Romance Novels

Most girls come across a romance novel at some point in their adolescence, whether it’s their mom’s Danielle Steele, their grandmother’s Barbara Cartland, or their big sister’s Anne Rice erotica. Some quickly turn their backs on the genre, craving more substance; some continue to dabble when they think no one’s watching; and many, judging by the amount of web coverage romance fiction receives, take to it with a vengeance, devouring Harlequins the way Jacqueline Susann’s heroines gulped down "dolls."

The romance community, like the sci-fi community, thrives on dedicated fans who enjoy sharing suggestions for both reading and writing, and the World Wide Web has proven an ideal resource for fostering that sense of closeness. Here, romance fans can chat with fellow readers, join romance chapters in their area, and even participate in book clubs and book trading groups. Initiates and long-time fans alike will especially cherish Romantic Times Magazine, a compendium of recommendations from seasoned romance readers that also features a potpourri of writer profiles.

Sites devoted exclusively to the grande dames of romance proliferate on the web; you’ll find enough material on Jackie Collins, Nora Roberts, and their ilk to occupy you for days. If you find inspiration in their path to success, you can learn about publishing romances by accessing lists of publishers, both print and electronic, as well as by seeking information on conferences, contests, and awards. To publish a book that will sell millions, consult bestseller lists on bookstore sites to check out what grabs the public imagination. And just to make sure you don’t take things too seriously, read the winning entries from the Purple Prose Parody contest before you pick up your pen.