Writing Journey
Viewing comments for Chapter 1 "What is Romance?"Help with writing, mine and yours.
35 total reviews
Comment from Pam (respa)
-You did a good job with this, barbara.
-I read a lot of romance novels, mostly
positive ones without the explicit sex.
-I was introduced to a newer writer,
Sariah Wilson, and she writes the sexiest
books without getting into the physical act.
-I like you organized this, beginning with
definitions of romance, the elements, and the genres.
-After following your story, I would say you
have a correct assessment of the genre you write in.
-Just for interest, I also enjoy books by Jude Deveraux,
and have read a lot of Nora Roberts over the years.
-Who are a few writers you like?
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2022
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-You did a good job with this, barbara.
-I read a lot of romance novels, mostly
positive ones without the explicit sex.
-I was introduced to a newer writer,
Sariah Wilson, and she writes the sexiest
books without getting into the physical act.
-I like you organized this, beginning with
definitions of romance, the elements, and the genres.
-After following your story, I would say you
have a correct assessment of the genre you write in.
-Just for interest, I also enjoy books by Jude Deveraux,
and have read a lot of Nora Roberts over the years.
-Who are a few writers you like?
Comment Written 04-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2022
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Thank you for the kind review. I do like Nora Roberts.
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You are welcome, and thanks for sharing. We are reading her newest trilogy. Another small bit of trvia; she and I are the same age, born in 1950.
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I was born in 1954. A little younger but not much.
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It is about the same! Thanks for sharing.
Comment from Jay Squires
You've written a thorough and entertaining tutorial on the Romance genre in all its aspects. Fanstory romance writers could learn something by studying your exposition. I'm trying to remember any men who wrote romances on Fanstory. Of the women (besides you) there was ... oh, and I'm not going to remember her name, but she left about 2 or 3 years ago and she was from England. She wrote primarily Victorian romances. I know as soon as I push send, her name will pop in my head.) Of course, Sandra Mitchell writes several kinds of subgenre romances, with a lot of time-bouncing. The two of you are the best that Fanstory can offer.
I only found one tiny -- not even spag -- thingy that I'm sure others have mentioned: "I do miss my counter parts." Counterparts should be combined.
Great job, Barbara.
Jay
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2022
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You've written a thorough and entertaining tutorial on the Romance genre in all its aspects. Fanstory romance writers could learn something by studying your exposition. I'm trying to remember any men who wrote romances on Fanstory. Of the women (besides you) there was ... oh, and I'm not going to remember her name, but she left about 2 or 3 years ago and she was from England. She wrote primarily Victorian romances. I know as soon as I push send, her name will pop in my head.) Of course, Sandra Mitchell writes several kinds of subgenre romances, with a lot of time-bouncing. The two of you are the best that Fanstory can offer.
I only found one tiny -- not even spag -- thingy that I'm sure others have mentioned: "I do miss my counter parts." Counterparts should be combined.
Great job, Barbara.
Jay
Comment Written 03-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2022
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I will fix counterparts. Thank you for the kind review.
Comment from estory
I think it's a great essay, concise, well laid out, informative, and probably useful to those who need advice on writing in this genre. You laid out all the big points numerically, you gave good background and history of the form, you gave some pointers on how to develope stories. Nice job. estory
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2022
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I think it's a great essay, concise, well laid out, informative, and probably useful to those who need advice on writing in this genre. You laid out all the big points numerically, you gave good background and history of the form, you gave some pointers on how to develope stories. Nice job. estory
Comment Written 03-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2022
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Thank you for the understanding.
Comment from Ric Myworld
I'm a true sucker for happy times; although, I write a lot of action junk, mostly because I wouldn't have the slightest idea of how to write true romance and sound convincing. I'm a fan who has read your romance stories for a long time, as throughout all the turmoil, two people fall in love and live happily-ever-after. What I think, everyone finds the greatest part of life. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2022
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I'm a true sucker for happy times; although, I write a lot of action junk, mostly because I wouldn't have the slightest idea of how to write true romance and sound convincing. I'm a fan who has read your romance stories for a long time, as throughout all the turmoil, two people fall in love and live happily-ever-after. What I think, everyone finds the greatest part of life. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 03-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2022
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Thank you for the encouragement.
Comment from RPSaxena
Hello Barbara.Wilkey,
It's a nice piece of Non-Fiction touching all the aspects of Romance and Romance Novel in an interesting way such as - Definition of Romance; Basic elements; Genres of Romance Novel; Moreover, your own opinion in the last which I like most: "If anybody was confused...suspense or mystery."
Undoubtedly, LAUDABLE Attempt!
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2022
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Hello Barbara.Wilkey,
It's a nice piece of Non-Fiction touching all the aspects of Romance and Romance Novel in an interesting way such as - Definition of Romance; Basic elements; Genres of Romance Novel; Moreover, your own opinion in the last which I like most: "If anybody was confused...suspense or mystery."
Undoubtedly, LAUDABLE Attempt!
Comment Written 03-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2022
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Thank you for the kind review.
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Most Welcome!
With best wishes,
~ RP
Comment from giraffmang
Hi Barbara,
I'm not sure I prescribe to the 5 basic elements.
All genres have certain tropes that folk expect, but sometimes these tropes develop into cliches and are too overplayed which gives the opportunity to play around with them.
These elements - the elements of the heroine and hero have become stereotypical in a lot of ways.
I also have a dislike for the happily ever after ending. It would seem contradictory to the believability aspect of the fourth element! lol
Just because they make money, doesn't mean they're good.
All the best
G
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2022
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Hi Barbara,
I'm not sure I prescribe to the 5 basic elements.
All genres have certain tropes that folk expect, but sometimes these tropes develop into cliches and are too overplayed which gives the opportunity to play around with them.
These elements - the elements of the heroine and hero have become stereotypical in a lot of ways.
I also have a dislike for the happily ever after ending. It would seem contradictory to the believability aspect of the fourth element! lol
Just because they make money, doesn't mean they're good.
All the best
G
Comment Written 03-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2022
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Thank you for your opinions. Everybody has a right to them. I find in writing romance that most of my audience demands a happy ending.
Comment from Fleedleflump
Thank you for doing the footwork on this - I found it really interesting. Having read this, I'd say your current WiP is a romantic crime drama :-). I have tried to write romance (the closest I came was 'The Cook and the Time Traveller') but I do find it quite difficult - my brain is usually looking for the next joke or action sequence.
I thought this was great.
Mike
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2022
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Thank you for doing the footwork on this - I found it really interesting. Having read this, I'd say your current WiP is a romantic crime drama :-). I have tried to write romance (the closest I came was 'The Cook and the Time Traveller') but I do find it quite difficult - my brain is usually looking for the next joke or action sequence.
I thought this was great.
Mike
Comment Written 03-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2022
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LOL Thank you for your support.
Comment from CrystieCookie999
I thought this essay of sorts did a good job as an overview of what a romance novel is all about. It sounds like you could teach romance novel writing next. I am considering writing a western-romance sometime but am still stuck on chapter 2 or 3. Thanks for the inspiration.
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2022
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I thought this essay of sorts did a good job as an overview of what a romance novel is all about. It sounds like you could teach romance novel writing next. I am considering writing a western-romance sometime but am still stuck on chapter 2 or 3. Thanks for the inspiration.
Comment Written 03-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2022
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I have written a western short story before. It's in my portfolio. It's pretty old. Thank you for the kind review
Comment from Gert sherwood
Barbara you wonder if you are on the right track I know that I will be anxious to read your romance novels
I found it interesting of the various types of romance books
Thank you for sharing telling us fanstorians that you are
I'm thinking mine fall into the contemporary category with hints of suspense or mystery. Some of my novels more than others. If you disagree, PLEASE help me get set straight.
I say write a mystery novel with romance I would like to read such
Gert
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2022
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Barbara you wonder if you are on the right track I know that I will be anxious to read your romance novels
I found it interesting of the various types of romance books
Thank you for sharing telling us fanstorians that you are
I'm thinking mine fall into the contemporary category with hints of suspense or mystery. Some of my novels more than others. If you disagree, PLEASE help me get set straight.
I say write a mystery novel with romance I would like to read such
Gert
Comment Written 02-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2022
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Thank you for the kind review and opinion.
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you are most welcome Barbara
Gert
Comment from John Ciarmello
I believe you're on the right track by saying you're in the contemporary category. However, adding a religious aspect to your novel would be easy without damaging characterization or conflict. Simply my thoughts on where your novel could be categorized. I love the read the way it is, though! Best, JohnC
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2022
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I believe you're on the right track by saying you're in the contemporary category. However, adding a religious aspect to your novel would be easy without damaging characterization or conflict. Simply my thoughts on where your novel could be categorized. I love the read the way it is, though! Best, JohnC
Comment Written 02-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2022
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The next novel I'm posting is very religious. I've already written it. When I post, we'll see how it does.
Thank you for the kind review.
