Romancing the Story: Writing Romance, Storytelling, and Book Structure

"...when you can bring your creative brain to marketing, it explodes. There's so much great opportunity to be creative in marketing and think outside the box and try new things."Author and Speaker Carolyn Choate hosts The Financially Free Author Show and has been imbedded in the indie publishing world since the wild west of ebook publishing when Kindle first came out! We discuss about the details of books launch and get off on tangents about our passion for podcasting. Plus, she gives a special glimpse of ways she's implementing her own strategies and writers can too!Book Launch Planner:https://amzn.to/462fMR2Connect with Carolyn:https://www.financiallyfreeauthor.com/ Instagram: @financiallyfreeauthorsFacebook:  @financiallyfreeauthorsYouTube: @Financiallyfreeauthor Pinterest: @FinanciallyFreeAuthor TikTok: @financiallyfreeauthors  --------Instagram Post about Blog Tours:https://www.instagram.com/p/CtWtginAo81/Romance Author C. A. Szarek's Fundraiserhttps://www.givesendgo.com/waterworld2023 ---------- The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryConnect with Me:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStoryMusic:Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystarhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo Support the show

"We're pretty good at (the podcast)....I have to not be afraid of like stepping out of the intentions of what it looked like....Not being afraid to step out, to do something different. Owning that like "you're good at what you do". I feel like that's where I'm at right now. "Whether you are a romance writer, reader or content creator, Bree knows the struggles that comes with growth and transformation. She co-hosts, produces, edits, and co-created The Categorically Romance Podcast that introduces listeners to Harlequin category romance and authors that write under the brand. Come with us as we swap stories of hard-learned lessons in expectations and the reality of a creative.Give the podcast a listenhttps://linktr.ee/TheCategoricallyRomancePodcast Connect with Bree and TCR:Instagram: @bree.unabashedlyTwitter:  @BreeUnabashedly Instagram: @thecategoricallyromancepod Twitter:  @thecategoricallyromancepod    -------- Romance Author C. A. Szarek's Fundraiserhttps://www.givesendgo.com/waterworld2023 Author mentioned by Sarah who reviewed the Three Little Pigs Re-tellingInstagram: @courtneymccaskillwrites ----------Books Mentioned from BreeThe Rivals of Casper Road by Roan Parrish (A male/male romance from Harlequin Special Edition)https://amzn.to/3MT8dDsTwin Babies to Reunite Them by Ann McIntosh (A female/female romance featuring two Black women from Harlequin's medical line)https://amzn.to/3qsvHbnAwakened by the Wild Billionaire by Bella Mason (The author who wrote her book in one month - with Harlequin Presents)https://amzn.to/43rXkjdThe Match by Sarah Adams (The one Bree couldn’t remember the title but recalled it had a service dog who detected seizures!)https://amzn.to/42llcnqThe Backup Plan by Jill Shalvis (Straddles the line of romance and women’s fiction)https://amzn.to/45KF2euLizzie and Dante by Mary Bly (Eloisa James’ real name and her women’s fiction book) https://amzn.to/42vM58k ----------  The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryConnect with Me:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStoryMusic:Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystarhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo Support the show

"We kinda get hit with these overnight success stories, whether it's a writer or anyone...but what I think we don't hear about as much is the actual real toil and grind and rejection that goes into so many books and to being an author."Author Megan Tady put a lot of editing and querying into her debut, Super Bloom, and has the book to prove it! We discuss why the story of hope, grief, and starting a-new was important to tell. Plus, she talks how the book changed from draft to final version and what author life looks like now that her book has been published.Super Bloom by Megan Tady:https://amzn.to/42coMzVConnect with Megan:https://www.megantady.com/ Instagram: @megtadyFacebook:  @medtadyTwitter: @MegTady--------Book Blurb Magic (DIY course):Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offhttps://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORYSpicy Blurb Playbook (DIY course):Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offwww.spicyblurbplaybook.com1:1 Blurb Audit (Separate from DIY course):Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offhttps://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORYCustom Book Blurb Service with Jessie (Separate from DIY course):https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY----------The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryConnect with Me:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStoryMusic:Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystarhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvoSupport the show

"The city is a beautiful backdrop for (character's) to live their lives in. Whereas in a small town, it's really part of the story."Romance author E.F. Dodd holds a special place in her heart for rural settings and even set her latest book, A Higher Standard, in a small North Carolina town. We chat how specific settings influence your story and tone of a book. Plus, there's discussion on how to avoid the stereotypes of small-town settings and making a romance worthy of a smooth city slicker and a fiery country girl falling for each other. E.F.'s Books:https://amzn.to/3MNqvHJConnect with E.F.:https://www.efdoddwrites.com/ Instagram: @e.f.doddFacebook:  @efdoddwrites --------Spicy Blurb Playbook (DIY course):Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offwww.spicyblurbplaybook.comBook Blurb Magic (DIY course):Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offhttps://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY1:1 Blurb Audit (Separate from DIY course):Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offhttps://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORYCustom Book Blurb Service with Jessie (Separate from DIY course):https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY----------Time Stamps[00:02:25] Indie romance author EF Dodd. [00:04:20] Writing two books at once. [00:09:38] Rural North Carolina. [00:13:55] Equine rescue as unique cause. [00:16:02] Realistic rural setting. [00:19:58] Importance of female friendships. [00:22:14] Importance of community in small towns. [00:26:47] Small town community dynamics. [00:30:56] Romance in rural settings. [00:33:34] Preserving historic buildings. [00:37:13] Love and Business.----------The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryConnect with Me:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStoryMusic:Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystarhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvoSupport the show

"(For erotica) You have to have an escalation for how the s*x scenes build on each other, in that sense of things getting more and more serious."Cassandra Rose Clarke knows how to play with genres. She teaches writing classes across multiple genres and has written over 70 novels - working with official tie-in books like Star Trek, Halo, etc. We chat on what defines an erotica as opposed to a romance - and how language is essential in building the right emotion for salacious scenes. We also theorize on genre-mixing and how stories can incorporate erotic elements.Cassandra's Books:https://amzn.to/3VlZHklConnect with Cassandra:http://www.cassandraroseclarke.com/Instagram: @cassandraroseclarkeTwitter: @seeorseaFacebook: @authorcassandraroseclarkeTumblr: @cassandraroseclarkeGoodreads: 5331983.Cassandra_Rose_Clarke--------Spicy Blurb Playbook (DIY course):Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offwww.spicyblurbplaybook.comBook Blurb Magic (DIY course):Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offhttps://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY1:1 Blurb Audit (Separate from DIY course):Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offhttps://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORYCustom Book Blurb Service with Jessie (Separate from DIY course):https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY----------Time Stamps[0:04:35] Erotica and romance can overlap.[00:06:21] Erotica and romance can overlap.[00:12:39] Erotica should have emotional connection.[00:16:41] Erotica often requires explicit content.[00:21:04 Erotic scenes enhance storytelling experience.[00:26:09] Fantasy romance is legitimate genre.[00:30:56] Exploring sexuality in speculative fiction.[00:36:04] Language and context shape intimacy.[00:44:49] Integrate sex scenes with plot.[00:46:12] Pay attention to language in sex scenes.----------Books Mentioned:Linnea Sinclair's Bookshttps://amzn.to/3pm0e9TFinley Fenn's Bookshttps://amzn.to/41gjoeXStrange Love by Ann Aguirrehttps://amzn.to/3NPOR4AThe Red by Tiffany Reiszhttps://amzn.to/3VIHVbb---------The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryConnect with Me:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStory Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystarhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvoSupport the show

"If (writers) have a problem...we want to help you target that and take actionable steps. One step at a time (in) chunks so that you can actually move forward right away."Megan Haskell keeps author's stories rolling. Co-host of the Author Wheel podcast and fantasy writer, Megan delves into the importance of structuring writing time and finding the right fit for telling your story. We discuss popular resources The Author Wheel has to offer, and Megan discusses their new writing reference guides that save time, find clarity, and build a foundation for your next novel. Kickstarter for The Author Wheel Quick Guideshttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/authorwheel/preparingtowrite "Search it up!" with The Author Wheel:https://www.authorwheel.com/Podcast: https://authorwheelpodcast.buzzsprout.com/Facebook: @AuthorWheelYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCddVhLNk6gZ1Aj8EsxOE2FwMegan's Books:https://amzn.to/41RQqTsResources from the Author Wheel:https://www.authorwheel.com/stuff--------Book Blurb Magic (DIY course):Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offhttps://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY1:1 Blurb Audit (Separate from DIY course):Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offhttps://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORYCustom Book Blurb Service with Jessie (Separate from DIY course):https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY---------The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryConnect with Me:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStory Music:Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystarhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvoSupport the show

"You can have the emotion, the angst, and the personal intimate details of a romance, but you can also have the cerebral part of a mystery and solving clues..."Award-winning author Diane Kelly had a natural progression from romance writer to cozy mystery writer, and she's been mixing genres ever since. She discusses the difference between concocting a murder mystery and building a romantic connection in a story.  Plus, we chat the influence of true crime and how justice can be served in when writing a cozy mystery. Diane's Books:https://amzn.to/3KoMqE3Connect with Diane:https://www.dianekelly.com/Twitter:  @DianeKellyBooksInstagram: @DianeKellybooks TikTok: @DianeKellybooks Facebook: Author Diane Kelly--------Book Blurb Magic (DIY course):Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offhttps://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY1:1 Blurb Audit (Separate from DIY course): Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offhttps://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORYCustom Book Blurb Service with Jessie (Separate from DIY course):https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY--------Time Stamps[00:04:24] Cozy mysteries feature intelligent women.[00:05:31] Exploring relationships in cozy mysteries.[00:09:35] Balancing genres in cozy mysteries.[00:15:11] Mixing genres can enhance storytelling.[00:19:04] Cozy mysteries and true crime.[00:24:35] Process of outlining cozy mysteries.[00:27:50] Creating suspense in mystery novels.[00:32:20] Understanding human behavior is key.[00:37:49] Romance can enhance cozy mysteries.[00:45:32] Animals bring charm to stories.[00:46:46] Building community in Cozy Mysteries.[00:51:40] Breaking away from Southern stereotypes.--------Books Mentioned:Primer and Punishment: A House-Flipper Mystery (Book 5) by Diane Kellyhttps://amzn.to/41awP11A Trip with Trouble: The Mountain Lodge Mysteries (Book 2) by Diane Kelly https://amzn.to/3Sd2niR---------The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryConnect with Me:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStory Support the show

"Write like a Reader. If you don't wanna read it, don't write it."USA Today Bestselling Author Lauren Smith has written 75 books in 8 years - spanning multiple sub-genres in romance. She fully understands the trials and tribulations that come with branding yourself under one author name, as well as using a pen name for a different sub-genre. She talks about pros and cons in writing different sub-genres, her approach to writing different types of romance, and managing details with so many ongoing series. Lauren's Vampire Valentine Novella:https://amzn.to/3K5NvRcLauren's Other Books:https://amzn.to/3YshwPpConnect with Lauren:https://laurensmithbooks.com/ Twitter:  @LSmithAuthor Instagram: @laurensmithbooks Facebook: @LaurenDianaSmithPinterest:  @ldsmith1818--------Amepphire Press Apparelhttps://amepphire-press.myshopify.com/Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order.---------Books Mentioned:Wicked Designs (The League of Rogues Book 1) by Lauren Smithhttps://amzn.to/3YNnryyGrigori: A Dragon Shifter Romance (Brothers of Ash and Fire Book 1) by Lauren Smith https://amzn.to/3HT5bN7---------The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryConnect with Me:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStory Support the show

"You can bend the rules, but you need to know what they are first." USA Today Bestselling author Jennifer Hilt loves a good trope. So much so that she's written several books about it! In working with authors as a plotter and concept creator, she created and wrote the Trope Thesaurus, a writing reference book to help identify tropes and strengthen stories.Trope Thesaurus Romance: Trope Your Way to a Stronger Storyhttps://amzn.to/43r3GOXThe Trope Thesaurus (Book 1) on Amazonhttps://amzn.to/3YoDB11The Trope Thesaurus: Horror (Book 2) on Amazonhttps://amzn.to/3wVDiizConnect with Jennifer:https://www.jenniferhilt.com/ Facebook: @authorjenniferhiltInstagram: @jennifer_hiltTwitter:  @jenehilt --------Amepphire Press Apparelhttps://amepphire-press.myshopify.com/Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order.---------Books (and Media) Mentioned:The Lost City with Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatumhttps://amzn.to/3jC4mAoPersuasion by Jane Austenhttps://amzn.to/3YakubeThe Suki Stackhouse Series (True Blood)https://amzn.to/40x8l1BPodcast Episode where I talked about the film 'Persuasion'.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com/adapting-austen-netflixs-persuasion-with-romancing-the-story/---------The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryConnect with Me:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStory Support the show

Author Lark Green might be a nurse during the day, but she writes steamy monster romance at night. To deal with the stress of her job and a global crisis, she started writing her own HEA stories. She set a goal to have her debut, The Orc Boss, written and published in a year - all while working full-time in the medical field! We chat about what her process looked like and what she learned in her first foray into monster romance!  Connect with Larkhttps://www.authorlarkgreen.com/Instagram: @authorlarkgreenFacebook: @authorlarkgreenGoodreads: Lark GreenThe Orc Bosshttps://amzn.to/3HMoTLL---------Amepphire Press Apparelhttps://amepphire-press.myshopify.com/Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order. ---------Books Mentioned:Ice Planet Barbarians Series by Ruby Dixonhttps://amzn.to/3DENm36Romancing the Beat: Story Structure in Romance Novels by Gwen Hayeshttps://amzn.to/3WPXTiFSave the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Needhttps://amzn.to/3YeMSJ2---------The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryConnect with Me:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStory Support the show