• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

LDSPMA

Empowering Latter-day Saints to spread light and truth by connecting them at the intersection of faith, creativity, and professional skill

  • Conference
    • Propose a Session or Workshop for the 2026 LDSPMA Conference
    • 2025 Conference Recordings
      • Purchase Recordings Access
      • Grid Schedule
    • Exhibitors & Sponsors
    • FAQs
    • Volunteer
    • Past Conferences
      • 2025 Conference
        • Sessions
        • Workshops
        • Awards Gala
        • Internship Fair
        • LDSPMA’s Got (Secret) Talent!
      • 2024 Conference
        • Sessions
        • Workshops
        • ZIFF Networking Dinner
        • Schedule
  • Membership
    • Email Sign Up (Free)
    • LDSPMA NextGen
    • University Chapters
    • Facebook Group
  • Programs
    • Master Classes (2026)
    • Monthly Zoom Discussions (Free)
    • Mentoring Program
  • Podcast
    • Watch
    • Listen
      • Listen on Apple Podcasts
      • Listen on Spotify
      • Listen on Buzzsprout
    • Called to Create Conversations
  • Articles
    • All Articles
    • Faith & Mindset
      • Gospel Principles
      • Creativity
      • Productivity
    • Craft Skills
      • Writing
      • Media, Film & Theater
      • Podcasting & Speaking
      • Music
      • Fine Art
    • Professional Skills
      • Editing
      • Publishing
      • Business
      • Cultural Diversity
      • Marketing
  • Awards
    • 2026 Award Nominations
    • Praiseworthy Awards
    • Spark Awards
    • Lifetime Achievement Awards
    • Past Award Winners
    • Apply to Be an Awards Judge
  • About
    • Mission
      • LDSPMA in the Media
      • Success Stories
      • Viewpoint on LDSPMA
    • LDSPMA Leadership
    • Volunteers
      • Volunteer Year-Round
      • Volunteer at the Conference
      • Apply to Be a Presenter
      • Apply to Be an Awards Judge
      • Resources for Current Volunteers
    • Policies
    • Contact US
  • Support LDSPMA
    • Donate
    • Volunteer

May 26, 2022: How to Outline a Romance Novel and Keep the Love Scenes Sweet with a Little Bit of Heat

May 14, 2022 By Jeremy Madsen

May 26: How to Outline a Romance Novel and Keep the Love Scenes Sweet with a Little Bit of Heat

A discussion with romance author Julie L. Spencer

How far is too far in clean romance? Heat level is important to readers of all genres–but especially romance novels. And that heat level is often subjective, which means writing clean romance isn’t easy! On top of that, most story structure models don’t work for romance. Outlining is not the same thing as plotting, but they go hand in hand.

Bio: Julie L. Spencer is a best-selling author of over 30 books, most of them romance novels. As an author and publisher, she has mentored other authors to springboard their own successful careers. Her stories include snarky, flawed characters and romantic twists and turns.

This free Zoom event features a short presentation by Julie, followed by Q&A. Julie will be presenting a longer version of this presentation at our conference in October.

Watch Recording

Filed Under: Monthly Zoom Discussion

You May Also Like

Three agents, two male, one female, applaud a pitch.

Networking and Pitching to Agents (Even When You’re Scared to Death)

“We can act out of character for work we really love. But we should do it mindfully and then restore afterward. …Break the shell, then give yourself a break.” -Sabine Berlin

A father and child read a book.

Book of Mormon Picture Books for Young Families

By Kami Pehrson – “We’re all busy, but starting a business together has been so meaningful, and we’re all in it together.” – Kenzie Kofford

Young woman writes with a quill.

Working Through Creative Block

By Mariah K. Porter – “Being stuck doesn’t mean I’m failing. It only means I have more to learn and new ways to collaborate with the Divine.”

Five Ways to Get Your Scrooge on This Christmas

By KaTrina Jackson – “Be like Scrooge and let go of your past this Christmas.”

Primary Sidebar

Recent Articles

Three agents, two male, one female, applaud a pitch.

Networking and Pitching to Agents (Even When You’re Scared to Death)

“We can act out of character for work we really love. But we should do it mindfully and then restore afterward. …Break the shell, then give yourself a break.” -Sabine Berlin

A father and child read a book.

Book of Mormon Picture Books for Young Families

By Kami Pehrson – “We’re all busy, but starting a business together has been so meaningful, and we’re all in it together.” – Kenzie Kofford

Young woman writes with a quill.

Working Through Creative Block

By Mariah K. Porter – “Being stuck doesn’t mean I’m failing. It only means I have more to learn and new ways to collaborate with the Divine.”

Recent Podcast Episodes

Popular Articles

A senior couple walking down a quiet lane

Sometimes Things Do Work Out

By Steve Dunn Hanson – We can choose how any situation or circumstance we find ourselves in will ultimately affect us. We can literally shape the results of all our experiences.

Cussing & Creating: 3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t (& Should!) Use Profanities in Your Writing

By Lizzy Pingry – Writers must evaluate the way they express themselves: how does our use of language and its profanities build or destroy our stories? 

Portrait of a Painter: The Journey of Latter-day Saint Artist Dan Wilson

By Howard Collett – “God is in the very details of our work. That doesn’t just apply to Christian artists working on temple paintings, but it applies to anyone in any career. God can answer specific questions to help us be better providers, better employees, better employers, better husbands or wives, or wherever we need help.” – Artist, Dan Wilson

More Articles

Soap being cut into bars.

Building a Skincare Business from Scratch

By Kami Pehrson – “Your passion, or lack thereof, comes through when you sell your products.” – Lauren Tyson

Announcing the Praiseworthy Awards for Emerging Authors!

By Katie Wiscombe – Nelson Mandela shared some inspired insight on the subject when he said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” So what are you waiting for? Dust off your manuscript, click the link, and submit your 2,500 words. Impossible no more–you just got it done. One step closer to your dream becoming a reality.

LDSPPA conference banner

The Power of the Word: LDSPMA 2017 Conference

By Kristen Reber – Our annual conference in 2017 was held on September 22 and 23 at the BYU Salt Lake Center. The theme was “The Power of the Word.” The Spirit was strong as we listened to knowledgeable and inspired speakers share both spiritual and practical lessons for our publishing careers.

Footer

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2026 LDSPMA. All Rights Reserved. LDSPMA is not endorsed by nor affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.