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In the Writing Jungle

Suzi Goode

Websites and Print Material of Interest to Romance Writers

There are many websites of interest for romance writers. The primary one of interest is the RWA or the Romance Writers' Association. It is an invaluable resource for writers who want to be on top of the latest news in romance writing. The RITA and the Golden Hearts awards are given out by this group of dedicated writers. If you live in the United States, Canada or selected spots in the world, you may opt to belong to an RWA chapter near you and attend meetings at least once a month for support in your romance writing.

The new Harlequin site is also an invaluable website. You can not only order books, but you can check out upcoming titles, guidelines for the various editors as well as read what published authors have to say about their writing in the romance industry.

RomanceCentral is also another website romance authors should familiarize themselves with. It is filled with information about authors, the newest releases, as well as articles on how to improve your writing.

The AAR site or All About Romance, is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon and check out what's being read, what type of rating a particular novel is receiving, and take a quiz on their Cheat Sheet. There are also specific topics to view if you are a writer of any subgenre of romance. AAR also has a discussion on the Egroups lists, formerly Onelist, which can be found at the AAR site. It is a very active list for both authors and readers alike, so be prepared for plenty of list emails.

The website for the Romantic Times Magazine is also a place a romance author must have a look at. Romantic Times also publishes a print magazine that allows readers to keep up to date with what's being published and what authors have to say about their novels.

There are several books which can help with your romance writing. They are:

• Writing the Romance Novel written by Leigh Michaels and updated in 1999.
• How To Write A Romance For The New Markets And Get It Published Volume One, edited by Kathryn Falk (the founder of Romantic Times Magazine), published in 1999.
• You Can Write a Romance published by Writer's Digest Books.
• Writing Romances: A Handbook By The Romance Wriers Of America also published by Writer's Digest Books.

If you would like to see more resources, consult a copy of the Novel And Short Story Writer's Market 2000. There's a comprehensive section on writing romance as well as markets for selling novels or short stories.

Keep writing!

Suzi