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Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Yes you're writing a Contemporary Romance novella this year

I will not be writing a straight-up contemporary romance this year, but maybe you are.

Wait, what? Well, I'm trying a different genre (still with some romance and hot guys, but not just) so I think I should focus the thoughts on that. But I don't want to leave the genre entirely, so I floated this up to the Twitterverse this morning.


It's now 11 AM and I have about 20 takers, so we're officially on. :) How exciting! Read on and see if this is what you'd like to do.


Free Mostly-Online Course: Yes I'm Writing a Contemporary Romance Novella
1. The goal is to FINISH writing a contemporary romance novella of about 30,000 words
2. The course is free, with monthly assignments and meetups, but everything else will be online
3. Open to Philippine residents (those far from Manila can participate online and skip the meetups)
4. Online component will be via a closed Facebook Group called "Yes I'm Writing a Contemporary Romance Novella"

Contemporary romance = Set in current time or recent past, main plot is romance, "happily ever after" is encouraged but not necessary.
Novella = Less than 50,000 words

I will be sharing a formula for writing contemporary romances, and each assignment will be based on sticking to this formula. My goal is to help you FINISH writing one, and I think the best way is to introduce you to the formula, the elements that my editors look for, and what readers usually comment on. Even if you learn eventually that the formula is "not your thing," ideally you can use this as a starting point.

Some anticipated questions (with answers):

Can I go into the course with a story already written?
Yes, but it may have to be revised to follow the formula.

Does the work have to be in English?
No, but I'm fluent only in English and Filipino. (So I can't help you if it's in French.)

Can I join the group but not submit assignments?
For now let's say I'll prioritize the people who want to finish a book. But let's see how it goes.

Is it too late to sign up?
Sign up and join at any point, as long as you can catch up!

I want to try this! How do I try this?
Add me as a friend on Facebook (search minavesguerra@gmail.com or Mina V. Esguerra) and I'll add you to the group. Assignments, meetup skeds, and other details will be posted there.

Let's do this!
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20 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 16, 2013 at 11:57 AM

    Hi Ate Mina! I can't seem to add you. Facebook blocked me from sending friend requests :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mina V. EsguerraJanuary 16, 2013 at 2:10 PM

      I can't add you either! When will that clear up?

      Delete
    2. AnonymousJanuary 16, 2013 at 8:44 PM

      The prompt says after 5 days the block will be activated. I'll try to add you again by then and hopefully I could still catch up with the assignment. Many thanks! :)))

      Delete
  2. Emzi TinasasJanuary 16, 2013 at 1:03 PM

    How exciting! Would love to try this out! Hoping my time permits it! Sharing it with others! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. BenJaLynJanuary 16, 2013 at 2:10 PM

    Oooppsss..Is it just me or something is wrong with my eyes? Where can I find the details of the assignment #1? hmmmm (too excited)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mina V. EsguerraJanuary 16, 2013 at 2:11 PM

      Add me on FB first para you're in the group!

      Delete
    2. BenJaLynJanuary 16, 2013 at 2:18 PM

      yay.Careless mistake..I though I have already added you. It was your fanpage pla.. added na po. thanks! :)

      Delete
  4. mitchiekyutiJanuary 16, 2013 at 4:20 PM

    Just added you Ms. Mina!:) Sana makahabol pa ako. hehe..

    ReplyDelete
  5. Moira EstradaJanuary 16, 2013 at 9:21 PM

    Added you on Facebook :) I can't wait :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownJanuary 17, 2013 at 3:02 AM

    Friend request sent! :) I'm excited!

    ReplyDelete
  7. ellaine dimlaJanuary 17, 2013 at 3:33 PM

    this is really exciting!im currently writing a novel but not yet finish (always to be delay ans set aside because of school works err) i already sent a friend request,ms. mina.:)

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2013 at 11:15 PM

    hello po, Tina knows me from Nanowrimo. I'm also interested and would like to participate (online version, since I have no control over my weekends). friend request sent. thank you if you'll have me. ^^v

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2013 at 8:15 AM

    Good day! I have attended the Book Talk you've guested in at PNU-Manila. I have ideas for a contemporary romance novel so I thought I'd join the group :) I have already sent a friend request via FB. Thanks and God bless!

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownJanuary 27, 2013 at 5:47 AM

    Hello Mina. Just sent you a friend request. Hope I can still catch up. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  11. UnknownJanuary 27, 2013 at 2:56 PM

    Thanks for adding me .

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2013 at 3:43 AM

    Am I too late to join your writing class po? It will be such an honor to be part of it. I already liked your FB page and followed you on twitter. I wish I found out about this sooner. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. KessicaJanuary 30, 2013 at 3:42 PM

    Hi Mina! Added you on Facebook already. Excited for this. :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousFebruary 16, 2013 at 4:19 PM

    Can I still join? Or is it too late?

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousFebruary 19, 2013 at 4:25 AM

    Can we join if we live in the USA?

    ReplyDelete
  16. zyMarch 2, 2013 at 6:57 PM

    Just happened upon this one now, I think I really need a sort of motivation and I believe this is it. I just added you Ms. Mina. :)

    ReplyDelete