Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing

Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing is an immersive ten-month collaborative learning experience where small groups work together in weekly online sessions with published authors guiding the way. This intensive, hands-on program grounds you in the craft of writing romance, so you can go from a story idea to first draft with confidence.

Please read all the information provided before you enroll. If you have questions about the program, please use the Contact Us form with your questions prior to enrolling.

Investment

Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing features published author Guides who facilitate the writing journey through weekly writer’s circles and six one-on-one meetings with each writer. The ratio of one Guide for every three to four participants provides exceptional personal attention. The program features exclusive content, writing sprints, genre gatherings, and other opportunities to invest in yourself and your romance-writing career.

Registration

Non-members, we invite you to join RWA first, then register as a member at the lower rate once you receive an email that your membership is confirmed. This is an opportunity to both save money and receive the benefits of being an RWA member.

RWA membership information may be found here.

Note: If you want to take advantage of the Early Bird rate, please be aware that it takes one business day to process new memberships / reinstatements. Please take this time into account if you're joining/reinstating and registering for Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing.

Register Now

Refunds will be granted only if requested within the first seven (7) days of the program, minus a cancellation fee of $100.

Refunds after seven (7) days may be processed on a case-by-case basis for registrants who provide documentation to prove they were unable to attend the Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing program due to circumstances beyond their control, such as serious illness or death of the registrant or the registrant’s immediate family member.

Please note that enrollment in this program is non-deferrable. Participants must begin and complete their program during the specified dates of their accepted enrollment period. We encourage all applicants to carefully consider their availability and readiness before applying.

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for the Pen to Paper program open November 25, 2024, and close December 13, 2024. Scholarship recipients will be notified by December 20, 2024.

• Tuition scholarships for the Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing Program are offered based on funds available as determined by the RWA Board of Directors.
• Scholarship applicants do not need to be RWA members.
• Scholarship applicants must meet all Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing Program criteria, as well as attest to financial need.
• Scholarship applicants must complete the Scholarship Application Form.
• Representatives from the RWA Board of Directors, Diversity Advisory Committee, and Pen to Paper Committee will work together to choose scholarship applicants.
• Scholarship recipients are expected to complete the entire Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing Program.

Click here to apply for Scholarship

Participants

Pen to Paper is open to members and non members who meet the following criteria:

• Understand that the two basic elements comprise every romance novel: a central love story and an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending. A Central Love Story: The main plot centers around individuals falling in love and struggling to make the relationship work. A writer can include as many subplots as they want as long as the love story is the main focus of the novel. An Emotionally Satisfying and Optimistic Ending: In a romance, the lovers who risk and struggle for each other and their relationship are rewarded with emotional justice and unconditional love.
• Unpublished in novel- or novella-length romance fiction in a commercial market.
• Not under contract or have an active pre-sale.
• Prepared to meet the participation requirements, writing commitment, and assignment due dates for the program.
• Agree to abide by the RWA Code of Ethics.

How Are Participants Chosen?

Participants who meet the qualifications listed above are chosen on a first-come, first- served basis, with the number of Participants contingent on the number of Guides available.

A wait-list will be established in case of additional availability during the first two weeks of the program.

What’s Expected of the Participants?

Participants who remain engaged and active will derive the most benefit from the Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing program. To ensure their success, Participants are expected to:

• Commit to devoting approximately eight hours (or more) per week to the entire ten- month program;
• Learn from experts in the romance universe via articles, audio recordings, live events, and exclusive videos developed for this program;
• Complete assignments as outlined in the syllabus;
• Engage weekly in Partner Circles led by two published author Guides. This writing group of no more than eight participants will stick together throughout the program, creating an inner circle of allies and writing partners that could last long after the program ends.
• Give and receive valuable critiques that enhance their knowledge and application of writing techniques to meet their reader’s expectations. All Participants are required to receive critiques on their manuscripts and to critique the work of other Participants.
• A Participant Liaison keeps in touch with Participants and helps them work through any challenges to ensure they get the most possible from the program. Participants will communicate issues or concerns to their Guide or Participant Liaison immediately.
• At the end of each course, Participants complete an evaluation to provide immediate feedback that facilitates continuous improvement in the program.

After completing Pen to Paper, participants are encouraged to enroll in the Paper to Polished: Editing for Success program (available separately at an additional fee) to edit the manuscript they worked on in Pen to Paper.

By participating in the Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing program (“Program”), you agree to release, waive, and discharge the Romance Writers of America (“RWA”), including its directors, employees, and agents, from liability from any and all claims relating to your participation in the Program, including misappropriation or misuse of any intellectual property or breached expectations of confidentiality regarding your submitted works.

Participant Timeline

• November 25, 2024: Participant scholarship applications open
• December 1, 2024: Pen to Paper Informational Webinar
• December 9, 2024: Early Bird Enrollment Opens
• December 13, 2024: Participant scholarship applications close
• December 18, 2024: Scholarship recipients notified
• January 3, 2025: Early Bird Enrollment closes
• January 4, 2025: Regular Registration Enrollment Opens
• January 5, 2025: Meet the Guides session
• January 5, 2025: Circle selection opens
• January 5, 2025: First Participant on-boarding session
• January 12, 2025: Circle selection closes
• January 13, 2025: Circles announced
• January 14, 2025 – January 31, 2025: Introductory one-on-one Guide/Participant meetings
• January 18, 2025: Second Participant on-boarding session
• January 31, 2025: Regular Registration Enrollment closes
• February 1, 2025: Third Participant on-boarding session/First Circle Meeting
• February 3 - April 2025: Course 1: Writing Character-Driven Romance
• April - July 2025: Course 2: Writing the First Draft
• July - September 31, 2025: Course 3: Writing Sexual Tension and the HEA
• October 4, 2025: Graduation

Courses and Lessons

The 2024–2025 Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing program consists of on-boarding for Participants and three Courses.

Course 1: Creating Character-Driven Romances

• Lesson 1: Knowing Your Reader and Subgenre
• Lesson 2: Articulating the Story Idea
• Lesson 3: Writing Interesting Characters in a Diverse World
• Lesson 4: Tapping into Characters’ Emotional Wounds
• Lesson 5: Analyzing Characters’ Goals, Motivation, and Conflict
• Lesson 6: Using Backstory to Fuel Conflict
• Lesson 7: Determining Story Structure for Your Genre and Subgenre
• Lesson 8: Using a Beat Sheet to Plot your Story as a Pantser or a Plotter

Course 2: Writing the First Draft

• Lesson 1: Choosing Your Point of View
• Lesson 2: Twisting Tropes
• Lesson 3: Scene Goals, Settings, Hooks, Openings and Endings
• Lesson 4: Writing Descriptions that Suit the Setting, Mood, and Action
• Lesson 5: Writing Naturally Sounding Dialogue
• Lesson 6: Writing Exposition that Engages the Reader
• Lesson 7: Pacing Your Scene

Course 3: Writing Sexual Tension and the HEA

• Lesson 1: Increase Scene Conflict
• Lesson 2: Relating Characters’ Emotional Wounds to the All-Is-Lost Moment
• Lesson 3: Writing Sexual Tension, Part 1
• Lesson 4: Writing Sexual Tension, Part 2
• Lesson 5: Writing the Grand Gesture and Happily Ever After
• Lesson 6: Determining Theme in Your Novel

Partner Circles

Most writers wish for some combination of writing partners, critique circles, and accountability opportunities. The Partner Circles offer that, and so much more.

Partner Circles consist of six to eight program Participants plus two published authors who serve as Guides. Each week, you’ll complete assignments (reading articles and watching videos, plus working on your novel) before getting together with your Partner Circle to discuss what you’ve learned.

Partner Circles will also critique each other’s work. You’ll learn how to give and receive useful criticism, while treating your Partners’ with compassion and respect—as they’ll treat you and your work. Partner Circles offer the potential to create relationships that last beyond the ten months of Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing, and possibly offer you lifelong friendships with authors at the same stage you’re at.

Guides

Guides are a key part of the Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing program. They facilitate discussion in Partner Circle meetings and share their knowledge of the writing process with their Circle members. They also serve as an example to every Participant of how established writers give back to the romance community.

Who Can Be a Guide?

Guides must be RWA members in good standing who meet the following criteria:

• Indie or traditionally published authors.
• RWA Associate Members who have experience mentoring other writers.
• Prepared to discuss aspects of writing the romance from idea generation through drafting.
• Prepared to commit to completing the entire six-month course with an estimated time commitment of eight hours required each week.
• Prepared to participate in Guide and Participant on-boarding.
• Prepared to participate in program events and workshops.
• Have a reliable internet connection
• Have previous experience as a facilitator, trainer or educator.
• Commit to being on camera for Circle meetings.
• Possess reasonable computer fluency.

What Do Guides Get Out of Participation?

Guides will receive a $1,000 stipend for participating in the Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing Program.

How Are Guides Chosen?

Based on criteria above, the Guide application, and an interview, guides are selected by a panel made up of representatives from the Pen to Paper Committee, Diversity Advisory Committee, Policy Advisory Committee, and the RWA Board of Directors. Preference will be given to Guides who have mentoring/learning facilitation experience.

What’s Expected of the Guides?

• Must commit to a minimum time commitment of 6-8 hours each week.
• Attend all Guide on-boarding events.
• Review the lesson materials and the Participant assignments each week, and keep the Circle focused on the proprietary content provided and approved by Pen to Paper committee.
• Conduct weekly online, 60 to 90-minute live meetings for partner circles.
• Use the Syllabus and Lesson materials to lead Participants through weekly skill-set development.
• Guide Participants through weekly skill-set development activities (coaching assistance provided).
• Encourage progress and participation in the Partner Circles, reaching out to Participants when they miss meetings or fall behind on assignments.
• Lead activities to apply concepts learned in self-study assignments to the writer’s own work.
• Guide the critiquing process based on the skills developed in that Lesson.
• Encourage and provide positive reinforcement to Participants.
• Facilitate two one-on-one discussion sessions on work progress during the course and one entrance and exit session. In total, the Guide will facilitate 5 one-hour individual discussions with each of their four assigned Participants per program.
• Monitor progress of their Participants and address any issues.
• Communicate regularly with partner Guides and with the Guide Liaison.
• Direct any questions or issues to the Guide Liaison.
• Notify the Guide Liaison and Participant Liaison promptly of any problems, issues, or lack of participation so the Liaisons can assist with resolution.
• Participate in program events and workshops.
• Use RWA Zoom accounts for meetings; record Partner Circle meetings through Zoom.
• Offer guidance through Groups.io board and Zoom meetings to answer questions.
• Moderate Groups.io Circle content for issues or concerns with posted content.

Please read all the information provided before you apply to be a Guide! Guide applications close December 13, 2024.

Check out these spotlights on some of our program Guides:

• Patty Blount
• Kathy L Wheeler

Curious about being a Guide in the Pen to Paper program?

Watch the recording of a Q&A session

Applications open November 25, 2024, and close December 13, 2024.

Apply to be a Guide here.

Guide Timeline

• November 25, 2024: Guide applications open
• December 1, 2024: Informational Webinar
• December 13, 2024: Guide applications close
• December 5 – December 15, 2024: Guide Interviews
• December 18, 2024: Guides notified
• December 28, 2024: Guide on-boarding
• January 5, 2025: Meet the Guides session
• January 14, 2025 – January 31, 2025: Introductory one-on-one Guide/Participant meetings
• February 3 - April 2025: Course 1: Writing Character-Driven Romance
• April - July 2025: Course 2: Writing the First Draft
• July - September 31, 2025: Course 3: Writing Sexual Tension and the HEA
• October 4, 2025: Graduation

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing?

Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing is a comprehensive ten-month writing program for unpublished romance writers. The focus of the program is on providing mutual support and building the skills and knowledge romance writers need to be successful in today's market.

The Participants work together in small groups (called Partner Circles) with experienced author Guides to go from their first idea to the first draft of their romance novel. The program provides a safe, supportive environment to build writing skills and nurture confidence.

Participants will learn through self-study assignments that include books, articles, exclusive audios and videos by experts, weekly group discussions in Partner Circles, writing assignments, and critiquing.

They have the opportunity to network with other Participants and Guides outside their Partner Circle through Groups.io, Zoom meetings, and other social learning avenues.

2. How does the program work?

This program uses a blended learning approach. The blend for Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing is to use a combination of:

• Workshops are delivered through on-demand learning materials, including exclusive videos, articles, books, online assignments, Q&A, and writer’s tools such as checklists and forms.
• Discussions to answer questions and explore application of key concepts.
• Live virtual sessions with small groups, called Partner Circles, to help apply concepts to the Participant’s ongoing manuscript work, collaborate on writing, and build a community of support for participants.
• Reference materials include RWA Conference videos and podcasts, external videos, websites, and podcasts, craft books, and articles for deeper study on workshops and related topics.

3. How often will the program run?

Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing runs annually. The 2024-2025 program begins with on-boarding in January 2025 and ends in September 2025. (See Program Dates for details.)

4. Can non-members participate?

Yes. Non-members can participate, as long as they meet the criteria listed for Participants.

5. May I join RWA and then receive the discounted rate for the program?

Yes, you may join RWA, and then enroll in the program at the member rates.

6. How are Participants enrolled?

Participants are enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis, with the number of Participants contingent on the number of Guides available.

A wait-list will be established in case of additional availability during the first two weeks of the program.

7. Are scholarships available?

Tuition scholarships for the Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing Program are offered based on funds available as determined by the RWA Board of Directors. Scholarship applications open on November 25, 2024. and close on December 13, 2024. Recipients will be notified by December 18, 2024.

8. What do Participants get out of the program?

The Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing program will guide Participants through the confusing maze of books and courses that exist for writers and give them a structure they can use to create not only their first novel but future books by providing:

• Access to experienced published authors who guide you through the writing process, answer your questions, and help you think through your novel.
• Access to top-notch study materials and the chance to learn the craft from published romance writers.
• The opportunity to complete a first draft of a novel if consistent writing progress is made throughout the program.
• The opportunity to create mutual support networks with published and unpublished romance writers.
• Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion upon graduation.

9. What’s expected of the Participants?

• Participants should be prepared to commit to the entire three Course program.
• Participants meet minimum attendance requirements (75%, or at least three live, online Partner Circle meetings per month) and complete assignments as outlined in the syllabus in order to remain in the program.
• Participants commit to devoting approximately 8 hours per week to the program, including:
  • completing self-study assignments in preparation for Partner Circle meetings,
  • participating in weekly Partner Circle meetings,
  • meeting one-on-one with their Guides at least six times during the program,
  • writing their manuscript, and
  • critiquing peers’ work in progress.
• Participants should be open to learning from experts in the romance universe via articles, audio recordings, live events, and exclusive videos developed for this program.
• Participants are expected to engage weekly in a six-to-eight person Partner Circles led by two published author Guides. This writing group will stick together throughout the program, creating an inner circle of allies and writing partners that could last long after the program ends.
• All Participants are required to receive critiques on their manuscripts and to critique the work of other Participants.
• A Participant Liaison keeps in touch with Participants and helps them work through any challenges to ensure they get the most possible from the program.
• At the end of each of the three Courses, Participants are expected to complete an evaluation to provide feedback. The feedback is analyzed to identify continuous improvement opportunities.

10. Is there a refund policy?

Refunds will be granted only if requested within the first seven (7) days of the program, minus a cancellation fee of $100.

Refunds after seven (7) days may be processed on a case-by-case basis for registrants who provide documentation to prove they were unable to attend the Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing program due to circumstances beyond their control, such as serious illness or death of the registrant or the registrant’s immediate family member.

11. Can I defer enrollment?

Enrollment in this program is non-deferrable. Participants must begin and complete their program during the specified dates of their accepted enrollment period. We encourage all applicants to carefully consider their availability and readiness before applying.

12. When does the enrollment/application period open?

The 2024–2025 enrollment period for Participants opens December 9, 2024, and closes January 31, 2025 (or when the program is full).

Please thoroughly read all the information provided to be sure the Pen to Paper: Guide to Romance Writing Program is right for you. If you have further questions, please use the Contact Us form, and we will respond as soon as possible!