2010: March 26-28 (ENROL NOW!), May, August.
with
Daphne Clair and Robyn Donald
Daphne Clair and Robyn Donald are best-selling romance authors with more than 150 books between them sold 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.
More than a dozen of their students are now published by Harlequin/Slhouette/Mills & Boon 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 Several have finalled in the Golden Heart - America's most important award for unpublished romance writers, the Golden Gate Award (San Fancisco Bay area) and other international and national contests.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, most of whose winners and finalists have found publication overseas.
THE WORLD-FAMOUS-IN-NEW ZEALAND KARA COURSES ARE CONDUCTED IN A LARGE MODERN HOUSE IN NORTHLAND, NZ
WITH COMFORTABLE (SINGLE) ACCOMMODATION
ALL MEALS PROVIDED. TOTAL COST $475
EACH COURSE DEPENDS ON FOUR PEOPLE BOOKING, CONFIRMED WITH PAYMENT.
IMPORTANT ALL courses are contingent on 4 confirmed bookings. The experience is less satisfying for the students as well as for us with fewer than four. If one cancels without finding a replacement there is no refund for that person. The course may have to be cancelled. We will not take more than five students per course.
We would be happy to discuss other types of courses if you wish to involve a larger group.
If you have a committed group from your own friends contact us with suggested dates. We would also consider another venue that suits you.
EMAIL me (see email slot below) for more information or to book a place.
Include your email and snail mail addresses.
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.)
Basic Course
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
Source of Tension - the knife edge of romance
Emotional Impact - 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
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 4-5 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$475 for either course includes GST, all meals, and comfortable single accommodation.
Please inquire if a place is available before sending money. On a booking being accepted, you will be asked to send a deposit of $250 within a week, balance payable one month before the course date.
Click here for more information.
