Valentine's Day may have just ended, but that doesn't mean we still can't experience (and write) about the love in our lives. As a romance author and reader, I can't tell you enough about how much I love the genre. From start to finish, I've always enjoyed seeing the ways that love can persevere and the different ways in which it can show up.
And since I write (and mostly read) it, there are some things to keep in mind if you want to create an unforgettable romance novel too. And trust me, there are plenty of them out there (*cough* Seven Days In June by Tia Williams- shameless promo, this book is amazing and still one of my absolute favorites)
So for those who want to know what to look for or want to write romance themselves, I'll outline five essential tips on how to create a novel that your readers will adore.
NUMBER ONE: EMBRACE AUTHENTICITY
You want people to relate to your characters and to the story at hand. Romance is supposed to be one of those things that feels "normal" because it's something that everyone is waiting to experience or already has experienced in their life.
So the plot should feel attainable. Fun. It should take your reader into a whole new place and dazzle them, even if it's something as simple as a small town romance. Make your readers care.
And how do you do that? Make relatable characters. Your characters should feel like real people with flaws, quirks, and vulnerabilities that people can relate to. I know my favorite novels showcase people with complex backstories or people who are too afraid to love. As someone who's been in that situation, it makes a huge difference in my reading experience. Obviously this is going to vary depending on what you're writing and who/what you want to portray in your work, but this should be the main thing you consider. People are multi-dimensional, so your characters should reflect the same thing.
Try your best to avoid any stereotypical or cliche versions of what a character should be. As much as I love the traditional "bad boy" character archetype, for example, there needs to be more.
NUMBER TWO: BUILD TENSION
I've mentioned this a lot in previous blog posts, but tension (a.k.a. tension or conflict) is essential to moving your story forward. How else are your characters supposed to grow if they don't experience any type of hardship?
As your characters begin to grow closer and establish some type of relationship, start thinking of ways that you can throw a wrench into those plans. How can you keep them apart? Maybe the obstacle can be family or a secret from the past. Or it can be something in relation to your main character(s) fear. They may fear commitment so they self sabotage the relationship before it gets any deeper. Whatever you decide, make sure it's juicy enough to keep the story moving.
What this will do is heighten the emotional stakes and build anticipation for the reader: will they or won't they? That's the question your readers should have on their mind as they continue reading your novel.
NUMBER THREE: SHOW, DON'T TELL
I know we're all tired of hearing this, but it's true! I think there's a fine balance between showing and telling. You don't want to show too much without explaining what's going on, but you also don't want to tell the reader everything either. Trust me, your readers are smarter than you think.
If you want to convey that your characters are in love, show that! Explain it through their actions (ex. passing touches), their words (ex. compliments), or how they interact with each other. Do they stare at the other person a lot? Smile when they're around? Try to be in their personal space as much as possible? This is where learning non-verbal body language will be helpful.
You can also use vivid descriptions or sensory details to bring your scenes to life, so that your readers can experience those emotions and sensations along with your characters. Not only does this immerse them in the experience, but it creates a deeper attachment with the story as a whole.
NUMBER FOUR: MAKE IT MEMORABLE
Whether that's making your characters memorable, the setting, or your concept, make sure it's something that will stick with your reader. Make sure the mood and atmosphere matches what you're going for.
NUMBER FIVE: MAKE SURE YOU END IT RIGHT
This part is key. No one wants to root for the characters to get together only for them to not even do it or for one of them to die unexpectedly. When it comes to romance novels, you have two types of endings you can consider:
- Happily Ever After - your characters are together and all is right in the world.
- Happy For Now - your characters may not actively be together, but there should be an indication that they will at some point.
I'm not saying you have to always have a fluffy ending - this is still real life and things happen all the time - but it should still leave your readers feeling somewhat satisfied. The characters should either be in a position where they'll end up together or are already together.
Did these tips help? If so, make sure to leave a comment on this blog post. I always love hearing everyone's thoughts.
And if you're an aspiring romance writer who has no clue where to start, we just released a workbook that goes over everything from idea formulation to outlining and character design.
CHECK OUR OUR NEWEST ADDITION: Romance Workbook - The Ultimate Guide