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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/2201-.html
Romance/Love: January 30, 2008 Issue [#2201]

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Romance/Love


 This week:
  Edited by: darkin
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Welcome to the Romance/Love Newsletter. My name is darkin and I'll be your editor this week. So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride*Bigsmile*


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Letter from the editor

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Historical Romance Sub-Genres


Romance stories are typically boy-meets-girl kind of stories. The hero and heroine fall in love, get torn apart, struggle to find each other again and finally are together forever. Sounds simple, right?

While the basic plot line is crucial to romantic writing, one of the key elements an author needs to address is the time period of their story. When the tale happens can be as important as what happens when it comes to romances.

As with every genre, romance stories can take place anytime and anywhere. Historical romances can be harder to write then contemporary ones because of the amount of research required to write them realistically. This is why I suggest taking extra care in researching historical times and locations. Readers of these types of novels are usually well versed in the time period and will catch any errors you might make.

Time Periods and Locations

I will only be discussing English and American historical romances since space is limited*Smile*

Medieval: These romances involve feudal societies. There is a King or Queen to whom everyone in the land answers to. Knights in shining armor rescue fair maidens and evil villains try to stop them. In many publishing houses, the Renaissance is also included here.

Regency: This time period is rich in manners and culture. The hero and heroine might be in love, but society will dictate whether they follow that love or walk away. This time period's novels tend to be short and sweet.

Gothic: Set in almost any time period the mood of this period is dark, suspenseful, and brooding. In most novels, there is a supernatural aspect to the tale, often with the heroine in danger throughout the story.

Scottish: Don't forget Scotland as a setting for a European romance. If you use this location you will need to research it very carefully. This country was ruled by clans and each clan ruled with their own systems of justice and honor. Be sure you understand how the one you've chosen to write about worked before writing the romance.

Western: The Wild West is a popular romance time period. Who can resist those handsome rugged men and those feisty strong women? This subgenre is loaded with humor, excitement, and outlandish characters. Native American romances are often included in western. These romances tend to deal with cultural differences between the Native Americans and white settlers.

Early 1900's: This time period is rich in events for the romance writer to use. World Wars I and II, the Roaring Twenties, and even the Stock Market crash of 1929 would make interesting backdrops for a romance novel.

History is a wonderful vehicle for the romance writer. It can give so much texture and conflict to a plot, all you need is to do your homework.

Next time, I'll be discussing the contemporary romances subgenres.

Thank you for taking the time to read. Happy Writing!

darkin


Editor's Picks

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Ask & Answer

Thank you for allowing me into your e-mail boxes for this week's issue. I had a wonderful time writing this issue and would love to hear what you think about it. Here is some feedback I received from my last newsletter.

darkin

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Submitted By: Ariella Author Icon
Submitted Comment:

I love the line from Pride and Prejudice! It is one of my favorites. Definitely a classic example of a great first line. Thanks for including it. *Smile*

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Submitted By: Cubby Author Icon
Submitted Comment:

I enjoyed this piece on opening lines, Darkin. *Bigsmile* When I go to work this morning, I think I'll check out the first lines of several books... just out of curiousity. I feel so fortunate to work in a public library, surrounded by ga-zillions of words! **sigh** If only I didn't have so much darn paperwork, I'd be much happier! Back to beginning lines... I once read a prompt to flip open a book and point to a random sentence and then use that sentence as a beginning line to a story. I tried it and lo, and behold!... I was pulled right into writing a story! It's something fun to try, anyway. *Bigsmile*
*Heart* ~Cubby ")

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Submitted By: lulubelle
Submitted Comment:

Thanks for the Romance newsletter. Opening sentences are very important, so thank you for writing about them.

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Submitted By: Kate - Writing & Reading Author Icon
Submitted Comment:

"A Captive Audience" or one line to reel in the reader and/or incite a story or poem. Good article with some intriguing opening lines to incite the muse to read - and/or write ~ prosaic or poetic*Thumbsup* Thank You ^_^ Kate

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