Awwww romance! Those stories that make our hearts skip a beat as we route for two complete strangers to fall in love and live happily ever after.
Victorine taught a great class on romance.
As you are brainstorming a romance, follow these ideas:
Pick a TROPE:
- Best Friends
- Celebrity
- Best friend's boyfriend
- Fake relationship
- Enemies to lovers
- Friends to lovers
- Boy/girl next door
There are a lot of tropes out there. What's your favorite?
Next, layer why they can't be together. For example:
- She hates him (great, but give the reader more)
- She can't leave her sick grandma
- She's afraid of people leaving her
- He's a snob
- He's protecting his sister
- He doesn't want to get hurt again
What Brings Them Together:
- Holidays
- Crush
- Storm
- Accident
- Work
- Friends
What other ways can the two love interests be thrown together?
Chemistry:
- The characters need to think the other is attractive.
- Their needs to be a physical reaction (Sight, smell, touch etc)
- Romances are all about emotion!
- USE body language
- Create chemistry using subtext
(I have a fantastic book I use for body language. The affiliate link is at the end of this post)
AVOID INSTA-LOVE (yuck, no one likes it because it's not believable).
Start attraction at a low level and build up:
- They need to get to know each other
- Have them hold back on deep thoughts or story
- Stand close
- Touch shoulder or arm
- Share more intimate details
What are other ways people show the find someone attractive?
Create a sizzle of attraction by combining:
- Internal thoughts
- Emotional intimacy
- Physical intimacy
- Emotional response
- Angst
There is power in pulling back emotionally and physical (the 'almost' kiss)
Dark Moment:
- All is lost
- Deep dispear
- They've blown it
- Anguish
- Happiness is gone
The Perfect Turmoil:
SHOW
- Small acts of kindness
- Overcoming differences
- Softening
- Flirting
- Longing
- Growing close
BUT also:
- They need to feel conflicted
- Remember why it won't work
- Pull back to not get hurt
- Stop themselves from falling in love
- Feel angst
- Be in despair
Show Character growth ~ They give up something for love
Climax:
- Emotions are high
- Confession of love at last
- Putting their heart on the line
- They are at their most vulnerable
Epilogue:
- Show them happy in their new life
- Tie up the loose ends
- Allow characters to show their growth
Check out a few of Victorine's books:
Books for writing romance:
How to Write a Swoon-Worthy Sweet Romance Novel book1
by Victorine Lieske
by Victorine Lieske
by Victorine Lieske
Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes
Books for writing emotions:
this post contains affiliate links
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