Romantique Writing Online Diploma - CPD Certified

Module 1

Introduction to Becoming a Romance Writer

In this first module we will take a look at:

The basics of romance writing
An example of the typical romance novel outline
The essential elements of what being a romance writer involves
Suggestions about who might be interested in becoming a romance writer
Plus much more...
Module 2

What do you need to become a Romance Writer?

In this module, we'll examine:

What tools you'll need to become a romance writer
What personal skills an aspiring romance writer should possess
The advantages and disadvantages or working from home as a writer
How to do the research and exercise your creativity on a regular basis
Plus much more...
Module 3

Be Guided by the Best – A Look at Successful Romance Writers

In this module, we'll review profiles of:

Heidi Rice, who went from romance reader to writer
Amanda Hocking, the self-publishing millionaire
Nicholas Sparks, the male romance writer
Danielle Steel, the bestselling author alive
Plus much more...
Module 4

Selecting a Demographic to Write for and Deciding on Your Specific Point of View

In this module, we will cover the selection of a demographic to write for, and deciding what your point of view will be, including:

Sub-genres within the romance genre
Understanding demographics and statistics to really know your audience
Tips on how to identify who your target audience is
Beach reads - who will be after your steamy summer tale?
Plus much more...
Module 5

Overcoming the First Page and Establishing Your Story’s Setting

In this module we are going to actually get started with writing! We will take a closer look at:

How to write a fabulous first page, with what you should include and leave out
Different approaches for your first chapter
Why the setting is so important
How important the setting is to your romance novel
Plus much more...
Module 6

Building Your Romance Story’s Characters

In this module, we'll review:

How to write a character profile
The key to knowing your characters
The heroine - the key to a great romance novel
How to create romantic heroes your readers will love
Plus much more...
Module 7

Planning Your Romance Story’s Plot

In this module, we will take a look at:

The role of plot within your story
How to plot your romance novel
Common romance novel plot attributes
Fabulous plot ideas to get you fired up and ready to write
Plus much more...
Module 8

Using a Backstory without Being Boring

We'll look at:

What exactly is backstory?
The most important tip for creating an interesting backstory
How to weave backstory smoothly into your romance novel
How Harlequin Romance editors work on backstory with authors
Plus much more...
Module 9

Writing Dialogue to Keep Your Story Flowing

In this module, we will take a look at how to keep your dialogue flowing naturally, including:

Some essential dialogue writing tips
Writer's Digest's tools of dialogue
How to make your dialogue seem more organic
Writing romantic dialogue
Plus much more...
Module 10

Improving Confidence and Sense of Purpose

In this module, we will take a look at how to build up your confidence and sense of purpose as a writer, including:

How to build your writing confidence
Secrets for writing with confidence
How to overcome writer's doubt
Tips for writing with a sense of purpose
Plus much more...
Module 11

Practical Writing Exercises in the Romance Writing Niche

We will take a look at:

The lover's spat exercise
Writing from random idea generators
Creative writing prompts for romance novels
Characterisation exercises for romance writers
Plus much more...
Module 12

Illustrating Your Romance Writing and Working with Illustrators

Let's review:

Why genre is the most important consideration when choosing an illustrator
How authors can work successfully with cover illustrators
Where you can find an illustrator
The essential elements needed in a classic romance novel cover
Plus much more...
Module 13

Dealing with Publishers and Selling Your Romance Story

In this module, we'll take a look at:

The basics of submitting your work to Mills and Boon
The basics of submitting your work to Harlequin
Whether you should consider the self-publishing route
What to do if you get rejected
Plus much more...