Why did you buy that Romance? Because of the Title!

There is no charm equal to the tenderness of the heart.

--Jane Austen.

Why did you read that romance?

The title sucked me in.

*****

What catches our eye first? I thought I'd explore how romantic titles suck us in and dare us to read them.

Why did you pick up that romance story? Was it the title? Did it intrigue you?

Coming up with a title for your story is never easy. The main ingredient: Your title should never be dull. After all, what entices you more to read: "Gone with the Wind" or "The Plantation?"

A title should be easy to remember and appropriate to your story. "Romeo and Juliet" is a good example. It's easy and puts the main characters front and center.

Everyone knows "Pretty Woman." Julia Roberts is a hooker with a heart of gold. The title is easy to remember and describes Roberts' character, Vivian, inside and out – she truly is a pretty woman. The challenge (or conflict) is finding a way out of her predicament.

The best titles reflect the tone of the story and are found in the context of the writing. The more clear and clever the title, the better.

A story title represents your work to the rest of the world so pick well and show off your interesting side. 

LET'S TAKE A POLL:

Tell me what Title caught your attention:

#1 - Devil in Winter  by Lisa Kleypas

#2 - Chilled   by Kendra Elliot

#3 - The Rogue you Know   by Shana Galen

#4 - Stranger in the Moonlight  by Jude Deveraux 

Rakes, Rogues and Romance

Henry Cavil, The Tudors

The rake is usually a romantic archetype found in historical writing. So what is a rake? He’s a man with few scruples and little honor. He’s had affairs with widows, married women, courtesans, and unmarried women. He’s got plenty of had habits which include drinking and gambling. He’s often shallow, has no ambition, and lacks integrity. So what’s the appeal?

The initial appeal might likely be his winsome smile and handsome features. Often one thinks of a rake as having a virile, chiseled appearance. Honestly, he’s drop dead gorgeous to women everywhere. He’s known to be exciting, dangerous, and virile – and if you’re the kind of woman that desire anonymity, the rake will keep your secret.

Yet, hidden behind his charming smile and affable demeanor is a man of complexity. There’s a “darker” reason for his selfish actions and lack of scruples. Did his father treat women with little respect and the rake is only following that example? Was he abused? Traumatized in some way? Is he rebelling against a strict upbringing?

What sets the heroine apart from the rake’s conquests is her desire to discover this “hidden” pain and redeem him. A rake’s journey is one of redemption and discovering his scruples. What proves fascinating to the heroine is the power it gives her knowing it’s her love that redeems him.

Writing a historical rake from a modern perspective can be a challenge. After all, might come to mind is that our rake might have an STD. Perhaps it’s the perception of the hero being a rake, even though he’s not, which gives the reader hope.

A rogue is an unprincipled, deceitful, unreliable, mischievous scoundrel. He’s always up to his elbows in a bit of mischief. So, if he’s deceitful, doesn’t that make him just like a rake? Not quite. When it comes to his virility and promiscuity, he may not have had a lot of affairs. He’s a rogue because he lies at the gambling tables, not because he’s prone to flings.

Both the rake and rogue have unattractive qualities which make them “unlikely” heroes, but a romance is all about the unlikely hero taking an adventure or going on a journey with the heroine and discovering those traits which will make him a better person and a true hero.

Question: Who is your favorite historical romance hero?  Book, TV or movie?  Why?

On Writing: Writing a Romantic Heroine #writingtips

When it comes to romance, it’s about two people, the hero and heroine’s perspective that takes the reader on the journey. So why is the heroine’s point of view important?

A majority of romance genre readers are women and women usually identify with a feminine point of view. Don’t get me wrong, men also read romance. So what makes a romantic heroine appealing to both sets of readers?

It all comes down to the qualities she embodies. It’s a tricky balance finding the right qualities to give your heroine, but the one a writer really has to nail is: Does she respect herself?

Self-respect means the world to the reader and appeals to not only women but men, too. What qualities embody self-respect? Is she clever or witty? Does she fall for every little lie she’s told? Is she independent? Self-supporting? Mature? Or does she easily walk into traps? Is she helpless or inconsistent?

Modern heroines should strive to be witty, clever, and self-supporting. But modern heroines are “too” perfect, aren’t they? Especially when it comes to weight and physical attractiveness.

A modern heroine’s weight can be a challenge to portray, but it doesn’t have to be. Realistically, I can tell you it can be a struggle to keep the weight down. Heck, I’m struggling to get the weight down after I had my last child and that was 8 years ago! To write a realistic heroine, not only does she have to be self-supporting and independent, but she’s got to be convincingly attractive. So what does that mean?

The heroine does her best to take care of her body and her mind. It’s all right if she’s not a model. She has to possess self-respect and do her best to take care of herself. She also has to have those inner qualities that will make her attractive to the hero. Does she have a temper or is she even-tempered? Is she kind? Compassionate? These are qualities that the hero appreciates. She doesn’t have to be perfect, just realistic.

Question: What qualities do you look for/or want in a romantic heroine?

Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She writes steampunk, paranormal and contemporary romance. She writes children's books with 4RV Publishing. She lives in Castaic, CA and is a den leader for her son's cub scout pack. Her latest novel is Book 3 in the Windsor Diaries steampunk series, “A Lady Never Lies.”

BLURB:

Jocelyn Dunkirk is not your typical Victorian lady. She dresses in leather, wears goggles and is not afraid to get a little grease under her fingernails. Gentlemen avoid her like a dirty rivet.

Richard Windsor, the Prince of Wales, travels through time to claim Jocelyn's heart, but if it isn't one challenge, it's another. He determines to be a constant, steady presence in her life, hoping to prove he'd make a worthy husband.

Jocelyn's facing a bucket full of problems. The Prime Minister wants her to assist in ending a coal strike before it cripples the nation while her father attempts to recover from a serious injury. Will Jocelyn's dedication to her country and family ruin the one chance she has at love? 

EXCERPT:

She swatted her hand next to her head like she was swatting a fly. Love could flitter away from her heart like a hummingbird for all she cared. Who needed it? Love hurt.

A knock rapped on the door, but before she could voice a reply, Richard walked in. He crossed the room, raw concern splayed over his face and he knelt before her. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"You look annoyed."

"A lady never cusses," she replied.

His lips tipped in amusement. "What else does a lady never do?"

"They never wear the same dress twice."

He pulled up a chair and sat in front of her. "I believe that."

"And a lady never lies," she said.

He slid his hand over hers and laced their fingers together. A sweet jolt pulsed up her arm and she smiled despite herself.

"So what's bothering you?" he asked.

REVIEWS:

"You've got romance, betrayal, time travel and gadgets. Perfect mix!!! Can't wait for the next book!" The Crafty Cauldron

4.5 Stars, Clue Review

This is a fun series! The author has a huge imagination.

5 Stars,  Michelle Stanley for Reader's Favorites

"A wonderful book."

BUY LINKS FOR A LADY NEVER LIES:

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:

http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/the-windsor-diaries-book-three-a-lady-never-lies-epub/

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-aladyneverlies-1547037-343.html

BARNES & NOBLE (NOOK)

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-lady-never-lies-stephanie-burkhart/1119712149?ean=2940149360352

AMAZON (KINDLE:)

http://amzn.com/B00KX6FD12

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:

WEBSITE:

http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

TWITTER:

http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:

http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Themes in Miliary Romance Writing

Since the start of the 20^th Century, war has defined generations and their heroes. Let's explore themes in military romance writing and the heroes that warm our heart.

Research

Not all of us have a military background, so it's important to research what branch of service you're going to use, the military job your hero might have, rank and structure, weapon, setting, and time period. War in World War I has different weapons and settings than today's modern conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan. There's one more thing to research that will capture an element of authenticity – camaraderie. It's something those who have served know very well, but it may be something you struggle with as a writer.

I'm prior Army. In 1987, we had a loudmouth in our unit, "Morera." Most of us couldn't stand him because he was loud, obnoxious, and crude. He used to give me a hard time until one of my friends, a female NCO, gave me some advice on how to put him in his place. Now I had just won Soldier of the Quarter for my Battalion and I stood in front of the assembled Battalion to be recognized. After the formation, Morera made a point to find me in the chow hall and in a loud voice announced: "I may not like you much, Cardin, but seeing you up there getting that award, you made me feel proud to be in the 583^rd."

I may not have been his biggest fan either, but his smart comments tapered way off and after that, I knew that if the chips were down, I could count on Morera to come through.

Themes

One of the major themes in military/war romance writing is "Love on Hold." In the earlier wars, WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam, it's usually the woman waiting for her lover to return, facing almost insurmountable struggles as she raises their love child. With these last two wars, now you might hear of a man minding the children as the woman has been called up for active duty.

Another theme in military/war romance might involve unrequited love – a solider/airman/sailor/marine falls in love for a woman he can't have – an officer in love with a Geisha, perhaps, or a woman who loves a man who cares for someone else.

A favorite theme is "Forbidden Love." Think Romeo and Juliet and harboring a love in one's heart for a person you're supposed to believe is an enemy. I think the most popular example is that of a Nazi soldier in love with a Jewish woman, but certainly it can be applied throughout all the wars. In today's world, think of a "western" man in love with a Muslim woman.  In the novel, "A Woman in Berlin," a German woman comes to care for a Soviet officer.

Military Heroes/Heroines

With Iraq and Afghanistan, there's not just "heroes," but "heroines," too. Both need to find and tap into an inner courage or bravery they might not have possessed before. A military hero has to reach down and find that courage in the face of life or death. There's an element of danger they have to deal with. Our hero has to be trustworthy, noble, honorable, assertive, and he/she has to be able to treat people from all walks of life with respect. Also, all romantic heroes/heroines, need to go on a journey that challenges them to change for the better.

What's your favorite military movie/TV show/mini series? Top Gun? The Final Countdown? Winds of War? North and South? Write in. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Gothic Romance is perfect for this time of year! #gothicromance

INTRO:

I remember growing up in the mid-1980's as a teenager, I loved going to the library and borrowing books by Victoria Holt and VC Andrews. They took me to far away places, introduced me to intriguing mysteries and unexplainable events. I encountered a damsel in distress and handsome, dark anti-heroes. Ah, my first love was undoubtedly Gothic Romance.

From the Editor:

Gothic literature received its start in 1764 when Horace Walpole wrote "The Castle of Oranto." Ann Radcliffe further defined the genre, giving it a sense of legitimacy when she explained the supernatural elements of the story with natural, believable, causes. She also introduced the brooding hero.  What Radcliffe did though, was give the 'gothic' the twist that defines it, by showing supernatural events grounded in reality.

Gothic romances were popular in the 1960's – 1980's. They're still popular, but paranormal romances have taken over. Some of the elements in a gothic romance include:

Atmosphere:

Mystery and suspense are important to the genre as well as darkness and "unexplainable" events. The more shadows the better.

Setting:

The setting compliments atmosphere. The setting is intended to be dark, dreary, creating a feeling of claustrophia or fearfulness. The setting is usually an old castle, or a family estate, possibly near a cave, or even an old abbey. The setting is meant to emphase spooky sounds, secret passages, mysterious rooms, trapped doors, and webbed staircases. The message of the setting is to paint a place of decay and desolation.

Characters:

The heroine is usually a damsel in distress with no family or very little family. She may be forced to do things she doesn't want to or let down someone. The hero is her protector who falls madly in love with her and will ultimately save her from the villain.

Emotion:

Gothic romance "ups" the emotion – sadness, fear, passion, crying, agitation, screaming, terror and obsessive love help build absolute desperation. Emotions also include great passion, panic, grief, and perhaps this is the appeal to the young teenage girl who feels emotions tenfold, much like the gothic heroine.

Plot:

A gothic plot involves the heroine's fall from grace and her protector's efforts to save her. Complications include a powerful villain, unexplainable events (rooted in natural causes) omens, prophecies, and the fear of death.

Metonymies

This is a metaphor like rain which is used to represent something else like sorrow.

Some modern gothic romance writers include Mary Stewart and Victoria Holt.  Question: Who is your favorite gothic romance author? Who would you recommend for your teenager daughter/neice? 

Have a spooky Halloween!

Reivews for Sunrise Over Brasov:

 "You will love this paranormal romantic novel." 5 Stars, Reader's Favorites Reviews

BLURB: 

Prince Michael Sigmaringen joins his sister-in-law, Caroline, and the vampire prince, Darius, in a daring rescue of his beloved at Poiana Brasov. However things aren't what they appear. Upon freeing Rosa from the werewolf, Clement, another wolf, Rickard follows them.

Michael soon discovers Rickard is a new breed of werewolf – one who can control his lupine nature and his transformations. Michael and his companions arrive at the vampire fortress, Rasnov, but can go no further when Clement attacks wanting Rosa and Rickard back.

Michael's courage, strength, and convictions are challenged beyond his limits, but his love for Rosa proves his guiding force. Can Michael finally rid his family of their lupine haunting and win Rosa's heart?

EXCERPT: 

He raised his hand and lowered his hood. An inherent strength filled his profile. Confidence. Concern. Relief.

Rosa's breath jammed in her throat. He looked familiar. He smelled familiar.

"Rosa, it's Michael. Let's go."

"I'm not going anywhere with you."

A frown set against his rugged features. "I don't have time to argue -- now put on a warm dress and cloak."

"No." She was not going anywhere with him despite the relief in his voice.

He sighed and shut the door. Moving with fluid grace, he crossed the room, jerked the door to her closet open and threw the items he wanted her to wear on her bed. "Get. Dressed."

"No." She was determined not to budge, despite the danger outside.

"Rosa, we're leaving."

"I'm staying."

"Why would you want to stay? Clement kidnapped you."

Disconcerted, she pointedly glanced away from his hard stare. What did he mean by kidnapped? Clement didn't keep her behind bars and feed her only bread and water. Rosa could even go into Brasov to shop as long as Lucien or one of the bodyguards went with her.

"I'm going to take you back to your mother."

Her head snapped toward his direction. Mother? Of course she had a mother -- a family, even -- only she had no recollection of them. So why did her body fill with warmth at the mention of her mother by a man she hadn't seen before, but was hauntingly familiar? She pursed her lips, torn by conflicting emotions.

"Caroline and Darius can't keep this up. Now get dressed or I'll dress you myself."

"You'll find me an unwilling subject."

He drew in a deep breath and raked a hand through his thick ebony hair. "You are exasperating."

"So I've been told."

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON:http://amzn.com/B00DVLRJOU

BARNES & NOBLE:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moldavian-moon-book-three-stephanie-burkhart/1116009842?ean=2940148123552

DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHING:http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/moldavian-moon-book-three-sunrise-over-brasov-epub/

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-moldavianmoonbookthreesunriseoverbrasov-1230728-162.html

Writing Tips - The Appeal of Romantic Comedy

Some of the traits that draw me toward someone are their laugh, their smile, and their sense of humor. For me, that's the appeal of romantic comedy – watching a couple confront their conflicts equipped with a light-hearted disposition.  So, what are some of the themes that make a romantic comedy work?

Themes:

Fish Out of Water

This is where you take the hero/heroine out of their element and put them in a completely different situation. For example, bring in a "big city" TV reporter to run a small town TV station, or a "big city" cop to be the small town police chief. They're both out of their element. The big city reporter could be attracted to the local fire chief who is a local boy. Or the new police chief from the big city might find himself attracted to the quirky girl next door who teaches at the local school and makes homemade soap on the side.

TIP: What amps up the comedy? Have your characters overreact to the situations they find themselves in.

Deception

Nothing brings out a laugh like a little well- meaning deception. Our hero/heroine is pretending to be something they're not – lying about their job, their feelings or their intentions because they think they might not be good enough for the other person.

Examples: Tess in Working Girl or Fiona in Shrek or Michael in Tootsie.

TIP: Deception helps builds conflict – interior as well as external and conflict is what the characters need to change and grow. Example: Sandra Bullock's character in "While You Were Sleeping."

Mismatched

Think Cinderella with a chuckle. The handsome prince or billionaire sweeps our heroine off her feet only our heroine might be a call girl (think Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman) or a chauffeur's daughter (think Julia Ormond in Sabrina) or Princess Fiona in Shrek.

What makes a romantic comedy resonate?

Ultimately, there's something that terrifies the hero/heroine emotionally. It could be commitment, security, image, or not being good enough, attractive enough, or competent enough. That's inner conflict, and most readers can sympathize with all those elements. The other half of the romance helps them face that fear and overcome it with a little comedy – the tool that infuses their inner strength and courage.

Question:  What's Your all-time favorite romantic comedy?

When Harry met Sally

Pretty Woman

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Shrek

Working Girl

Other – (say what it is)

I'd love to hear your thoughts about writing romantic comedy.

Smiles

Steph