I love to read different genres, yet I always pick a romance between each read. They are so light and refreshing that I cannot get enough of them. Romance titles come with different subgenres, so if you’re planning on writing a romance, then I suggest you read and explore each subgenre before you start.
1. Build up your stage
The setting in a romance novel is essential. The reader likes to feel part of the place, and they want to relate to the characters and the time frame. Whether you’re writing historical fiction or paranormal YA, creating the setting builds up the readers’ imagination. It would be best if you create a particular mood to the place and atmosphere. Is it too cold where the hero takes his jacket off and lays it on his lover’s shoulders? Let’s find out.
2. How boy meets girl
There is always a strategy when writing romance. We always read that predictable plot when boy meets girl, they fall in love; they break up, and they return to each other at the end. That is okay. You can still follow this strategy; however, you can even add your personalized twists and turns to spark the curiosity of the reader. You always want them to ask for more. And how do you do that? You create something unique and engaging.
We can’t run away from cliché love scenes, even if we’re tired of them. Yet we can always add something compelling to them to convince the audience they’re reading something appealing. Be creative, and don’t be afraid to add your fingerprint on your work, be bold, because writing romance needs a lot of courage. They’re not as easy as they may seem.
3. Create a powerful couple
In romance novels, there is always the hero and the heroine. We are not focusing on a single protagonist here, but two. You need to create powerful chemistry between the two imperfect and lost souls with a troubled past. The characters must come from two different backgrounds and histories that they are trying to overcome. Luckily, they find each other, and they help one another to heal through love.
4. Happy Ending?
Sure, why not? All readers love a happy ending, especially when Cinderella marries the prince and becomes a princess. Don’t we all want that? However, brilliant stories don’t always need to have a happy ending, and if they don’t, you need to come up with a sound reason to convince the readers. Sad endings can make more sense sometimes than happy endings.
“I write to get the happy ending I sometimes feel is eluding me.
I write for my sanity.”
Debora Dennis
Don’t be afraid to write a sequel to your love story, because we are never tired of reading more romance novels. Some writers enjoy focusing on the secondary characters for their next book in the sequel and make them the heroes. Romance readers will never say no to that.