Love is in the air! Romance novels have entered the mainstream and those illustrated covers seem to be everywhere, from Target to TikTok, Bookstagram to airport Hudson News racks. But what is the key to writing a storyline as sizzling as its love scenes? Story surgeon/book coach Emily Stone and award-winning, best-selling romcom author and audiobook narrator, Julia Whelan, will equip you with the tools you need to build a house of love readers want to live in.

This two-hour class will cover the meet-cute, Scene & Sequel, the midpoint, and the third act breakup. Whether you've already got a polished draft or merely an idea for a meet-cute that you just can’t quit, if your story’s got a central couple and an HEA, you need to know these essential plot points.

We welcome writers of commercial, upmarket, or big-R Romance (and will discuss the difference!) at all levels of proficiency.

In the span of two hours you will get…

• Four virtual mini-lectures (2 taught by Emily, 2 by Julia) on key story beats and components, followed by targeted writing prompts and Q&A

• Link to recorded lecture, if you can't watch live

• Syllabus with writing prompts and suggested reading list