Vroman’s Ed – Romance Writing Class with Amy Spalding (8 weeks)

(Please note: this 8 week class will be held on Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm - *1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, and 3/6, with no class on 2/27)

Have you always wanted to write your own HEA (that’s a happily-ever-after)? This class is for anyone interested in writing a romance novel—or who’s started one but feels like they need some help getting to that happy ending! In this 8-week course, bestselling author Amy Spalding will teach you the fundamentals of romance novels.

From Meet Cute to HEA: Writing the Modern Romance Novel will focus on structure, with specialized lectures each week to learn more about each beat, from the setup to the meet-cute, all the way through to that glorious HEA. Topics covered will include genre conventions (yes, like tropes!), dialogue/banter, building tension (sexual and otherwise!), inclusivity/diversity in storytelling, common pitfalls, and more.

Classes will be mostly lecture/discussion, with time set aside each week for writing exercises and brainstorming. The goal is for each writer to leave class with a full outline of their romance novel, as well as some example scenes and exercises they may be able to use in the manuscript as well.

Students will also leave class with resources: each week's presentation will be sent out to all students, as well as additional links for further examples/education.

Amy Spalding is the author of several adult and YA novels, including the bestselling romance For Her Consideration, We Used to Be Friends and YA romance The Summer of Jordi Perez (and the Best Burger in Los Angeles), which was named a best book of 2018 by NPR, the Boston Globe, Kirkus Reviews, and more. She is a recipient of the 2023 Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award for the authentic, funny, and diverse representation of the LGBTQ+ community in her books.

Amy grew up in St. Louis and now lives in Los Angeles. She has a B.A. in Advertising & Marketing Communications from Webster University and an M.A. in Media Studies from The New School. Amy studied longform improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.

*This class will be held on the following dates – 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, and 3/6 (with no class on 2/27) and will take place in the Vroman's Meeting Room located next door to Vroman's Main Store in the Atrium at 709 E. Colorado Blvd. Suite 120.

(Please register by end of day 1/8/25)

Questions? [email protected] or call (626)449-5320

Host or Publisher Vroman's Bookstore