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Francine Beaton
Dec 18, 20243 min read
Writing Hallmark-Style Christmas Romances in a South African Summer
It’s the middle of December, and if you’re in South Africa right now, you’re probably feeling more like you’re sitting in a sauna than...

Francine Beaton
Dec 11, 20242 min read
The Joy of Receiving Your First One-Star Review: A Self-Publisher's Comedy
Self-publishing is a bit like learning to braai with a gas grill—you're putting yourself out there, but not without a little trepidation....


Francine Beaton
Dec 4, 20243 min read
Dream Big, Write Big: How Vision Boards Can Help You Smash Your Writing Goals
Discover how vision boards can transform your writing journey! Learn how to set goals, stay motivated, and achieve your writing dreams. Perf

Francine Beaton
Nov 27, 20244 min read
How to Market Your Book on a Shoestring Budget: A Guide for the Creative Author
So, you’ve written a book— lekker ! Now comes the next challenge: getting it out there without spending all your “braai money.” Marketing...

Francine Beaton
Nov 20, 20243 min read
The Art of the Kiss: How to Research (and Write) the Perfect Smooch
Writing romance novels is as thrilling as watching a Springboks vs. All Blacks test match—full of drama, intensity, and those nail-biting...

Francine Beaton
Nov 13, 20242 min read
What’s in a Name?
Discover how names shape our personalities and why they’re crucial in storytelling.

Francine Beaton
Nov 5, 20243 min read
Self-Publishing Just Got a Lot Easier: Why Teaming Up Might Be Your Best Move Yet
So, you’ve decided to take on the wild world of self-publishing. You’re armed with your sturdy laptop that’s seen better days, a mug of...

Francine Beaton
Oct 30, 20243 min read
Grammar Gaffes: A Light-Hearted Look at Writing Mistakes
Have a laugh at the funniest writing mishaps! From misplaced modifiers to apostrophe disasters, this post dives into common grammar blunders

Francine Beaton
Oct 22, 20243 min read
The Magic of Serendipity: Why Romance Stories Thrive on Unexpected Meetings
Ever noticed how, in romance novels and movies, characters just happen to bump into each other at the most random places? Whether it’s on...

Francine Beaton
Oct 15, 20244 min read
Self-Publishing: Why It Feels Like an Awkward Stand-Up Comedy Act
Publishing a book can feel a lot like stepping onto a stage for stand-up comedy: a mix of excitement, nerves, and the constant fear that...

Francine Beaton
Oct 8, 20244 min read
Are You Ready for the Journey of Writing Series Success?
So, you’ve decided to dive into the world of series writing—whether it’s a saga of interconnected stories, a sequence of blog posts, or a...

Francine Beaton
Oct 1, 20243 min read
Romance Writing: Craft Love Beyond the Clichés
Learn how to write romance novels that resonate with readers. From character flaws to pacing, discover tips on creating love stories that ar

Francine Beaton
Sep 24, 20244 min read
What I Wish I Knew Before Self-Publishing My First Book
Self-publishing can be a wild ride, hey? It’s thrilling, but let’s be honest—it can also be pretty intimidating.

Francine Beaton
Sep 17, 20243 min read
Wine, Words, and Awkward Hugs: Surviving (and Thriving at) Romance Writers’ Conferences
Discover the fun side of romance writers' conferences! From quirky characters to creative inspiration, here's how to enjoy every moment

Francine Beaton
Sep 10, 20243 min read
From Dreams to Debut: The Wild Ride of Becoming a Romance Author
Becoming a published author isn’t exactly a walk in the park—more like a mad dash through a maze of love stories, edits, and a few...

Francine Beaton
Sep 3, 20242 min read
Hello and Welcome: A Little About Me
Hello! I’m Francine Beaton, and this is my space to share the joy and journey of writing romance and self-publishing. From my surprising sta
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