There are a million different ways to plot a novel. Another million tropes. But if you are writing a romance, there had better be a series of key scenes (or “beats”) that shout to your reader, “This is romance!” In this workshop, we will be delving deep into Gwen Hayes’ Romancing the Beat and looking at ways to make those essential romance beats so emotionally powerful that your reader will fall in love with your novel, whether you write contemporary, fantasy, historical, suspense, sci-fi, or any other romance subgenre.
Using visuals, templates, mini-assignments, and more, we will explore what must be in each beat and where to locate them in your story structure—perfect for anyone writing or editing a romance or novel with romantic elements. Active participants will receive a free edit of their story structure framework.
We will cover:
Fascinated by history, fantasy, and romance, Joan Koster blends those passions into historical novels about forgotten women and romantic thrillers. Under the pen name, Zara West, she has published the award-winning romantic suspense series The Skin Quartet.Â
Joan loves mentoring writers. Her top-selling Write for Success series covers fast drafting, revision, research, and power language with tips and tricks for all writers.Â
Joan blogs at ZaraWestRomance.com, JoanKoster.com, Women Words and Wisdom, American Civil War Voice, and Zara West’s Journal and has taught numerous online writing courses.Â
