Athena Critique Services

August 11-September 12, 2008 “The Natural History of the Romance Novel: How understanding our roots can help today’s authors write a compelling romance novel”

Presenter: Teresa Bodwell
Host: RWA Online Chapter

This course will track the eight essential elements that define a romance novel according to A Natural History of the Romance Novel by Pamela Regis. Participants will learn how to apply the essential elements to create a compelling, romantic page-turner.

According to Regis, the eight essential elements of a romance novel are:

Society Defined; The Meeting; The Barrier; The Attraction; The Declaration; The Point of Ritual Death; The Recognition; The Betrothal

The workshop will discuss all of these elements using examples from several romance novels. Participants will submit excerpts from their works in progress for comment. Assignments will include: the meeting, the barrier, the attraction and the point of ritual death.

To get the most out of this course, participants should read the following books:

The Natural History of the Romance Novel* by Pamela Regis
*Purchase this book through our store.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Montana Sky by Nora Roberts

Ain’t She Sweet by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Scent of Roses by Kat Martin