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1. Romance novels focus on relationship development as the core plot

In a Romance novel, relationship equals plot. Or to put it another way, your plot is dependent upon the course of the love story.

Relationship centrality. Romance novels revolve around the development of a romantic relationship between two protagonists. Unlike other genres where romance might be a subplot, in romance novels, it is the primary focus. The entire narrative arc is built around the evolution of the romantic relationship, with all other elements serving to either bring the lovers together or tear them apart.

Plot structure. The plot of a romance novel typically follows a specific structure:

• Initial meeting or reunion of the protagonists
• Development of attraction and obstacles to the relationship
• Escalation of conflicts (both internal and external)
• Resolution of conflicts
• Happy ending with the couple together

Every scene, character, and subplot must contribute to the central love story. Even when dealing with external conflicts like mysteries or adventures, these elements should ultimately serve to deepen the bond between the main characters or test their commitment to each other.

2. Understanding the romance genre and its target audience is crucial

If you haven't read at least 30 genre Romances that were published in the last five years, then you haven't researched your market well enough.

Market research. Success in romance writing hinges on a deep understanding of the genre and its readers. This requires extensive reading of contemporary romance novels, particularly those published within the last few years. By immersing yourself in the current market, you gain insight into:

• Popular tropes and themes
• Reader expectations
• Writing styles that resonate with the audience
• Evolving trends in the genre

Target audience. The romance readership is predominantly female, well-educated, and often in stable relationships. Key demographics include:

• 78% female readers
• Majority aged 25-54
• 42% hold a bachelor's degree or higher
• 80% report being happily married or in long-term partnerships

Understanding these demographics helps writers craft stories that appeal to their readers' desires, experiences, and fantasies. Romance readers often seek stories that offer hope, emotional satisfaction, and a temporary escape from reality.

3. Classic romance storylines and archetypes drive successful plots

It has been said that there's no such thing as a new idea.

Timeless archetypes. Successful romance novels often draw from classic storylines and character archetypes that have proven popular over time. These include:

• Beauty and the Beast
• Cinderella
• Enemies to Lovers
• Second Chance Romance
• Forbidden Love

While these archetypes are familiar, the key to success lies in putting a fresh spin on them. Writers can combine multiple archetypes, set them in unique contexts, or subvert expectations to create compelling narratives.

Character dynamics. Classic romance plots often revolve around specific character dynamics:

• The reformed rake
• The wallflower who blossoms
• The misunderstood bad boy
• The strong-willed heroine
• The tortured hero

By understanding these archetypes and dynamics, writers can create characters that resonate with readers while still maintaining originality through unique personalities, backstories, and conflicts.

4. Avoid taboo elements and plot contrivances in romance writing

Any plot variation that ultimately harms (rather than strengthens) the love relationship between the two protagonists (hero and heroine) is considered taboo.

Taboo elements. Certain plot elements are generally considered off-limits in romance novels:

• Rape or non-consensual acts
• Excessive violence or brutality
• Infidelity after the main characters become involved
• Unhappy endings or death of main characters
• Weak or cowardly heroes
• Overly promiscuous heroines

These taboos exist because they violate the core promise of the romance genre: a satisfying, uplifting love story with a happy ending.

Avoiding contrivances. Plot contrivances can quickly derail a romance novel. To maintain credibility:

• Ensure conflicts arise naturally from character motivations and circumstances
• Avoid misunderstandings that could be easily resolved through communication
• Foreshadow major plot twists to make them feel organic
• Provide logical justifications for character actions and plot developments
• Balance external conflicts with internal, emotional struggles

By avoiding these pitfalls, writers can create more engaging and believable romance narratives that satisfy reader expectations.

5. Character emotion and internal conflicts take precedence over external action

Be sure you arrange your scenes in order of escalating tension, so that the most intense value conflict – the fear of falling in love – is resolved in the climax.

Emotional journey. In romance novels, the characters' emotional development and internal struggles are paramount. While external conflicts provide plot structure, it's the characters' feelings, fears, and personal growth that truly engage readers. Writers should focus on:

• Developing complex, relatable characters with realistic flaws and desires
• Exploring the characters' emotional responses to events and each other
• Showcasing how the relationship challenges and changes the characters

Internal conflicts. The most compelling romance plots stem from the protagonists' internal conflicts. These might include:

• Fear of commitment or intimacy
• Past traumas or betrayals
• Conflicting values or life goals
• Self-doubt or insecurity
• Loyalty to family or career obligations

By emphasizing these internal struggles and showing how they impact the developing relationship, writers create deeper, more emotionally resonant stories that keep readers invested in the characters' journey.

6. Romance novels require sexual tension and a satisfying happy ending

Sexual chemistry between the hero and heroine must be a compelling force throughout the story.

Sexual tension. A key element of romance novels is the building sexual tension between the protagonists. This involves:

• Creating attraction and chemistry from the initial meeting
• Using body language, dialogue, and internal thoughts to convey desire
• Balancing physical attraction with emotional connection
• Employing obstacles that prevent immediate consummation
• Maintaining tension even after intimate scenes

Happy ending. The hallmark of a romance novel is its happy ending, often referred to as "HEA" (Happily Ever After) or "HFN" (Happy For Now). This ending should:

• Resolve the main conflicts between the protagonists
• Demonstrate the characters' growth and commitment to each other
• Provide emotional satisfaction for the reader
• Leave no doubt about the couple's future together

The journey to this happy ending should feel earned, with the characters overcoming significant obstacles and proving their love for each other.

7. Setting and historical context can enhance romance plots

When combing your setting for story ideas, ask yourself what is so unique about the time period, culture, people, social and moral climate, the flora and fauna, etc. that may actually hinder – or help – your hero and heroine in achieving their goals.

Rich settings. The setting of a romance novel can serve as more than just a backdrop. It can:

• Provide unique conflicts and obstacles for the characters
• Influence the characters' behaviors and motivations
• Offer opportunities for vivid description and world-building
• Create a specific mood or atmosphere that enhances the romantic elements

Historical context. For historical romances, understanding and accurately portraying the time period is crucial. This involves:

• Researching social norms, customs, and laws of the era
• Incorporating historical events or figures as plot elements
• Balancing historical accuracy with modern reader sensibilities
• Using period-appropriate language and details to immerse readers in the setting

By fully utilizing the setting and historical context, writers can create more immersive and engaging romance narratives that transport readers to different times and places.

8. Pacing and character exposition are critical in romance writing

Make sure your writing has immediate character exposition. When a reader opens a book or turns to a new chapter, she wants to know: Who am I? What am I doing? What's at stake for me? Who's in my way?

Effective pacing. Maintaining proper pacing is essential in romance novels:

• Start with a strong hook that introduces the main characters and their initial conflict
• Alternate between scenes of high tension and moments of reflection or intimacy
• Gradually escalate conflicts and obstacles throughout the story
• Avoid long separations between the main characters (no more than 20 pages)
• Build towards a climactic resolution of both external and internal conflicts

Character exposition. Introducing and developing characters effectively is crucial:

• Begin with the hero or heroine's perspective to immediately engage readers
• Reveal character traits, motivations, and backstories gradually through action and dialogue
• Use internal thoughts to provide insight into characters' emotions and conflicts
• Ensure that character development is tied to the progression of the romantic relationship

By mastering pacing and character exposition, writers can create romance novels that keep readers engaged from the first page to the last.

9. Research and market awareness are essential for romance authors

To market your book successfully to an agent or editor, you must know the sub-genre categories, study them, and then write a story that a publisher can market to the appropriate target audience.

Genre knowledge. Success in romance writing requires a deep understanding of the genre's:

• Subgenres (e.g., contemporary, historical, paranormal)
• Publishing trends and market demands
• Reader expectations for each subgenre
• Best-selling authors and their writing styles

Market research. Authors should:

• Read extensively within their chosen subgenre
• Study publisher guidelines and preferences
• Attend writing conferences and workshops
• Join professional organizations like Romance Writers of America
• Follow industry publications and blogs

This research helps authors position their work effectively and increases their chances of publication. It also ensures that their writing meets the expectations of both publishers and readers in an ever-evolving market.

10. Romance writing demands a balance of creativity and genre conventions

Editors don't expect you to write what's never been written before. Instead, they expect you to put a fresh spin on an old plot.

Creative constraints. Writing romance requires balancing creativity with genre expectations:

• Adhere to core romance conventions (focus on relationship, happy ending)
• Use familiar tropes and archetypes as a foundation
• Find unique angles or combinations to make stories fresh
• Develop distinct character voices and personalities
• Create original conflicts and obstacles within genre parameters

Innovation within tradition. Successful romance authors:

• Blend multiple subgenres or tropes in unexpected ways
• Set stories in unique or underexplored settings
• Subvert reader expectations while still delivering a satisfying romance
• Incorporate contemporary themes or issues into traditional frameworks
• Develop complex, multi-dimensional characters that transcend stereotypes

By striking this balance, authors can create romance novels that feel both comfortingly familiar and excitingly new to readers, increasing their chances of success in a competitive market.

Last updated: August 13, 2024