Because romances abound on bookshop shelves, many people think they are easy to write. This is a misconception as they require careful construction and planning like any other genre. Here are some points to keep in mind.
What is a Romance Novel
It is the story of a man and a woman who fall deeply in love but have a problem that repeatedly threatens to keep them apart. The resolution of the problem leads to a happy ending and permanent commitment.
Become Familiar with Romance Novels
Read romances by many different authors and analyze them to see what works and how the story line flows. If aiming at a certain publisher, read the books they produce and ask for their guidelines.
The Heroine in a Romance
There are general rules that apply to the heroine who is normally the main character. She should be someone who has been shaped by her past. This affects her present situation and the decisions she makes. As an independent person, she is often a career girl, and while she may be looking for love, she is not desperate for it. Physical attractiveness is important, but she doesn’t need to be flawless.
The Hero in a Romance
The hero is usually the second most important character. He is central to the story and must be a fascinating person. Modern romances have moved away from the strong, silent types and today’s heroes are flawed and can ask for emotional help. Conversely, he must be strong and manly, decisive and good looking. In short, he must be a man that any woman could fall in love with.
Starting a Romance Novel
The story needs to start at a place which will capture the reader’s attention. The best way to do this is to show the main character in a difficult situation or facing a challenge or a threat.
When do Hero and Heroine Meet
This needs to be within the first couple of chapters and should set the stage for their interaction through the rest of the novel. Make sure the first encounter includes an awareness of feeling, even if it is a subtle attraction to begin with.
Building a Romance Plot
The plot is a sequence of events through which the hero and heroine travel. In the process, they learn to love each other and overcome the problems that were keeping them apart. The events must lead the story on and include crises, drama and tension.
Physical Attraction
This is present in all romance novels but doesn’t have to be steamy and graphic. Physical attraction can be portrayed just as effectively through a touch or a kiss. The important thing is to make sure the spark is there and evident to the reader.
Resolution of a Romance
This normally takes place in the last chapter. All the important issues must be resolved, bringing the story to a satisfying conclusion and answering all the questions that had been raised.
There is a huge market for romance novels and many people make a career of writing them. With some knowledge of the market and how to put a romance together, the opportunities are there to be taken.
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