how to write a romance book series

The only essential component of a romance novel is a romantic focus and a happy, or hopeful, ending. Theyve learned their lessons, faced their own flaws, and decided they want to be together. People love love, and love sells. There's nothing wrong with writing romance. The process of the two characters finding their way back to each other should continue until the 75% mark, when you get to the second plot point. Do you want your leads to go from enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, or something in between? Writing a romance novel is a great way to practice creating compelling characters and believable relationships. Essentially, the three-act story structure involves splitting your romance novel into a beginning, middle, and end. Here are a few popular romance sub-genres: You need to introduce readers to your cast of characters, establish the setting, and set up the promise of what the narrative arc will be. The result is usually separation. Did the love story change the remaining character for the better? Create and sell beautiful Kindle books to millions of readers worldwide. Its the perfect combination of fiery tension and genuine connection, and if you can pull it off, the payoff is incredibly satisfying. Some authors have had great success with tearjerker endings, like Nicholas Sparks. The setting is realistic and familiar, even if it takes place in a fictional town. Well, if you plan on marketing your love story as a romance novel, there are some basic guidelines that avid romance readers expect. This is basically the plot of that Netflix movie Set It Up: the two main characters are so focused on getting their bosses to fall in love, they dont realize that they themselves would make a great couple. Focus on the emotions rather than the events. For example, if your story is set in 2020, you can cross Harlequin Historical off your list. If your characters already know each otherfor example, if theyre childhood best friends, or if theyre ex-lovers yearning for a second chancethis scene should be the first time we see them together on the page. Rainbow Rowell is one of the bestselling queer romance authors. They dont have to like each other at first. Writing a Romance Series That Keeps Readers Coming Back for More Characters are Key Most romance books fall into the category of standalone series. Romance tropes are what happens in a novel and includes the relationship dynamics between the hero and heroine. One wakes up with guilt because of the nature of their relationship (not accepted by society, is the enemy, is the widow of their childhood best friend, etc.). 3. A grammar guru, style editor, and writing mentor in one package. The genre shows no signs of slowing down, with romance novels continuing to dominate every other genre within the self-publishing and ebook sphere. After all, if they meet and fall in love immediately with no issues to work through, its not much of a story. Nothing will tear them apart, and the worst of times are behind them. In my case, maybe something funny happens or there's dialogue . Or you may set the novel in a naval vessel in the ocean, where the characters are nauseous from seasickness and bad weather. It is important to get the pacing right at this crucial point in your novel. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Your focus in Act One should be to lay all the groundwork youll need for the rest of the novel. As the two characters get to know each other more, they learn to trust each other and to like each other in a deeper way. It might just be a backstory detail, but it can also serve as a source of conflict for your couple: the damage impedes their relationship or his mental health, so the heroine has to help the hero heal. Here are some well-known romance tropes that stand the test of time. Choose Your Subgenre 2. How to Write a Romance Novel 1. Choose a genre for the series. A must for any romance writer's collection!"--Tessa Dare, NYT and USA Today Bestselling author "While other writing books focus on external conflict, Romancing the Beat really brings the whole romantic picture together for romance authors. Develop your (story's) world. Also, make sure that your heroes and heroines fit the subgenre that you write in. Don't rely solely on yourself. One way or another, they begin to see each other in a new light. There might be a local haunt where the main characters frequently meet (such as a diner or bookstore), and gossiping friends and neighbors hang around to add a bit of comedy. So, load up your shopping cart with all the romance you can find. Here are some examples of tropes that all romance writers should know: While the inciting incident could be something that happens out of the blue, the first plot point should usually be an active choice for the protagonist, even if they still have their reservations. A grammar checker, style editor, and writing mentor in one package. Youve come up with the core premise, identified your main characters, and maybe even envisioned some of the key scenes that you know readers are going to love. You want to deepen the attraction and the conflict at the same time, hand-in-hand. Two people meet. For example, the historical romance Outlander takes place in a small settlement in the Scottish Highlands. For tips on revising your first draft, read on! Stephanie Wong Ken is a writer based in Canada. There are countless meet-cutes out there, and its a lot of fun to come up with your own. They can be contemporary or historical. She holds a BA from Yale University and lives in Colorado. In other words, the ending should leave the reader satisfied with the culmination of the romantic relationship. 5. 1. This is a valuable resource for romance readers. Some plot structures suggest that there should be a minimum of three scenes where they interact before the characters kiss or get together. How do you want your characters to grow together? Use tried-and-true tropes 5. All readers have their preferences. These romances usually have a lot of other . But now that I have an agent, I've learned to rely more on her for help. Before she could withdraw her mind from its far places, his arms were around her, as sure and hard as on the dark road to Tara, so long ago. Romance tropes are great for developing plot and building romantic tension. Know your target audience and make sure you brand your work accordingly. Something nefarious occurs after a kiss, and one of the love interests is kidnapped or is forced to run away. Here are some examples of external conflicts you can use: And here are some examples of internal conflicts you can use: In the middle of your story, you get to the midpoint reversal. If its a false defeat, on the other hand, you want the reader to think that the two characters cant be together after all. As early as possible, introduce the two main characters and make them feel like real people outside of their romantic lives. Approved. Readers have to feel for them in order to invest in them - and the eventual outcome of the story. To avoid disasters, try out ProWritingAid's Pacing Report, which highlights slow paragraphs and suggests that you do not have too many in a row. In this article, well be using one of the most popular outline templates: the three-act story structure. Follow her work on hannahyang.com or on Twitter at @hannahxyang. Each of the 30 chapters has a purpose, basically taking you by the hand and leading you through the creation of your masterpiece. Your readers will expect certain things from your novel at different parts of the storytension, drama, heartbreak, and more. 7. In the chapters following the climax, one or both of the two characters must make a choice. Use your literary interests to your advantage and write what you like, letting the erotic aspects work as an added feature to your work. What does a happy ending look like for your characters? {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Write-Romance-Novels-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-Romance-Novels-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Write-Romance-Novels-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid16602-v4-728px-Write-Romance-Novels-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"