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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/12373-Love-on-the-Run.html
Romance/Love: January 24, 2024 Issue [#12373]




 This week: Love on the Run
  Edited by: StephBee Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

“Suspense is worse than disappointment.” – Robert Burns

“The suspense of a novel is not only in the reader, but in the novelist, who is intensively curious about what will happen to the hero.” – Mary McCarthy.

Happy 2024 Romance Readers!!

January is a busy month. We’ve got the New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King Jr. holidays happening. We quickly make resolutions and then there’s 17 JAN – National ditch your resolutions day. Personally, I set goals so I’m not so disappointed when my resolutions fall short. *Laugh*

This newsletter I thought I’d take a look at the romantic suspense genre. I think it’s a genre that never gets old and never gets dull. Done right, this genre will keep the reader flipping pages to the end, yet there’s a nuance to writing a romantic suspense, and some important elements to keep in mind.

Here’s a fun activity to keep you busy:
 
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Romantic Subgenres Open in new Window. (E)
A word search that explores romance genres.
#2312392 by StephBee Author IconMail Icon



Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

Romantic suspense is a hybrid genre blending both romance elements and suspense/thriller elements. The plot focuses on a mystery, suspense, or thriller storyline and the romance develops in the context of a life/death dilemma or crime. Since both genres have high stakes, you get double the intensity.

Writing a successful romantic suspense requires authors to balance character development with a fast-action plot. The suspense drives the plot, which is filled with high pressure situations that bring out the best (and worst) in the hero and heroine. The romance usually occurs in the quiet periods, and gives the readers' adrenaline a chance to get to normal.

Another thing to consider is your hero and heroine. “Typical” romantic suspense heroes are police, firefighters, or military, but they don’t necessarily have to be. You can weave in an anti-hero or even a washed-up detective. In the past, heroines have “typically” been damsels-in-distress, but more modern heroines usually “own it.” They can be successful in their careers and their lives without necessarily being damsels. However, when you’re writing for romantic suspense, keep in mind one or both of your lead characters need to have that “one” thing that makes them better than the average joe and ready to tackle the suspense plot point of your story.

Keep in mind:

When you’re writing a romantic suspense story (or reading one), one or both of the lead characters are facing danger or a life-threatening situation. The plot should include high pressure situations that are more intense than the average internal/external romantic conflict you find in other subgenres.

Emotions are heightened, such as anticipation, apprehension, excitement, uncertainty, and even intrigue. Some physical examples of this can involve hearts pounding, adrenaline skyrocketing, and hands trembling.

The 3 P’s are a great guide to writing a romantic suspense: #1 – Problem -- should include strong conflict and your dangerous/life-threatening situation #2 Proximity – Keep your hero and heroine close. This builds the tension in your suspenseful elements and your romantic ones. #3 Pacing – move swiftly to drive the action, but use a breather to build character.

One of my favorites:
ASIN: B000FO0AA6
ID #112875
Product Type: DVD
Reviewer: StephBee Author Icon
Review Rated: ASR
  Setting:
  Story Plot:
  Length of :
  Usefulness:
  Overall Quality:
Amazon's Price: $ 7.99


Write or Share a romantic suspense from your portfolio and I’ll include it in next month’s Romance/Love Newsletter.


Editor's Picks

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Finn's Syren Open in new Window. (13+)
Born and cursed to be a gypsy, Finn's bitterness only strengthens the woman he loves.
#1521835 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon

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Happy Accidents Open in new Window. (13+)
It was just a checkbook he wanted to return. 2013 Quill Nominee
#1950948 by Nixie🦊 Author IconMail Icon

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To Shenandoah Open in new Window. (18+)
Romance Story Set In 1863 Virginia
#703056 by ♥noVember tHiNg♥ Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#608003 by Not Available.

 Dangerously In Love Open in new Window. (13+)
A story about love and danger and discovering that not everyone is who you think they are.
#822049 by twinkledee ♥'s you Author IconMail Icon

 Lost Code ~ Found Love Open in new Window. (13+)
Chance Encounter over Lost Code ~ Lives Joined in Service ~ for Daily Flash Fiction
#1146419 by Kate - Writing & Reading Author IconMail Icon

The Lonely Spirit Open in new Window. (13+)
Love, Romance, Mysterious past, Historical Fiction
#579926 by BlueThunder Author IconMail Icon

Blood of the Dragon Open in new Window. (13+)
The Blood of the Dragon is at work in Dany and Jon.
#2131260 by StephBee Author IconMail Icon


Sharing a submission that was sent in for my 31 OCT NL about love letters:
P.S. I LOVE YOU! Open in new Window. (E)
So few words never meant so very, very much
#744124 by Incurable Romantic Author IconMail Icon


 
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Word from Writing.Com

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ASIN: B01DSJSURY
Amazon's Price: $ 5.99


Ask & Answer

Feedback from my Romance/Love Newsletter dated 27 DEC 2023:

Osirantinous Author IconMail Icon
To be honest, I totally have no idea what you mean by the 2+2 and the 4 *Sad*, but your second bit on New Year's Eve has sparked some ideas for my characters, yay. Of all my characters, it's actually only Xavier and Liam in the story you highlighted here (thanks!!) that pass NYE, but now I'm going to put everyone in the zone and see how they react!! (Possibly some will be like me, totally in bed long before midnight.)

Glad to have provided some inspiration! I love it when things come together! *Smile*

As for 2+2 = 4, here’s what I was trying to get at: Here’s the 1st 2: He stepped backward and smiled. Here’s the 2nd 2: She pursed her lips, as the air cracked around them, wanting to close the gap between them, yet she held back, meeting his gaze. (The 4 – what can you imply from the above?). 4: He’s confident he has her attention. Or maybe: She’s very aware of his presence, his nearness, but doesn’t want to tip the full range of her emotions to him just yet.


StephBee Author IconMail Icon is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. Her contemporary romance, "A Polish Heart" is now avail on Amazon as an ebook. Darrin travels to Poland for a job assignment but is gobsmacked by his beautiful translator.


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