers was formed in 2002 by a group of women called “The North End Breakfast Club.”

Creating Memorable Plots and Characters Through the Five Senses

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.

Your Self-Publishing Checklist: From Word Document to Published Book

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.