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

"(For erotica) You have to have an escalation for how the s*x scenes build on each other, in that sense of things getting more and more serious."Cassandra Rose Clarke knows how to play with genres. She teaches writing classes across multiple genres and has written over 70 novels - working with official tie-in books like Star Trek, Halo, etc. We chat on what defines an erotica as opposed to a romance - and how language is essential in building the right emotion for salacious scenes. We also theorize on genre-mixing and how stories can incorporate erotic elements.Cassandra's Books:https://amzn.to/3VlZHklConnect with Cassandra:http://www.cassandraroseclarke.com/Instagram: @cassandraroseclarkeTwitter: @seeorseaFacebook: @authorcassandraroseclarkeTumblr: @cassandraroseclarkeGoodreads: 5331983.Cassandra_Rose_Clarke--------Spicy Blurb Playbook (DIY course):Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offwww.spicyblurbplaybook.comBook Blurb Magic (DIY course):Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offhttps://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY1:1 Blurb Audit (Separate from DIY course):Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offhttps://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORYCustom Book Blurb Service with Jessie (Separate from DIY course):https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY----------Time Stamps[0:04:35] Erotica and romance can overlap.[00:06:21] Erotica and romance can overlap.[00:12:39] Erotica should have emotional connection.[00:16:41] Erotica often requires explicit content.[00:21:04 Erotic scenes enhance storytelling experience.[00:26:09] Fantasy romance is legitimate genre.[00:30:56] Exploring sexuality in speculative fiction.[00:36:04] Language and context shape intimacy.[00:44:49] Integrate sex scenes with plot.[00:46:12] Pay attention to language in sex scenes.----------Books Mentioned:Linnea Sinclair's Bookshttps://amzn.to/3pm0e9TFinley Fenn's Bookshttps://amzn.to/41gjoeXStrange Love by Ann Aguirrehttps://amzn.to/3NPOR4AThe Red by Tiffany Reiszhttps://amzn.to/3VIHVbb---------The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryConnect with Me:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStory Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystarhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvoSupport the show

"If (writers) have a problem...we want to help you target that and take actionable steps. One step at a time (in) chunks so that you can actually move forward right away."Megan Haskell keeps author's stories rolling. Co-host of the Author Wheel podcast and fantasy writer, Megan delves into the importance of structuring writing time and finding the right fit for telling your story. We discuss popular resources The Author Wheel has to offer, and Megan discusses their new writing reference guides that save time, find clarity, and build a foundation for your next novel. Kickstarter for The Author Wheel Quick Guideshttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/authorwheel/preparingtowrite "Search it up!" with The Author Wheel:https://www.authorwheel.com/Podcast: https://authorwheelpodcast.buzzsprout.com/Facebook: @AuthorWheelYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCddVhLNk6gZ1Aj8EsxOE2FwMegan's Books:https://amzn.to/41RQqTsResources from the Author Wheel:https://www.authorwheel.com/stuff--------Book Blurb Magic (DIY course):Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offhttps://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY1:1 Blurb Audit (Separate from DIY course):Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offhttps://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORYCustom Book Blurb Service with Jessie (Separate from DIY course):https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY---------The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryConnect with Me:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStory Music:Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystarhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvoSupport the show

"You can have the emotion, the angst, and the personal intimate details of a romance, but you can also have the cerebral part of a mystery and solving clues..."Award-winning author Diane Kelly had a natural progression from romance writer to cozy mystery writer, and she's been mixing genres ever since. She discusses the difference between concocting a murder mystery and building a romantic connection in a story.  Plus, we chat the influence of true crime and how justice can be served in when writing a cozy mystery. Diane's Books:https://amzn.to/3KoMqE3Connect with Diane:https://www.dianekelly.com/Twitter:  @DianeKellyBooksInstagram: @DianeKellybooks TikTok: @DianeKellybooks Facebook: Author Diane Kelly--------Book Blurb Magic (DIY course):Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offhttps://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/book-blurb-magic/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY1:1 Blurb Audit (Separate from DIY course): Use code ROMANCETHESTORY for 10% offhttps://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/11-blurb-audit/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORYCustom Book Blurb Service with Jessie (Separate from DIY course):https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/custom-book-blurb/?coupon=ROMANCETHESTORY--------Time Stamps[00:04:24] Cozy mysteries feature intelligent women.[00:05:31] Exploring relationships in cozy mysteries.[00:09:35] Balancing genres in cozy mysteries.[00:15:11] Mixing genres can enhance storytelling.[00:19:04] Cozy mysteries and true crime.[00:24:35] Process of outlining cozy mysteries.[00:27:50] Creating suspense in mystery novels.[00:32:20] Understanding human behavior is key.[00:37:49] Romance can enhance cozy mysteries.[00:45:32] Animals bring charm to stories.[00:46:46] Building community in Cozy Mysteries.[00:51:40] Breaking away from Southern stereotypes.--------Books Mentioned:Primer and Punishment: A House-Flipper Mystery (Book 5) by Diane Kellyhttps://amzn.to/41awP11A Trip with Trouble: The Mountain Lodge Mysteries (Book 2) by Diane Kelly https://amzn.to/3Sd2niR---------The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryConnect with Me:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStory Support the show

"Write like a Reader. If you don't wanna read it, don't write it."USA Today Bestselling Author Lauren Smith has written 75 books in 8 years - spanning multiple sub-genres in romance. She fully understands the trials and tribulations that come with branding yourself under one author name, as well as using a pen name for a different sub-genre. She talks about pros and cons in writing different sub-genres, her approach to writing different types of romance, and managing details with so many ongoing series. Lauren's Vampire Valentine Novella:https://amzn.to/3K5NvRcLauren's Other Books:https://amzn.to/3YshwPpConnect with Lauren:https://laurensmithbooks.com/ Twitter:  @LSmithAuthor Instagram: @laurensmithbooks Facebook: @LaurenDianaSmithPinterest:  @ldsmith1818--------Amepphire Press Apparelhttps://amepphire-press.myshopify.com/Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order.---------Books Mentioned:Wicked Designs (The League of Rogues Book 1) by Lauren Smithhttps://amzn.to/3YNnryyGrigori: A Dragon Shifter Romance (Brothers of Ash and Fire Book 1) by Lauren Smith https://amzn.to/3HT5bN7---------The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryConnect with Me:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStory Support the show

"You can bend the rules, but you need to know what they are first." USA Today Bestselling author Jennifer Hilt loves a good trope. So much so that she's written several books about it! In working with authors as a plotter and concept creator, she created and wrote the Trope Thesaurus, a writing reference book to help identify tropes and strengthen stories.Trope Thesaurus Romance: Trope Your Way to a Stronger Storyhttps://amzn.to/43r3GOXThe Trope Thesaurus (Book 1) on Amazonhttps://amzn.to/3YoDB11The Trope Thesaurus: Horror (Book 2) on Amazonhttps://amzn.to/3wVDiizConnect with Jennifer:https://www.jenniferhilt.com/ Facebook: @authorjenniferhiltInstagram: @jennifer_hiltTwitter:  @jenehilt --------Amepphire Press Apparelhttps://amepphire-press.myshopify.com/Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order.---------Books (and Media) Mentioned:The Lost City with Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatumhttps://amzn.to/3jC4mAoPersuasion by Jane Austenhttps://amzn.to/3YakubeThe Suki Stackhouse Series (True Blood)https://amzn.to/40x8l1BPodcast Episode where I talked about the film 'Persuasion'.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com/adapting-austen-netflixs-persuasion-with-romancing-the-story/---------The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryConnect with Me:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStory Support the show

Author Lark Green might be a nurse during the day, but she writes steamy monster romance at night. To deal with the stress of her job and a global crisis, she started writing her own HEA stories. She set a goal to have her debut, The Orc Boss, written and published in a year - all while working full-time in the medical field! We chat about what her process looked like and what she learned in her first foray into monster romance!  Connect with Larkhttps://www.authorlarkgreen.com/Instagram: @authorlarkgreenFacebook: @authorlarkgreenGoodreads: Lark GreenThe Orc Bosshttps://amzn.to/3HMoTLL---------Amepphire Press Apparelhttps://amepphire-press.myshopify.com/Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order. ---------Books Mentioned:Ice Planet Barbarians Series by Ruby Dixonhttps://amzn.to/3DENm36Romancing the Beat: Story Structure in Romance Novels by Gwen Hayeshttps://amzn.to/3WPXTiFSave the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Needhttps://amzn.to/3YeMSJ2---------The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryConnect with Me:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStory Support the show

WRITE WHAT YOU LOVE, LOVE WHAT YOU WRITE.That's Holly Lyn Walrath's motto. Holly is a writer, poet, editor, and publisher of Interstellar Flight Press and always finds new ways to challenge her writing. Her creativity allows her to think outside the box with poems and short stories; along with numerous methods on getting unstuck. She teaches writing workshops and shares knowledgeable tips for helping writers of all genres. Plus, we have a pow-wow about our wins and losses when it comes to writing practices.Connect with Hollyhttp://www.hlwalrath.com/Twitter: @HollyLynWalrathInstagram: @holly__lynFacebook: @HollyLynWalrathEditorialHolly's Bookshttps://amzn.to/3jfzqWqHolly's Class Schedulehttp://www.hlwalrath.com/appearances.html--------- Amepphire Press Apparelhttps://amepphire-press.myshopify.com/Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order. ---------Books Mentioned:The Artist's Way by Julia Cameronhttps://amzn.to/3DoGsidThe Smallest of Bones by Holly Lyn Walrathhttps://amzn.to/3jfzLsa ---------The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryFind me below:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStory Support the show

Writing instructor and multi-genre author, Amber Royer, understands the heart of what makes a cozy mystery the perfect comfort read - community, characters, a little romance and a dash of murder mystery. She has done vast research on chocolate, occupations, and furry friends to bring her latest series - Bean to Bar - to life.Plus, we have an honest discussion about charting out romance subplots in a series and handling the romance with care.Connect with Amber http://amberroyer.com/ Twitter: @amber_royerInstagram: @amberroyerauthorFacebook: @Amber.Royer.AuthorA Study in Chocolate (Bean to Bar Mysteries Book 5) by Amber Royer https://amzn.to/3Hp2ynpAmber Royer - YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoA_29HV2nPmRnox9LPVanw ---------  Amepphire Press Apparelhttps://amepphire-press.myshopify.com/Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order. ---------Books Mentioned:A Study in Chocolate (Bean to Bar Mysteries Book 5) by Amber Royer https://amzn.to/3Hp2ynpStory Like a Journalist: Master Collection by Amber Royerhttps://amzn.to/3R03EZUChet and Bernie Mystery Series by Spencer Quinnhttps://amzn.to/3H3bZYlThe Cat Who Mysteries by Lilian Jackson Braunhttps://amzn.to/3H3bZYlNo More Dead Dogs by Gordon Kormanhttps://amzn.to/3WtAeEr---------The YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryFind me below:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStorySupport the show

It's always a good time to set goals! Writer, speaker, and social media consultant Kathryn McClatchy knows how to create and hit achievable goals. She'shelped many authors create realistic goals and objectives for their stage of life - and put the right timeframes in place.We'll be talking all things goal-oriented. No matter if you are looking to level up your business, writing, or hobbies, we break down why goals are important, identifying goals that are realistic for your stage of life and how to lean into your strengths. (Part 1 of 2. Second part can be found on Kathryn's podcast - Authorpreneurs Unleashed)Connect with Kathryn:https://kathrynmcclatchy.com/Twitter: @KmmcclatchyInstagram: @kathrynmcclatchyFacebook: @KMMcClatchyTikTok: @kathrynmcclatchyAuthorpreneurs Unleashed PodcastAuthorpreneurs Unleashed (buzzsprout.com)---------Resources Mentioned:* The 12 Week Year for Writers: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Your Writing Done by A. Trevor Thrall, Brian P. Moran , Michael Lenningtonhttps://amzn.to/3GSO4e6*On Writing by Steven Kinghttps://amzn.to/3XrJkme*Kitchen Privileges by Mary Higgens Clarkhttps://amzn.to/3GLu110*The Power of When by Michael Breus https://amzn.to/3IPTAjZ*Hero on a Mission by Donald Millerhttps://amzn.to/3DgpJ0P* Mel Robbins "Re-invent your life podcast"https://amzn.to/3IXxg8a---------The YouTube ChannelSupport the ShowFind me below:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStorySupport the show

Shayla Raquel is an author, self publishing mentor, speaker, editor, wifey, and dog mom. She's been helping authors on their publishing journey for over a decade and has writing tips to spare! We chat all things NaNoWriMo and how writers can get invested in any stage of the word count. As a former NaNo winner, Shayla divulges her current methods and tools that set her up for success. Plus, teach you how to apply the tricks for your own writing!Connect with Shayla:https://linktr.ee/shaylaleeraquelTwitter - @shaylaleeraquelTikTok - @shaylaleeraquelInstagram - @shaylaleeraquelPinterest - @shaylaleeraquelShayla's Bookshttps://amzn.to/3NADtFHNaNoWriMo 2022 Planner and Workbookhttps://www.etsy.com/listing/1304802050/nanowrimo-2022-planner-and-workbook-22Shayla's Facebook Group NaNoWriMo Adventureshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/nanowrimoadventures---------Resources Mentioned: A Writer's Guide to Active Setting: How to Enhance Your Fiction with More Descriptive, Dynamic Settings by Mary Buckhamhttps://amzn.to/3t03LcFThe Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi https://amzn.to/3FVwDux---------*SPECIAL FOR NOVEMBER*$20 for 20-minute tarot reading for your writing with L.J. KeysTo book, fill out the Google Form below for an appointment and mention the $20 for 20 mins at the end of the form when prompted for questions.Tarot for Writers Google Form:tinyurl.com/yeyvenrtL.J. Keys' website:https://thekeystothesoul.com/---------The YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQSupport the Show:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestoryFind me below:Twitter - @RomancetheStoryInstagram - @RomancetheStoryFacebook - @RomancetheStorySupport the show