Why I write romance…

By Joanne Pibworth

I’m a self-confessed romance junkie – I love to read it, watch it and write it. I’ve been writing now for around four years, and was lucky enough to be chosen as joint runner up along with Maggie in the Mills & Boon 2009 writing competition. That heralded the start of a busy year, getting the call from M&B to say i’d been chosen was a complete dream come true. Hot on its heels came an email from one lovely Maggie Marr, fellow runner up in the comp.

Hi Jo,
Shall we read for each other as we are in the same boat?

Hell yeah! It really did make the experience all the more special to have someone to share it with, and I’m thrilled that Maggie’s winning manuscript is now available to buy as Can’t Buy Me Love. Cole and Meg’s story touched me, and I’m sure it will touch the hearts of everyone who reads it.

Over the years I’ve gone from being not particularly media savvy, to falling totally in love with blogging, twitter, facebook – social media rocks. I get to have my favorite authors in my living room courtesy of twitter, have lost hours creating manuscript mood boards on Pinterest, and and I’ve joined a terrific group of romance writers on the Minxes of Romance blog. I honestly don’t know what I did with my down time before writing – it fills every nook and cranny of my day to day life, and I go to sleep each night mulling over what might happen next.

The big, stand out discovery for me since I started to write has definitely been the romance writing community itself. Has there ever been a more welcoming bunch of women? Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive, and unbelievably free with advice and tips. The lack of rivalry is lovely, there really is room for everyone.

Right now i’ve veered away from series romance and am in the scary process of approaching agents with my first completed full-length romantic comedy manuscript. I’m as wobbly as jell-o with nerves, but i’m trying hard to develop a protective armour so the rejections don’t sting too much. They are a necessary evil, aren’t they? I’m trying to view them as badges of honour. Every one is a step forward, and truth told I kind of love the adrenalin of it. It’s exhilarating. It’s nail biting. It’s life changing. It’s totally addictive, and I truly love it.

Can I take a moment to wish Maggie the absolute best of luck with Can’t Buy Me Love – as someone who is lucky enough to have read it, I can whole heartedly recommend it.

You can follow Joanne on her website and at Minxes of Romance.