A romance novel is not just a love story. Romance readers have specific expectations. They will be looking for each of the following pieces, even if they don’t know it. You don’t want to leave any out. The readers may not know why, but they’ll know something’s missing.
Setting – Is your story a contemporary? What about the hero and heroine’s world might conspire to keep them apart? Is she an upwardly mobile executive and he’s the janitor that comes in each night while she’s working late? What scandal would ensue should they get together? Are you writing a Regency Romance? Your readers will know the world of Britain in the 1800s, so do your research. In romance novels, society tends to get in your characters’ way. You may not have to build an entire world like in fantasy or science fiction, but you will need to explore the pressures society imposes on your couple.
Cute-Meet – When your heroine meets her hero it should be obvious that these two are destined to be together. It may not be apparent to them, but your reader will know.
Something in their way – It may be obvious that these two are destined to be together, but as the writer, it’s your job to throw up obstacles that keep them apart. If girl meets boy and they immediately live happily ever after, something’s missing. It’s no fun unless they overcome barriers in their way. So build in external as well as internal obstacles. It’s OK to torture them a little, we know it’ll come out good in the end, right?
It’s no fun unless they overcome barriers in their way.
The profession of love – At some point, one or both should declare their love for the other. You can have them both be in agreement, or you can have one say the “L” word and scare the other off, but somebody has to say it. Make these scenes swoon-worthy, your readers will thank you.
Point of Doom – Near the climax, you’ll need to add a new obstacle that will seem to kill the romance. This is usually something external that convinces the two that things cannot work out.
Dawning – This is an internal awakening to the fact that, despite the horrible external circumstances, the object of your hero or heroine’s love is worth it all and truly lovable. Your story is, after all, about two people growing into better people as they grow into their love for one another. Let the blinders fall off. Reveal the strength and honor that was hidden at the point of doom. If you’ve had a “bad guy” messing with your couple’s bliss, you might want to call him out at this point. That’ll make your readers happy. Everyone likes to see justice served. Maybe your “bad guy” sees the light and turns himself around. That’ll work too.
The HEA or HFN – 
In the old days, romance novels always ended with a marriage proposal. These days, you might have a Happy Ever After proposal, or you might opt for a Happy For Now ending. Maybe they move in together. They may not get married, but they will make a commitment. It’s always a good idea to throw a party, right? So let your couple celebrate. It’ll make the HEA or HFN more poignant.
Photo by Filipe Almeida on Unsplash
Incorporate these points along with your basic three-act structure and you’re sure to have a winner.
If I’ve left an important element out, or if you have a comment, I’d love to hear from you. Send an email to me at splatt@thewriteromance.com
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top photo by frank mckenna on Unsplash