Ever thought of writing a book?

You can, you know.

So, I didn’t plan on sending out a newsletter today, and this isn’t going to be one of my normal newsletters. I promise we’ll return to those next time!

However, I had to go to the dentist this morning for some dental work (fun times on a Monday) and my very nice and very gentle dental assistant started talking books with me.

She loves romance and said one of her biggest dreams is to write a book one day. So, I told her, well tried to tell her with my numbed, useless lips that she absolutely should. It can be done!

And I truly mean that. Writing is an art, but it’s also a skill that can be learned.

Since I’ve become an author, many, many people have confessed their dreams of writing a book to me. Almost always people present it in that tone like “I know it will never happen, but…”

That shouldn’t be the case. One solid way to ensure that the dream won’t happen is to never try to write, to never try to learn how to write, to chalk it up to “some magical skill other people have but I don’t.” Mostly, that’s just fear talking.

Most people in the writing world, especially in romance, have or had careers other than writing. Writing was a dream they had nestled deep in their heart while they worked different jobs, got different degrees, took care of their families.

I know that was the case for me. I have a masters degree in social work, not English or creative writing. But I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was a kid. I wrote a novel at fifteen (that’s in a drawer) but when it came time to “grow up”, I got practical and pursued different things. Got degrees. Got jobs. Not until I was at home with a new baby did I let that dream bubble up again.

I had fear. Who was I to write a book? What did I know? I didn’t have an English degree or an MFA.

But the dream burned on, and so I started learning everything I could. I read books on the writing craft. I attended local writing workshops. I joined the local writing group. I found other writers online to be in a critique group with. I wrote one bad novel. And then I wrote a better one. Then another. The third got me my agent and a book deal with Penguin. That was over a decade ago, and now here we are.

So, why am I telling you all this?

Because I know if you subscribe to this newsletter, you are an avid reader. And I also know that a good percentage of avid readers harbor dreams of writing their own stories one day.

If this is you, I want you to hear from me that it’s possible. Of course you can do that. And I’m so passionate about this belief that I developed a class a few years ago meant for beginner romance writers to get their feet under them called Fearless Romance: The Comprehensive Beginner Course.

Over the 7-week online class, I walk you through the steps of writing a romance novel. Not a formula, but instead, breaking down the components into manageable bits. Here is a list of the topics we cover…

I teach this class once a year, and it’s one of my favorite things to do. I have yet to have a bad group of students. Everyone has been wonderful, enthusiastic, and supportive of each other.

I also made this class introvert-friendly. You’re not on camera. You ask questions through the chat box. I also provide all the info in lecture format so that if you process things better in print instead of from video, you have that too.

Also, it’s flexible. Though the calls are live, I record them and post them afterward so anyone who can’t make that time can watch the replay. You can go at your own pace and don’t have to finish in the 7 weeks. You continue to have full access to the course afterward.

So…if you’ve ever thought you may want to write a romance novel, maybe this is your sign from the universe that now’s the time. ;)

Class starts June 25th!

If you use code EARLYBIRD30 , you can get $30 off before June 18th. Enrollment will be closed once all spots are filled.

I hope to see some of you there! Have a great week!

Roni