Class

Writing Romance Novels

Romance novels are big business as the #1 selling fiction genre in the US. With many sub-genres - from sweet small town to paranormal, romantasy to romcom - romance novels appeal to a wide-range of, often voracious, readers. In this class, students will learn what defines a romance novel vs. a novel with romantic elements, common romance tropes, world building, characterization, POV, and romance plot structure with the all-important HEA (Happily Ever After). Today's romance novels are different from generations ago. Most modern romance novels embrace female desire and empowerment. The main character (female or male) doesn't settle for second best and considers their wants and needs as vital, powerful, and as important as their love interest's. Couples can be F/M, M/M, F/F, (and more), and embrace a wide-range of diverse characters. We will read samples texts from authors Nikki Payne, Casey McQuiston, Ali Hazelwood, Helen Hoang, and Talia Hibbert. Class will include craft instruction, reading short examples, writing practice, and the occasional "Trope Game". Students will have the opportunity to submit up to 15 pages for instructor feedback.

All Classes listed on the Loft website take place in Central Standard Time (CST); make sure you understand your time zone, and adjust accordingly

Instructions for Accessing This Online Class

In order to access live class meetings, you must have the Zoom application downloaded to your computer. You will also need a WiFi/Internet connection throughout the duration of your scheduled meeting and a computer with audio and video capability. The information to join your Zoom classroom will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration. Please check spam folders if you do not see this email upon registration. For more information on how to use Zoom, please see our training manual here.

Some classes use a supplemental Google Classroom page. Should your teaching artist use Google Classroom, you will be invited to join the classroom via email at least 24 hours in advance of your class (check spam folders if you are not seeing this invitation). Please note that Google Classroom requires a Gmail address to access the Classroom. If you do not have a Gmail account, the email invitation will be sent to the email address we have on file and will prompt you to create a free account or enter an existing account to join the classroom. If we are unable to send an email invitation to your non-gmail account, you will be contacted by a staff member to provide a Gmail address. If you do not have a Gmail account, you can create a free account here. Should you have concerns about this, please contact a Loft staff member at [email protected] or 612-379-8999. For more information on how to use Google Classroom, please see our training manual here.