As you all know very well, I am NOT a romance writer. I've never had the desire to write romance-heavy novels, but I prefer to use romance as an element in my books rather than their driving force. However, the truth is that a well-written romance can make any story more well-rounded, deeper, and more engaging. After all, we all love to picture that "perfect love" or "happy ending" in our minds. Romance can bring you closer to the characters, give real depth to both antagonist and protagonist, and even provide the motivation for the characters to do what they do. So as I sat down to write Thief of the Night Guild (Book 2 of Queen of Thieves), I knew I wanted a hint of romance in there. I turned to a few experts on the topic to find out how to write romance in fantasy the right way. The video below is the result of that conversation:

The Panelists

Susan Tizdale USA Today Bestselling Author, storyteller and cheeky wench, SUZAN TISDALE lives in the Midwest with her verra handsome carpenter husband. Her children have all left the nest. Her pets consist of dust bunnies and a dozen poodle-sized, backyard-dwelling groundhogs – all of which run as free and unrestrained as the voices in her head. Suzan published her first novel, a 14th century Scottish Historical Romance titled Laiden’s Daughter, in December, 2011. To date, she has written and published more than 15 books. More than 300,000 copies of her books have been sold around the world. You will find her books at Nook, iBooks, Kobo, Kindle, Audible, and iTunes. Paperback and hardcover versions at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Suzan’s Website: www.suzantisdale.com Connect with her on Facebook: suzantisdaleromance Tweet at her: @suzantisdale Get text messages on new releases! Text: CheekyWenchUS to 24587 Kathryn LeVeque KATHRYN LE VEQUE is a USA TODAY Bestselling author, an Amazon All-Star author, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance and Historical Fiction. She has been featured in the NEW YORK TIMES and on USA TODAY’s HEA blog. In March 2015, Kathryn was the featured cover story for the March issue of InD’Tale Magazine, the premier Indie author magazine. She is also a quadruple nominee (a record!) for the prestigious RONE awards for 2015. Her bestselling novel, THE WOLFE, is also a semi finalist for the 2015 Kindle Book Reviews award for Best Romance. Her website: www.kathrynleveque.com Micheal Foster Michael Wayne Foster is an American actor and producer. Born in Monroe, Michigan to Rowland Foster (Educator) and Emilie Foster (R.N.). Michael excelled in sports his 12th grade year and chose to pursue that path to Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio. He spent two years on the baseball and basketball teams before focusing on a career in education. As a high school English teacher for 9 years, Michael sharpened his improv skills, which were called upon in 2005 when he first appeared on national television. “A chance to get out and work in New York learning of the opportunities the entertainment industry provides was overwhelming. It (Hollywood) had my attention and I wanted to see what possibilities I could explore.” With a M.A. in education and a B.A. in English, Michael set his sights on a newfound passion: Show Business. In less than a year he resigned from education and moved to Los Angeles. “Teaching was an incredible journey and I am so lucky to have been a part of so many great kid’s lives. However; every journey has to end when another begins,” he reflected. His website: http://www.michaelwaynefoster.com/ Sean Hampton Sean Hampton is the more handsome half of Cover 2 Cover Book Reviews, the only male model romance book review website in the world. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cover2coverreviews/ Instagram: SeanHamptonForever SnapChat: ElSeanHampton