1. Define the Core Romance
Writing and plotting a romance novel involves more than just creating a love story—it requires careful attention to character development, emotional arcs, pacing, character chemistry and the themes that drive the relationship. Here's a breakdown of some key things to consider:
2. Know Your Subgenre
Each romance subgenre comes with different expectations:
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Contemporary: Real-world setting, character-driven.
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Historical: Period details and social norms are crucial.
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Paranormal/Fantasy: Unique worldbuilding, supernatural stakes.
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Romantic Suspense: Blend of romance and thriller/mystery.
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LGBTQ+ Romance: Often explores identity and societal dynamics.
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Romcom: Humor and light-hearted tone, often with quirky characters or situations.
3. Tropes and Conflict
Romance thrives on tension, and tropes help create expectations:
Enemies to lovers
Friends to lovers
Fake dating
Forced proximity
Second chance romance
Grumpy/sunshine dynamic
4. Plot Structure
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Core Romantic Arc: Ensure the romance drives the main plot (not just a subplot).
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Meet Cute: A memorable first meeting—awkward, funny, intense, or charming.
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Conflict: Internal (emotional baggage, fear of intimacy) and external (social status, rivals, circumstances).
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Turning Points: Include key moments like the first kiss, a significant misunderstanding, and emotional breakthroughs.
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Climactic Choice: One or both characters must make a meaningful decision that proves their growth and commitment.
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HEA or HFN: “Happily Ever After” or “Happy For Now” endings are genre expectations unless subverting intentionally.
5. Strong, Relatable Characters
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Protagonists: Both romantic leads must feel like real people with clear desires, flaws, and emotional depth.
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Motivations: What does each character want—and what do they need? Often these are in conflict.
Chemistry: Build it through shared goals, witty banter, tension, or vulnerability.
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Growth: Each character should undergo internal change that mirrors their relationship arc.
Conflict is essential:
6. Pacing and Structure
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Hook Early: Grab the reader quickly with an intriguing character or situation.
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Inciting Incident: A moment that forces the characters together.
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Rising Tension: Keep raising stakes—emotionally and situationally.
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Black Moment: A point where it seems the relationship won’t work out.
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Climax: Usually a grand gesture or realization.
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Resolution: Satisfying and emotionally earned.
7. Romantic Tension
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Slow Burn or Instant Spark: Choose a pacing that fits your genre/subgenre.
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Push & Pull: Keep tension alive through near misses, mixed signals, and conflicting desires.
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Intimacy Levels: Decide how explicit or implicit the romance will be, and stay consistent with tone and audience expectations.
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Symbolism & Gestures: Use meaningful gestures, callbacks, or objects to deepen emotional impact.
8. Dialogue and Voice
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Use witty, emotionally charged, or vulnerable dialogue.
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Make each character’s voice distinct.
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Avoid melodrama; aim for authenticity.
9. Consent and Boundaries
Modern romance readers expect clear, enthusiastic consent, particularly in scenes involving physical intimacy.
10. Diverse Representation
Include different backgrounds, identities, and experiences to reflect real-world romance. Avoid stereotypes or tokenism.
11. Reader Expectations
If you're writing for a traditional romance audience:
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Happy or optimistic ending is usually non-negotiable.
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Know your heat level (sweet, steamy, erotic) and be consistent.
Central Relationship: The romance must be the main plot. Other subplots (like mystery, career struggles, etc.) can exist, but the emotional journey of the romantic couple should take centre stage.
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Clear Romantic Arc: Start with attraction, build tension, add conflict, reach a climax, and end with resolution, usually a "HEA" – Happily Ever After or a "HFN" – Happy For Now. By the end of your story, one or both of your characters must make a meaningful decision that proves their growth and commitment.
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