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You Can Write a Romance
Rita Clay Estrada and Rita Gallagher, the 'First Ladies' of the Romance Writers of America, lend their years of writing, publishing and teaching experience to help beginners find their niche in the complex romance market. They also teach readers how to build a strong plot, create compelling characters and sustain a dynamic beginning, middle and ending. Taking readers step by step through the entire publishing process, Estrada and Gallagher show how to choose an agent, work with editors and submit a winning manuscript-complete with tips for getting the best deal.
120 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 1999
45 people want to read
About the author
Rita Clay Estrada
69 books8 followersRita Clay was born on 31 July 1941 in Michigan, U.S.A.. Her mother was a former Miss Michigan, while her father was a U.S. Air Force pilot. She spent much of her early years living in Europe.
Rita married very young with her high school sweetheart, James Estrada, and she stayed at home to raise their four children. In 1977, when she had been married about 20 years, her husband brought her a typewriter and said, "'You said you always wanted to write. Now write." She and her mother, Rita Gallagher, accepted the challenge. While beginning to write, they learned how to publish books and made great friendships with other writers.
Rita's first attempt of publication was a long historical romance which was promptly rejected. Her next manuscript, a contemporary romance, was like wise rejected. But her third manuscript, Wanderer's Dream, was sold to Silhouette Books. She used her maiden name, Rita Clay for her titles for Silhouette. In 1982, she moved to Dell to write for their Candlelight Ecstasy line and she wrote as Tira Lacy, an anagram of Rita Clay, because Harlequin owned her pen name. In 1985 she resigned from Harlequin and asked to use her fullname, Rita Clay Estrada, on all future books.
Rita, her mother, and 35 other authors, decided that an association was needed to defend their published members. They founded the Romance Writers of America (R.W.A), that years later persuaded Harlequin books to register copyrights for authors' works and to allow writers to own their own pseudonyms. Previously, the authors were forced to leave their pseudonym behind if they switched publishing houses, making it more difficult fortheir fans to follow.
R.W.A. signature award, the RITA, which is the highest award of excellence given in the genre of romantic fiction, is named after her. The R.W.A. also awarded Estrada their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000.
Rita married very young with her high school sweetheart, James Estrada, and she stayed at home to raise their four children. In 1977, when she had been married about 20 years, her husband brought her a typewriter and said, "'You said you always wanted to write. Now write." She and her mother, Rita Gallagher, accepted the challenge. While beginning to write, they learned how to publish books and made great friendships with other writers.
Rita's first attempt of publication was a long historical romance which was promptly rejected. Her next manuscript, a contemporary romance, was like wise rejected. But her third manuscript, Wanderer's Dream, was sold to Silhouette Books. She used her maiden name, Rita Clay for her titles for Silhouette. In 1982, she moved to Dell to write for their Candlelight Ecstasy line and she wrote as Tira Lacy, an anagram of Rita Clay, because Harlequin owned her pen name. In 1985 she resigned from Harlequin and asked to use her fullname, Rita Clay Estrada, on all future books.
Rita, her mother, and 35 other authors, decided that an association was needed to defend their published members. They founded the Romance Writers of America (R.W.A), that years later persuaded Harlequin books to register copyrights for authors' works and to allow writers to own their own pseudonyms. Previously, the authors were forced to leave their pseudonym behind if they switched publishing houses, making it more difficult fortheir fans to follow.
R.W.A. signature award, the RITA, which is the highest award of excellence given in the genre of romantic fiction, is named after her. The R.W.A. also awarded Estrada their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 27, 2010
I saw this book in the library and knew I would have to read it or I would die with regrets.
Half the book is more or less an Google search on "how to get published." The other half is a useless praise of cliches, sterotypes, and Jr High English class lesson points.
I assure you, anyone who uses this book as a guide to write their own will end up with something so shitty it will be published. It will be in your grocery store's magazine isle. It's only purpose will be to make easy cash off of lonely housewives.
Lonley housewives, please, start reading some anarchist manifestos. Shake shit up.
Half the book is more or less an Google search on "how to get published." The other half is a useless praise of cliches, sterotypes, and Jr High English class lesson points.
I assure you, anyone who uses this book as a guide to write their own will end up with something so shitty it will be published. It will be in your grocery store's magazine isle. It's only purpose will be to make easy cash off of lonely housewives.
Lonley housewives, please, start reading some anarchist manifestos. Shake shit up.
January 22, 2008
This was an excellent reference book full of information about the writing industry in the romance genre. It actually walks you through the entire process of what happens to your book when it has been accepted! Neat.
Starting with Chapter 5, the book starts giving general tips for all genre's, but is specific on romance. The examples on writing good dialogue, building reader interest on the first page, conflict, short books, long books, etc all pertain to writing in any genre.
As I read through this book, I found myself saying, "Huh, that's why I didn't like a certain book."
I learned why the character in a book is described with red hair, but the cover has blonde. Hey, I thought this was just sloppy work in the publishing industry. There's a reason...
I learned where the RITA award originated! Check out the names of the authors...Rita Estrada and Rita Gallagher; they are mother and daughter.
A short book, easy to read, large size paperback, funny, too!
I think the most interesting thing was as I read what a true romance book is I mentally went through the multitude of "romance" books I have read, saying, that wasn't a romance....if a book focuses more on the plot and the romance is NOT the main focus, it's not a romance, but if you write with a female name (better to use initials), most publishers will lump you in the romance section. Huh!
Starting with Chapter 5, the book starts giving general tips for all genre's, but is specific on romance. The examples on writing good dialogue, building reader interest on the first page, conflict, short books, long books, etc all pertain to writing in any genre.
As I read through this book, I found myself saying, "Huh, that's why I didn't like a certain book."
I learned why the character in a book is described with red hair, but the cover has blonde. Hey, I thought this was just sloppy work in the publishing industry. There's a reason...
I learned where the RITA award originated! Check out the names of the authors...Rita Estrada and Rita Gallagher; they are mother and daughter.
A short book, easy to read, large size paperback, funny, too!
I think the most interesting thing was as I read what a true romance book is I mentally went through the multitude of "romance" books I have read, saying, that wasn't a romance....if a book focuses more on the plot and the romance is NOT the main focus, it's not a romance, but if you write with a female name (better to use initials), most publishers will lump you in the romance section. Huh!
September 30, 2018
This is a one day read and even then there's stuff that could have been left out - like the part about publishing. The book is called 'you can WRITE a romance' not 'you can publish a romance'. Still.
This book actually supplies a great run-through of the stages you would go through to write any kind of book. The structure is covered, characters are there, the dialogue is addressed; in fact, everything is there - laid out in a simple and easy to understand format.
The author of this guide writes well - clear prose that's easy to follow.
Use if you're writing a romance or any other genre for the first time.
This book actually supplies a great run-through of the stages you would go through to write any kind of book. The structure is covered, characters are there, the dialogue is addressed; in fact, everything is there - laid out in a simple and easy to understand format.
The author of this guide writes well - clear prose that's easy to follow.
Use if you're writing a romance or any other genre for the first time.
March 13, 2018
The information is simple and straightforward. It is not an in-dept treatment on writing romance. it is basic tips or how-to information for beginners to get started.
November 27, 2018
Good, easy to follow book for newbies or for someone who for someone who wants to branch out into the romance genre.
November 7, 2019
A very useful guide about the romance genre, requirements for various subgwnres, and education about what makes a good novel. It was helpful, informative, and encouraging.
September 14, 2023
Rita Clay Estrada and Rita Gallagher, distinguished as the 'First Ladies' of the Romance Writers of America, generously share their extensive expertise in this comprehensive guide, offering invaluable insights for beginners seeking to navigate the complex landscape of the romance genre.
One aspect I particularly appreciated was the detailed exploration of various elements essential to crafting a successful romance novel. From building a compelling plot to creating vivid and relatable characters, the book provides a step-by-step journey through the creative process. It thoroughly covers the critical components of a story, ensuring that writers have a solid foundation to work from.
While the book primarily targets those new to romance writing, its approach to storytelling fundamentals is universally applicable. The straightforward and accessible format ensures that writers at all levels can benefit from the practical advice provided within its pages. Overall, this book serves as a valuable companion for anyone embarking on a journey into the world of romance writing.
One aspect I particularly appreciated was the detailed exploration of various elements essential to crafting a successful romance novel. From building a compelling plot to creating vivid and relatable characters, the book provides a step-by-step journey through the creative process. It thoroughly covers the critical components of a story, ensuring that writers have a solid foundation to work from.
While the book primarily targets those new to romance writing, its approach to storytelling fundamentals is universally applicable. The straightforward and accessible format ensures that writers at all levels can benefit from the practical advice provided within its pages. Overall, this book serves as a valuable companion for anyone embarking on a journey into the world of romance writing.
January 9, 2012
A great read for someone who wants to learn the intricacies of romance writing. You need to have some understanding of fiction writing before reading this book since this book is more specific to needs and rules of romance genre. Usually books have lot of fluff, this book is solid and full of rules and notes and tips and useful checklist. I recommend this book for those writers who are aspiring to write romance.
February 7, 2012
I enjoyed this. It was a really quick read, and was full of lots of useful information about the publishing industry, the process of getting published, and the writing of romance novels in general. I feel much more prepared to undertake the task of writing a trashy romance novel now. LOOK OUT WORLD.
Also, I'm sure I'll be referring to this book a lot as I write, edit, and then attempt to get published. I found it very useful.
Also, I'm sure I'll be referring to this book a lot as I write, edit, and then attempt to get published. I found it very useful.
August 23, 2009
Interesting, encouraging read for any writer but no one knows how to encourage and support another writer than Romance Writers. Rita Clay Estrada and Rita Gallagher have given me everything I need to get on my way to writing my first Romance novel.
June 1, 2013
The whole idea of writing a romance novel had never occurred to me. I just wanted to write stories. This book gives you the ins and outs of writing a romance novel and leads you through the business side if being a professional writer. I found this invaluable.
March 12, 2016
Well written informative book about a genre I don't usually read. Thing is, this is also an excellent book about writing novels in general. If it had not been borrowed from the library, this would have gone on my physical bookshelf as a writing reference book (and might still end up there).
August 2, 2013
Very useful book with great examples and very encouraging.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2016
A winner! One to keep on the bookshelf and refer to often. Such helpful guidance and instruction.
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February 17, 2022full of valuable information
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews