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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/3363-.html
Romance/Love: October 28, 2009 Issue [#3363]

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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*


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

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Would You Like a Side of History With That Romance?


Knights in shining armor, damsels in distress, nothing satisfies this reader quite as much as a historical romance story. Historical romances bring the past to life. I love being whisked back in time to a simpler place, especially if the writer has done their homework.

Writing a historical romance is a bit more work than a contemporary romance. It takes several things to make the story come to life, other than the writer's abilities. Here are the three things I feel are the most important to consider before undertaking such an endeavor.


Planning

Before you try to write a historical romance, you need to know what your story is about. Having a great idea is an excellent start, but without knowing what your characters are supposed to do, where they will do it, and how they'll do it, makes writing this type of story all the harder to do. Now, for those of you who hate outlines, I'm not saying you have to have an outline. But you do need a clear idea of where the story is going. Historical romance novels tend to be longer than contemporary romance, usually between 80,000 and 100,000. Which means you as the writer need to know where this story is going before you sit down to write it. So take a little time to “flesh” out your novel before you being to write it.


Research

This is probably THE most important aspect of writing a historical romance novel. Then why, you ask, is this second on the list. Well, you need to know what time period you're going to write about before you research it. And sometimes, the time period isn't visible when you first get the idea.

Now, where was I? Oh yes. Readers of these types of stories will know if you make up something, mistake the type of bodice worn during your time period, or even who was in charge. Romance readers read historical romances because they love the time period. So you as the writer need to make sure you are using the correct terms, proper behaviors, and location information that will show the reader you are serious about writing a historical romance. If your story is going to have a wedding, find out how weddings were done then. If you are going to have a battle, know what types of weapons were used. Don't skimp on the research. You'll thank me for it in the end.


Love of History

Lastly, don't undertake writing a historical romance if you don't love the time period you are writing about. A historical romance isn't something you write in a weekend, it can take a bit of time to write 100,000 words. So if you aren't enthralled with your chosen time period, then find one you do love. Many a historical romance novel has fallen to the wayside because of lack of interest in the chosen time frame. Don't let yours be one of them.

There you have it, the three things I feel are the most important to remember when deciding to write a historical romance novel, or story. Good luck, and keep writing.

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


darkin


Editor's Picks

Here are some items I found while traveling the highways and byways of Writing.Com!

Novel: Woman, Gentle Woman Open in new Window. (13+)
Newly widowed, Ruth crosses paths with a rancher. What does he want? Complete.
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A Medieval Village Feast Lit By Carnal Fires
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Lizzie’s Unforgettable Dance Open in new Window. (E)
Lizzie discovers more than she anticipated at the local dance.
#1552795 by Jaye P. Marshall Author IconMail Icon

 Tragedy of Romantic Destiny (Medieval) Open in new Window. (13+)
Medieval story about a Princess rebelling against her fate for true love.
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Royal Pretender Open in new Window. (13+)
Electoral Prince George Augustus meets the love of his life. (Historical Fiction)
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Write the best poem or story in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPS!
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Word from Writing.Com

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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.

darkin

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