Page 26 - KC Cunningham Issue

A romance is a romance … or is it?

Early romance novels, circa late ‘70s and early ‘80s, were either
dramatic historic sagas (think bodice ripper) or modern-day tales
in which the hero “rescued” the sweet, innocent heroine, typically a
nurse, governess or secretary.
Over the last quarter century, the genre has widened to encompass
virtually every subgenre. Publishers offer a variety of “lines” dedicat-
ed to these specialties: romantic suspense, inspirational romance,
contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance,
multicultural romance, young adult romance and erotic romance.
The heroine might be a vampire hunter, a princess or a witch, while
heroes now come in the form of billionaires, shape-shifters and
mercenaries.
Despite these changes, the defining criteria for a romance novel
remains the same: two people falling in love and an emotionally-
satisfying ending (otherwise known as the HEA – the happily ever
after).

The characters and story lines created by today’s author are more
complex, offering readers a reading experience that is insightful,
entertaining and uplifting.
“We start with a hero and heroine who are attracted to each other,
but who couldn’t possibly be worse for each other – emotionally
speaking,” says Judy Duarte, an award-winning author of more
than 30 novels, including Entertaining Angels (Kensington, May
2009). “Then we create a story that makes them face their old fears,
wounds and baggage. In romantic fiction, it’s not the set-up that
produces a perfect couple; it’s the journey they must take.”

The value of membership
“I had definitely read enough to know it was thing of the future and I
26 “When I first got the idea that I wanted to write a book, I had this was fascinated by it,” Stewart says.
passion to do it but I had no idea how to do it,” Duarte says. “I was
filled with all these questions that had no place to go.” Siracusa, who self-published her first novel and has two more out
with Sapphire Blue Publishing, says e-publishing is becoming a
Membership in RWA-SD provides individuals with a multifaceted legitimate option for authors who struggle to find a niche for books
support system that goes beyond the technicalities of writing. While that may not fit current market trends.
the Internet has made it easier to access information about every-
thing from plotting to publisher guidelines, the personal connection is “The e-book seems to be a viable career choice,” Siracusa says, “Is
invaluable. it is less expensive and books come out a lot quicker. They are more
flexible and willing to take a chance on a new author or a new way of
“People can give you the inside scoop on what a publisher is looking presenting something.”
for what,” says Jill Limber, author and past-president of Romance
Writers of America. “People are able to offer ‘inside’ tips because of For more than 25 years, RWA-SD has served as a resource for
networking and connections.” romance writers of all levels, interests and backgrounds. They wel-
come new members and encourage individuals to attend a meeting
For Duarte, assertively accessing the information and experience or two to learn more about the organization.
of other authors helped to shorten the learning curve and saved her
from making common beginner mistakes. Equally important was the “You’re going to walk into a room with a lot of people who are happy
fellowship and camaraderie she found at RWA-SD. “It was nice to to see you and are willing to do what they can to help you get what
meet with people who thought like I did,” Duarte says. you need,” Dimon says. “It’s the combination of knowing what you’re
doing, learning the industry and getting your butt in the chair. I think
One of the toughest, and most unexpected, challenges for today’s the San Diego Romance Writers can help you do all of these things.”
writers is keeping up with technology. Not only are authors ex-
pected to do more self-promotion through venues such as Web sites Romance Writers of America-San Diego meets the third Wednesday
and social networking sites, but the very face of the written word of most months from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The monthly meetings feature
is changing. Along with wireless reading devices like Kindle, the two informational/educational sessions, a chapter business meeting,
Internet has created new publishing opportunities for writers through lunch, book signings and opportunities to network with aspiring and
electronic publishers like Ellora’s Cave and Wild Rose Press. multi-published authors. The chapter’s annual fundraiser to benefit
adult literacy is held each November and is open to the public. For
RWA-SD member Jean Hart Stewart is something of an e-publishing more information, contact RWA-SD at rwasd.info@gmail.com.
pioneer. Over the last five years she has published 11 romantic
paranormals with Cerridwen Press and has another three under
contract. She was attracted to e-publishing for the opportunities it
presented and because of an awareness that the market for digital
books was growing.
March/April 2010