How to Become a Romance Novelist

Hello to all of you who love books, have a passion for writing, or are just curious about this magical world. I say it’s magical because I don’t write the books; they write themselves through my “pencil.”

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Ivana Naskova, and I am a published author of four romance novels. It is my pleasure to tell you how my story began, and what it took me to be here today.

I have always dreamed about writing a book!

Even though it sounds like such a cliché, it’s true! I have always dreamed about writing a book, or at least from the moment I read my first "real" book - one without pictures in it. My mom is a passionate reader like myself, and my father, who I dearly miss, used to work as a journalist; so, I guess I got the passion for reading books from my mom, and the talent for writing from my father.

Having a talent for writing is just the first step

I have been writing my whole life, from innocent children's poems when I was a little kid, to heartbreaking short stories when I was a teenager. I tried to write a book on a couple of occasions as I was growing up, which showed me that having a talent for writing is not all it takes, as you need something more.

You need to feel prepared, be determined, believe in yourself, and need someone who will publish your book, or tell you how to do it. However, I always gave up, mainly because I wasn't ready to write "the book." In the end, I told myself that it would come to me at the right time…so I waited.

The very beginning

I remember clearly as a child, the advice of my therapist, when I visited, to help me get through the pain of losing my father. I was sad and devastated, and she told me to write a journal to help me release the pain and not keep it in. So I did.

I started writing almost every day, for more than five years about my feelings, thoughts, pain, and happy moments. Little did I know that it would lead me straight to what I love doing today - writing books. I enjoyed how the words were powerful enough to take the biggest part of my pain away, so I fell in love with writing even more.

The first book

My first book is called "Perfect Stranger." I had around 80 pages written about my unsuccessful relationship with someone who was foreign living in my country. Used to the idea of getting through any pain in life with the help of writing, I wrote about my relationship and my breakup. But I never imagined that this story would become a book of more than 200 pages and be published by a traditional publisher in my country.

The right place, at the right time

As the old saying goes, sometimes all you need is to be at the right place at the right time. I was purchasing books in the biggest book store, owned by the most prestigious publishing house, when a man approached me and congratulated me for being the person that bought the most books for the day (I had more than 20 books in my shopping cart).

We started talking about my love for books, so I mentioned that I write. It turns out that the man was the owner of the publishing house and asked me to send him the work I had written so far, for his wife to read, and they could then decide if they wanted to publish it.

That very night, feeling the biggest excitement, I pressed the send button on my computer. One week later, I received a message that my book would be published, and all I needed to do was to complete the story.

Writing is my life

I can't imagine my life without writing! I live through my characters, and their stories make me laugh and cry. I find inspiration in my emotions, and through everything that touches my heart and soul.

There is no greater feeling than hearing my readers talk about my books, and how their souls were touched by the stories. At the end of 2021, I received the most prestigious award for my work as an author, and looking back, I am so grateful for all I did, and wouldn't change anything.

How do you write?

Numerous interviewers had the same question - “How do you write, and where do you find inspiration?” Every time I said the same thing, I gave the same advice that I follow to anyone who wants to write a book - start writing, no matter what!

“The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on!” says author Pastor Fusco.

Your story can be different

These are the times where we are given so many options and ways to publish books. You can do it by yourself, online, or with the help of a publishing house. My story doesn't have to be yours as well.

You don't have to do things my way; all you need is to trust yourself, allow your heart to type the story through your fingers, and do it for yourself! Not for the money or recognition, but for you, and someone out there will read your book, and their heart will tremble.

The most humble thing is getting into people's hearts and homes, and your book has the power to do it! Your words have the power to change someone's life, and you shouldn't turn your back on it, if you feel like you can and want to do it!

“Write hard and clear about what hurts.” - Ernest Hemingway.

Link to my official book page on FB - https://www.facebook.com/NaskovaIvana