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Cracking the Romance Code

Instructor:  Kimberly Llewellyn. When it comes to writing the romance novel, everyone wants to know the secret handshake—there isn’t one! But by understanding the romance novel's embedded core romance elements, you can unlock the code to writing a compelling story of your own. Book Sense Notable Pick recipient, author, Kimberly Llewellyn, shares how to decode the secrets to writing the quintessential romance novel and create a captivating read. At the end of this workshop you will recognize the romance codes more easily in books and incorporate them into your own writing.  Also, you'll be able to speak the code with authors, agents, and editors. Lastly, Kimberly will share other authors' significant ah-ha moments and hopefully inspire some of your own. 

Course Outline

Introduction

Review of the course: Starts off easy and light, reviewing the basics, and then each new lesson digs deeper into core elements of a romance novel through analysis and self-directed assignments

Lesson One

The power of love

What makes the language of romance writing so special?

MSMs: A brief review of metaphor, simile, and motif

Lesson Two

Romance codes on the outside

Analysis of cover: genre hook(s), title, artwork, back cover copy

Lesson Three

The A.C.E. opening:  Part I

What A.C.E. stands for in your novel's opening

Activity of the opening and the inciting incident

Lesson Four

The A.C.E. opening:  Part II

Taking internal and external conflict to the next level to get the editor's attention

Lesson Five

The A.C.E. opening:  Part III

Attraction, romantic conflict, and resistance

Lesson Six

The A.C.E. opening:  Part IV

Emotion: Using deep emotional codes that captivate your reader and create a compelling read

Lesson Seven

Character codes: characterization and emotion techniques that go beyond just a "sympathetic" character

Code Word: H.E.R.O. What does it stand for?

Lesson Eight

The Romance Plot

Key romantic plot points that make up the spine of your story

Romance beats checklist and literary devices that serve the story well

Lesson Nine

Speaking the code to industry professionals

Hot buttons to generate editor/agent interest

Editorial codes: understanding an editor's or agent's needs

WHEN:    Aug 13, 2012 - Sep 2, 2012

COST:   $15 for Premium Members
$25 for Basic Members

Cancellation policy: Registrations are non-refundable except when the workshop is cancelled by Savvy Authors.

REGISTRATION:      *** Registration Closed***

INSTRUCTOR:   
Known as “the Wedding Writer,” Kimberly Llewellyn has worked with four publishing houses over the years and is the author of five contemporary novels. Currently, she writes for Berkley Books, part of Penguin Putnam. Her last releases include two humorous comedic women’s fiction novels in trade paperback.

The Quest for the Holy Veil was a More than Magic contest finalist, a Holt Medallion Award finalist, and an Award of Merit Recipient. Tulle Little, Tulle Late  was a Book Sense Notable Pick (now IndieBound) recipient, an RCA Cataromance Award Nominee, and a More than Magic Finalist. Prior to these two books, she wrote three short contemporary romances for Avalon and Kensington and worked on nonfiction projects for Prentice Hall as a corporate writer for National Assessment Institute.

She’s written articles for newsletters as well as the Romance Writers Report and fiction stories for the confessions market. She gives writing workshops (in person and online) and is the author of  I Want to Be an Author: Now What? (June 2010), which is geared toward new writers. She also enjoys promoting fiction for women to the media, as well as to various organizations (e.g., arts councils, Miss Florida State Pageant for Miss America, bridal expos). She’s made guest appearances on television, including the shows Daytime, Mornings Around the Bay, and Your Turn.

After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in English with a concentration in Media Communications, she worked in the field of advertising, then in desktop publishing as a corporate writer and editor, until working full time as a novelist.

Her website is:  www.KimberlyLlewellyn.com

Tags:    Craft, Genre





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Questions or concerns may also be sent to workshops@savvyauthors.com.

Payment is due at the time of registration to guarantee your seat in the course. Registrations are non-refundable except when the workshop is cancelled by Savvy Authors.

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