And not just because I’ve neglected my blog for so long!

Because I am a huge fan of the book Writing a Romance Novel for Dummies. It does an excellent job of demystifying the romance-writing process. Other resources I couldn’t live without as I slog on through my historical romance WIP:

What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew
The Prince of Pleasure and His Regency
The Georgian Index

Speaking of the WIP, it’s coming along. I will completely miss the NaNo goal of 50,000 words, but I’m cool with that. I’m at about 25,000 as of now. Writing 30,000-35,000 words in one month is a huge accomplishment for me, so I’ll consider myself a winner no matter what.

In other news, huge congratulations to Mary Danielson, who WON the HarperTeenFanLit chapter this week, after placing 4th in Round 1 and second in Round 2. Way to go, MerryDay!!!


10 comments to “Just call me Dummy….”

  1. Anonymous
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    · November 24th, 2006 at 7:16 pm · Link

    Hey, 25K is a quarter of a book! And in a month?! You could write 2 or 3 books a year at that pace! I’ve been working on my WIP for over a year now, and I’m only at 42K. Pat yourself on the back!



  2. Tessa Dare
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    · November 24th, 2006 at 7:38 pm · Link

    Well, thanks Sara – although I certainly can’t say I have a book 1/4 finished. There’s so much re-writing to be done on those 25,000 words. But it’s a start!



  3. Sara Dennis
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    · November 24th, 2006 at 9:17 pm · Link

    I’m not going to make NaNo quota either, since I’m finishing up a bunch of little projects that I’d been procrastinating on. But Sara’s right, 25K in a month is *fantastic*. Pat yourself on the back, lady!

    Also, I love the for Dummies book. Leslie Wainger’s a hoot and a half and the book shows it. Oh yeah, and it has good info.



  4. Mary Danielson
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    · November 25th, 2006 at 12:10 am · Link

    Okay, I am a huge fan of the Dummies book too. There is definitely something to be said for some clear-cut info on the biz. Loved it! If you ever find it, the Idiots guide is also wonderful – Julie Beard is the author and it so helpful.

    And 25k is an amazing amount to write in a month! I can’t wait to read this WIP…NY Times list here you come!!

    …and, thank you SO much for the mention and all your good luck’s over the weeks! I don’t know how you kept sane after this, I can’t wipe this goofy grin off my face!



  5. LdyBlkny
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    · November 25th, 2006 at 1:56 am · Link

    What great resources, Tessa. And yes, I’ve perused the Romance Writing for Dummies book, too. Truly, how wrong can you go with it? It’s written by the editor of Harlequin/Silhouette!

    And yay you on the WIP! 25,000 words is quite an accomplishment! Congrats!



  6. Alice Audrey
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    · November 25th, 2006 at 11:09 am · Link

    You have all inspired me to check out the dummy’s book. I hadn’t even heard of it.

    Alice



  7. TiffinaC
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    · November 25th, 2006 at 1:15 pm · Link

    Always wondered about the writing romance for dummies book, it’s about time I gave it a whirl!

    I love the Georgian Index…I’ve used it many times! Great books, never seen them before…definately gonna look for them roundabout here.

    Congrats on all the words you got down on paper! It doesn’t matter that you didn’t hit the 50, you did well!



  8. Lynne Simpson
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    · November 25th, 2006 at 1:36 pm · Link

    I love those books! I’ve also really enjoyed An Elegant Madness: High Society in Regency England by Venetia Murray. I don’t write Regency, so why I have all these books is a mystery. 😉

    25k in a month is fabulous! I’m not gonna make my NaNo quota, either. Like Sara, I’ve been tying up a bunch of other loose ends, and potentially more profitable ones. 🙂



  9. CM
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    · November 26th, 2006 at 4:15 pm · Link

    I am jealous of your production. 25K. Sigh. If only I could write that much.

    Also, if only I had a plot. That would make this book easier to write. Plot, plot…who has a plot?



  10. Lindsey
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    · November 26th, 2006 at 5:21 pm · Link

    25k? You go, Tessa – that is so awesome!

    The Dummies book has a ton of great advice, but I found parts of it a bit general – especially related to plotting. Though there are so many different kinds of romance that I imagine it’s hard to generalize. Once I have the credibility of being a published romance writer, I’m going to write my own book – for people who need even more help than Dummies. Is that the Idiot’s guide, or will I have to start my own series?