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Novel Idea Two writers followed their passion for romance . . . and ended up with a love story of their own.

By Gisela M. Pedroza

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

What: Personalized romancenovels
Who: J.S. Fletcher and KathyNewbern of YourNovel.com
Where: Raleigh, NorthCarolina
When: Started in 1992

Who knew regular people could star as protagonists in romancenovels? Upon hearing a friend's passing comment about the idea,writers J.S. Fletcher, 52, and Kathy Newbern, 46, decided it wouldmake a great business. After purchasing a computer and a printer,the two launched YourNovel.com and immediately set out to writetheir first customized romance novel.

Initially, the partners used simple search and replace commands,but today they use a custom-made software program to personalizeeach book. Since 1992, they've written 10 novels together underthe pen name Fletcher Newbern; customers can choose either wild(steamy scenes) or mild (hugging and kissing) versions. They'veeven released a book written by the winner of their romance novelcontest.