How to Write a Romance Novel in 8 Easy Steps

From now until September 5th, I’m posting daily on a topic that is in some way related to a topic/ subject mentioned in Demon Rodeo, my new sports romance. More information about the book is listed at the end of this post.

Today’s topic is inspired because Demon Rodeo is first and foremost a romance, meaning that the main characters’ relationship is the heart of the story. Make no mistake, sports (rodeoing) play a significant role in the story, but it does not trump the romantic plot. By definition from the most influential literary agents, editors, professional writing organizations, and publishers, for any book to be considered a “romance,” focus on the romantic relationship between characters must be the most significant element of the story. If the sports aspect was the focus, the book would be considered a sports novel with a romantic element. I’ll do a separate post on what it means to write a sports romance. However, today’s post is centered on writing a romance regardless of the subgenre.

DISCLAIMER: Readers may not agree with every point made herein. Writing has very few rules and is personal to every writer. What works for one person may not work for another. Thus, what is presented here is not gospel. However, these are useful tips to keep in mind while writing.

Let’s jump right in.

Decide that writing a book is something that you seriously want to do and make the commitment to do it. So many people claim to want to write a novel but never put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard). Otherwise, it’s just idle talk for conversation—like dreaming of a vacation in Hawaii but not saving money to go. It’s one thing to try and fail but quite another to flap one’s gums with zero effort for a follow-through.Believe that you can do it. Because most people learn to read and write in grammar school, many people do not appreciate writing as being a difficult craft. There will be plenty of naysayers who will spout that it’s a waste of time, make jokes at your expense, and intentionally impede on the time you set aside to write a socialization hour. It’s easy to fall into a trap of self-doubt.Avoid comparing yourself to popular and bestselling authors. This likely will lead to nowhere good. Those authors worked long and hard to get where they are. Very few were overnight successes. They had a beginning just like you have a beginning.Brainstorm ideas for plots and subplots. Depending on your writing process, this step may not be necessary. You may already have an idea. During this step, you can decide on the genre.Research your topic. Even if you’re an expert on a topic, it doesn’t hurt to fact-check. Some people are eager to nitpick and tear apart manuscripts over the tiniest details, even when those details are creative liberties and artistic freedom by the creator. If you’re taking risks, it needs to be understood that what is perceived as “incorrect” is by choice. To do that is to ensure that everything else is correct.Books are written in drafts. First drafts aren’t intended to be perfect. Write the draft to get the story written and worry about cleaning it up and polishing it in later drafts. Don’t strive for perfection right off the bat. The goal is to get the story told in the first draft, evaluate what you have, and go from there.Take time to develop characters. Don’t just physically describe them. Give them flaws and personality. Make them complex, interesting, and relatable. Consider what you want them to do, why they are doing it, and their function in the story.Story beats are important but not all are necessary. Define your beginning, middle, conflict, and end/resolution.

And that’s all that I have. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What did you think? What is your take on the topic? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read.

Buckle up and get ready.

Demon Rodeo is releasing on September 5, 2024, and is available now for preorder on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.

Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series. Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you. Also, expect a lot of goodies and giveaways.

Preorder

⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852

⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

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Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.