The destiny of the spiritual romance novel

Posted on July 1, 2009 by JouleRA

Why the spiritual romance novel disappoints

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While reading passages from an old journal entry, I remembered my initial thoughts about the spiritual romance novel. I was disappointed in the genre, not through any fault of the authors or their stories but in the definition itself. It seemed to neglect a portion of its readership that I felt existed but had not yet found its collective voice.

These novels failed to reach the audiences I envisioned for my stories or that I represented as a spiritual-not-religious reader. I wanted to contribute to the development of a new romance genre and, though I became busy filling notebooks with spiritual–not religious–love stories, I never forgot my dream: to connect with others who share this vision.

Along the way I’ve discovered many a good fiction story about spirituality, some having Continue reading →

Posted in Genres, Spiritual romance novel, Writer's block | 6 Comments

What makes a best selling romance novel?

Posted on June 29, 2009 by JouleRA

best-romance-novel

Making the Best Seller List

There are plenty of ways to help promote your book , and getting on any of the lists is a cherished moment for the romance novel authors who did Continue reading →

Posted in Best Sellers, Industry, News | Leave a comment

How to write a romance novel in two months

Posted on June 28, 2009 by JouleRA

Best selling romance novel authors say that if you’re always thinking you know how to write a romance novel that you’re reading and inventing ways to make it better, it doesn’t always mean there’s something wrong with the one you’re reading. You may just be destined to Continue reading →

Posted in Elements, Writing | Leave a comment

Romance novel writers wanted

Posted on June 27, 2009 by JouleRA

write-romance-novel1Romance novel writers, if you’ve been putting the finishing touches on your manuscript, now’s the time to get it ready for submissions and be part of a big launch.

Quartet Press, one of the latest romance novel publishers, has just announced its launch this week. The digital publishing house is now accepting manuscript submissions for Continue reading →

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Spiritual erotica and the romance novel

Posted on June 26, 2009 by JouleRA

spiritual-erotica

…or, Confessions of a neurotic book lover

Everyone has their own experience, especially when it comes to reading a love story. For example whenever I get high from reading a spiritual romance novel (sometimes found in a Romance genre other than Inspirational), part of me is already planning on finding the next one.

But sometimes the author doesn’t write it fast enough for me. Or she has only the one novel. If there are others, sometimes they don’t give me that feeling. So I  Continue reading →

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Evolution of the romance novel

Posted on June 24, 2009 by JouleRA

tristan-and-isolde In this article I provide a brief tour of the history of romance, in appreciation for its pioneers through the ages–storytellers and listener, authors and reader.

I discuss how our passion for this genre impacts its evolution. These are the highlights starting with medieval romantic literature (not the love story’s first appearance in history).

The romance novels in original medieval literature were about courtly love and written for women.  In them, knights fought battles similar to those in the medieval male-oriented epic dramas. But these were stories for women; the knights fought for love of their ladies. Some translators of the medieval classics were Victorians who Continue reading →

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Writer’s block and the voice in your head

Posted on June 23, 2009 by JouleRA

stranger-than-fictionWhether you write romance novels or blogs, you might identify with what a writing slump feels like. And if the voice in your head had its way, you’d retire your word processor. But… what if the voice was not in your head? Continue reading →

Posted in Writer's block, Writing | 2 Comments

Awakening to the classic romance theme

Posted on June 22, 2009 by JouleRA

boy-meets-girl

Boy meets girl in the fairy tale

It’s a given that the heroine must be equal to the hero in taking an active role in their story. Our current culture dictates it, and it’s expected in the structuring of classic ‘boy meets girl’ romance themes. The allure of this theme is not found in a syrupy, ‘you Continue reading →

Posted in Fairy Tale, Genres | Leave a comment