One of the challenges for the beginning romance novelist is learning her craft. Online courses offer a convenient and economical way to hone writing skills. These courses are relatively inexpensive, usually under $30. Each course is conducted by e-mail and lasts for about a month with two lectures per week, an opportunity for questions and answers and feedback on homework assignments.
Online teachers generally fall into three categories: established writers, new or emerging authors and experts. Bestselling and multi-published writers offer craft courses based on their hard-earned experience. Taking a course with a NYT-bestselling author is not only thrilling but can be the first step in networking with other professionals in the romance writing field. In addition,a class with a bestselling author provides inspiration as they often share stories of their own challenges on the road to publication as well as the secrets to their success.
An unpublished or new author may also have something to offer as they share the knowledge gained while still actively striving to have their romance novel published. A course taught by an expert may prove invaluable in providing authentic background for a work-in-progress, for example, a cop teaching a course will offer an insider’s perspective on the realities of police work.
Three Romance Writing Course Websites
One of the oldest and best providers of online courses is Romance Writer’s of America Kiss of Death (KOD) chapter. KOD is the mystery/suspense chapter of the Romance Writers of America (RWA), however, one does not have to be a member of RWA or KOD to take a course offered by KOD.
KOD offers two tracks. The Murder One track focuses on the details of crime and crime investigation. These courses are often taught by law enforcement professionals. 2009 course offerings include:
- Serial Killers
- Homicide Investigation
- CSI
The other track, Killer Instinct, offers courses focusing on the craft of writing. Upcoming courses include:
- Writing Romantic Suspense that Works
- Conflict and Pacing
- Conquering the Dreaded Synopsis
This site offers a wealth of romance writing courses throughout the year. Classes are generally taught by multi-published authors or experts. Upcoming classes include:
- Death Scene Investigation
- Take Your Book from Good to Sold
- Urban Fantasy
- Layering Your Scene One Element at a Time
WriterUniv.com
WriterUniv.com offers a monthly class on some aspect of the craft or business of writing. Upcoming class offerings include:
- Grammar for the Faint of Heart
- Creating Your Hero’s Fatal Flaw
- Magic, Monsters and Amour: Creating a Believable Paranormal, Fantasy, or SF World
- Down and Dirty: Media Training for Fiction Authors
Keep Updated on New Romance Writing Online Course Offerings
Finally, Julie Rowe offers a free e-mail loop which provides biweekly updates of online courses of interest to romance writers. In addition to the sites listed above, many RWA chapters offer on-line courses and Julie’s e-mail loop helps to track these. She sends about about thirty e-mails a month listing course offerings.
Jo Ann Woodsum - I am an attorney specializing in commercial real estate leasing transactions. I write romance novels under the pen name Joie Sonrisa (as ...
