Newbies’ Corner: Why is Romance Writing so much Fun?

with Sharon Burke

Hello Everyone,

As this is my first blog, I’d like to introduce myself. The most important people in my life are my husband and three adult children. I teach chemistry full-time and write whenever I can. My writing career began over 25 years ago, but most of my publishing credentials are in non-fiction. As a romance writer I am a hopeful newbie.

I hope my blogs will serve as a “Newbie’s corner”. Writers, I believe, are on a journey of professional and personal growth. It would be great if published and yet-to-be-published authors would come and share their ideas on my blogs. I look forward to “talking” with you soon.

Best wishes, 
Sharon

Why is romance writing so much fun?

Here are some of the reasons why I think we enjoy our shared occupation:

Romance writers have a positive world view:

There is so much conflict and suffering in our world, it is easy to lose sight of the good. Romantic fiction describes the joy and fulfilment love can bring. I believe romance writers recognise human foibles and frailty, but have a strong belief in people’s power to take positive steps together as they grow in love, self-knowledge and understanding.                                                                                   

It is fascinating to create characters, place them in novel situations and watch them interact:

I think romance writers enjoy trying to understand people. Perhaps some are “people watchers” who know and value human strengths and weaknesses. Strengths enable us to achieve much; weaknesses give us something to strive for. They make us human. As a romance writer I enjoy playing “what if”. What if a strong, independent, feisty heroine with a goal she simply must achieve encounters a hero with equally powerful reasons to stop her? What if the stakes are raised? It is compelling to create vibrant characters with conflicting goals, put them together, and describe the joys and trials of their shared journey.                                         

Romance writers are positive people who support one another:

One of the greatest joys I find in romance writing lies in being part of the writing community itself. It is rare to find such a positive group of authors, eager to help and to learn from one another.

Relationships can make or break us:

I believe much of the joy in life comes from our shared humanity. Relationships can provide a place where each partner, supported by the other, grows and learns to be the best they can be. But, sadly, they can also be destructive. So, in this imperfect world, Romance writing provides the opportunity to promote the best of partnerships by creating characters who overcome conflict to pursue shared goals as they love, learn and grow together. Our job is crucial. We offer a path of positivity and hope.


So what do you love to love about romance writing? Leave a comment and let me know.

I love to love to create new characters.

I love to laugh; life is full of surprises.

I love to learn new things, to never stop learning.