tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post8062206720600784529..comments2024-02-04T04:40:23.122-08:00Comments on Harlequin Heartwarming: Unlocking the Harlequin "Formula" by Karen RockPamela Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05834270662017246137noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-36480731164529517672013-01-31T09:17:47.875-08:002013-01-31T09:17:47.875-08:00Great post Karen! I can see how someone might thin...Great post Karen! I can see how someone might think that romance stories have a formula. On the other hand, each story is unique and being able to make readers care about the characters and what happens to them is the biggest part of writing. As the reader, I can say that I'd rather an author focus on that side of the story more than just try to follow a pattern for the plot.Lovey Dovey Bookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13920233416898547011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-13588991822657905312013-01-29T20:42:21.793-08:002013-01-29T20:42:21.793-08:00It's always an honor to have a former student ...It's always an honor to have a former student come back and share the impact we have on their lives. As a teacher, it is a humbling experience that somehow makes things so much better.<br /><br />As a writer, the time, effort and thought that goes into creating a story is beyond what many people can imagine. Late nights. Dreams. Early mornings. Connections and exploring. Noticing and Mr. Parkshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03408604653405027433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-50143851791629858162013-01-18T20:10:29.734-08:002013-01-18T20:10:29.734-08:00Hi Karen!
I'm not one for "formulas&quo...Hi Karen!<br /><br />I'm not one for "formulas" of any sort outside of math/science (I'm an accountant--at least that's what my college diploma tells me). <br /><br />Writing, much to everyone's surprise, is hard work. It takes time, patience and work, work, work. And, oh yeah, we aren't all rich either...There can only be one Twilight (ha ha).<br /><br />Romance Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08014841868649011587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-40386660002506172112013-01-18T04:33:13.332-08:002013-01-18T04:33:13.332-08:00And the winner of today's blog giveaway is... ...And the winner of today's blog giveaway is... SUSAN HEIM!! Congratulations, Susan. Please drop by my website www.karenrock.com andd leave your mailing info on my contact page so I can send you your awesome prizes :)Karen Rockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03621736343432643472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-56462379560077147952013-01-18T04:31:21.005-08:002013-01-18T04:31:21.005-08:00FREEDOM! Yes- we must have that as writers :) I ag...FREEDOM! Yes- we must have that as writers :) I agree that it is those unexpected twists and turns that makes a story so infinitely interesting to write and read. Thanks so much for adding your thoughtful comment to the discussion!Karen Rockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03621736343432643472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-83074151981993646062013-01-17T23:55:18.452-08:002013-01-17T23:55:18.452-08:00This is exactly why I love pantsering. Give the fr...This is exactly why I love pantsering. Give the freedom to take the storyline around those sudden and often unexpected twists and turns. Sticking to a formula would bore me to tears, and if the author's bored, then so will the reader be. Besides, writing isn't supposed to be 'easy-peasy'. It's meant to have you pulling your hair out, on the point of frustrated scream, and as Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-4980609804561452222013-01-17T19:28:55.578-08:002013-01-17T19:28:55.578-08:00You said it, Jen!! That is the best formula I know...You said it, Jen!! That is the best formula I know too... though I mix a few M&Ms in as well Thanks so much for posting :)Karen Rockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03621736343432643472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-47149241979356192342013-01-17T19:27:29.098-08:002013-01-17T19:27:29.098-08:00Hi Sara! Thanks for stopping in :) Maybe that form...Hi Sara! Thanks for stopping in :) Maybe that formula is the one Einstein was trying to prove- what was that... e=mc(squared) ?! lol (dang- shouldn't have snuck so many books into my Science classes)Karen Rockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03621736343432643472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-55108620153826600382013-01-17T19:06:21.341-08:002013-01-17T19:06:21.341-08:00The formula? Write, write, revise, edit, and write...The formula? Write, write, revise, edit, and write again. That is the *only* formula for a good story! But then, you already knew that.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02101838757326876119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-73238181516971934472013-01-17T18:39:46.523-08:002013-01-17T18:39:46.523-08:00If only there was a formula to writing romance... ...If only there was a formula to writing romance... great post :)<br />Sara @ HarlequinJunkieSarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12767512289373052132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-18922660176225235932013-01-17T18:12:58.390-08:002013-01-17T18:12:58.390-08:00AGREED! I love the unpredictable moments too! It k...AGREED! I love the unpredictable moments too! It keeps fiction and real life romances so much more interesting! I wasn't very good with math in high school so maybe that's why I don't get the whole "formula" thing- lol. Thanks for stopping by, Syndi :)Karen Rockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03621736343432643472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-22323106850339612442013-01-17T17:47:11.296-08:002013-01-17T17:47:11.296-08:00Wow, these are fabulous comments. But then you inv...Wow, these are fabulous comments. But then you invite them when you write a great post on "formula" romance!<br /><br />I've always used the journey metaphor when talking about writing romance. I know the beginning, the people on the journey and the end, but the getting there is the fun part. And I love a good twist or U-turn that takes you where you weren't expecting. The best Syndi Powellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15749555878197507030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-26073787819415650272013-01-17T13:44:21.151-08:002013-01-17T13:44:21.151-08:00Thank you so much, Laura! And you are amazing as w...Thank you so much, Laura! And you are amazing as well for the strong, personal commitment and support you give each of your writers! Where would any author be without a talented, dedicated editor like you beside them?! As I've gotten to know the rest of the Heartwarming authors and their upcoming novels, I'm deeply impressed with the line-up you and Victoria have created! That is a real Karen Rockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03621736343432643472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-34131843823044786492013-01-17T13:28:59.927-08:002013-01-17T13:28:59.927-08:00haha- knew you'd enjoy this post, Cody!! And I...haha- knew you'd enjoy this post, Cody!! And I completely agree with you (Grasshopper- lol) that the best writing comes from a place of joy, of telling the stories of characters that speak to us. Trying to chase a trend means you are always behind everyone else! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with us :)Karen Rockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03621736343432643472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-22043683401569904132013-01-17T13:21:25.093-08:002013-01-17T13:21:25.093-08:00Another fantastic post, Karen. I can't count t...Another fantastic post, Karen. I can't count the number of times people have asked me about a formula. If only they knew how much variety there is in romance novels and how much of themselves authors put into each story. You are all truly amazing!Laura Barthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07753283325950022859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-758601368378723692013-01-17T13:16:09.163-08:002013-01-17T13:16:09.163-08:00Oh hey! This sounds a bit familiar! Hahahhaaa!
In ...Oh hey! This sounds a bit familiar! Hahahhaaa!<br />In my opinion, I believe a true romance story comes from the heart. The problem is that some authors like to reuse other ideas, so then a formula can be, unfortunately, formed. <br />That's not how noveling should be. It should be original, and from the heart. It should be about writing what makes you happy - not what's selling big at Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-21470245474832854342013-01-17T12:32:36.907-08:002013-01-17T12:32:36.907-08:00Trudy you just made my day!! We do slave and toil ...Trudy you just made my day!! We do slave and toil and work... and that's just for the opening line- lol. Sometimes I ask my husband if he prefers version A of a sentence or version B ... And he says "They both sound the same to me." And I think 'How can't he hear such a HUGE difference?" But he can't and he won't understand - God love him- why I'm still on Karen Rockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03621736343432643472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-423175164051504762013-01-17T11:06:20.901-08:002013-01-17T11:06:20.901-08:00I've read enough authors' blogs' posts...I've read enough authors' blogs' posts to know how hard they work to write a book. They go weeks without coming up for air while delving into creating their character's lives. They slave over what happens to their characters, weep over their characters' problems, rejoice when their characters finally find true love. They research the history of the era if it's a Trudyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15935942098556112849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-83011942966552412742013-01-17T10:18:00.277-08:002013-01-17T10:18:00.277-08:00I'm thrilled to hear that you've added Hea...I'm thrilled to hear that you've added Heartwarming to your wish list !! I've never met such incredibly talented and kind authors and we already feel like family :) Maybe Roz will let me in that mental warehouse of hers... There must be a few brilliant ideas she just doesn't have time to write- lol. Thanks so much for your outstanding contribution :)Karen Rockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03621736343432643472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-5862539783949134312013-01-17T10:12:51.897-08:002013-01-17T10:12:51.897-08:00Thanks so much, Penny! My fellow Heartwarming auth...Thanks so much, Penny! My fellow Heartwarming authors and our talented editors have such an amazing line assembled that will touch many hearts. Karen Rockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03621736343432643472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-47861938172120864452013-01-17T10:09:41.851-08:002013-01-17T10:09:41.851-08:00That is exactly what I hope to achieve with all my...That is exactly what I hope to achieve with all my books- giving my readers a world and an experience that transports them from everyday life :) Your comment made me smile, Manda because I thought EXACTLY after I read it. You really understand what the best story-telling is all about. Thank you so much for commenting :)Karen Rockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03621736343432643472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-47539538409172428512013-01-17T10:04:13.622-08:002013-01-17T10:04:13.622-08:00These comments are amazing- yours included, Danica...These comments are amazing- yours included, Danica! I'm having a great time and learning so much from everyone's insights. And I agree with you that the happy/hopeful ending is the best part!! I'm still hurting over Bridges Over Madison County- though I understand ... Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with all of us- this is a great community :)Karen Rockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03621736343432643472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-90353649029696992772013-01-17T09:58:01.195-08:002013-01-17T09:58:01.195-08:00What an outstanding addition to our chat!! Thank ...What an outstanding addition to our chat!! Thank you. I agree that it is so much easier to denigrate others' works than to attempt it yourself! You made such a good point about the importance of trying it - going for it and how ultimately that is how we find respect for one another :) I appreciate your insights !Karen Rockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03621736343432643472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-88957292826916926472013-01-17T09:51:27.218-08:002013-01-17T09:51:27.218-08:00Well thank God there isn't a 'formula'...Well thank God there isn't a 'formula' for romance- I'd have died of boredom a long time ago! I can't even fathom there being one formula- I've seen authors comment on how characters take a life of their on and take the story down a completely different path than intended- formulas don't account for that! LOL<br />I read about 400 books a year and Danica/Dream is kbeldenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16387856967868510577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442063056672240555.post-45231665031072898192013-01-17T09:49:17.293-08:002013-01-17T09:49:17.293-08:00Roz- your post made me laugh- and nod along at the...Roz- your post made me laugh- and nod along at the same time!! You are so right- until you give anything a try, you can never appreciate the difficulty involved in making things look easy. As you said- that may be why those myths about a "formula" for a variety of genres exist- wonder what Stephen King's list would look like if anyone said that to him! Thanks so much for sharing Karen Rockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03621736343432643472noreply@blogger.com