Myshkin
Closed Account
I've been considering writing a Harlequin romance novel in their Nocturne (fantasy/supernatural) category thinking it might be a good way to get my foot in the door with publishers or literary agents. I know it doesn't pay well and I also know that a lot of their books are not what one would consider high fiction, but I also thought if I could manage to write something that they'll print, might it not be a boon? A published work of fiction, even a pulp romance novel, is better than nothing. Right?
However, I've also been wondering if by writing and successfully publishing a Harlequin romance novel might I not be doing more damage to my chances with other publishing houses. Once you've successfully written a pulp romance novel have you trapped yourself in that genre?
The story I'm working on focuses on the sidhe and fairy lore, which I'm enjoying, and the exercise is 'brain candy fun'. Even if I never allow this work (blush) to see the light of day, I don't consider it a wasted effort. Harlequin has an extensive submission section describing how a book for the chosen romance sub-category should be written, which in and of itself provides a unique kind of writing exercise I wouldn't have attempted on my own.
But...is it a good idea or a bad idea?
However, I've also been wondering if by writing and successfully publishing a Harlequin romance novel might I not be doing more damage to my chances with other publishing houses. Once you've successfully written a pulp romance novel have you trapped yourself in that genre?
The story I'm working on focuses on the sidhe and fairy lore, which I'm enjoying, and the exercise is 'brain candy fun'. Even if I never allow this work (blush) to see the light of day, I don't consider it a wasted effort. Harlequin has an extensive submission section describing how a book for the chosen romance sub-category should be written, which in and of itself provides a unique kind of writing exercise I wouldn't have attempted on my own.
But...is it a good idea or a bad idea?