Sally Williamson and Carly Corcoran gave an overview of the Romantic Fiction Market.

Key points are that 20.5% of fiction books bought retail are romantic fiction. Websites like Amazon mean readers have every book available at their fingertips. E-books are a large growth area, with more e-readers are being bought every day. You can now read on mobile phones, and then there is the Ipad – appealing new technology focussed on reading.

Five Basic Elements that women look for in Romantic Fiction…

Readers are busy, they need quick-fix entertainment that is easy to get hold of. They look for escapism – a complete other world, they want believable, empathetic characters to engage their emotions, and a fast-paced storyline. And, of course, a satisfying ending!

How is this achieved in Series Romance?  With new twists on classic themes!  Study the various series; each line has something different to offer readers. What emotional issues have you seen handled in new/interesting ways?

Examples of 21st Century emotional issues/themes…
  • IVF/Designer baby eg Their Newborn Gift, by Nikki Logan
  • Choice mum – freezing eggs, sperm donors
  • Work/life balance
  • Online dating/social networking
  • Infidelity
  • Heroine as boss or wealthier than hero
  • Controversial health issue eg anorexia, or domestic abuse from both sides
Innovate, don’t imitate!  Think about your latest story idea…does it fall into the cliché trap? How can you put a fresh spin on it?

The Heroine…
  • Readers should want to walk in her shoes
  • She is inspirational but relatable
  • Her hopes and dreams/fears and insecurities should chime with readers
  • She doesn’t have to be perfect – M & B heroines can have bad hair days!
  • She can be the boss, or the PA, the surgeon or the nurse
  • She is independent, and has strength of character
  • She doesn’t need a man to rescue her – but he’ll make the journey more fun!

The Hero…
  • He is successful and wealthy
  • He is driven, he knows what – and who – he wants and how to get it!
  • He has integrity and honour
  • He answers only to himself!
  • He is dangerously attractive
But he’s…
  • Tameable
  • Not a chauvinist – he encourages the heroine to spread her wings
  • In touch with his emotions
  • A family man – he’ll change the baby and pick the kids up from school!

A snappy opening chapter is vital.  Know your hero and heroines and get them together ASAP; keep the focus on the developing romance. Give readers a tantalising taste of the emotional conflict and get the sparks of attraction flying! Backstory should be unfolded gradually. Use dialogue – let characters speak for themselves.  Keep minor characters to a minimum and end on a climax – leave readers wanting more!

Three Things to Remember…
  • Commercial awareness of the Romance market is crucial
  • Women want the same in their romances, but presented in a new way
  • Keep your finger on the pulse – innovate, don’t imitate!

Report by Carol Townend