Write, you dummy!

Writing a Romance Novel for Dummies

During one of our weekend book hunts I happened to find a For Dummies book that seemed interesting. I enjoy learning a lot, and I have been trying to write a book since forever, so this book Writing a Romance Novel for Dummies by Leslie Wainger, seemed to be worth at least a browse.

Though my book is not strictly a romance novel, I felt that the for dummies book might have something to teach me, because I do have relationships and love in my story.

This is my first dummy book and I have to say it is a very pleasant surprise.

At first my plan was to browse through it, see if I find any useful bits and pieces. After starting it though, I have reached the conclusion that I want to read it all, as it is really well structured and very clearly written.

It reminds me of corporate emails and comms, uses bullet points, sections, sub-sections, quite easy to follow.

The author is straightforward and does not provide irrelevant information which I found quite refreshing and appealing.

The version I have is published in 2004. 20 years ago. I love the little references about going to the library to check for information. How the world has changed in such a short time!

I have always longed for a mentor, somebody to give me the keys to the kingdom, but never found that person, so I had to stumble in the dark in my own mind and in the outside world.

I think I might be starting to see the light though, and this kind of book helps with the technicalities of the craft that escape me.

Although the world has changed and we have access to so much information right now, I still love that feeling, of holding an old musty book, reading under a lamp and rereading the bits I want to remember, making notes with pen and paper. The joy!

I am pleasantly surprised about the format of the book. Not only is it well structured and it allows you to dip in and out easily, depending on the area you want to check, but it also has a great cheat sheet at the beginning that summarizes all the steps in just a few words.

I think it is a great find and if you happen to stumble across it give it a chance, it might prove useful.