Writing

3 days ago3 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

Nov 274 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...

Nov 203 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...

Nov 132 min read

What’s in a Name?

Discover how names shape our personalities and why they’re crucial in storytelling.

Nov 53 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...

Oct 303 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

Oct 223 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...

Oct 84 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...

Oct 13 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

Sep 173 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

Sep 103 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...

Sep 32 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