The Rise And Staying Power Of The Romance Novel

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For those who can easily sink into the fantasy of a good book, there's no greater escape in the world.

Gone are the every day struggles and worries of reality; replaced by the fictional drama provided in the pages of a novel. For those who love to read, it is truly a gift; a reprieve for the mind and a journey of the imagination. No other genre of fiction has been credited with delivering such fantasy as the romance novel; popularized by women worldwide and continuing to hold court as the guilty pleasure of many a generation.

The romance novel dates back as early as the 19th century with English novels of this genre penned by such literary greats as Emily Bronte, Charlotte Bronte, and Jane Austen throughout the 1800s. Clearly their stories - Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, and Wuthering Heights, respectively, have stood the test of time, validating once again the enormous popularity of the field.

In general, fictional romance tells the story of a romantic relationship between two people - the meeting, courtship, conflict and strife, and, finally, the happily ever after ending - demonstrative of a love conquers all plot line. There are typically two separate types of the romance novel - the series, which is classified by different elements such as the same characters from book to book or the same time period. The series novels are typically short and inexpensive. The single title novel is longer than its series counterparts and is considered a stand-alone story.

Even within the romance genre there are several sub-classifications that further categorize the story. Such sub-classifications include contemporary romance - detailing the modern love story; historical romance - stories that take place in a particular time period of the past; fantasy/horror/science fiction romance - integrating a love story into an existing atmosphere; and suspense - which infuses romance into a thriller or mystery.

Romance is so very much in the air, that there are even companies dedicated to helping your write your own love story. Anyone interested in having their relationship immortalized in the pages of a romance novel, need only visit any one of the websites devoted to such offerings; you give them your personal information and they deliver to you a personalized novel.

This particular genre continues to be a best seller in North America, beating out all other types of fiction in the United States and Canada. Harlequin, best known for publishing exclusively romance fiction, continues to be the largest publisher of the romance genre in the world.

Romance authors - in delivering these pleasurable reads - have been elevated to a stardom of their own. Such contemporary romance authors as Nora Roberts, Jude Deveraux, and Barbara Taylor Bradford enjoy enormous popularity as fans follow the characters and stories to see what happens next.

As long as we - as a society - continue to look for daily ways to escape the grind of every day life, the romance novel will always be a popular and enjoyable diversion.

Plenty of romance fiction books are being published, which can be bought with ease from several internet sites.

Romance fiction books are loved by today's readers - young and old. Some of the latest books, include 'Skating Around the Law: A Mystery' by Joelle Charbonneau, 'Deeply, Desperately: A Lucy Valentine Novel' by Heather Webber, 'Nothing But Trouble' by Rachel Gibson, 'One Dance with a Duke' by Tessa Dare, 'At the Duke's Pleasure' by Tracy Anne Warren, 'Slow Heat (Berkley Sensation)' by Jill Shalvis and many more.

Readers can find cheap fiction books from several internet sites. These websites are providing a wide variety of books. Readers can compare them and Buy Books Online . Apart, several e-books are also available on many websites. These books are cheaper as compared to the paperbacks. Moreover, some free romance books can also be obtained from these websites. So, if you are not in mood to buy the books, then you can get the PDFs of some books totally free of charge. If you really enjoy these books, then you can think of buying some of these books by spending some money.

The demand of Romantic Fiction Books is increasing day by day.

Now, online shopping has made these books available to everyone...

==> Real Romance: A Guide To Transforming An Online Romance Into An Offline Reality 

Okay, so you’ve finally managed to ask that amazing person out (through e-mail of course) that you’ve met thru online dating but are you ready for a possibly real relationship in the real world?

Well, for starters, don’t even think that just because online dating services have somewhat made the whole dating scene a “little less complicated”, it doesn’t automatically mean that they’ve been able to make things any easier. Sure, online dating services have been able to make the whole “meet and greet” process “quick and simple” but that’s where online dating ends and real life dating begins.

There are many online dating sites on the internet that are not just offering their free online dating services and some “valuable” tips on how to get things going in the “real world” may actually help you a bit but in order for you to survive the real world dating scene, you must have realistic expectations.

While you must be open minded about the whole adult online dating scene, you must not be naïve to believe in everything that you read/see on other people’s profiles. Again, while not everyone are coming up with false claims about themselves, its better be safe than sorry.

Sometimes it’s actually wiser to just meet up with the person that you’ve met thru online dating after interacting online for just awhile. While this will give you some time to actually get to know your new “friend”, this short span of time will at least give you a hint if this person that you’ve met through online dating is really someone whom you’d like to date outside the online dating arena. Try to interact on a more “personal basis” aside from exchanging e-mails or online instant messages, why not try to communicate the “old fashioned way” by calling each other up? Sometimes you can also get a better feel of a person’s personality by the way they carry themselves while they speak. There are some people who tend to have a weird laugh, even a creepy one, so can are you still willing to date someone like that? It’s best to a least get over some of the minor glitches that comes with online dating before you end up wasting your time with the wrong person.

As for finally going out on your date with someone you’ve met from these free online dating service sites, it’s best to keep things casual at first. Don’t try to rush intimacy because it might just blow back to your face. Try to get to know more of the person you’ve met through online dating just a little deeper before you decide on “taking the plunge” because you never can be too careful with strangers. Some might actually turn out to be psychos, married people or sexual predators even. It’s always best to not let your guard down even if the person you’ve met through online dating “seems nice”.

Once you’re already sitting across your date from the online world. You must remember some simple rules when trying to engage in some “witty conversation”:

Never ask overtly sexual questions nor make sexual innuendoes: men usually commit this mistake when they meet someone that they’re really physically attracted to. While there are those who to quick test the waters and are seeking to easily get lucky. Women sometimes makes the same mistake and basically for the same reasons as men but the point is, even though these people have put themselves out in the online dating scene, they are not offering free sex to just about anyone that they meet.

Never interrogate your date: while it’s good that you’re very much interested in your date and would want to get to know him or her on a deeper level, it is never safe to assume that you can ask your date just about anything that pops in your head. This can just make your date feel every uncomfortable and uneasy – how would you feel if you been made to feel like you’re under a microscope being scrutinized?

Be open minded: always remember that you’re two different people. No matter how much you have in common, you still have your own thoughts and ideas and while you or your date may not always agree on some things it’s best not to bee too biased or judgmental over other people’s opinions.

=>> Relationship help for women - who can I talk to? Get back the romance  where is the romance - let us help you - love and romance - accurate psychics that offer Free Psychic Readings Online - reputable psychics - Psychic Love Readings And Getting Your Ex Back. - How to Use Remote Seduction...

==> The Alluring Genre Of Romance Fiction

Romance fiction is mainly defined as the imaginary story of love between people. This imagination is put down in writing to form a romance novel or romance literary work. Romance fiction is one of the oldest genres and definitely one of the most distinguished. People who are responsible for creating this kind of fiction are called romantic authors.

It is pretty amazing thinking about some of the work that has been brought forth by the authors. The best thing about fiction is that all things are possible. Writers are able to bring twists to a tale and bring out not only the entertainment but also the lesson that is hidden. Love has a way to inspire a lot of fiction and, if you feel you are one of those people who love the fiction, you can easily try your hand at it. There are so many fictions for romance available for your to read. If you desire to read some classic tales for love, you will be in a position to do so easily. There are also modern fictions which cannot be compared to the old kind but, certainly with the unbeaten edge and twist of the modern life.

A typical romance fiction might be anchored in an exciting setting. The historical aspects and others might feature prominently. Two people from the opposite sex will have their story of love told.

Drama is the best word to describe how the fiction will play out. All fictions will have a certain plot. However, one common thing or sure thing in the romance fiction is that there will be love.

The people will be used to communicate undying love to readers; love that is able to surpass all other things that you can imagine. People have been inspired to enter into relationships while others have been encouraged to work things out in the relationships. Sometimes, critics say that the fiction will exaggerate the emotion of love an present some unrealistic play outs in the fiction or drama. This is an aspect that makes the story more exciting but, it might not have real or practical application.

Romance fiction can be viewed in various categories. You will find modern or contemporary fiction. You will also find fiction that is historical. There is also one that is paranormal. This is where the writer incorporates some superhuman or extra terrestrial occurrences in a love story.

There is science fiction romance. It is closely related to time travel fiction. This is where the imagination goes wild and some of the things that are not common to science actually come to be. There are many lovers of this kind of romance. It is definitely entertaining as you celebrate love in all spheres. You will also find multicultural romance which is one between several cultures.

The most common fiction of romance is erotic. This is the one that contains lots of sexual content which is made very obvious to the reader. It is also known as romantica therefore, the next time you want to read a love story, use the above knowledge to buy something you love.

==> The History Of The Harlequin Romance Novel

Romance novels have long been associated with a guilty pleasure - covertly enjoyed by women who hide behind their sunglasses on the beach or under the covers on a lazy weekend afternoon. Novels such as these glorify the fantasy of falling in love - elevating the "knight in shining armor" to a level of grandeur never to be experienced by mortal men; bulging biceps, mysterious eyes, and desirable lips - the men of the romance novel are entrusted to sweep the heroine of the book off of her proverbial feet; and in so doing, sweep the masses of women who cling to every word in an attempt to escape reality - off of their feet as well. The romance novel is just that - an escape; and no one provides a portal for better escape than the Harlequin romance novel.

Interestingly enough, the Harlequin romance novel began with a man; not a tall, dark stranger of the novel's pages, but a Canadian businessman eager to break into publishing. Harlequin was founded in 1949 by Richard Bonnycastle and immediately set about publishing books in a wide array of genres popular in the day - such as mysteries and Westerns. It was not until the late 1950s, when Harlequin acquired Mills & Boon - a British romance publisher - that Harlequin made its first foray into the romance novel industry. But by the mid-1960s Harlequin had made a decision to focus solely on the publication of the Harlequin romance fiction novel - based on the enormous popularity of the books (and a not-so-gentle nudging from Bonnycastle's wife Mary).

Differentiating itself further in the market, Harlequin shunned traditional marketing, and opted instead to reach its audience through a non-traditional sales approach. It is for this reason that the Harlequin romance novel can most often be found for sale in drugstores and grocery stores - at the time, frequent haunts of women who were the prime audience for Harlequin.

Just as popular as the fiction itself, Harlequin romance cover art holds its own appeal for fictional romance enthusiasts. The visual of the brawny hero and his damsel in distress has become synonymous with the Harlequin brand; in fact, collectors eagerly seek out vintage Harlequin cover art in a nod to the birth of a brand. While the Harlequin novel covers have gradually changed throughout the years to reflect a more modern audience, the cover art is still just as meticulously created as it was at its inception.

The company's entrance into the online market in 1996 brought the Harlequin brand to the next level, allowing readers to check in with their favorite series and authors. Taking it one step further, Harlequin launched eharlequin.com in 2000 offering an online library where readers can read and shop at their own leisure.

Today, Harlequin remains the largest publisher of romance novel series - publishing over 500 new titles every month - in 25 languages - and with distribution in every major market around the world. The company also encompasses the work of nearly 1,500 fictional romance authors.

==> The Harlequin Romance Legacy

When people think romance novel, the first thought that pops up may be 'Harlequin Romance'. And why not? Harlequin romance novels have been around for decades and continue to be the leader in series romance in the world. Harlequin romance novels have definitely withstood the test of time, and are still going as strong today as they were in the 1960's.

Based in Toronto, Canada, Harlequin romance continues to publish over one hundred titles of serial romance every month. This publisher's books are printed in twenty-five different languages around the world and are written by over one thousand talented romance writers from around the world as well. Harlequin doesn't just offer office romance any more, however, but psychological thrillers, mysteries and historical romance genres as well. Harlequin remains one of Canada's most successful book publishers, with sales of over one hundred and thirty million books a year. Harlequin Romance offices make their presence known around the world as well, with offices scattered from Toronto to New York to Tokyo and Warsaw. Because of the worldwide reputation of Harlequin Romance publishers, writers for Harlequin are able to be globally marketed, a bonus for those fortunate enough to be signed on with the huge publishing company.

Harlequin romance offers something for just about every reading taste, and is generally a tamer romance than some found on book market shelves. Still, there are different imprints within the Harlequin publishing house that attract different age groups and types of readers, and guidelines provided to authors wishing to submit their romance fiction manuscripts must follow Harlequin guidelines to the letter if they hope to be published with the illustrious company. Harlequin romance books are also still one of the more affordable offerings out there in the romance reader market, making them popular by price range and content both. Harlequin has just about every age bracket tagged, from young adults to thirty-somethings to the over the hill-ers. Every Harlequin romance book that rolls off the presses offers a compelling read and great characters.

Women's fiction has long made it to the top of the New York Times bestseller listings, and Harlequin is often seen at the top of that list. Harlequin Romance books publish works in a variety of imprints, including Silhouette, MIRA, LUNA, Red Dress Ink, and HQN books, among others. With over two billion Harlequin romance imprints shipped to buyers all over the globe, Harlequin can do just about anything it wants, and it wants to continue to be a leader in women's fiction for years to come.

The Harlequin Romance website is an exciting, reader friendly neighborhood that keeps fans of Harlequin up to date on the latest signings, releases and attractions to come in the near future. Since the 1960's, Harlequin romance books have settled in their place on library and bookstore shelves, and nothing seems able to knock them off. It's a given that the Harlequin romance is here to stay. Short, fast reads appeal to today's always-on-the-go-women and Harlequin offers them exactly what they're looking for.

==> Romantic Fiction: The Different Romance Genres

It was actually my grandma who first got me hooked on romance novels one summer just before the start of high school. I kept watching her night after night go through this entire routine which began with her getting out her favorite afghan, making a cup of tea, and then turning on the Tiffany lamp (reproduction of course!) that sat on the table next to the couch.

Each night I kept wondering to myself how she could read those books day in and day out when they were all pretty much the same story-you know, the pair of star-crossed lovers find each other after a lifetime of suffering and somehow manage to live happily ever after. Now this was the summer that Frank B. (for legal reasons, let's just let the last name be a mystery!) dumped me for the blonde sitting behind him in English class so I was pretty much fed up with the whole romance idea so I decided to ask her why she insisted on reading those boring and sappy romance novels all the time.

Now maybe I was not quite as smart as I would have liked to believe at the ripe old age of 14 because grams sat me down on the couch and proceeded to tell me that there was bound to be a romance novel out there for all of us. I was actually very surprised to learn just how many different genres there were in romance novels. She then went upstairs into her closet and brought out "The Romance Novel" for me to read. Maybe she knew I liked those psychological thrillers or perhaps she just got lucky but she ended up bringing down a Romantic Suspense novel that she had read a few years back. Within the first five pages I was hooked, and now, I have my own reading ritual every night! Funny how things work out, isn't it?

The romantic suspense genre is a favorite of a lot of readers (and yours truly!) but it is by no means the only game in town. History buffs will love the Historical genre as novels of this type are set back in time and the characters are usually confronting old stereotypes and prejudices kind of like those faced by Romeo and his fair Juliet-luckily, they don't have "thy" or "thee" mussing up the flow of the book. Well, at least not usually.

If the past isn't your scene then you might want to try a futuristic romance. The sky is the limit with these novels and you really have no idea where the writer might take you which is what makes them so fun to read. But, true to the romance novel format, there is that classic love story propelling the plot so the genre remains true to its roots.

One of the most interesting genres that I have come across so far in my twenty years of reading romance novels is the paranormal genre. Basically, these are like the X-Files set to a romantic novel format. The primary male and female characters are usually trying to figure out some strange event that they somehow get caught up in. You really just never know what to expect from a paranormal romance which is definitely what makes them so interesting to read.

On the other end of the spectrum is the western romance novel. Although they are not for everyone, they are a popular choice with a lot of baby boomers who grew up with westerns on television. The male and female main characters generally start the book out at odds with one another and through the course of the book (and several adventures!) they find out that they are madly in love with one another and decide to buy a ranch in Wyoming or something. They are not really my cup of tea but a lot of readers love this genre which explains its enduring quality.

Of course, there are many other genres to choose from like: contemporary, fantasy, inspirational, time travel, and of course, the romantic suspense. It really doesn't matter what you happen to be interested in because there is bound to be a romance out there that you will find interesting. Like me, you may need grams to sit you down and explain to you how there is a lot more to the romance novel than meets the eye. Then, you too can curl up with your favorite blanket and lose yourself in a world where anything is possible and there is always a "Happily Ever After" awaiting you at the end of the journey-well, usually!

==> Gothic Romance Novels

Gothic romance novels or stories were popular in the 18th and 19 century. This was a very interesting type of romance genre which was mainly governed by mystery. They were known to touch on the supernatural and those who have a liking for horror found them especially entertaining.

Their setting was a hall mark of haunted castles and medieval ruins. According to Wikipedia, Gothic romance fiction is a style of writing that combines romance and horror. This is a combination that can best be termed as wicked passion of horror. The man who is believed to be the inventor of the genre is the author English man Horace Walpole.

This is evident in his Gothic fiction novel of romance which he released in 1764. The famous novel is known as 'the castle of Otranto'. Readers have stood out to love this kind of writing and mainly because there is a pleasure that comes from reading about great terror and fear. Adding a good love story to the equation has only made the style more impacting to the readers.

There are so many Gothic romance novels that have been written since 1764. They come with features that are unmistakable.

Some of the most common features of a Gothic romance novel include the following. The first most recognized feature is terror. This is a terror that is both psychological and physical. When reading the stories, you are bound to be captivated by terror which keeps the fans electrified as they read.

The other feature is mystery. It comes in form of the supernatural where you find ghosts and haunted houses. The fiction was birthed from deep believes in supernatural things. There are many people who do not regard the fiction as just fantasy. For example, many readers believe that a house can be haunted by ghosts. Some of these believes have proved to be ingrained in society and it is almost like they are part of us. There are those who get so scared while reading the stories while others find great pleasure in them.

Gothic romance novels will also have other features like death, darkness, decay, madness, secrets and hereditary curses. Many people have labeled the literature as demonic and satanic.

This is mainly because the stories are associated with so much evil and vices. However, despite what others think, Gothic novels on romance have continued to thrill many eager fans all over the world. Most people appreciate the stories of love and how triumph is able to play out amid dark adventure. For more information about the Gothic love stories and the Gothic culture, you can go online and, you will find out more. You will also find information on the development of the literature.

This information is pretty exciting and, you will get to learn new things. Many novels of such genres continue to be produced. There are those novels which are very popular and, one good example is the novel by Mary Shelley called 'Frankenstein'. This is a horror story that has stuck in the minds of many a fan.

==> Romance Books - My Top Ten of Jayne Ann Krentz Novels

Jayne Ann Krentz has so many novels. She has been writing since 1979 and a prolific writer she is too. I thought it might be fun to do a top 10 of my favorite novels from her. I'm taking into account all her pen names such as Jayne Castle and Amanda Quick while making this list.



1. Gift of Gold

2. Gift of Fire

3. Shield's Lady

4. Sweet Starfire

5. Zinnia

6. Orchid

7. Amaryllis

8. Whirlwind Courtship

9. Silver Linings

10. Wildest Hearts



One and two in my list are connecting stories. Gift of Gold and Gift of Fire are both my favorite books from Jayne Ann Krentz. Jonas Quarrel and Verity Ames, paranormal, mystery and a bit of history thrown in. These books have it all!



Shield's Lady, third on my list, is a futuristic/fantasy world. Sweet Starfire another futuristic/fantasy world.



Five, six and seven are all part of a trilogy. The reading order is Amaryllis, Zinnia and Orchid. But don't need to be read in any particular order. Set in futuristic/fantasy world of the Curtain. Jayne Castle has two series relating to the Curtain, one set in St Helens and one in Harmony. These are St Helens books and, I think, much better than the Harmony ones.



Eight, Whirlwind Courtship may surprise some in being top ten. But I have a real soft spot for it. Harlan is so over the top in his alpha male role, but sweet at the same time. This one is a contemporary, first published in 1979 under the name Jayne Taylor.



Nine and ten are both contemporaries. Set in the business world, with great characters. Love these books.



That's my top ten list of Jayne Ann Krentz books, the last couple were the hardest, I could have really thrown a blanket over quite a few of them. They are all her earlier works, but books I go back to time and again for re-reads.

==> Finding Good Romance Novels

Having trouble finding a good book? Harlequin is a wonderful place to start, but those of us that have been with Harlequin for some time grow tried of certain fields like, Intrigue, Spice, Blaze. Most of us die hard fans just continue to shop through each field in hope to find something new. But what about something old?

After eight years and three or more times a month visiting their website, I have read so many of their books that I'm fully aware of what authors that have been around for awhile and who are new and testing the waters. And some of these gems are older and harder to find. But, well worth the effort.

Moriah's Landing was published in 2002, which makes it harder to find, though if you at a mom and pop store or online grab it. It's well worth the effort. This creepy series has an original authors' spin. Told by four different authors I found this Harlequin series to be delightful and fascinating. How they did this so gracefully, I will never know. This four part series was cleverly pieced together, starting with book one each author kept the flow easily. Almost effortlessly. This wonderful alliance with these four authors is not the only series they have published. If you liked this series look for Texas Confidential, which was published two years before this one.

Secret Sanctuary~ by Amanda Stevens
Book one introduces each character, which gives you a feel of where the main story is headed. This was creepy story about witches and things that go bump in the night. Starting with a sorority initiation four young women find themselves in trouble when one of their friends is abducted and found tortured and her mind gone.

Howling in the Darkness~ by B. J. Daniels
I haven't picked this book up since 2002, and just like before I couldn't put it down. With great new twist, Daniels gives you another look at the main story line without wondering too far from it. By bringing in a new character she smoothly gave you a more overall look at the city the story was based in. With fortune-tellers, ghost and a twenty year old murder that has one of these young woman watching the shadows.

Scarlet Vows~ by Dani Sinclair
Taking a little different turn, it still stayed with the story line. Tapping into the last book in the series brought back some of the creepy vibe causing you to wonder what happens next. A secret kept one small child away from the harm her mother had started five years before. But now that the child is known she and her mother are put in danger.

Behind the Veil~ by Joanna Wayne
Honestly, my cat scared the living daylights out of me while I was reading this one! So to say that this was a perfect end to a creepy story of witches is significant. There are plenty of surprises to keep you guessing. By the end I was freaking out by the direction the book took. The mysterious Dr. David Bryson is finally revealed, answering questions that had you guessing from book one.

==> Writing Romance - Why Love can help Your Fiction Sell

When writing romance, put aside any cynical thoughts and focus instead on innocent dreams and memories from your youth because capturing that all important innocent essence is vital when trying to portray that spark of attraction between two of your characters. Writing romance can add sparkle to a scene or indeed, depth to a character and as it can encompass different layers for your characters, it provides glimpses of the person you are trying to create. Writing romance scenes can be fun for the writer too and it can help the story or novel to sell, because romantic fiction is hugely popular in these stricken financial times.

We all like escapism. Readers may want a story which has a semblance of gritty realism but they also want stories of hope, laughter and romance. Fiction needs to have aspects of true life so that readers can relate to it and interlacing romantic moments can produce feel - good factors throughout. When writing romance just remember that it does not all have to be hearts and flowers and over the top romantic gestures to make it work, in fact, depending on the type of fiction that you are planning to write, it can have variations of romance which either carry or support the story as it unfolds.

Romance can also add much needed obstacles to the story and these add weight to any storyline and draw the reader in. Obstacles work in a variety of ways because they add depth to the characters and to the storyline but they also take the reader on a voyage of discovery and leaves them wanting to know whether the obstacles were finally overcome. Using obstacles to prevent the romantic liaisons from progressing also works incredibly well and the actions of the characters involved then start to reveal a great deal about their personalities going forward.

Of course, if writing a short story, word count is going to be limited greatly and so the writer must know exactly what the story is about and also how much romantic content it will contain. Finding the relevant starting point is also important and writing a compelling opening paragraph essential. All readers secretly want a happy ending in some shape or form, it doesn't have to be that the romance works as long as there is some hope that it has worked out for the best or perhaps within those final paragraphs, there are hints of a better alternative as the story closes. Sometimes leaving out some information and avoiding finalising the story down to the very last detail can have the reader's imagination soaring as they being to perceive those characters as three dimensional entities and start to think about the plot, how it progresses and ultimately ends.

Romantic interludes work well. The writer does not need to write intense or heavily erotic scenes if they feel uncomfortable with that, instead they can suggest a positive intensity between their characters by well-crafted dialogue and descriptive scenes. When writing romance, it is essential to provide dark and light elements to vital scenes and allow the reader to convey the subtle influences within the text.

Annette Young
Freelance Writer/Editor
www.creative-competitor.co.uk
The Writing Competition Specialists.
Also offering articles,ebooks,courses and critiques

==> Three key Ingredients to Add When You Write a Romance Novel

As an aspiring romance novelist, I've searched high and low for information on how to write a romance novel, but instead all I found were the same tired generic tutorials on how to write novels with a "romance" label stuck on. There were no talking about romance fiction conventions or what makes a romance novel different from regular novels that have a romance subplot. So, I took the advice of one of the articles I read and I perused quite a few romance novels, and found three things they all had in common, and it improved my writing, and this article will show you what I found.

The easiest thing that I probably should have seen straight away is that the relationship is the center of the book, and everything else is the subplot. So, instead of having a spy novel with a romance subplot, you write a romance novel with a spy subplot. The subplot is also the environment in which the romance happens, it's just that the relationship is bigger than the spy action.

All the best romances shy away from giving in to the urge to merge. Sure they could at any time, but why give the characters, or the readers for that matter, the satisfaction, especially at the beginning? No, I've found that the most engaging romances TEASE both the characters and the reader. They're about to, things are hot and heavy, but then the phone rings and they have to go, or someone walks in and turns on the lights. Whatever. But it's enough to make the reader go, "Yes... yes... do it... Oh, dangit!"

It's the end of the book that you want to give them that release. The ending not only has to be good, it has to be ecstatic. The hero and heroine have suffered, been torn apart, challenged and been through the fires of Hell. All that build up, now you need to consummate it. Write the most erotic sex scene you can, throw the biggest wedding, let the world rejoice. Even if it's on a small scale, give them a climax they'll never forget. Make the reader want a cigarette, even if they don't smoke.

So, I hope I've been able to give you a little more than the typical "how to write a romance novel" article. You just need to make the relationship central above other things, tease the reader but not give it to them until the end, and you make that ending beyond the typical happy endings to see anywhere else. I'll touch on some other things in other articles, but for now, this will give you more than enough to enhance your story.

To read more informative Articles about the Romance Genre by these authors, and to go to their Websites, Click Here...

==> Putting the Man Back in RoMANce

Putting the Man back in RoMANce
For Male Eyes Only!
by Debra Glass

Face it guys.
You've sent her flowers.
You sprang for a housekeeper.
You've tried the dirty talk.
You even manned up and had a three-way with BOB. (Battery operated boyfriend)
And she still has a headache!
What gives?
The sex life of a woman is a conundrum to most men. What do they want? What turns them on? And, most frustrating of all, why won't they tell you?
According to University of Chicago researcher, Dr. Edward Laumann, a staggering 43% of women suffer with sexual dysfunction. Lori Futterman, a researcher at the University of California San Diego says 85% of women have trouble developing desire in the first place and 10% cannot get aroused at all while an estimated 5% of women don't experience orgasms. In addition to these sky-high percentages, lack of desire is a chief complaint among women.

Most guys have seen enough Oprah to realize that a woman's sex organ is between her ears.
But how does the typical red blooded American male engage in foreplay with a woman's brain?
It's easy.
Feed her fantasies.
Women who fantasize enjoy rich sex lives. They're up to try more positions, have fun with sex toys, outfits, you name it!

It's easier than you might think to encourage a woman to fantasize-and you just might enjoy it yourself.
A woman's libido is directly linked to emotions regarding romance and love.
Remember when you first met her and your sole focus was on her attributes? She thought the same thing about you and she was always up for sex, whenever, wherever.
Unfortunately, familiarity tends to quell the hots you had when you were both in the thrall of lust. That doesn't change the fact that women thrive on anticipation and knee-melting sexual tension in a relationship.
With stress, life issues, jobs, children, and bills, how can you bring back that feeling of romance women crave?
Try reading an erotic romance novel with her!

In 2007, romance fiction snatched the largest share of the consumer book market with $1.375 billion in estimated revenue. Of those who read books in 2007, one in five read romance novels. (AP-Ipsos Poll)
Romance novelists continue to thrive on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists.
These are some strong stats.
Why?

Because women enjoy the romance between two characters in a committed relationship.
Contrary to popular belief, women don't read romance because they are dissatisfied with their relationships. It's just the opposite.
Psychology Today states that women who read romance novels make love with their partners 74% more often than women who don't.

74% guys.
That's an even stronger stat.
In her article, Sex Lives, Bonnie Williams writes, "reading a romance novel...can help women shift into their "sex self" from their role as mother, wife, employer, or employee."
But how does a guy fit into all this?
Romance novels are no longer your mother's bodice rippers with cheesy covers and even cornier plots. The books now embody strong heroines who are ladies on the streets and freaks in the sheets. They are in charge of their sexuality and know what they want-and then ask for it in scandalous unladylike language.
Not only is the terminology more graphic, so are the sex scenes which are far more plentiful than in the romance novels of old.

Ellora's Cave's Romantica® books have taken romance to a whole new level. The stories are highly erotic and graphic while still offering spellbinding plots and captivating characters.
With quickies, novellas, and novels published in a wide variety of tastes and genres such as paranormal, contemporary, fantasy, bondage, and historical, readers can easily, quickly, and anonymously download an Ellora's Cave E-book for immediate inspiration.

Author, Phyllis Curott (The Love Spell) adds, "Romance novels are the secret erotica of American women. These books describe what women want. The heroines are very strong and very feminine. And surveys have found that women who read romance novels have sex more often and enjoy themselves more than women who don't read them."

That said, as an educational tool, romance novels contain a wealth of knowledge for men interested in spicing up things in the bedroom.
"Women readers tell us that their husbands read the books they buy from Ellora's Cave, or that they read them together. Some describe jointly reading a sex scene and then acting it out!" says Ellora's Cave Publisher, Raelene Gorlinsky.
Although Ellora's Cave was one of the first publishers to focus on erotic titles, other big houses in the romance industry have followed suit. Harlequin boasts an erotic line as well as Kensington, Samhain, and others.
With the upsurge of erotic titles, romance houses and bookstores are seeing a spike in the number of men readers.

Are these men onto something?
Perhaps they've discovered how reading romance heats up things in the bedroom.
Aside from the added Viagra-like benefits for the woman in your life, with the extensive variety of subgenres, men can also enjoy well researched paranormal, science fiction/fantasy, western, interracial, and even S&M or same sex titles.

The male protagonists in romance novels are no longer the pussy whipped pansies of yore. Writers now strive to please savvy readers by creating realistic characters within the realm of their stories.

Here is a taste of my Ellora's Cave paranormal Quickie, Death By Chocolate which will appear in the March 2009 Flavors of Ecstasy I Caveman Anthology-

Uncertainly, Trip walked back into the well-appointed hotel lobby and took the same elevator up to the fifth floor. He followed the brass signs tacked to the walls in the direction of room 506 and slipped the keycard in the door. At once, he heard the lock tumble and the green entry light came on.
Slowly, he turned the handle and opened the door. "Aries? You in here?"
She stepped into the entry hall dressed in nothing but a lacey bra and panties the same delectable, creamy color of her skin. "Did you bring your handcuffs?" she asked urgently.
His gaze dropped to the bottle of lubricant she held in one hand and the box of condoms she had in the other. What the...

His thoughts skidded to an abrupt halt. "Whoa!" he exclaimed. "Wait a minute. Are you one of those types who get off on murders?"
He tried to look her in the eye but he couldn't tear his gaze away from the plumpness of her pale breasts bubbling over the lace of her bra cups. And her waist... It was so small he could just about wrap his hands around it. His mouth went dry. The thin fabric of her panties creasing at her cleft left no doubt, this girl was au naturel.
Shaved.
Bare.
Mercy!

"I need you to tie me up," she said, adopting that businesslike tone again. "And to blindfold me."
Still holding the door open with one foot, Trip tossed the keycard on the shelf next to the coffee maker. He rubbed his eyes and blinked before he took a deep breath. Every fiber of his being urged him to throw the sexy psychic on the bed and bang her brains out but he knew he shouldn't. He rubbed his temples, knowing good and well he was going to hate himself for denying her but he said it anyway. "No."
She stopped and stared with those cat eyes. So green. In this light, they were jewel green. "I need you, Trip."
His cock rebelled and stiffened so that he had to switch his weight from one leg to the other in hopes she wouldn't see the telltale tent in his trousers. "Listen, Aries, I can't just...I mean, we hardly know each other... Damn, you're a beautiful woman. But I-"

She took a step closer and he felt his heart begin to race. Footsteps approached in the hallway outside and he stepped in and let the door close behind him.
"I need you to tie me exactly like you found the girl." Her eyes searched his.
His resistance wavered. "Why?"

"So I can get a feel for her." She tossed the lube and the condoms on the bed, turned and walked toward the dresser. The way her panties rode the cleft of her tight ass made him want to take her up on her offer. It made him want to do a helluva lot more than that. He groaned.

She opened a bag of Hershey's Kisses. "I got this chocolate in the gift shop. It's not the kind the killer uses, but hopefully it'll work." Bringing the bag of candy with her, she climbed onto the bed.
"Whoa, hold your horses now!" Trip rushed forward, intent on stopping her, but when his fingers encircled her arm electricity shot through him, racing up his arm, into his body and down both legs. His cock surged with blood.
Her gaze drifted to his dark fingers encircling her arm and then lifted once more so that her eyes steadily held his. "I need you to tie me to the bed just like the victim. Blindfold me. Feed me the chocolate. Take off my panties. Do to me what the killer did."

Reading a short, sexy romance together might be just the thing to get her juices flowing-figuratively and literally!

Spice up your sex life!

* Go to the website of an E-book publisher with your significant other
* Search by genre or theme for a story that will really turn her on
* Read it together
* Act out the love scenes

She'll love you for it!