Course Syllabus

 

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
 

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.
 
 

Assessment Guide

Assessment Points
An Introduction 1 points
Lesson 1 Assignment: Self-Evaluation 20 points
Lesson 1 Exam 8 points
Lesson 2 Assignment: Evaluating Genres 20 points
Lesson 2 Exam 9 points
Lesson 3 Assignment: Setting Your Writing Schedule 20 points
Lesson 3 Exam 10 points
Lesson 4 Assignment: Point of View Writing 20 points
Lesson 4 Exam 10 points
Lesson 5 Assignment: Focusing on Setting 20 points
Lesson 5 Exam 10 points
Lesson 6 Assignment: Narrowing Down the Hero 20 points
Lesson 6 Exam 8 points
Lesson 7 Assignment: Creating the Heroine 20 points
Lesson 7 Exam 8 points
Lesson 8 Assignment: Adding Additional Characters 20 points
Lesson 8 Exam 9 points
Lesson 9 Assignment: Developing the Plot 20 points
Lesson 9 Exam 10 points
Lesson 10 Assignment: Creating Conflict 20 points
Lesson 10 Exam 10 points
Lesson 11 Assignment: Writing Sex and Love Scenes 20 points
Lesson 11 Exam 9 points
Lesson 12 Assignment: Putting it All Together 25 points
Lesson 12 Exam 8 points
Lesson 13 Assignment: Charting Your Course 20 points
Lesson 13 Exam 10 points
The Final Exam 60 points
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