Romancing the Story: Writing Romance, Storytelling, and Book Structure

"...if I want readers to be able to identify with the character then I want them to be able to identify with the illness specifically...I can't be ashamed to put the name (of illness) on the page."Romance author Cara Dion knows writing through the pain of chronic illness is not just about the physical aspects but touches ever part of her life. We chat her experience with chronic illness, the way it affects her writing and using romance as a way to create relatable characters and powerful commentary on challenges, both illness and beyond. Plus, who doesn't enjoy a good, ol' fashioned Hemingway to Sierra Simone pipeline? Find Cara Dion on Kindle:https://amzn.to/4d95nWhConnect with Cara:https://www.caradion.com/Facebook - @caradion.authorInstagram - @caradion.author---------Media Mentioned:Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibberthttps://amzn.to/4e3sDGhPriest by Sierra Simonehttps://amzn.to/3XtiJqr---------The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryFind me below:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStory Music:Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystarhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo Support the showSupport the show

"I think initially planning it out was kind of difficult. Only because...(the writer) is very descriptive. She says she can't draw, but in my mind, (they) just do it differently. (Writers) do it with words."USA Today Bestselling Author C.A. Szarek collaborated with comic artist Gilbert Perez to create an illustrated version of her romantic fantasy novel. Chrissy provides the writer's perspective of how she was able to convey and hone down her story to the essentials to be illustrated. Gilbert provides the artist perspective of composing scenes, managing workload, and figuring out limitations - such as color blindness - to create art.Connect with C.A. Szarek:http://www.caszarek.com/Twitter/X - @caszarekInstagram - @caszarekFacebook - @caszarekConnect with Gilbert Perez https://gilbertperezart.wixsite.com/2021Instagram - @gilbertperezartTikTok - @gilbertperezart Twitter/X - @gilbertperezart Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gilbertperezart?mibextid=ZbWKwL Sword’s Call Illustrated Edition by C.A. Szarek — Kickstarterhttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/caszarek/swords-call-illustrated-editionFind C.A. Szarek's books on Amazon:https://amzn.to/3PMXw6m---------Other Media Mentions:Path of the Pale Rider Issues #1 - 5 by Laurie Calcaterrahttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pathofthepalerider/path-of-the-pale-rider-issue-5Ep 65 - Building an Interconnected Series with C.A. Szarekhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/13976922Ep 35 - Highlander Time-Travel Trope and Writing with C.A. Szarekhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/11426240Lauren Smith's Wicked Designs: The Illustrated Editionhttps://amzn.to/3Zbe0wg--------- The YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Show:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryFind me below:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStoryMusic:Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystarhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo Support the show

"....(Screenwriting) is, to me, a lot more puzzle-like than novels...if somebody gives me a screenplay to read that is 140 pages, I know it doesn't work."Award-winning author Emily Roberson explores the intricacies of adaptation as she delves into how to write compelling scripts. From options as an author to translating a story to the screen, Emily shares insights, challenges, and plenty of examples. Whether you’re a writer or simply curious about storytelling, join us as we unpack the written word and its visual counterpart.Connect with Emilyhttps://www.emilyrobersonbooks.com/YouTube: @emilyrobersonbooksTikTok: @robersonemilyInstagram: @robersonemilymTwitter/X: @RobersonEmilyLifestyles of Gods and Monsters by Emily Robersonhttps://amzn.to/3YW8bCH---------Other Media Mentions:Time to Write with Amy Kelly and Emily Robersonhttps://timetowritepodcast.com/"The Screenwriting Life” with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKennahttps://www.thescreenwritinglife.co/Michael Arndthttps://www.youtube.com/@michaelarndt8848Cinestoryhttps://cinestory.org/---------The YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Show:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryFind me below:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStoryMusic:Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystarhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo Support the show

Tosca Musk, CEO and co-founder of Passionflix, a streaming service dedicated to adapting romance novels into films, shares her journey in transforming the genre. She discusses the challenges of female filmmakers in Hollywood and the excitement of involving fans in productions. Tosca elaborates on the delicate balance of adapting beloved stories while managing production costs and timelines. She highlights the joy of celebrating filmmaking milestones, emphasizing community and collaboration in bringing romance to the screen.

"...and if you create this single story for a people of a certain historically, marginalized identities; you know, that gets taken by readers and it gets inside of them in ways we might not expect or intend to..."Award-winning author Alex Temblador commitment to diverse storytelling helped create a tool to authentically write and edit a character whose identity differs. We delve into the art of authentically writing characters whose identities differ from our own by exploring the complexities of crafting diverse characters, addressing topics such as identity terms, stereotypes, and unconscious biases. Connect with Alexhttps://www.alextemblador.com/https://www.writinganidentitynotyourown.com/Twitter/X: @alex_tembladorInstagram: @alex_tembladorFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1360921567LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextemblador/GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15807980.Alex_TembladorWriting an Identity Not Your Own: A Guide for Creative Writershttps://amzn.to/4dhE8JS---------Other Media Mentions:Writing the Other (Conversation Pieces) https://amzn.to/3X467GjChimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story | TEDhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zegI'm not your inspiration, thank you very much | Stella Younghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K9Gg164Bsw---------The YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Show:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryFind me below:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStoryMusic:Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystarhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo Support the show

"...Introducing family shows a different side (to the character) and allows the character to be a little more well-rounded in the way they interact..."Writing instructor and multi-genre author, Amber Royer, encounters the challenges and surprises of introducing new characters with her Bean to Bar Cozy Mystery Series. She even touched on understating off-page characters until authors know the dynamics they present with the main protagonist and the importance of moving a character forward.  Connect with Amberhttp://amberroyer.com/Twitter/X: @amber_royerInstagram: @amberroyerauthorFacebook: @Amber.Royer.AuthorBean to Bar Mysteries Series by Amber Royerhttps://amzn.to/465yUNIAmber Royer - YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoA_29HV2nPmRnox9LPVanw---------Media Mentions:Stop or My Mom Will Shoothttps://amzn.to/46B1OpZCase Closedhttps://amzn.to/4fHHwzw---------Amber's Other Episode:Ep 14 - Character Agency, Motives and Chocolate-writinghttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/8890402Ep 43 - Making a Cozy Mystery Cozyhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/12098109Ep 61 - Writing Engaging Pets and Animal Sidekickshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/13653198---------The YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Show:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryFind me below:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStoryMusic:Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystarhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo Support the show

Romance author Melissa Whitney and narrator Harlow Wilde chat about the evolution of audiobook production, creating indie romance audiobooks, collaboration processes, and bringing characters to life. They share insights on the creative journey, challenges, and rewards in the world of audiobooks.

Author and narrator Karen White discusses the impact of audiobooks, sharing tips on leveraging narrators and platforms. She emphasizes waiting to invest in audiobooks until a series is successful. Topics include marketing strategies, AI in narration, and the evolution of audiobooks.

"I try to write really fierce, headstrong characters...but at the same time, it's ok to be vulnerable. It's ok to say I don't have all the answers."Author Kimberly Packard lovingly calls women's fiction the "trash can punch" genre since it has a little bit of everything, and while her characters and novels run the gamut within the genre, the emotional arcs that keep readers invested is the glue that holds them all together. We delve into balancing emotional arcs in a plot that helps readers root for your characters. She shows us how to lean into feelings - without dragging down the narrative or wearing down the reader! Find "This Time Around" on Amazon:https://amzn.to/4eb5JNTConnect with Kimberly:www.kimberlypackard.com Facebook - @kimberlypackardauthorTwitter - @kimberlypackardInstagram - @kimberlypackard---------Media Mentioned: The episode where Kim's blurb for This Time Around appeared!Ep 34 - Dissecting Book Blurbs with Jessie Cunniffe https://www.buzzsprout.com/1064368/11384252"This Time Around" cover artist who gets a shout-out:Sarah Hansen https://www.okaycreations.com/ --------- The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryFind me below:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStory Music:Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystarhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo Support the show

"If it feels like I'm trying to force something...that's usually when I know to kinda let go. Either set it down or hold it with an open hand and see what happens. Whatever happens with it, let that be. "Amy Kelly, the new leader at Lone Star Literary Life, shares her unique journey as an author, podcaster and literary advocate to enrich both Texans and other authors. We explore how previous experiences and knowledge all lead to taking over LSLL and managing time and effort into the right endeavors. Connect with Amy: Personal Instagram: @amykellytheishgirlBusiness Instagram: @lonestarlitPersonal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theishgirlBusiness Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoneStarLiteraryWebsites:https://theishgirl.com/https://www.lonestarliterary.com/ ---------The YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Show:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryFind me below:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStoryMusic:Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystarhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo Support the show