What is Writing Romance Novels?
Join bestselling author Rowan Coleman on our dedicated, genre-specific Writing Romance Novels course. Over six weeks, you’ll explore the foundations of romance fiction, from genre expectations and tropes to character chemistry, emotional arcs, and satisfying endings. You’ll learn how to pitch your novel, structure your story, write powerful openings, craft believable intimacy, and create endings that linger.
What is included in the course?
Each week, you’ll complete a writing exercise and receive feedback from both Rowan and your course mates. You’ll also join a live webinar, where you’ll dive deep into the week’s key topic, ask questions and share ideas. At the end of the course, you’ll submit the first 5,000 words of your manuscript and receive personalised feedback from Rowan on your writing. In addition, you’ll have the chance to submit your work for inclusion in the Jericho Writers anthology, which is sent to hundreds of literary agents, and receive a free one-to-one session with either Rowan or a literary agent where you can discuss your submission pack.
Are there live calls included in the course?
There will be a live call each week with Rowan Coleman and other course students. All calls will be held in the evening (GMT/BST) on Zoom, and will be recorded.
What support will be available to me?
You’ll get regular support from your tutor and course mates, who will offer constructive feedback on your work every week. You’ll be able to ask questions during the live weekly seminars and can reach out to the Jericho Writers team at any time if you need anything else. We’re always happy to help!
What feedback can I expect to receive during the course?
Weekly feedback on your course assignments will be shared in an online forum, where your tutor and peers will contribute their thoughts. To help ensure everyone can learn from discussion of one another’s work, comments will be visible to all students currently studying on the course. At the end of the course, you’ll get a one-to-one session with Rowan or a literary agent (whichever you’d prefer), where you’ll receive feedback on your submission pack. You’ll also get personalised feedback from Rowan on the first 5,000 words of your romance manuscript, which you’ll be able to use to refine your writing further.
What will I get from the course?
After completing the course, you’ll have:
- A strong grasp of the romance genre, including its core expectations, popular tropes, sub-genres, and how to blend romance with other genres while still satisfying readers.
- A market-ready story premise, with the ability to articulate a compelling elevator pitch and understand how premise, stakes, and structure support publishing success.
- Solid plotting and structural skills that enable you to design engaging story arcs, escalate tension, and deliver emotionally satisfying twists and endings.
- The ability to write strong openings and immersive settings that hook readers and reinforce character development.
- Tools for creating believable, emotionally engaging characters, including crafting chemistry, avoiding clichés, and building authentic romantic tension.
- Confidence in writing dialogue and emotional beats, including conflict, intimacy, and sex scenes that feel natural, purposeful, and character-driven.
- An understanding of pacing and payoff, ensuring character arcs and romantic arcs resolve in a way that feels earned and memorable.
You’ll also get:
- One-to-one feedback on your submission pack from an industry expert – either Rowan or a literary agent.
- Personalised feedback from Rowan on the first 5,000 words of your manuscript.
- The chance to submit your work for inclusion in the Jericho Writers anthology, which is sent to hundreds of literary agents.