An Introduction To Writing Romance
Written and tutored by Esther Chilton
An Introduction To Writing Romance Course
Suitable for all levels of writers
Do you fancy being the next Jane Austen, Danielle Steel or Nicholas Sparks? If you do, then you’re in the right place. This three-module short course will give you the foundations on which you can build. It covers romance writing techniques suitable for use with both short stories and novels alike.
The Course
The first module takes a look at the current short story market, what to consider when writing your story plus two very different examples of published stories.
The second module starts to examine the foundations of romance writing including: subgenres, the setting and creating a strong main couple. You learn how to build likable characters that your readers will get behind in their quest for love and about the different ways you can bring your pair together. You then explore some of the classic romance tropes and are given techniques you can use to make your romance concepts feel fresh.
In your final module you are shown how to structure your romance and how to split it into sections. Which viewpoint to write from and whether to add sex scenes into your romance will also be considered.
Exercises And Assignments
There are lots of examples and some writing exercises for you to work through. At the end of modules two and three there is an assignment to complete which you submit for constructive feedback from your tutor.
Course Outcomes
By the end of the course, you’ll have your two main characters worked out and a plot outline for your story or novel.
Certificate of Completion
On successful completion of your course you will be rewarded a Certificate of Completion which you will be able to download from your account for your records.
Included With Your Course
Your course also includes a free supplement where you learn how to lay out your typescript. Presenting your work professionally is essential should you wish to send it off for publication or for a competition.
For the duration of your course you will have access to Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau's Writers' Community and free Zoom sessions where you can meet other writers and ask questions.
Trial Period And Time Limit
You have your course on seven-day trial and four months from the date you enrol to send in your assignments. Your course materials are available as soon as your payment has been successful.
No Qualifications Required To Enrol
If you want to try your hand at writing romance this course is for you. It is suitable for all levels of writers including beginners. No previous experience or qualifications are required. It will help you to build confidence in your writing and help you take it forward on your own.
Enrol Today
There are no fixed start dates so you can begin straight away.
The Course
The first module takes a look at the current short story market, what to consider when writing your story plus two very different examples of published stories.
The second module starts to examine the foundations of romance writing including: subgenres, the setting and creating a strong main couple. You learn how to build likable characters that your readers will get behind in their quest for love and about the different ways you can bring your pair together. You then explore some of the classic romance tropes and are given techniques you can use to make your romance concepts feel fresh.
In your final module you are shown how to structure your romance and how to split it into sections. Which viewpoint to write from and whether to add sex scenes into your romance will also be considered.
Exercises And Assignments
There are lots of examples and some writing exercises for you to work through. At the end of modules two and three there is an assignment to complete which you submit for constructive feedback from your tutor.
Course Outcomes
By the end of the course, you’ll have your two main characters worked out and a plot outline for your story or novel.
Certificate of Completion
On successful completion of your course you will be rewarded a Certificate of Completion which you will be able to download from your account for your records.
Included With Your Course
Your course also includes a free supplement where you learn how to lay out your typescript. Presenting your work professionally is essential should you wish to send it off for publication or for a competition.
For the duration of your course you will have access to Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau's Writers' Community and free Zoom sessions where you can meet other writers and ask questions.
Trial Period And Time Limit
You have your course on seven-day trial and four months from the date you enrol to send in your assignments. Your course materials are available as soon as your payment has been successful.
No Qualifications Required To Enrol
If you want to try your hand at writing romance this course is for you. It is suitable for all levels of writers including beginners. No previous experience or qualifications are required. It will help you to build confidence in your writing and help you take it forward on your own.
Enrol Today
There are no fixed start dates so you can begin straight away.
Course Tutor
Esther Chilton
Since joining The Writers Bureau as a student in 1999, and following their advice, Esther hasn’t looked back. As well as winning several writing competitions herself, she was head judge of Writers’ Forum magazine’s monthly short story competition. Over the years, Esther has regularly had articles and short stories published in a variety of newspapers and magazines in the UK and abroad. She has published a range of writing workbooks, children’s books and short story collections.
Esther became a tutor for The Writers Bureau in 2009 and when they closed in July 2026, she knew she wasn’t ready for it to go. Fortunately, they let her continue with the website and new courses so she can support students on their writing journey.
See What Our Students Say
A pleasure to study this course.
Patricia McCarthy
Really enjoyed the short course and learned a great deal. Helpful tutor, Esther, and good support from staff. Especially Susie!
Really enjoyed the short course and learned a great deal. Helpful tutor, Esther, and good support from staff. Especially Susie!
Read LessThe Building Blocks
jacqui martin
I have only just started, but I love the structure that combines key story writing structures, even for those who know them. It's a refreshing design and a g...
Read MoreI have only just started, but I love the structure that combines key story writing structures, even for those who know them. It's a refreshing design and a good future reference to save. The examples of different short romance stories are really helpful and can inspire you to think of different styles.
Read LessCourse curriculum
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Welcome To Your Course
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WB's Writers' Community
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Totum Student Discount Card – UK Students Only
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Discounted Writing Magazine Subscription For WB Students
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Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
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Study Tips
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How To Download Your Course Modules
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AI Policy
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Romance And The Short Story: the romance short story market, example story, points to note, exercise one, other romance markets, example story, points to note, exercise two.
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Romance Foundations: is romance boy meets girl? subgenres, exercise three, setting, exercise four, a strong main couple, character profile, bringing the romantic couple together, a unique approach.
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Character Profile
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Assignment One
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Structuring Your Romance: planning your romance, structuring a romance, exercise five, viewpoint, example viewpoints, exercise six, ways to write sex scenes, tips for working on your romance stories and novels.
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Assignment Two
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Final Word
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About this course
- £99.00
- 2 Tutor-marked Assignments
- 7-Day Trial
- Time-limit: 4 months
Learn the foundations to writing great romance stories and novels. Start today.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
1. Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau Pledge: For the fees quoted Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau will supply the full course and all the services described on our website.
2. Course Cancellation: If you wish to cancel your course you must let us know within 7-days of enrolling on your course for a full refund providing you have not submitted an assignment. Submission of an assignment commits you to the course. Course cancellations after the initial trial period are at the discretion of Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau and will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
3. Time Limit: This agreement lasts for four months. If you wish to extend your studies beyond this time, an extra charge will be made for administration, assessment of assignments, access to the online course materials and community.
4. Copyright: This course is protected by copyright. You agree not to copy, reproduce or broadcast the course or part of the course and not to allow any other person to read or use the course or any portion of it nor offer it for re-sale in any way whatsoever.
5. Rights of Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau: Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau reserves the right to refuse to accept any applications for enrolment. We also reserve the right to discontinue the course or tuition for any student if they become abusive in any way.
6. Writers' Community and Zoom sessions: You agree to abide by the guidelines set out here when you participate in the community and Zoom sessions.
7. Your Data Rights: Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau do not share your information with any other person or organisation except as required by UK law. All reasonable precautions are taken to prevent unauthorised access to this information. This safeguard may require you to provide additional forms of identity should you wish to obtain information about your account details. You can have the information Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau holds corrected or deleted at any time. Please address your requests and/or queries to [email protected]
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