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The market for romance novels is huge, hungry and international, and many Australian romance writers have achieved remarkable success both internationally and, more recently, at home.

Is this online course right for you? Read our FAQ >

However, there’s a widespread belief that romance novels are all much the same, and that there’s a secret formula. They aren’t and there isn’t. Successful romance novels engage readers the same way that all good novels do: with a strong premise, an engrossing story, compelling characters, evocative writing, tension on the page, and clever structure. The aim is to deliver an emotional and entertaining experience.

Even if you’re not writing a romance, including a touch of romance in a different kind of novel can enlarge and enrich readers’ experience and widen your potential reading audience.

Come to this workshop with author Anne Gracie prepared to write and read, and improve your writing skills with practical writing exercises. Share your writing to get reader and tutor feedback — it’s good preparation for publication.

Topics covered will include:

• the market and appeal of romance novels
• the difference between plot and story
• getting started
• creating lively and appealing characters
• creating conflict and tension
• pushing on to finish a story — and keeping the faith
• troubleshooting
• the various roads to publication.

This course involves submitting short writing exercises, and giving and receiving peer feedback. Participants will receive limited tutor feedback.

This interactive online course has limited places. Book early to avoid missing out. 

Expected Learning Outcomes 

Participants will gain an understanding of the following:

* Why romance novels have such a widespread appeal and how to create an inspired premise

* How to create lively and appealing characters

* Crafting conflict and tension on the page.

Participant Requirements

We’ve designed this online course to meet your learning needs. You can work through the lesson material, ask questions, and engage with fellow writers throughout the course. Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program. Please read our FAQ before enrolling.

You do not need to log into the course at a specific time and there are no live meetings. By 10am on the day this course starts, you will receive an email with an invitation link to join the online classroom.

• Participants will work through several lessons, which will open sequentially over the first few days of the course (see course dates in the blue box above).
• You can complete the lesson material in your own time.
• This course includes short writing assignments and the opportunity to give and receive peer feedback. Some of your assignments will receive tutor feedback if completed by the deadlines provided.

Please expect to spend a minimum of six hours on the course, noting that the amount of time needed to read, respond to discussions, write, revise and critique will vary from person to person.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

More from Writing NSW

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