For the love of love stories
Are you a lover of romance?
Find all things romance fiction from National Centre for Writing here — from reading lists to writing courses, free-to-access tips and tricks for crafting the perfect love story, plus words of wisdom from some of our favourite writers and industry experts.
National Centre for Writing has a passion for romantic fiction and we are always looking for ways to expand our offering to romance writers and readers alike. Here is your one-stop-shop for the genre of love.
‘It all stems from the one central premise that I can’t get enough of: Will they, or won’t they? Except that with almost all books that can be categorised as romance, the real question is: How will they?’
– Cressida McLaughlin, author of The Staycation and the Cornish Cream Tea series, on romance fiction.
What’s love got to do with it?
Hear from the experts, from published authors to industry professionals, on all things romance fiction.
Writing love stories: André Aciman on Room on the Sea
In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, bestselling author André Aciman discusses the intricacies of writing romance.
2 June 2025
From sweet to spicy: the popularity of romantic fiction
Rachel Hore provides an insightful overview of the wide-ranging scope of romantic fiction and introduces two engaging writing exercises to help you get started.
3 April 2025
Making room for queer writers of colour with Efe Imoyin-Omene
Hear from former Lit Insider Efe as we discuss representation in publishing, including making room for queer writers of colour.
26 June 2023
Ten things to know before starting your romantic fiction project
Owen Nicholls (author of Love, Unscripted and Perfect Timing) shares his top ten tips for writers delving into the wonderful world romantic fiction.
31 July 2025
The rise of romantasy with Sangu Mandanna
In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, writer Sangu Mandanna dives into the world of romantasy — a genre that blends the best of romance and fantasy.
14 April 2025
Breaking into romance: essential advice for writers
In this exclusive interview, Blake Friedmann Literary Agency’s Vice Head of Books Juliet Pickering shares her advice for aspiring romance writers.
13 June 2024
Writing romantic comedies with PJ Ellis
In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, we’re joined by author PJ Ellis to discuss writing romantic comedies.
29 July 2024
Top ten romance reads for summer
Cressida McLaughlin shares a list of ten heart-bursting recommended romance reads which will keep you busy this summer!
24 July 2023
Writing a festive bestseller with Abiola Bello
In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, YA writer Abiola Bello shares her insights into how to write festive novels.
16 December 2024
Love in an old climate: Writing about older lovers
Maggie Gee, writer of The Red Children, tackles the issue of ageism in the media and publishing and discusses how to write about love and sex between older people.
What’s on — upcoming events, workshops & courses
Learn to write the perfect love story, hear from experts of the craft and find the fun in romantic fiction with our upcoming events and practical courses.
How to Write Fiction (12-week course)
Learn the essential tools to craft compelling fiction, featuring personalised one-to-one feedback, engaging lessons, and practical exercises to help you develop a consistent writing practice.
Monday 23 February
The Fundamentals of Fiction with Ian Nettleton (ten-week course)
Take those exciting first steps into fiction writing with this ten-week beginners course led by expert tutor, Ian Nettleton.
Monday 23 February
Developing Your Prose Fiction with Ian Nettleton (ten-week course)
Take your writing to the next level with this friendly, supportive, ten-week intermediate course led by expert tutor Ian Nettleton.
Tuesday 24 February
How to Write a Novel (eight-week course)
Learn to write a novel, explore the core elements of storytelling, and receive personalised feedback to confidently bring your first novel to life.
Monday 23 March
