Mystery: June 10, 2009 Issue [#3095]
<< June 3, 2009Mystery Archives | More From This Day | Print This IssueJune 17, 2009 >>

Newsletter Header
Mystery


 This week:
  Edited by: Vivian 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

         I'm writing a different genre for me. My mystery/suspense works have always had a bit of romance. Now, I'm trying my hand at writing a romantic suspense. True, romantic suspense isn't technically mystery, but without the suspense (a sub-genre of mystery) all that would be left is romance, right.
         How's that for circular reasoning?

blue butterfly sig


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: 0910355479
Amazon's Price: $ 13.99


Letter from the editor

A Few Characteristics of Romantic Suspense


         I attended several sessions at the OWFI (Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc.) writing conference the first weekend of May, in between taking care of volunteer work. One of the sessions was Romantic Suspense by Merline Lovelace. I'll share some of the information I gained from her presentation, which I'm using to write a romantic suspense myself. Well, I'm not into graphic detail, but I think I can still manage an interesting book using a bit of humor and timing to keep things going.

         Colonel Merline Lovelace, retired, is an interesting person as well as an award winning author. She retired from the Air Force after a travel-filled life thanks to Uncle Sam. Much of her experiences find their way into her writing. I enjoyed meeting her and visiting with her.

         So what did I learned about writing romantic suspense, which is a sub-genre of romance, rather than a sub-genre of mystery or suspense? First, what really got my attention is romantic suspense is big business which translates to big money. However, since suspense is a major component of the genre or sub-genre, I believe we can discuss it under mystery, too.

         Merlene gave five (5) characteristics of romantic suspense. I hope I can explain them half as well as she did.

1. Romantic suspense is plot driven and usually about 60,000 - 80,000 words. The action escalates each chapter, with the suspense/crime/mystery and the sexual tension between the couple.

2. The action starts with a bang and continues at a fast pace. Little time is allowed for introspection. The characters don't take time to mull over emotions and remembering in the middle of the action.

3. Dramatic tone is a must, a strong sense of atmosphere that reflects danger, excitement. Word choice and setting contribute to tone.

4. Romantic suspense has a large caste of characters (sometimes). often to introduce red herrings. The author can leave the reader guessing throughout the book or allow readers to know the antagonist(s) throughout.

5. Romantic suspense requires a strong female protagonist, a very active partner who may save the hero herself.

         The main challenge in writing romantic suspense is the need to write two distinct stories, romance and suspense, which must be balanced. Everything that effects the relationship, affects the suspense. As the romance builds, so does the mystery/suspense.

         Are you ready to join me in writing a romantic suspense?


Editor's Picks

Writing from W.Com


 Twilight Over Moldavia - Chp. 7 & 8 Open in new Window. [13+]
Stefan shares a romantic interlude with Caroline in the gardens.
by SantaBee Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Scare Tactics Open in new Window. [ASR]
Will Kate make it home in one piece?
by two of four Author Icon

 Just Another Day Open in new Window. [ASR]
A languid afternoon that changes a rickshaw-driver's life forever.
by Dr Taher writes again! Author Icon

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B07N36MHWD
Amazon's Price: $ 7.99


Ask & Answer

Words from Our Readers


Coolhand Author IconMail Icon
Vivian,
         I enjoyed your interview with Carolyn Hart. Thanks for sharing it with the community.

         Carolyn is a friendly, helpful woman as well as a very good writer of mysteries.


Good bye for this issue. Hope to see you again next month.

Viv

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B07YJZZGW4
Product Type:
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
Not currently available.

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


<< June 3, 2009Mystery Archives | More From This Day | Print This IssueJune 17, 2009 >>

This printed copy is for your personal use only. Reproduction of this work in any other form is not allowed and does violate its copyright.