Daphne Clair and Robyn Donald have each had about 70 romance novels published worldwide by major publishers. Their books often appear on romance and mass-market bestseller lists in America.
They conduct intensive live-in weekend courses in writing romance, limited to four or five participants.
A dozen of our authors are published by Harlequin lines and many have sold to other publishers. Several have finalled in the Golden Heart - America's most important award for unpublished romance writers, the Golden Gate award (San Fancisco Bay area) and other international and national contests. They often feature as finalists and winners in the Clendon (Finish the Damn Book) Award many of whose winners have found publication overseas.
COURSES ARE USUALLY CONDUCTED IN A LARGE MODERN HOUSE IN NORTHLAND, WITH COMFORTABLE (SINGLE) ACCOMMODATION AND ALL MEALS PROVIDED.
EACH COURSE DEPENDS ON FOUR PEOPLE BOOKING, CONFIRMED WITH PAYMENT.
2007 IMPORTANT: the system
We keep a waiting list of interested people and put them in touch so they can organise a date to suit four of them. We will also travel if they provide a venue and cover travel and accommodation costs.
Again, ALL courses are contingent on 4 confirmed bookings. We never take more than six students per course. We would be happy to discuss other types of courses if you wish to involve a larger group.
Please get a committed group together either from your own friends or from the waiting list, and contact us with suggested dates/venue. After this is finalised, we will ask for full payment from each participant, which should be paid within ten days.
NOTE: We will not conduct a course with fewer that four students. The experience is less satisfying for the students as well as for us. If anyone cancels, the group finds a replacement or the course will be cancelled.
EMAIL US TO BE ON THE LIST OF THOSE INTERESTED.Basic Course Students are required to send beforehand a synopsis and chapter or chapters they have written of a romance novel. Each participant has a private session with both tutors about this manuscript. Because the group is limited to 4-6 we are able to tailor our courses to particular needs. The emphasis is on romance, but people writing in other genres with romance elements have found the course useful. Much of what they learn can be applied to other fiction writing. Our book Writing Romantic Fiction published by A & C Black, ISBN: 0-7136-4887-2 is required reading and will be referred to during the course. This book is recommended by publishers, and praised by editors and by other successful romance writers. A discount is available from Barbara's Books (reading@barbarasbooks.co.nz) on presentation of a receipt # for the course. Or we can sometimes sell you a copy. Advanced courses include extended constructive critiquing of your ms in a group situation, with discussion and tutoring applied to your particular needs. Fee of NZ$400 for either course includes GST, all meals, and comfortable single accommodation.
Prerequisites for basic course:
1) At least 15 pages and a synopsis of your romance novel. Having read our book
Writing Romantic Fiction.
Prerequisites for advanced course:
1) A complete or nearly complete ms.
AND
2) Having attended our basic course or have other relevant writing experience. (Exceptions may be discussed.)
Group sessions include:
Fiction Techniques - the nuts and bolts of the craft as applied to romance
Heroes - from Heathcliff to the man for the new millennium
Heroines - strong women versus strong men
Motivation - "Why is your character doing this?"
Plot and Subplots -- more than Boy meets Girl
Emotional Impact - the knife edge of romance
Source of Tension - the vital ingredient
Focus - keeping it tight
Pace - keeping it moving
Setting - making the setting work for the story
The Language of Love - clichés or codes?
Risks and Rewards - markets, contracts, pitfalls and plums
More Info:
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Robyn
Daphne
