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Writing LGBTQ+ Characters with Heart: Tips from Someone in the Community
As a queer writer, I know how important it is to see ourselves on the page—not just as side characters or punchlines, but as real people...

Joy Holmes
Jul 53 min read
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New Year, New Draft: Writing Goals for Romance Authors in 2025
The start of a new year is the perfect time to set fresh writing goals. Whether you’re drafting your first romance novel, revising a...

Joy Holmes
Jan 53 min read
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How to Weave Faith Themes Seamlessly into Your Romance Without Preaching
Faith-based romance offers a unique opportunity to explore love, values, and spiritual growth in a meaningful way. However, balancing...

Joy Holmes
Dec 30, 20243 min read
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How Proofreading Enhances Your Romance Novel's Emotional Impact
When readers dive into a romance novel, they’re hoping for an immersive, heartfelt experience. As a romance or romantasy author, you’ve...

Joy Holmes
Nov 12, 20242 min read
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How to Write Compelling Romance and Romantasy with Clean, Sweet Tension
When crafting romance or romantasy novels, building genuine connection and tension between characters without relying on explicit content...

Joy Holmes
Nov 2, 20243 min read
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The Role of Conflict in Storytelling: Why Every Great Story Needs It
Merriam-Webster defines conflict as the clash, competition, or mutual interference of opposing or incompatible forces, such as ideas,...

Joy Holmes
Aug 15, 20243 min read
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Character Archetypes: The Foundations of Memorable Stories
Character archetypes are powerful tools for writers, acting as templates or prototypes that help shape characters with depth and...

Joy Holmes
Jul 30, 20244 min read
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Worldbuilding 101
One of the most vital elements of any romantasy story is its setting. Fantasy readers crave worlds that are rich, immersive, and full of...

Joy Holmes
Jul 10, 20244 min read
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Editing vs. Proofreading: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve ever wondered about the distinction between editing and proofreading, you’re not alone! Though the two processes may seem...

Joy Holmes
Jun 13, 20242 min read
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ARC Readers vs. Beta Readers: What’s the Difference?
If you’re navigating the world of book publishing, you've likely come across terms like ARC readers and beta readers. Both play essential...

Joy Holmes
Mar 31, 20242 min read
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Beta Readers: The Literary World’s Testers
The term "beta" may sound familiar to those in tech or software development. In software, "beta testing" involves running a version that...

Joy Holmes
Feb 7, 20242 min read
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Why Paying for a Beta Reader is Worth Every Penny: A Guide for Authors
As an author, you know how important it is to get honest feedback on your manuscript before publishing or submitting it to agents. That’s...

Joy Holmes
Dec 15, 20234 min read
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5 Essential Tips for Crafting a Romance Novel That Readers Will Love
Writing romance is all about capturing the magic of connection, chemistry, and those unforgettable moments that make hearts flutter....

Joy Holmes
Dec 6, 20233 min read
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Unlock the Magic of Your Story: Beta Reading & Proofreading Services for Fantasy and Romance Authors
Writing a novel is a journey—especially when you’re crafting immersive worlds, complex characters, and captivating plots that keep...

Joy Holmes
Nov 9, 20232 min read
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The Value of Constructive Feedback: Why Free Beta Reading Isn't Always Better
For romance authors, sharing a manuscript with beta readers is an essential step in the journey from draft to publication. Beta readers...

Joy Holmes
Nov 8, 20233 min read
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How a Beta Reader Can Enhance the Emotional Depth of Your Romance Novel
Here are five ways a beta reader can help make your romance novel emotionally compelling, so readers feel every twist and turn!

Joy Holmes
Aug 22, 20233 min read
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10-Step Self-Editing Checklist for Romance Writers
Crafting a romance that resonates with readers requires more than just heartwarming characters and a swoon-worthy plot. Before you send...

Joy Holmes
Apr 5, 20232 min read
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Crafting Swoon-Worthy Chemistry: A Beta Reader's Perspective
Romance readers crave that magical spark between characters, the kind of chemistry that makes them root for the couple from the moment...

Joy Holmes
Dec 6, 20223 min read
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