Write True: A Bestseller's Guide to Writing Craft and Achieving Success in the Romance Industry

by Jennifer Probst

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst teaches a surprising key to success in the romance truth. Write True intermingles personal essays on craft and being a career author with down-to-earth advice on writing romance in the digital age. Probst will teach you how - Handle and overcome fear using solid, step-by-step advice. - Pivot in an ever-changing industry. - Write fast moving, riveting dialogue. - Create description and setting that pop. - Master the keys to being a successful career author in the romance genre. - Develop heroes and heroines that captivate readers. - Seed and develop a popular series. - Discover unique ways to market and build your platform. In today’s ever-changing, competitive industry, connecting with your writing and story truths is key to sustaining a joyful, successful writing career. To survive—and thrive—you need the help and wisdom of an expert. It’s time to discover your truth as a storyteller. Written in Probst’s unmistakable and honest voice, Write True is filled with lessons, craft, and truthful advice every writer needs to succeed. Don’t just write. Write true. *** It would be an easier, happier world if none of us had to face the harsh realities and pain of our lives, but eventually, we all will. When it’s your turn, and you sink down into the abyss, remember there will be light one day. It won’t be easy to crawl out of the dark, but it’s possible because writing is about hope. Hope that our story can give one person in the world a gift. Maybe that is the gift of escape, or happiness, or a laugh during a difficult time. Or the power to dream. Or the determination to keep going, just like our characters. We may not realize it during our darkness, trying to fight to make our writing come alive on the page, but those readers are out there, waiting for us. We owe them this fight. They need our story. They need your story. –Excerpt from Write True

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Romance

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 9, 2020

About the author

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She holds a masters in English Literature and lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York. Her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. Her passions include horse racing, Scrabble, rescue dogs, Italian food, and wine—not necessarily in that order.

She is the NYT, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the NY Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a "romance phenom" by Kirkus Reviews. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases at www.jenniferprobst.com. Sign up of her newsletter at www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter for a free book.

Reviews

[Kenya Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it to be informative and I have 11 years in publishing. This was a good craft book and helpful on branding and marketing.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the books that you read at the right time in your life and it makes all the difference.

It's relevant to current times with discussions about writing under a pandemic and room for all writers at the publishing table. I absolutely loved her outside-the-box marketing discussions and having the bravery and insight to try things like a billboard and a book trailer at the local movie theater.

I appreciate that Jennifer Probst shared her knowledge and experience with other romance writers.

[Peggy Jaeger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Loved WRITE NAKED, so i assumed i'd love WRITE TRUE as well. And I was correct.
This book is filled with nuggets of wit and wisdom for the writer of today on craft, research, marketing, and even what do when the muse leaves or goes on vacation.

This is truly a must read for new writers, but even seasoned writers - esp. those who plan on writing or who actually do write series - because it goes deep into understanding what the writer needs to pen a successful series in today's glutted market.
4.5 stars from me. Brava.

[Marci Bolden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probst offers a wonderful book for newbies and pros alike. Reading other author's experiences offers validation for those who have been there and insight for those who are going to be there someday. I really enjoyed the writing style and easy read while still gaining valuable information. Thank for this fantastic book!

[Michelle Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a new to Jennifer reader and after diving into this book I can’t wait to read her novels. During summer 2020 I started writing my first novel and found this very helpful and encouraging with the feelings and emotions I am going through. I will recommend this to everyone who is writing or tossing around the idea of writing a novel.

[Wendy Bunnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent book about the business of being a romance writing in a post#MeToo era. She also has chapters about writing craft, basics like dialogue and GMC, so it's helpful for newer authors, but the real meat is the first half of the book where Probst dishes the behind the scenes view of a career author writing romance. It's a bit of a follow-up to her popular Write Naked book on writing craft, and it reflects the changes in the publishing industry in the four years since that earlier book was published, including the shift from traditional publishers to indie. Unfortunately, my paperbook had more than occasional copyediting and page formatting errors (typos, usage, and weird line returns in the middle of paragraphs), so I think one of her lessons about making sure you're hiring editors, proofreaders and formatters could have sunk in a little sooner. I probably wouldn't have noticed years back before I started writing myself. Overall, an interesting read.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book. I loved it and felt that Jennifer (see how we are on first name basis) was with me the whole time. It felt like we were having a discussion over writing with a cup of tea and some Italian sweets. I am also from an Italian background and connected to this book and the voice both personally and professionally. The advice in Write True is exceptional and keeps you inspired. It will join others that I consider my writing bible. I am set to self publish an anthology of short stories later this year and a novel next year and the first three books of a romance series after that and I know I will get there because this book helped me. Thank you for giving this book to us and sharing your own writing journey.

[Chris Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love both writing books

I devoured both of her writing books. They have earned a place on the keeper shelf.

Jennifer is so open and encouraging that any writer at any stage can learn.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s the book I needed for guidance and self confidence. I purchased the book because I am a huge fan of all of Kristen Proby books and if she is handing out advice I am in.

Write True is giving me the final encouragement and tools to give my dreams a shot finally.

[Susan Anderson Misey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of writing craft books, and my five-star rating is well-deserved. This one covers Writing Truths and Story Truths. Something in here of value for any level of fiction writer. Can't wait to check out her first foray into NF craft books: Write Naked.

[Charlene Groome · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant read for any author who needs a boost of confidence, or needs a reminder of why they write and how to reach dreams.

[Yasmin Samuels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of interesting info & inspiration to push on.

[Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this one as much as Write Naked.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed! Especially loved the second half which gives tons of great writing craft suggestions! Will be recommending to writer-friends :)

[C.J. English · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful. Honest. Real life and writing. Full of the same candor as in Writing Naked. Perfect for any writer who knows there is no end to learning new skills and gaining fresh insight into the craft and business. The take-aways are relatable for a beginning writer or a seasoned eye looking for light in the lonely writing corner. Probst is candid about her own struggles with the fluctuating motivation that is sure to test any creative soul. Thank you for sharing your deeply personal experience and your decades of professional insight.

And for always putting in a plug for rescue dogs.

[Shouty · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALWAYS GOOD TO FIND CRAFT BOOKS THAT ARE A) SPECIFIC TO ROMANCE AND B) RECENT (ALMOST TOO RECENT, WITH DISCUSSION OF THIS PANDEMIC THAT AIN’T OVER YET 😭)