It’s almost time for the Warriors Wanted! blitz—so if you’re looking for a bit of writing advice on where to start, or tips on how to help make your submission stand out, the Harlequin Historical Romance authors are here to help! It’s all in the detail—so what do our authors do in preparation for writing their next novel?
Terri Brisbin says…
- In a series romance, the main plot is the love relationship, so be careful not to move your focus to secondary characters or plots.
- Real history is the setting and location of your story, but it’s not the whole of your story. Let those wonderful details and tidbits you’ve researched enhance the story and enrich it.
Sophia James says…
- Make yourself a realistic daily goal of words and stick to it.
- Have a special little notebook somewhere close by to jot down ideas.
- Either directly or indirectly, sometimes a past connection between the main two characters helps.
Blythe Gifford says…
- Do a final check to be sure the words you use are accurate for the time period you’re writing about. Many concepts we take for granted are very modern. For example, in a manuscript set in the fourteenth century I wrote something about “the King’s ego.” It wasn’t until my final read-through that I remembered that although the word “ego” is Latin, the concept of “ego” in personality was invented by Freud in the twentieth century!
Bronwyn Scott says…
- Do one thing every day for your writing: edit yesterday’s pages, outline tomorrow’s chapter, read revision notes from your editor, post a Facebook blog, write a chapter…
Marguerite Kaye says…
- Think about modern dilemmas that readers will relate to, then put them in a historical context. For example, second-chance romance and the baggage that an older couple might bring along to that.
Michelle Styles says…
- The Viking Age might have been brutal, but that doesn’t mean your hero is! And don’t forget strength begets strength: a strong hero requires a strong heroine.
- Social structures and customs might have changed, but basic human emotions remain the same.
- Primary documents and the latest archaeological research will give real insight into what life was like in the period. Watch TV shows based on the era so you can see how various set designers portray interiors, clothing and hairstyles.
Millie Adams says…
- The emotional core of the romance is the most important thing. That comes down to character. Research and setting are important, but for it to matter the story needs to be grounded in characters the reader connects with.
Carol Townend says…
- Think about characters and their dilemmas. Put them through the mill, then give them their HEA.
- Think about places—towns, castles, marshes… Observe everything. Stories hide in humble pebbles.
- Make friends with questions. Why does the heroine think this way? What is she hiding?
Catherine Tinley says…
- Do your research but use historical details as subtly as you can. Readers often know their history already, but they love new ways of seeing life in another era. They are looking for an experience, not a history lesson.
Melissa Oliver says…
- Read as many Historical Romances as you can get your hands on.
- Create character biographies for your hero and heroine so you can “get to know” them.
- The beginning of your book should be as engaging as possible—you want readers to continue reading because they simply can’t put it down.
We hope you find these tips useful! And don’t forget to join our Warriors Wanted! blitz bootcamp from the 1st to the 5th of June on the Harlequin Writing Community group on Facebook for more writing inspiration. And keep an eye on www.SoYouThinkYouCanWrite.com for more details about the blitz and how to submit.
2 replies on “Warriors Wanted Blitz: Writing Advice from the Harlequin Historical Authors”
Can I send a story set in ancient India? With pirates, dacoits, and such things? Where do we submit the first chapter?
Hi Shashi, you can definitely set your Historical in Ancient India!
You can check out this link for more information: https://www.writeforharlequin.com/events/warriors-wanted-harlequin-historical-blitz/
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!