Revising a First Draft of Your Work-in-Progress - Arabella Sheen

 

How to Revise a First Draft Without Losing Your Mind

You did it. You wrote the draft of your novel. 

Whether it’s a novel, memoir, nonfiction book, or collection of essays, finishing a first draft is a big deal. Now comes the part many authors dread: revision.

Revision can feel overwhelming. Messy. Personal. Endless. But it doesn’t have to cost you your sanity.

Here are practical, mindset-saving tips to help you revise your first draft without losing your mind.

1. Step Away Before You Step Back In

Before you start revising, take a break.

Distance gives you clarity. Even a couple of weeks can help you:

• See plot holes you were blind to

• Notice weak character motivations

• Spot repetitive phrases

• Detach emotionally from “precious” sentences

When you come back, you’ll read your manuscript more like a reader and less like its exhausted creator.

2. Change the Format to Trick Your Brain

Your brain gets used to seeing the draft a certain way. Change the format to make it feel new.

Try:

• Changing the font

• Converting it to an e-reader file

• Listening to it using text-to-speech

Many authors swear by reading their work aloud. Even writers like Stephen King have emphasised the importance of hearing your prose to catch awkward phrasing and clunky dialogue.

When you hear your words, weak spots become obvious.

3. Don’t Line-Edit First 

One of the fastest ways to burn out is to start fixing commas before fixing structure.

Revision works best in layers:

Big picture first:

• Plot structure

• Character arcs

• Stakes and tension

• Theme consistency

Then:

• Scene flow

• Dialogue clarity

• Pacing

Finally:

• Sentence-level edits

• Word choice

• Grammar

Think architect before interior decorator.

4. Diagnose Before You Prescribe

Before changing anything, ask:

• What’s the core problem?

• Where does the story drag?

• Where do I get bored?

• Where am I confused?

Resist the urge to tinker randomly. Make notes first. Then create a focused revision plan.

You are not “fixing everything.”
You are solving specific problems.

5. Cut More Than You Think You Should

This is painful. It’s also powerful.

First drafts often contain:

• Repeated backstory

• On-the-nose dialogue

• Scenes that exist only because you love them

Be ruthless—but strategic.

If cutting feels terrifying, create a “Cuts” document. Nothing is truly lost. It’s just ... relocated.

6. Separate Drafting Brain from Editing Brain

Drafting is creative chaos.
Editing is analytical precision.

Trying to use both at once causes mental overload.

When revising, switch into editor mode:

• Be objective

• Be curious

• Be calm

You are not judging your talent. You are shaping raw material.

7. Get Outside Eyes 

Feedback is powerful—but timing matters.

If you share too early:

• You may get overwhelmed

• You may lose confidence

• You may rewrite before you understand your own vision

Revise until you’ve made it as strong as you can on your own. Then seek critique partners, beta readers, or an editor.

And remember: feedback is data, not a verdict.

8. Watch Your Inner Narrative

Revision often triggers thoughts like:

• “This is terrible.”

• “I can’t write.”

• “Real authors don’t struggle like this.”

They do.

Writers from Ernest Hemingway to Anne Lamott have openly discussed messy drafts. Lamott famously coined the phrase “shitty first drafts” in her book Bird by Bird.

The chaos of a first draft isn’t failure. It’s a process.

9. Set Revision Boundaries

Endless revision is a trap.

Instead:

• Set a deadline for each revision round

• Define what you’re focusing on in that round

• Limit how many full passes you’ll do

Perfection is not the goal. Progress is.

10. Celebrate the Invisible Wins

Revision can feel thankless because you’re not adding new pages—you’re refining them.

But every improved scene:

• Clarifies your story

• Strengthens your voice

• Builds your craft

You’re not “just editing.”
You’re transforming a draft into a book.

A Final Reframe

Your first draft is not the book.

It’s the raw clay.

Revision is where the artistry happens. It’s where intention sharpens. It’s where themes deepen. It’s where characters become real.

You don’t need to revise perfectly.
You just need to revise patiently.

Take it step by step.
Layer by layer.
Scene by scene.

And remember: you already did the hardest part.

About Arabella Sheen

Arabella Sheen is a British author of contemporary romance and likes nothing more than the challenge of starting a new novel with fresh ideas and inspiring characters.

One of the many things Arabella loves to do is to read. And when she’s not researching or writing about romance, she is either on her allotment sowing and planting with the seasons or she is curled on the sofa with a book, while pandering to the demands of her attention-seeking cat.

Having lived and worked in the Netherlands as a theatre nurse for nearly twenty years, she now lives in the south-west of England with her family.

Arabella hopes her readers have as much pleasure from her romance stories as she has in writing them.

Social Media

Website: http://www.arabellasheen.co.uk/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/ArabellaSheen

Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/ArabellaSheenAuthor

How To Create Chemistry Between Characters - Arabella Sheen

How to Create Real Chemistry Between Characters

“Chemistry” is one of those slippery words readers feel instantly, but writers struggle to define. You know it when it’s there—sparks fly, dialogue crackles, scenes feel alive. And you really know when it’s missing. Two characters can be well-written on their own and still fall flat together.

The good news? Chemistry isn’t magic. It’s craft. And once you understand what creates it, you can build it deliberately—on the page, every time.

1. Chemistry Comes From Contrast, Not Similarity

A common misconception is that characters need to be alike to connect. In reality, chemistry thrives on difference.

Think:

• Control vs. chaos

• Optimist vs. cynic

• Rule-follower vs. rebel

• Guarded vs. emotionally reckless

Contrast creates friction, and friction creates energy. When characters want different things, approach problems differently, or speak in opposing rhythms, every interaction carries tension—even quiet ones.

Similarity can create comfort. Contrast creates spark.

2. Give Them a Reason to Pay Attention to Each Other

Chemistry doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Characters notice each other because something is at stake.

Ask yourself:

• What does Character A want that Character B threatens or enables?

• What does Character B see in A that others don’t?

• What emotional need does each character trigger in the other?

Attraction—romantic or otherwise—often begins with recognition. One character sees past the mask, calls out the lie, or touches a nerve no one else reaches. That moment of “oh… you see me” is rocket fuel for chemistry.

3. Let Dialogue Do Less, Not More

On-the-nose dialogue kills chemistry faster than anything else.

Chemistry lives in:

• What isn’t said

• Half-finished sentences

• Teasing, deflection, and subtext

• Characters talking around what they mean

Instead of:

“I’m angry because you left me.”

Try:

“So. Guess disappearing is your thing now.”

The tension between what’s spoken and what’s felt creates electricity. Readers lean in when characters aren’t fully honest—even with themselves.

4. Use Micro-Tension in Every Interaction

Chemistry isn’t just big dramatic moments. It’s built through micro-tension—tiny beats that make scenes hum.

Examples:

• A pause that lasts a second too long

• A joke that lands… almost

• A glance that’s held, then broken

• A physical proximity that feels charged

Ask in every shared scene: What’s slightly off here? Comfort is boring. Unease is interesting.

5. Give Them Conflicting Emotional Timing

One of the most powerful (and underused) tools is emotional mismatch.

Maybe:

• One character is ready to open up; the other shuts down

• One wants closeness; the other needs space

• One is joking while the other is deadly serious

Chemistry thrives when characters are never quite in sync. That near-miss feeling—the sense that something could happen but doesn’t yet—keeps readers hooked.

6. Let Them Change Each Other (Even a Little)

If two characters have chemistry, they don’t leave scenes the same way they entered them.

Change doesn’t have to be dramatic. It can be:

• A softened opinion

• A seed of doubt

• A new fear or hope

• An unexpected moment of courage

The key is impact. When characters collide, something should shift. If they’re unaffected by each other, the connection won’t feel real.

7. Avoid Perfection—Lean Into Flaws

Flawless characters are boring together.

Chemistry explodes when:

• Someone says the wrong thing

• A character’s insecurity leaks out

• Pride gets in the way

• Vulnerability shows at the worst moment

Let characters misstep. Let them hurt each other unintentionally. Let them regret things. Imperfection creates intimacy.

8. Don’t Force It—Test the Pairing

Sometimes chemistry just… isn’t there. And that’s okay.

A great trick: drop your characters into a low-stakes scene—waiting in line, stuck in traffic, sharing a meal. If the scene writes itself, the chemistry is real. If it feels stiff, you may need to adjust:

• Power dynamics

• Backstory connections

• Emotional stakes

• Or even the pairing itself

Chemistry isn’t about what you intend. It’s about what shows up on the page.

To Sum Up...

Chemistry isn’t about grand gestures or constant banter. It’s about tension, contrast, and emotional risk. It’s the feeling that something is happening beneath the surface—something dangerous, exciting, or inevitable.

Create characters who challenge each other. Put them in situations that make them uncomfortable. Let them want things they shouldn’t—or can’t yet have.

Do that, and readers won’t just see the chemistry.

They’ll feel it.

About Arabella Sheen

Arabella Sheen is a British author of contemporary romance and likes nothing more than the challenge of starting a new novel with fresh ideas and inspiring characters.

One of the many things Arabella loves to do is to read. And when she’s not researching or writing about romance, she is either on her allotment sowing and planting with the seasons or she is curled on the sofa with a book, while pandering to the demands of her attention-seeking cat.

Having lived and worked in the Netherlands as a theatre nurse for nearly twenty years, she now lives in the south-west of England with her family.

Arabella hopes her readers have as much pleasure from her romance stories as she has in writing them.

Social Media

Website: http://www.arabellasheen.co.uk/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/ArabellaSheen

Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/ArabellaSheenAuthor

What a Regency Lady Could—and Couldn’t—Do - Arabella Sheen

                                                        

What a Regency Lady Could—and Couldn’t—Do

One of the great pleasures of reading (or writing) Regency romance is watching a heroine navigate a world full of strict rules … and finding ways to bend them just enough to fall in love.

But what exactly were those rules?

Life for a Regency lady (roughly 1795–1837) was shaped by class, reputation, and a surprisingly detailed set of social expectations. Some freedoms existed—but they were narrow, conditional, and often fragile.

Let’s take a closer look at what a Regency lady could and couldn’t do—and why those limits make such delicious fuel for romance.

What a Regency Lady Could Do

Attend Social Events (With the Right Chaperone)

Balls, assemblies, musicales, dinner parties—these were the sanctioned arenas of courtship.

A young, unmarried woman could attend:

• Balls and dances

• Afternoon calls

• Musical evenings

• Public events like the theatre

But nearly always with a chaperone—usually a mother, aunt, or older married woman. Being seen alone too often raised eyebrows.

Romance tip: This is why stolen dances, whispered conversations, and accidental hand touches carried so much weight.

Receive and Write Letters

Letters were essential—and powerful.

A Regency lady could:

• Correspond with family and friends

• Receive letters from a suitor (assuming propriety was maintained)

• Express emotion more freely on paper than in public

However, letters could be monitored, intercepted, or judged harshly if their tone crossed into impropriety.

Romance tip: Few things are more intimate than a letter written in secret.

Refuse a Marriage Proposal

Contrary to popular belief, women were not legally forced to marry a man they didn’t want—at least not usually.

A lady could say no.

That said:

• Family pressure could be intense

• Financial dependence limited true choice

• Saying no too often risked becoming “on the shelf”

Romance tip: A heroine who refuses a “sensible” match for love is quietly rebellious.

Develop Accomplishments

A Regency lady was expected to cultivate skills that made her “accomplished,” such as:

• Playing the pianoforte or harp

• Singing

• Drawing or watercolour painting

• Speaking a little French or Italian

These weren’t meant to lead to careers—but to enhance marriage prospects.

Romance tip: Talent often serves as a bridge between the hero and the heroine.

What a Regency Lady Couldn’t Do

Be Alone with an Unrelated Man

This was perhaps the most rigid rule of all.

Being alone with a man—especially indoors—could:

• Damage her reputation

• Spark rumors

• Force a marriage if discovered

Even an innocent encounter could be socially dangerous.

Romance tip: This is why a single unchaperoned moment feels scandalous.

Inherit Property Easily

Most property passed through the male line due to entailment and inheritance laws.

A woman:

• Rarely inherited estates outright

• Often depended on marriage for financial security

• Could be left nearly penniless if male relatives died

This wasn’t just unfair—it was life-altering.

Romance tip: Money, inheritance, and marriage stakes drive entire plots.

Choose a Career

Respectable women did not work for a living unless circumstances forced them to.

Limited “acceptable” options included:

• Governess

• Companion

• Teacher

All were precarious and socially ambiguous roles.

Romance tip: A heroine facing life as a governess immediately raises the stakes.

Speak or Act Too Boldly

A Regency lady was expected to be:

• Modest

• Soft-spoken

• Emotionally restrained

Too much wit, passion, or independence could label her “unfeminine” or “difficult.”

Romance tip: A sharp-tongued or outspoken heroine is quietly revolutionary.

Why These Rules Make Regency Romance So Compelling

Every restriction sharpened emotion.

A glance mattered.
A dance meant something.
A letter could change everything.

Regency romance thrives in the space between what society allowed and what the heart demanded. The rules weren’t just obstacles—they were the very reason love felt so urgent, so risky, and so powerful.

And that’s why, centuries later, we’re still swooning.

Here are some of my Sensual Regency Romance stories that might interest you...

HER THREE CAPTAINS   

http://www.arabellasheen.co.uk/her-three-captains---sensual.html

FLEETING ENCOUNTERS: HARRIET :

http://www.arabellasheen.co.uk/harriet-fleeting-encounters.html

FLEETING ENCOUNTERS:  LADY FRANCESCA

http://www.arabellasheen.co.uk/lady-francesca-fleeting-encounters.html 

FLEETING ENCOUNTERS: LORD REDFIELD

http://www.arabellasheen.co.uk/lord-redfield-fleeting-encounters.html 

FLEETING ENCOUNTERS: EMMA

http://www.arabellasheen.co.uk/emma-fleeting-encounters.html 

About Arabella Sheen

Arabella Sheen is a British author of contemporary romance and likes nothing more than the challenge of starting a new novel with fresh ideas and inspiring characters.

One of the many things Arabella loves to do is to read. And when she’s not researching or writing about romance, she is either on her allotment sowing and planting with the seasons or she is curled on the sofa with a book, while pandering to the demands of her attention-seeking cat.

Having lived and worked in the Netherlands as a theatre nurse for nearly twenty years, she now lives in the south-west of England with her family.

Arabella hopes her readers have as much pleasure from her romance stories as she has in writing them.

Social Media

Website: http://www.arabellasheen.co.uk/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/ArabellaSheen

Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/ArabellaSheenAuthor

Romance Tropes Week 12 - Redemption Arc - Arabella Sheen

 

Romance Tropes We All Love - Week 12.

If you’ve ever picked up a romance novel and thought “oh, I know where this is going”—and still couldn’t put it down—you’ve felt the irresistible pull of a romance trope. Tropes are the storytelling blueprints we know and love. They are the familiar setups that promise sparks, tension, and of course, a happy ending.

In the coming weeks on my blog, I'll be blogging about twelve of the most beloved tropes in romance fiction that readers can't get enough of —maybe one of them is your favorite?

Redemption Arc

A “bad boy” or flawed character finds love (and redemption) through someone who believes in them. Heart-melting every time.

Why the Redemption Romance Trope Resonates

The Redemption Romance trope is a powerful and emotionally charged dynamic in romance fiction. In these stories, one character—often with a dark past, flaws, or mistakes—seeks forgiveness, change, or personal growth, and love becomes the catalyst for that transformation. Readers are drawn to the tension between past mistakes and the possibility of a hopeful future.

Built-In Conflict

At the heart of a redemption romance is internal and external conflict. The “redeeming” character struggles with guilt, regret, or a reputation, while the love interest must navigate trust, skepticism, or fear of being hurt. This tension drives the story and keeps readers invested.

Transformation and Growth

Redemption romances are ultimately about personal growth. Watching a character confront their flaws, make amends, and evolve emotionally is deeply satisfying. The love story becomes a vehicle for both characters to learn, heal, and grow together.

High Emotional Stakes

The stakes are often intense because the romance is tied to forgiveness and acceptance. Every small step toward trust or confession is laden with tension, making each moment of intimacy or connection feel earned and profound.

Moments of Humanity and Humor

Even in the darkest redemption stories, there are moments of levity—quirks, misunderstandings, or small victories—that humanize the characters and make their journey relatable. These moments balance emotional intensity with warmth and charm.

Classic Examples

• Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice – overcoming pride and misunderstandings to win Elizabeth’s love.

• Antiheroes in Contemporary Romance – flawed characters seeking redemption through love, like reformed bad boys, ex-con heroes, or emotionally guarded protagonists.

• Historical Romance – knights, nobles, or soldiers reclaiming honor or trust while discovering true love.

Why We Love It

Redemption romances resonate because they remind us that people can change, grow, and find love despite their past. The journey from brokenness or mistakes to healing and connection is emotionally satisfying, inspiring, and ultimately heartwarming.

About Arabella Sheen

Arabella Sheen is a British author of contemporary romance and likes nothing more than the challenge of starting a new novel with fresh ideas and inspiring characters.

One of the many things Arabella loves to do is to read. And when she’s not researching or writing about romance, she is either on her allotment sowing and planting with the seasons or she is curled on the sofa with a book, while pandering to the demands of her attention-seeking cat.

Having lived and worked in the Netherlands as a theatre nurse for nearly twenty years, she now lives in the south-west of England with her family.

Arabella hopes her readers have as much pleasure from her romance stories as she has in writing them.

Social Media

Website: http://www.arabellasheen.co.uk/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/ArabellaSheen

Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/ArabellaSheenAuthor

Romance Tropes Week 11 - Opposites Attract - Arabella Sheen

 

Romance Tropes We All Love - Week 11.

If you’ve ever picked up a romance novel and thought “oh, I know where this is going”—and still couldn’t put it down—you’ve felt the irresistible pull of a romance trope. Tropes are the storytelling blueprints we know and love. They are the familiar setups that promise sparks, tension, and of course, a happy ending.

In the coming weeks on my blog, I'll be blogging about twelve of the most beloved tropes in romance fiction that readers can't get enough of —maybe one of them is your favorite?

Opposites Attract

She’s neat, he’s messy. She plans, he improvises. Their differences create sparks and balance.

Why the Opposites Attract Trope Is Timeless

The Opposites Attract trope is one of the most enduring and beloved dynamics in romance. At its core, it’s about two characters with contrasting personalities, lifestyles, or worldviews who are drawn together despite—or because of—their differences. This trope is compelling because it naturally generates tension, humor, and emotional growth.

Built-In Chemistry

Differences spark curiosity and attraction. The “opposite” traits—whether one character is spontaneous while the other is cautious, ambitious versus laid-back, or extroverted versus introverted—create energy and dynamic interactions. Readers are hooked on watching these differences collide, clash, and eventually harmonize.

Growth Through Contrast

Opposites attract because each character pushes the other out of their comfort zone. The adventurous one might help the cautious character embrace life, while the more grounded partner offers stability and perspective. This mutual growth makes the romance feel earned and meaningful.

Humor and Fun

Contrasting personalities naturally lead to misunderstandings, witty banter, and humorous situations. The friction between opposites can create laugh-out-loud moments that balance tender or emotional scenes.

Tension and Emotional Depth

The differences also create tension, both external and internal. Characters might struggle to reconcile conflicting values, habits, or life goals. This tension keeps readers engaged and invested in seeing whether love can bridge the gap.

Classic Examples

• Elizabeth Bennet & Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice) – witty, spirited Elizabeth versus reserved, prideful Darcy.

• Romantic Comedies – like a free-spirited artist paired with a meticulous, rule-abiding professional.

• Contemporary Romance Novels – opposites in careers, lifestyles, or social circles who find common ground.

Why We Love It

The Opposites Attract trope works because it’s both relatable and aspirational. It reminds readers that love doesn’t always come from similarity; sometimes, the people who challenge and surprise us the most can also help us grow and find a deeper connection.

About Arabella Sheen

Arabella Sheen is a British author of contemporary romance and likes nothing more than the challenge of starting a new novel with fresh ideas and inspiring characters.

One of the many things Arabella loves to do is to read. And when she’s not researching or writing about romance, she is either on her allotment sowing and planting with the seasons or she is curled on the sofa with a book, while pandering to the demands of her attention-seeking cat.

Having lived and worked in the Netherlands as a theatre nurse for nearly twenty years, she now lives in the south-west of England with her family.

Arabella hopes her readers have as much pleasure from her romance stories as she has in writing them.

Social Media

Website: http://www.arabellasheen.co.uk/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/ArabellaSheen

Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/ArabellaSheenAuthor

Romance Tropes Week 10 - Secret Billionaire / Hidden Identity - Arablla Sheen

 

Romance Tropes We All Love - Week 10.

If you’ve ever picked up a romance novel and thought “oh, I know where this is going”—and still couldn’t put it down—you’ve felt the irresistible pull of a romance trope. Tropes are the storytelling blueprints we know and love. They are the familiar setups that promise sparks, tension, and of course, a happy ending.

In the coming weeks on my blog, I'll be blogging about twelve of the most beloved tropes in romance fiction that readers can't get enough of —maybe one of them is your favorite?

Secret Billionaire / Hidden Identity

He’s not just the guy next door—heir to a fortune, royal, or famous in disguise. The big reveal always keeps readers hooked.

Why the Secret Billionaire Romance Trope Captivates Readers

Few romance tropes are as enticing as the Secret Billionaire or Hidden Identity story. In these tales, one character hides their wealth, status, or true identity, often to find love that isn’t based on money, fame, or power. The result is a story full of tension, surprises, and emotional payoff.

The Allure of Mystery

The hidden identity creates instant intrigue. Readers are drawn in by the question: Who is this person really? Suspense builds as the character balances their secret life with their public persona, making every interaction loaded with dramatic tension.

Emotional Stakes

This trope isn’t just about money—it’s about trust and authenticity. The “secret” character fears rejection if the truth comes out, while the other character must grapple with feelings of betrayal, surprise, or wonder when the secret is revealed. This emotional depth keeps readers engaged.

Romance and Tension

Hidden identity romances naturally create dramatic tension. Close moments, flirtations, and growing intimacy are heightened because one character isn’t fully honest. Readers live for the anticipation: When will the truth come out? How will they react?

Opportunities for Humor and Heartwarming Moments

From awkward misunderstandings to extravagant gestures that reveal the secret in humorous ways, this trope allows for both comedic and heartwarming moments. The tension often balances with charm, wit, or clever schemes.

Classic Examples

• Secret Billionaire novels – characters hide immense wealth while seeking genuine love.

• Prince/royalty in disguise – stories where a royal pretends to be “ordinary” to find authentic connection.

• Contemporary examples – entrepreneurs, celebrities, or CEOs hiding their identity to test a partner’s love or navigate life incognito.

Why We Love It

This trope taps into fantasy and romance simultaneously. Readers are drawn to the thrill of secrecy, the emotional tension of trust, and the ultimate satisfaction when love triumphs despite deception. It’s a story about discovering true love beyond appearances, and who doesn’t love that?

About Arabella Sheen

Arabella Sheen is a British author of contemporary romance and likes nothing more than the challenge of starting a new novel with fresh ideas and inspiring characters.

One of the many things Arabella loves to do is to read. And when she’s not researching or writing about romance, she is either on her allotment sowing and planting with the seasons or she is curled on the sofa with a book, while pandering to the demands of her attention-seeking cat.

Having lived and worked in the Netherlands as a theatre nurse for nearly twenty years, she now lives in the south-west of England with her family.

Arabella hopes her readers have as much pleasure from her romance stories as she has in writing them.

Social Media

Website: http://www.arabellasheen.co.uk/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/ArabellaSheen

Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/ArabellaSheenAuthor

Romance Tropes Week 9 - Marriage of Convenience - Arabella Sheen

 

Romance Tropes We All Love - Week 9.

If you’ve ever picked up a romance novel and thought “oh, I know where this is going”—and still couldn’t put it down—you’ve felt the irresistible pull of a romance trope. Tropes are the storytelling blueprints we know and love. They are the familiar setups that promise sparks, tension, and of course, a happy ending.

In the coming weeks on my blog, I'll be blogging about twelve of the most beloved tropes in romance fiction that readers can't get enough of —maybe one of them is your favorite?

Marriage of Convenience

They tie the knot for practical reasons, but love sneaks in through the cracks. Who doesn’t adore a slow build to passion?

Why the Marriage of Convenience Trope Is Irresistible

The Marriage of Convenience trope is a timeless favorite in romance because it blends practicality with passion. In these stories, two characters enter a marriage or long-term arrangement for reasons other than love—financial security, family obligations, political alliances, or societal pressure. The twist? Along the way, real feelings inevitably develop.

Built-In Conflict

The heart of this trope is the tension between duty and desire. The characters may start with an agreement that their relationship is purely practical, but close quarters, shared responsibilities, and intimate moments slowly blur the lines. Readers love watching this push-and-pull dynamic unfold.

Emotional Growth

Marriage of convenience stories often involve character development. The pragmatic characters must learn to trust, open up, and navigate vulnerability. Watching them evolve from strangers or reluctant partners into a genuine, loving couple is emotionally satisfying.

Slow-Burn Romance

Since the relationship begins as contractual or strategic, romance develops gradually. This slow-burn approach heightens the anticipation of every touch, glance, or confession, keeping readers invested in each step of their journey from “arrangement” to true love.

Humor and Awkward Moments

Forced closeness, domestic arrangements, and navigating social expectations can create plenty of funny, awkward, or charming situations. From dinner disasters to public appearances, these moments keep the story lighthearted while building intimacy.

Classic Examples

• The Proposal (movie) – a fake marriage for career reasons leads to genuine love.

• Historical romances – often involve arranged marriages, political alliances, or financial necessity evolving into heartfelt love.

• Contemporary novels – couples marry for tax benefits, inheritance clauses, or family pressure, only to discover real connection along the way.

Why We Love It

Marriage of convenience romances satisfy our craving for slow-burn, tension-filled love stories. They combine emotional growth, realistic conflict, and the magic of love blossoming where it was least expected. Readers get both the charm of a practical arrangement and the thrill of love winning in the end.

About Arabella Sheen

Arabella Sheen is a British author of contemporary romance and likes nothing more than the challenge of starting a new novel with fresh ideas and inspiring characters.

One of the many things Arabella loves to do is to read. And when she’s not researching or writing about romance, she is either on her allotment sowing and planting with the seasons or she is curled on the sofa with a book, while pandering to the demands of her attention-seeking cat.

Having lived and worked in the Netherlands as a theatre nurse for nearly twenty years, she now lives in the south-west of England with her family.

Arabella hopes her readers have as much pleasure from her romance stories as she has in writing them.

Social Media

Website: http://www.arabellasheen.co.uk/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/ArabellaSheen

Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/ArabellaSheenAuthor