Rough Draft Preptober: Part 3
I am a longhand plotter, but as a working writer, that’s not fast enough. So here is a brief review of the systems I use, just in time for Rough Draft November.
-
-
The Gothic Heart of Romance
Romance has always had a gothic heartbeat. And today’s essay explores why readers—and writers—are drawn to moody, windswept love stories where passion and fear intertwine, and love survives the storm.
-
Rough Draft Preptober: Part 2
If you’re looking forward to writing a new rough draft in November, I’ve compiled some resources that can help you prepare for your next writing journey.
-
Understanding Heat Levels in Romance and Romantasy
Heat levels in romance and romantasy can be confusing because every chart and publisher uses different terms. From ‘sweet’ to ‘spicy,’ closed door to open door, here’s a guide to understanding the spectrum of intimacy in romance (and why YA adds another twist).
-
Haunted Houses & Love Stories: Rough Draft Preptober Part 1
Haunted houses aren’t just for ghost stories—they’re perfect for love stories, too. In this Preptober post, I share how gothic, spooky, and “haunted” settings can heighten romance, sharpen conflict, and inspire your November Rough Draft project.
-
Writing the Last Days of Summer
From county fairs to bonfires, beloved small-town, end-of-summer traditions are a great tool in the writer’s tool box and can be used as story fuel in romance and women’s fiction.
-
My Midsummer Writing Slump
Today’s midsummer writers post is tackling a more difficult topic. And that topic is the Midsummer Slump. It might not mean much on its own, but it’s not a far walk from a slump to a burnout.
-
Midsummer Florals in Romantic Fiction
Today’s midsummer writers post explores symbolic blooms in romance and women’s fiction—featuring story ideas, writing tips, and books that show how florals can deepen emotional arcs.
-
The Romance Tropes We Secretly (or Not-So-Secretly) Adore
From enemies-to-lovers to secret babies (yes, we’re going there), romance tropes are the heart and soul of every great love story.
-
Rough Draft Challenge for Spring
It’s finally Spring! And this April, to celebrate the sunnier weather, I’m joining a Rough Draft Challenge. I’m not worried about perfection or word count, and I’ve included a list of basic tools to help you prep a story for its (very) rough draft stage.
-
To My Immortal Beloved: Part 2
Do you know how to write a love letter to people you care about? If not, here are some tips and ideas to help you craft a letter that will be treasured forever.
-
To My Immortal Beloved: Part 1
Once upon a time, people wrote actual letters to each other and then mailed them. I know. It’s shocking. And when you read about one of the most famous unsent love letters ever written to an Immortal Beloved, you’ll wish everyone would start writing and mailing letters again.
