5 Tips for Writing a Successful Romance1/27/2023 In my opinion, there is nothing better than a steamy, well written, emotionally exhilarating romance. Whether the story takes place in a fantasy world, or something more realistic, an entertaining romance is the perfect way to add depth to your story. One of my most unpopular opinions is that romance writers don't get enough credit! Of course there are some authors like Colleen Hoover, Ali Hazelwood, and Casey Mcquinston who are known worldwide for their romance novels, but for the most part, romance authors are severely underrecognized. (Especially women, but that's a topic for another time…). Writing a good romance story in any context is no easy feat, but don't let that discourage you. Here are my top 5 recommendations for writing a good romance this NaNoWriMo season. #1 Be Mindful of Your Pacing. Think about past relationships that you or someone you know have been in. What did the timeline look like? Were you or your friend ready for commitment after the first date? Most likely your answer is no. It’s ok to take some time to let your main characters get to know each other. I personally find love at first sight just a tad bit boring. An easy way to make sure time is passing is to create a timeline before you start writing, detailing milestones and important events that happen in your character's relationship. Or take some time to develop the plot outside of the romance, even if the romance is the center of your story. #2 Be Careful of Setting Unrealistic Expectations. I love a good prince charming as much as the next gal, but sometimes Mr. Perfect can end up being Mr. Uninteresting. Humans have flaws, exploit them! A perfect way to keep readers intrigued is to make the story feel real. Sometimes mundane things can end up being the most compelling. For example, your main characters going on a sunset picnic every evening might be the reason a reader closes your book. #3 Steer Clear of Misogyny. Let me be clear, there is nothing wrong with having a conventionally attractive main character! However, when the most attractive thing about a main character is their appearance, it can sometimes fall flat. Misogynistic tropes in literature can also lead to one dimensional characters. An example is when authors emphasize how small/delicate/innocent the female lead is. This stereotype can lead to harmful repercussions within your audience. The same can happen with the male lead when their defining feature is their toughness or their rock hard abs. These things can definitely be intriguing, but it is important not to deconstruct the ideas that these traits are only admirable in specific genders. #4 Don’t Shy Away from Vulnerability! Your characters can be vulnerable without being weak or unattractive. Characters being vulnerable with each other adds so much dimension to a relationship and can enhance your reader’s connection with your story! There is nothing more cathartic than relating to a character and seeing someone validate your experiences. #5 Don't be Afraid to Embrace your Favorite Tropes. Tropes are popular for a reason! For me personally, there is something about the infamous close proximity trope that hooks me in every time. I firmly believe that no trope or plot point is too basic, as long as you put your own spin on it. A telltale sign of a talented author is when they can make the most “overdone” tropes and make you feel like you're reading them for the first time. It’s true what they say, every story has already been written before. That doesn't mean you can’t take something popular and make it your own! To conclude, your writing is your own and at the end of the day, the quality of a novel comes down to how much effort you're willing to put in. Happy NaNoWriMo, you got this! Ramsey Sloanis a Junior in High School who loves to read and write and has a passion for romance in literature. She is very excited for the opportunity to provide other young writers with advice and encouragement.
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