Want to know how love works? Ask these bestselling romance writers

  Bestselling romance writer Diana Cosby discusses the craft of fiction writing at the Brigantine branch of the Atlantic County Library.

BRIGANTINE – In the opening pages of “His Conquest,” the 2010 romance novel by Brigantine author Diana Cosby, gentlewoman Lady Linet Dancourt dares to free her brother’s captive, the Scottish rebel Seathan MacGruder, on one condition: the kilted warrior must escort her safely to the highlands, where she can escape an arranged marriage.

As any one who has ever read a romance novel knows, at first glance these two characters will both loathe and long for each other. For most of the novel’s 300-odd pages, the pair will combat their mutual passion with smoldering eyes, all the while dodging danger, riding around on horses and, in the case of most heroines, trying to control their long cascading curls.

And though romance novels may be formulaic and somewhat predictable (of course these two are destined to end up together) it takes a gifted writer to make the occasionally outrageous plots and characters work.

As it happens, Brigantine can lay claim to two bestselling romance writers: Diana Cosby, who recently presented a workshop on the art of the romance novel at the Brigantine branch of the Atlantic County Library; and Beth Ciotta, a writer who actually works as a Brigantine librarian.

Their books – with titles like “His Destiny” and “Highlander’s Moon” (Cosby), and “Fool for Love” and “Her Sky Cowboy” (Ciotta) – have been lauded by critics and gobbled up by tens of thousands of readers who love a rip-roaring love story, spiked with lots of adventure and passion. Romance as a genre is more popular than ever, said Cosby. In 2010, the novels accounted for $1.3 billion in estimated revenue as opposed to $455 million for classic literary fiction.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, Cosby and Ciotta weighed in on the perfect hero and heroine and the eternal parry-and-thrust of passionate romance. They also shared a few secrets of successful romance writing.

Describe the basic plot of a romance novel.

Ciotta: As far as the boy-meets-girl plot, almost anything goes as long as there’s some sort of inner and outer conflict to propel the story. And in romance there must be a happy ending. Just like in real life, physical attraction is key, then an emotional connection.

Cosby:  What draws romance readers, both men and women, is the fascination and enjoyment of watching the relationship grow amid a story's challenges. And of course, romance readers love the happily-ever-after.

Why do romance novels appeal to women?

Ciotta: It’s the ultimate escape. We put ourselves in the heroine’s shoes and embark on a romantic adventure with a fantastic, usually somewhat hunky, man.

What are the traits that attract a romance novel heroine to her hero, and vice versa?

Ciotta: The top traits are some combination of integrity, intelligence, compassion, sense of humor, generosity, kindness and confidence. The shining qualities aren’t always evident at first, but they’re there. Also heroines are often attracted to a wounded or cynical hero, wanting to save him or to bring out the best in him.

Cosby: The romance novel hero is a man of conviction and morals. When the going gets rough, he will make the hard choice and do what's right.

Who’s your favorite hero in your own books?

Ciotta: I love all my heroes. But if I had to pick, I think I’d choose Arch Duvall, the hero in “All About Evie,” “Everybody Loves Evie,” and “Evie Ever After.” Arch is complicated and conflicted, but his humor, confidence, intelligence and intense struggle to be a better person stole my heart.

Cosby: I love each hero as I write his story. After the book is finished, I move on to the next hero and fall in love all over again.

Any advice for aspiring romance novelists?

Ciotta: Read, read, read. Write one story, then another, then another. Join a writers' organization. Hone your craft. Believe in your dream and persevere.

Cosby: Plant your butt on the chair until you have your goal. (Romance novel queen) Nora Roberts said every writer must be willing to write crap. You can edit crap, but you can’t edit a blank page. But honestly, there is no right way. There is your way. Follow your heart and do what you love to do.

SIDEBAR

Top 5 tips for romance writers

At a workshop for would-be romance authors last week at the Brigantine branch of the Atlantic County library, Diana Cosby offered these tips for literary success.

1. Educate yourself about the publishing industry, and beware of scams. “A reputable publisher will pay you, and a reputable agent will not ask you for money,” she said.

2. Find a critique partner who has strengths that you lack. Cosby conceded that while she is an accomplished plotter, she needs help with characterization. She relies on two writing partners, one in Tennessee, and one in Canada, to vet her work and make suggestions.

3. Take it one step at a time. “You don’t eat an elephant in one bite,” said Cosby, urging writers to keep at it day by day until they have a finished manuscript. She also said she rewrites each manuscript seven times, and told writers to write freely in early drafts, and not strive for perfection. She added, “You learn the process of writing by writing.”

4. Make sure your characters are well-motivated, Cosby advised, or they will lack credibility.

5. On that great day when your novel is finally published, she said, “Don’t go promo-crazy. Write the next book.”

Romance novelist Beth Ciotta is a dedicated book lover – not only does she read and write them, she is also a librarian in her hometown of Brigantine.