Three recommendations for a writer who wants to write romance?

First, of course, read romance. Know what's out there, the feel of it, and how it makes YOU feel. If a certain book really resonates with you, or really draws you in, then remember that feeling, and use it as a gauge for your own work. Does it resonate with you? Does it make you feel good?

Which leads me to the second recommendation: Know the rules and guidelines, then feel free to forget them. There's a certain amount of logic involved in understanding what's needed in a romance -- like attraction and conflict and resolution, yet those are only the barest requirements. The rest of it comes from your characters' story, not market requirements, because the market is fickle. A good story isn't.

If you're writing about people you care for, going through trials and tribulations that will make them better, happier people than how they started out on page one, plus add in elements that interest you personally, your own love for the story comes out on the page and you stand a far better chance of having someone love the story as much as you did.

Conversely, if you're writing what you think the market wants, i.e., focusing on nothing but the rules and guidelines, yet have no passion for the story, it shouldn't be a mystery why the story falls a bit flat. So do yourself a favor, and write from the heart. Always. Find and nurture SOMETHING in the story that feeds your own passion to tell it, and never let that go until the end. Or through editing. Or revisions. Or copy and line edits. Or galleys.

"No Place To Hide"
Madalyn Reese

Thirdly, never, ever ever stop learning the craft. Every bit of information you absorb can make you a better storyteller, whether you consciously use it or not. If you read it, it'll be there when you're stuck and need it.

Do I find live chats helpful in connecting with readers? And what recommendations would I give to ensure their live chats go well?

Yes.  I love chatting, and I've met some very nice readers through live chats. And to be honest, I almost wish I wasn't at these things as an author, because I'm just me and would rather hang out with some of the people I've met than promote.  Perhaps not the most professional attitude ever. But... whatever. I have fun and am constantly surprised by how nice people are, so it's a blast, when all is said and done.

As for recommendations, I'd say be prepared ahead of time. Visit other author chats at your prospective forums beforehand so you know what to expect. And by that, I mean there are different formats to learn, and different "rules" at each one. Some chats aren't very moderated, some are. Some will be filled with fellow writers still seeking publication, others won't. Some chat rooms like to kick chatters out for no discernable reason... Okay, MOST chat rooms like to kick chatters out for no discernable reason. It's just something that happens, and not a big catastrophe.

Also, it's not a horrible idea to have some answers to questions, like a very brief synopsis of your story, prepared before the chat so that you can just cut and paste. The Internet is all about instant gratification, and you can get to know people better if you're not typing your head off the entire time. So prepare some things beforehand. Oh, and learn to cut and paste by highlighting your answer in a document, hitting ctrl+C to copy, then ctrl+V to paste. Some chat engines won't right click, but most will do the ctrl method without blowing up.

Otherwise, just enjoy yourself. Invite friends to come with if you feel uncomfortable the first couple times. Chats are fun, and a great way to meet people.

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