FAQ Friday

Q. Do men ever write romance novels?
A. Well Harold Lowry has hidden behind a very gender-neutral name Leigh Greenwood and has 29 published novels because he heard women made good money writing historical romance.  Tom E. Huff (aka Jennifer Wilde, Edwinna Marlowe) was in the vanguard of historical romance in the 1970s.  Jim McBride, a maverick in the romance field, doesn’t really see himself as a romance author, although his second book, Horsethief Moon was reviewed by Romantic Times, which is a dead giveaway since they only do romance. 
Just last year I came across the works of three impressive African-American contemporary romance writers, Wayne Jordan, Devon Vaughn Archer and Dwayne S. Joseph.  Men are entering the arena left and right, especially in the field of romantic erotica. James Miller and S.L. Carpenter, authors from Ellora’s Cave are men who have found a cozy niche in the field, along with J.W. McKenna and Chris Tanglen.

Q. How has blogging made you a better writer?
A. Well,  I’m gaining so much knowledge researching the romance genre and learning from the RWA members that I know my writing is stronger today than it was earlier this year.   Becoming a published writer is a dream I’ve had since my first literature class in college so blogging is a great way to stay on course and connect with awesome people so please keep the questions and messages coming.

Q. Is writing a romance novel a full-time or part-time job?
A. Writing a romance novel can be completed as a part-time or a full-time career. Every writer is different – and their financial needs and family obligations differ. If you have a job, I strongly recommend that you keep it while you get your romance career established. Luckily, writing romance can be done at your own pace.

Q. What's the best advice you can give to an aspiring writer?
A. Sit down and write. Don't talk about how much time you don't have to write. And learn your craft. Submerse yourself in writer organizations, classes and conferences and learn from everyone.