Issue #15
March, 2006
Dear Romance Writer:
Last month we were so busy getting our Pre-Valentine’s Day soiree up and running that we were delayed in sending out the February newsletter. We’re happy to say we’re back on track now with this March issue.
In honor of women’s history month, we are pleased to have interviewed prolific writer, Gayle Wilson, the president of Romance Writers of America. Please be sure to check out Gayle’s thoughts on writers and writing. Her inspirational comments are sure to keep you motivated.
We’ve been busy brainstorming ideas for keeping you engaged and focused on your writing, and we’re hoping to offer teleconferences on topics of interest to you. We do, however, need to hear from you. Your thoughts and suggestions are, as always, welcomed.
Meanwhile, take time out to write the book in your heart!
Romantically Yours,
Marcia King-Gamble
Editor of Romantically Yours
www.lovemarcia.com
WRITING FOR THE INSPIRATIONAL MARKET
By Marcia King-Gamble
The inspirational market is a hot one right now and may be a good way for a fledgling writer to get published. This very popular new market is hungry for writers, but all elements of a good romance still need to be incorporated into your story. Goal, motivation, and conflict are still important to story development. Hero and heroine must meet as close to the first page as possible and should never be separated for too long. The emotional conflict is also important and should be woven throughout the plot. Like any other romance, a happy ending is mandatory.
So what makes an inspirational romance different? Spirituality. Faith can be the conflict or the resolution. God plays a central role in the decision-making process, especially as the relationship develops and grows. This is not to say that these are preachy stories. But sex before marriage is a huge no-no. Waiting to consummate the relationship heightens the sexual tension, and heightened sexual tension leads to heightened internal conflict.
You, the writer, must believe strongly and passionately in what you write. Faith in God is important, and your passion and beliefs about spirituality should be reflected in your writing. As hero and heroine experience their journey together, their spirituality and faith are tested. Redemption is found through love.
INSPIRATIONAL PUBLISHERS:
Steeple Hill:
A division of Harlequin, “Steeple Hill Books is dedicated to publishing inspirational women’s fiction that depicts the struggles and triumphs the characters’ experience as they learn important lessons about life, love and the power of faith.”
Joan Marlow Golan, Editor
P.O. Box 5130
Buffalo NY 14240-5190
or
P.O. Box 615
Fort Erie, Ontario L2A 5X3 Canada
Email: joanmarlow_golan@harlequin.ca
Web: http://www.steeplehill.com.
Tyndale:
Inspirational Romances
Doug Knoz, Editor
351 Executive Drive
Carol Stream IL 60188
630-668-8300
www.tyndale.com
Bethany House Publishers:
Religious Fiction and Nonfiction
David Long, Editor
11400 Hampshire Avenue S
Minneapolis MN 55438
Fax: 952-996-1304
Web: http://www.bethanyhouse.com.
While they do not accept unsolicited queries or proposals via telephone, mail, or email, they will consider one-page queries sent via fax and directed to Adult Nonfiction, Adult Fiction, or Young Adult/Children.”
Barbour (Heartsong Presents):
Inspirational Romances
P.O. Box 719
1810 Barbour Drive
Uhrichsville, OH 44683
www.barbourbooks.com
Multnomah Publishers:
Inspirational Romances
P.O. Box 1720
Sisters OR 97759
541-549-1144
www.multnomahbooks.com
Waterbrook Press:
Contemporary and Historical Inspirational Romances
2375 Telstar Drive, Suite 160
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
719-590-4999
http://www.randomhouse.com/waterbrook/
HAPPENINGS:
Desert Dreams 2006
April 21-23, 2006
Chaparral Suites Resort
Scottsdale, AZ
Contact Susan Lanier-Graham: (866) 267-2249
www.desertroserwa.org
Romantic Times Book Lovers Convention
May 16-21, 2006
Hilton Hotel Resort
Daytona Beach, Florida
www.romantictimes.com
Book Exposition America (BEA)
May 19-21, 2006
Washington Convention Center
Washington, D. C.
www.bookexpoamerica.com
Romance Writers of America National Conference
July 26-29 2006
Atlanta, Georgia
Members and non-members welcome. Participate in the workshops, literacy book signing, and Golden Heart Awards.
www.rwanational.org
Faith-Based Arts Conference
June 30 - July 2, 2006
Sheraton Imperial Hotel & Convention Center
Raleigh, NC
Jacquelin Thomas sponsors this conference. The first one was held two years ago in Raleigh. Meet some of your favorite authors of Christian fiction.
INTERVIEW WITH GAYLE WILSON
This month it’s been my pleasure to interview Gayle Wilson, the president of Romance Writers of America. Gayle is a former high school English and history teacher. She has a masters degree in education and is certified to work with the gifted. She is the author of 37 novels and three novellas for Harlequin/Silhouette. She is also a six-time RITA finalist, the RITA winner for Best Romantic Suspense in 2000, and the RITA winner for Best Novella in 2004. She writes for HQN and MIRA. An RWA member since 1995, Gayle is a frequent speaker at regional conferences. She has served on the RWA Board of Directors for three years. Visit her website at: www.booksbygaylewilson.com
RY: Can you describe the duties associated with being president of Romance Writers of America?
GW: The president of RWA is the official spokesperson of the organization, someone who expresses the opinions of the national Board of Directors as well as provides a public “voice” for organization. As president, I organize the agenda and preside over board meetings. I approve all official publications, such as the Romance Writers Report and eNotes. I also write the monthly President’s Column in the RWR, which is intended to keep the membership informed of the organization’s interests and concerns.
RY: Will you please tell our members the history of RWA …how it came about and why it was formed?
GW: RWA was founded over 25 years ago to give romance writers a voice within the industry and to provide a support group comprised of like-minded individuals. Pioneer romance editor Vivian Stephens fostered the formation of the group, which consisted at that time of approximate 20 women who were already involved in professional careers within the genre. The organization has grown to over 9,000 members, both published and unpublished, and has become an increasingly powerful presence in the industry.
RY: Each state has a local RWA chapter, and in some states there may be more than one chapter. In what way do these chapters contribute to the national organization?
GW: For many members, local chapters are their connection with RWA. Those members attend their local meetings, and sometimes the national conference. Through chapter programs and speakers, they learn the craft of writing, become savvy about the publishing business, and have an opportunity to network with other writers. Chapters may offer critique groups, writers’ retreats, and email loops for their members. Chapters support the national organization by providing up-close-and-personal services to our members. Many volunteers on the national level received their training in governing local chapters. It’s truly a symbiotic relationship.
RY: Please describe some of the benefits associated with belonging to such a prestigious organization?
GW: I’ve already mentioned many of the benefits associated with belonging to our local chapters. On the national level, we offer a monthly professional journal, the Romance Writers Report, which provides articles on craft, industry, and career development; information on contests and conferences; interviews with authors, editors and agents; columns by well-known writers; market updates; and organizational information. Our electronic publication, eNotes, comes out twice a month with links to articles on both the genre and the industry. Our annual national conference offers over 150 workshops on every conceivable subject of interest to career-focused romance writers, appointments with agents and editors, specialized retreats, and the opportunity to network with over 2,000 writers and industry professionals. RWA’s increasingly prestigious writing awards – the RITA (for published books) and the Golden Heart (for unpublished manuscripts) – are presented during the conference. RWA also maintains many email loops for its members that are organized into specialized areas of interest such as craft, industry, and the writer’s life. One of the major benefits I’ve derived from RWA during my 12-year membership is the support and encouragement of my fellow writers. I consider that to be invaluable to someone pursuing a writing career.
RY: In my opinion, attending RWA’s national conference at a less expensive rate than a non-member is another huge benefit. What tips would you give to first-timers to ensure they have the best conference experience possible?
GW: Pace yourself! The national conference can be overwhelming. There are so many opportunities to learn, and first-timers tend to feel as if they need to take advantage of all of them. Remember to find time to relax and put your feet up occasionally.
Be friendly. Strike up a conversation with someone at the Welcome Reception or at meals. Don’t just hang out with your chapter mates, but take the opportunity to broaden your horizons. There are authors from all over the world at the conference, as well as people in every stage of a writing career from rank beginner to the Times bestsellers. Most are friendly and accessible.
Remember your conference manners, which would include not intruding on the time of the industry professionals in attendance beyond your scheduled appointments. No manuscripts shoved under the door of a bathroom stall.
Most of all, enjoy. Absorb the atmosphere and the excitement and be prepared to be inspired to go home and write up a storm.
RY: What are some of the misconceptions people have of the romance genre? What can a responsible writer do to change these perceptions?
GW: There are many misconceptions, and most of us have heard them all: the books are formulistic, they are all about sex, they are simple to write, and they appeal only to the bored housewife. As far as changing perceptions, I think always conducting oneself in a professional manner goes a long way in making a positive impression. We are business people, after all, and we should certainly be businesslike. I offer to send books to anyone I hear making an uninformed comment about romance, but I do it in a friendly fashion. I also take every opportunity to speak about the wise and wonderful members of RWA, some of whom had very impressive professional credentials even before they became writers. I have a list I call “Look Who’s Writing Romance” that I’ll share at the drop of a hat. It includes college professors, NASA engineers, molecular biologists, and many others. The list never fails to change a few faulty perceptions.
RY: Many writers take great pains to tell you they write mainstream and not romance. What, in your opinion, is the difference between women’s fiction, mainstream and romance … or is there a difference?
GW: In many cases, the difference is in the eye of the beholder – or maybe in the eye of the author. The lines can be very blurred, but to me there are two things that define a romance – a developing romantic relationship and an emotionally satisfying ending.
RY: Given that over 52% of all mass market books sold in the United States are romances, it’s safe to say romance sells. What do you see as the hot markets for writers, and what are possible future hot markets?
GW: I think romance will always be appealing for the very reasons I mentioned above. Most of us need to have the promise that there are lasting commitments and happy endings. Romance supplies both. If you are asking what subgenres of romance will be hot in the future, I’d need a crystal ball to answer that. A crystal ball I’d very much like to have.
RY: What would your advice be to beginning writers who are eager to get started in the business? Would you recommend an agent?
GW: Whether or not one needs an agent depends on the publishing house one is targeting. Sometimes it’s easier to get a good agent after you’ve gotten your foot in the door of the publishing world. Series or category romance is a great way to do that. If you don’t write series and are targeting publishers who don’t accept unagented manuscripts, then you don’t have much choice but to begin with an agent search – that is, after you’ve completed your manuscript and have it in saleable shape and, most importantly, after you’ve researched which agents are reputable. RWA lists agents who have met certain professional requirements on our website. That’s always a good source of information.
Personally, I wrote and sold probably 25 books before I acquired my agent, so you can certainly build a career in this business without one, but again it depends on what you write and who’s buying it.
RY: What about contests? How can they benefit the new writer? While we are on the subject of contests, can you tell us a little about the Golden Heart and the RITA? When can newbies feel confident enough to submit their work?
GW: Many unpublished authors see the many chapter contests as a way to get their work before an editor without it spending months in the slush pile. Editors agree to read contest finalists’ manuscripts in hopes that they’ll find a great story. And they remember names, especially if they see quality work come across their desk, or if they see someone listed as a winner of contest after contest. They know that writer is determined, dedicated, and worth their taking time to offer advice. I have several friends who believe their big break came because they pursued contests. (I have to add that I sold without ever having entered any contests, so this is certainly not the only way to make a sale.)
The RITA is RWA’s increasingly prestigious contest for published books. Winners and finalists receive quite a bit of publicity and recognition within the industry and among the general public.
The Golden Heart is for unpublished writers. Again, those who final in the GH have their manuscripts read in the final round by editors. Some GH finalists sell the book that was a finalist; others don’t.
There’s no magic bullet in this other than writing the best book you can, soliciting some unbiased feedback on it, and hoping for some constructive criticism you can use to make your work even more commercially appealing. As for when you can feel confident enough to submit – well, that’s something only you and your muse can decide. And when you do, I’ll be wishing you the very best of luck and great success.
RY: And finally, what is your vision for Romance Writers of America?
GW: I would like for RWA to meet the needs of our members, no matter what rung on the career ladder they’re on. We need to be there for the newbies and the New York Times bestsellers, with programs and services that will benefit both.
I would also like to see us as an ever-stronger voice in the publishing world. Through the Publisher Summit every year, we already bring our members’ concerns to the publishers. We advocate on their behalf and will continue to do so.
We also educate our members as to clauses they should watch for in agency and publishing contracts. We help them hone their craft. We offer support and networking through chapters and the national conference. We try to help with career planning and even with how to deal with the sometimes stressful world of the writer’s life.
My vision is that we will continue to do all these things and to do them even better in the future.
WHO’S ACQUIRING:
Harlequin/Silhouette:
There are new writing opportunities at Silhouette Nocturne
Length: 70,000 – 75,000 words
Editorial Director: Tara Gavin
Associate Senior Editor: Ann Leslie Tuttle
Editorial Assistant: Sean Mackiewicz
Launch: October 2006 (2 books/month)
Nocturne is looking for stories that deliver a dark, very sexy read that will entertain readers. Fast-paced, action-oriented. There are life/death issues at stake.
The books are contemporary, but can go back into history, depending on the needs of the story. Strong sexual/sensual overlay. The main characters are very powerful – and the conflict is based on this element. The hero is an alpha male. Characters do not live by predictable rules; instead they respond to the needs of the paranormal world that the author has set up for them. There is a "mythology" created to explain the characters existence, and their actions must not run contrary to this setup. The mythology must remain consistent and support the action of the book. Miniseries are welcomed.
The books can be set anywhere throughout the world.
Kimani Press:
There are new writing opportunities at Kimani Press
Check out the guidelines for the following imprints at www.eHarlequin.com
Kimani Arabesque
Kimani Sepia
Kimani Spirit
Kimani Romances
New Concepts Publishing:
5202 Humphreys Road
Lake Park, GA 31636
www.newconceptspublishing.com
submissions@newconceptspublishing.com
Acquiring titles for Harmony™. Stories are about the harmonious blending of races and cultures. They are no simply multi-racial romances, and racial issues should not cloud the storyline. Harmony brings color and intriguing cultures together. Follow the guidelines for good futuristic, fantasy, historical or paranormal romance. Preferred length is 75,000 to 100,000 words.
COMING NEXT MONTH:
A very special “surprise” interview!
ABOUT ROMANTICALLY YOURS
Romantically Yours is a FREE monthly newsletter for members of American
Writers & Artists Inc.'s Romance Writing Course - "Writing for Love
and Money."
We want to hear from you. Please send comments, news, research, or story
ideas directly to Marcia King-Gamble at romanticallyyours@awaionline.com.
American Writers & Artists Inc.
245 NE 4th Ave., Ste 102
Delray Beach, FL 33483
Phone (561) 278-5557
Fax (561) 278-5929
memberservices@awaionline.com
© 2006 American Writers & Artists Inc.