Online Class: Romance Writing

This course will take you through everything you need to know to write the kind of romance novel that gets noticed. From creating a hero and heroine that sizzle to understanding point-of-view and knowing where to go for more resources, you will gain access to insider information on making the most out of your manuscript.

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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 13
    Lessons
  • 28
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 1,764
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 12
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.2
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Crafting Romance Novels: From Dream to Reality

The allure of crafting a romance novel has captivated countless individuals across the globe. Given that romance has been the leading fiction genre in the United States for over three decades, the prospects within romantic fiction are more promising than ever. As of 2023, the romance genre holds a market share of around 34%, making it a powerhouse in the literary landscape.

But what makes romance writing so intriguing, and simultaneously challenging, is its specialized nature. There are stringent criteria concerning the plot, characterization, novel length, and even manuscript formatting. These benchmarks aren't mere industry whims but are reflections of what avid romance readers anticipate. Meeting these expectations is paramount for budding writers hoping to carve a niche in this sector.

This meticulously curated course is designed to arm you with the tools and insights needed to craft a romance novel that stands out in a crowded market. It offers an in-depth dive into the intricacies of romance writing, ensuring your manuscript resonates with both agents and readers alike.

Course Breakdown:

Lesson 1: Introduction to Romance Writing
Dive deep into the heart of romance writing, understanding its evolution and importance in the literary domain. Discover the power of love stories and the potential they hold in the modern market.

Lesson 2: Exploring the Sub-genres in Romance
Not all romances are created equal. From historical to paranormal, contemporary to fantasy - understand the myriad sub-genres, their characteristics, and audience preferences.

Lesson 3: Setting the Foundation
Before penning down your story, there are essential preparatory steps to consider. This lesson guides you through research, understanding audience demographics, and setting a roadmap for your writing journey.

Lesson 4: Crafting Your Style
Every writer has a unique voice. Delve into the nuances of narrative voice, tone, and pacing that will make your romance novel distinctively yours.

Lesson 5: Painting the Perfect Setting
A romance isn't just about two people; it's also about where their love story unfolds. From bustling cities to serene countrysides, learn how to craft settings that enhance your narrative.

Lesson 6: Designing the Ideal Hero
What makes a hero swoon-worthy? Understand the psychology of crafting male protagonists who resonate with readers, exploring aspects like backstory, motivation, and character arc.

Lesson 7: Crafting the Captivating Heroine
A romance is as much about the heroine as the hero. Dive into the art of designing female protagonists who are strong, relatable, and pivotal to your love story.

Lesson 8: The Ensemble Cast
Beyond the lead pair, a host of characters play pivotal roles in a romance novel. Learn to create compelling side characters that enhance your narrative without overshadowing the leads.

Lesson 9: Weaving the Plot
A gripping plot is the backbone of any novel. Understand the structure, pacing, and key elements that make a romance story unforgettable.

Lesson 10: The Heart of Conflict
Romance without conflict can be flat. Grasp the essence of creating authentic, meaningful conflicts that drive your narrative and keep readers hooked.

Lesson 11: Penning Passionate Scenes
Romance novels often delve into intimate moments between characters. Learn the art of writing tasteful, evocative love scenes that are pivotal to your story's progression.

Lesson 12: Gearing Up for Submission
Your manuscript is ready, but how do you get it in front of the right eyes? This lesson offers insights into preparing your work for agents and publishers, ensuring it gets the attention it deserves.

Lesson 13: Expanding Your Horizon
As you near the end of this course, equip yourself with additional resources, books, and communities that will aid you in your ongoing romance writing journey.

Enroll now and set your romance writing aspirations into motion, armed with knowledge, insights, and the passion to tell unforgettable love stories.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.64 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,600 votes)

Lesson 1: Welcome to Romance Writing

29 Points
This lesson focuses on the romance industry and getting started in it. Additional lesson topics: Romance Writers of America
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment: Self-Evaluation
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2: Genres in Romance

29 Points
This lesson focuses on romance genres, including how they overlap and the requirements for each. Additional lesson topics: The Different Genres of Romance; The Subgenres of Romance
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment: Evaluating Genres
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3: Getting Started

30 Points
This lesson focuses on getting started transforming the ideas in your head to words on the page.
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment: Setting Your Writing Schedule
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4: Romance Writing: Style

30 Points
In this lesson, you will learn what the expectations for style and quality are in romance novels.
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment: Point of View Writing
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5: Romance Writing: Setting

30 Points
In this lesson, you will learn what to do to develop a realistic setting.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment: Focusing on Setting
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: Romance Writing: The Hero

28 Points
In this lesson, you will learn what to do to develop the best hero for your novel. Additional lesson topics: 20 Tips for Writing Lovable Romance Novel Heroes; Creating Great Heroes and Heroines
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment: Narrowing Down the Hero
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: Romance Writing: The Heroine

28 Points
In this lesson, you will learn what to do to develop the best heroine for your novel.
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment: Creating the Heroine
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: Romance Writing: Additional Characters

29 Points
In this lesson, you will learn what is expected of secondary and additional characters in a romance.
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment: Adding Additional Characters
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9: Romance Writing: Plot

30 Points
In this lesson, you will learn about romance plot development.
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment: Developing the Plot
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: Romance Writing: Conflict

30 Points
In this lesson, you will learn about creating effective and convincing conflict.
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment: Creating Conflict
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11: Sex and Love Scenes

29 Points
In this lesson, you will learn about writing convincing sex scenes.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment: Writing Sex and Love Scenes
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12: Preparing for Submission

33 Points
In this lesson, you will learn about getting your manuscript ready for submission to agents and publishers.
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment: Putting it All Together
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13: Additional Resources

90 Points
In this lesson, you will learn where to go for more information on writing and publishing romance novels.
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Final Course Poll - Your Opinion; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment: Charting Your Course
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
445
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe the romance industry.
  • Define the genres in romance writing.
  • Summarize the processes for transforming ideas in your head into words on paper.
  • Define style and quality expected in the romance genre.
  • Define a realistic setting for the romance genre.
  • Define the hero in the romance story.
  • Define the heroine in the romance story.
  • Describe the secondary characters in the story.
  • Define specific techniques for developing plot in the romance genre.
  • Define the conflict of the romance story.
  • Define ways to create convincing love and sex scenes.
  • Prepare your work for submission.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Romance Writing
Course Number: 9770554
Lessons Rating: 4.64 / 5 Stars (1,600 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Enroll in this course from any U.S. state, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also accessible to learners in English-speaking countries such as the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and South Africa.
Last Updated: December 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.2 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Dana Kristan
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "Great course. Challenging assignments. The instructor, is great, responsive as always." -- Nicholas Y.
  • "The instructor is fair and consistent and I think does her job very well indeed." -- Anne F.
  • "I loved this course and everything is going to help me finish my novel, so thank you!" -- Mikayla L.
  • "Actually loved the class and learned so much." -- Elizabeth I.
  • "Instructor was very helpful." -- Miranda P.
  • "The assignments were most helpful to me" -- La P.
  • "Everything was great." -- Betty H.
  • "Melissa Merritt is one of the best instructors you have. She is very knowledgeable and helpful. She is a very encouraging instructor." -- Donna N.
  • "It was all very helpful for me in preparing my book." -- Rosalind G.
  • "The instructor was very prompt in reviewing and grading my assignments and answering my questions." -- Tiffany G.