How to write a romance novella in 60 days

14 January 2016

I was supposed to begin this post with a short paragraph about how I am such a huge cheese-ball who loves romantic movies and novels, but news of Alan Rickman's death blew that introduction out the window.

I am gutted. Fuck you, cancer.

Rest in peace, The Half-Blood Prince.
"Actors are agents of change. A film, a piece of theater, a piece of music, or a book can make a difference. It can change the world."
- Alan Rickman
And then I was reminded of the original point of this post.

If you have always wanted to write a romance story AND publish it, maybe 2016 is the year you'll get to do it! 

You need to stop talking about writing and actually write something. The goal is to avoid the lonely land of undeveloped plots, so why don't you go and join Mina Esguerra's #romanceclass?


#romanceclass is a two-month workshop where participants are expected [but not required] to finish and publish a contemporary romance with a minimum of 30,000 words. The class has already produced a lot of indie-published books, and it's really been a delight reading them. Click here to visit the online catalog and support Filipino romance authors.

I have been joining since 2014 and I recognize that my attempts have been futile, for even though I was able to write and publish two short stories (Once Upon a Sticky Note and A Sky of Wishes, both available in Buqo) last year, I have yet to finish a romance novella.

But then, as Celine said in the movie Before Sunrise, "If there's any kind of magic in this world it must be in the attempt of understanding someone sharing something. I know, it's almost impossible to succeed but who cares really? The answer must be in the attempt."

I will keep on trying until I get over my fear that my finished product will not be good enough, and if you are so inclined to do the same, then I suggest that you visit this link to find out more about the class as well as the requirements.

Now if you would rather read than write, then you can also show support for the #romanceclass community (trust me, it would be GREATLY appreciated), then share the love! Read the books, talk about the books you liked online and/ or offline, send the books as gifts, and attend bookish events! You may read more specific and helpful tips from Mina's post here.


Tonight I am curling up with Before I Do by Kath Eustaquio-Derla. Watch out for my review after I read it! You can also get a copy of this book by emailing the author or by going to the National Bookstore branch nearest you.

2016 hasn't been a very good year so far, but I'm looking forward to better things. Hopefully this includes [finally] finishing this freakin' romance novella. Wish me luck!

Good luck to you, too. ♥ 

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