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romance fans

Romance Love: Happy Valentine’s Day!

Single rose close up with text: A Positive Look at the Romance Genre

It’s often not easy to be a romance author, and the time around Valentine’s Day can be especially trying. A whole day (or week) focused on love and romance brings out all types of naysayers for the romance genre.

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February 14, 2019

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Creating Satisfying Endings without Clichés

Caution tape on a fence with text: Watch Out for Cliché Endings

A recent Twitter thread brought up problematic reader expectations with story endings. Can we find a balance between “fulfilling our story’s promise and our genre’s expectations” and avoiding a cliché ending?

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October 25, 2018

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What Do You Want in a Bookstore?

Aisle between bookshelves leading to large window with text: Imagine Your Ideal Bookstore...

Many authors dream of working with books beyond just writing them and become editors, agents, librarians, or booksellers. In fact, Angela Quarles, my writing bestie, is opening a bookstore! And she’s looking for suggestions to make her genre- and writer-friendly shop among the best.

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August 2, 2018

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The Ultimate #RWA18 Conference Packing List

Stack of old-fashioned suitcases with text: The Ultimate Conference Packing List

Going to a writing conference this season? I’m getting ready for the RWA Annual Conference in Denver, so let me know if you’re going. And let’s hold off the panic attacks together with this handy-dandy packing list.

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July 10, 2018

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Thursday Thoughts: The Antagonist Role in Romance

Wedding rings between couple separated on couch with text: Who's the Antagonist in a Romance?

A recent post by Diana Hurwitz explored the nature of antagonists in romance novels. Today, we’re taking a deeper look at our options for antagonists, especially in the romance genre, and how we can avoid creating unhealthy relationships.

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July 5, 2018

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Story Tropes: Lazy or Helpful?

Note on top of rose petals with text: Can Story Tropes Be Good?

Every genre and medium of storytelling uses tropes, and they often have a bad reputation—for good reason. All too frequently, they can indicate lazy storytelling or worldbuilding. But they don’t have to be a bad thing.

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July 27, 2017

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