Woman magazine - Writing a Mills and Boon

In my twenties I loved reading romantic novels - especially Mills and Boons. I even dreamt of writing one of my own. But nowadays once I've got work and chores out of the way romance is often the last thing on my mind.

Then I heard that Mills and Boon were running a series of writing workshops across the country during August and September, followed by a 'New Voices' competition to help find fresh talent and I jumped at the chance of sampling one. Run by Heidi Rice, the author of 11 Mills and Boon novels, including 'Bedded by a Bad Boy' and 'Surf, Sea and a Sexy Stranger' I felt sure it would get my creative juices flowing.

There were eight aspiring authors in the group, and Heidi began by explaining that Mills and Boon novels are divided into different categories and it's important to aim for the one you'd be most suited for. They include Modern, which have glamorous, jet-set locations powerful, ruthless heroes and red-hot lovemaking and Cherish, which are sensual but stop at the bedroom door.

Heidi shows us a montage of pictures of heros to inspire us – they include Sean Bean, Daniel Craig, Gordon Ramsay, Robert Pattinson and, rather unexpectedly, Simon Cowell. 'The actor who played Sawyer in Lost was the basis for one of my heroes,' confides Heidi.

Heidi then sets us an exercise to create a hero and heroine of our own. She stresses it's important make them real, complex characters, with inner conflicts that they have to overcome on their path to finding true love. 'And remember that names are important,' she adds, 'I'd suggest you avoid calling your hero Nigel or Reg'.
Deciding to take the plunge and go for the Modern category, I start writing about Jasmine, a feisty redhead, damaged by her parents' divorce and determined she'll never have her own heart broken. But when she meets Ricardo, a gorgeous Italian tycoon, sparks are destined to fly.

Heidi asks if any members of the group would be willing to share their creations, and we hear about Jason, who is 'tall, dark, brooding, with deep blue eyes and a moody mouth' and beautiful interior designer Anneka. Asked for advice on writing about passion, Heidi shares the following tip. 'Identify with your heroine and fall in love with your hero. That way any sex scenes will flow naturally.'

Once you've penned your novel, getting feedback can help you improve your work. The best people to show it to are regular romance readers. 'But probably not your mother,' Heidi adds. 'I showed my first book to my own mum and she said 'I thought it was very good, but you used the word 'erection' too often'.

On the return train journey I make notes about my story. I decide to give it a horsey background and call it 'Unbridled Passions'. By the time I get home I'm raring to go. Ignoring the towering pile of ironing I turn on my laptop and disappear into a romantic world where Ricardo and Jasmine can get to know each other better....


WRITE A BESTSELLER/
Read Mills and Boon romances to become familiar with their style
Pinning up photos of your hero can help inspire you.
Don't feel you've got to write sexy scenes – if you're not comfortable with them it'll show
Make time to write – get up an hour early if you have to
Details of the Mills and Boon workshops and competition at www.romanceisnotdead.com
There are guidelines for aspiring authors at www.millsandboon.co.uk