
Ever dreamed of writing a romance novel?
If you’re an avid reader and a fan of the genre, or if you think it would be a fun way to make a few extra dollars, you’ll need to understand the expectations of romance readers so you can meet this huge, devoted audience where they are and deliver.
Let’s break down the fundamentals that every romance writer should know.
1. Focus on the Central Love Story
At the heart of every romance novel is a love story, of course. This doesn’t mean you can’t include subplots or delve into the personal growth of your characters, but the romantic relationship should always take center stage. Readers expect to follow the journey of two (or more) characters as they navigate obstacles, discover their feelings, and ultimately find love. If the love story feels secondary to another plot line, you risk losing your audience.
2. Guarantee a Happily Ever After (HEA) or Happy For Now (HFN)
Romance readers expect a satisfying conclusion. (It’s not real life, after all.) The characters don’t necessarily need to get married or ride off into the sunset, but the ending should make it clear that their relationship is solid and that they’re happier together than apart. In contemporary romance, an HFN might involve the couple committing to each other without immediate plans for marriage or children. You can have a tragic ending or unresolved romance in your novel, but that will put it outside the romance genre.
3. Create Compelling, Relatable Characters
Strong characters are essential for a great romance novel. Your protagonists should be multidimensional, with human strengths, flaws, as well as relatable desires and motivations. You want your readers to root for them and see them as real people. Your characters don’t have to be perfect. In fact, imperfections often make them more engaging. What’s important is that their growth and emotional journey feel authentic.
4. Develop Emotional Intensity
Romance thrives on emotion. The story should evoke feelings of joy, heartbreak, passion, and longing in your readers. To accomplish this, delve deep into your characters’ inner lives. What are their fears, desires, and vulnerabilities? How do these play into their relationship? Show readers the highs and lows of falling in love through vivid, emotionally charged scenes.
5. Establish Chemistry Between the Characters
Chemistry is the magic that makes a romance novel unforgettable. It’s not just about physical attraction (though that’s often a component) but also about the connection between your characters. Their interactions should crackle with energy, whether they’re bantering, arguing, or sharing quiet moments. Show their growing bond through dialogue, body language, and small details, like gestures of love.
6. Introduce Conflict and Tension
Obstacles are essential in the romance genre. Conflict creates the tension that keeps readers turning the page. This can be internal (a character’s fear of commitment) or external (a meddling ex, a rivalry that creates jealousy, a family feud, or geographic distance). The key is to ensure that the conflict is believable and rooted in the characters’ lives. Avoid manufactured drama that feels forced or melodramatic.
7. Pace the Relationship Realistically
While romance novels often have a faster pace than real-life relationships, the progression of the romance should still feel natural. Give your characters time to get to know each other and build trust. Even if they’re physically attracted right away, emotional intimacy should develop more gradually. It creates great tension, too.
8. Craft Engaging Dialogue
Great dialogue is essential in a romance novel. It’s through conversations that your characters reveal their personalities, share their vulnerabilities, and build their connection. Aim for dialogue that feels natural but purposeful. Every line should either advance the plot, deepen the relationship, or reveal something about the characters.
9. Show, Don’t Tell
The age-old writing adage most definitely applies here. Instead of telling readers that your characters are in love, show it through their actions, words, and thoughts. For instance, instead of writing, “She loved him,” describe how her heart races when she sees him, how she gets butterflies when she thinks of him, or how she defends him if a family member or friend has doubts about him. By showing the relationship’s progression, and your protagonist’s growing devotion to her love interest, you allow readers to experience the love story firsthand.
10. Choose the Appropriate Setting
While there’s no “right” setting for a romance novel—because love happens everywhere—the setting of your romance novel can greatly enhance the story. Whether it’s a small-town bakery, a bustling city, or a college campus, the setting should contribute to the mood and themes of the novel. Always remember to use sensory details—honor all five senses—to bring the world to life and create opportunities for romantic moments.
11. Be Mindful of Tropes
Tropes are common themes or plot devices that appear frequently in romance novels, such as “enemies to lovers,” “fake dating,” “forbidden love,” or “love triangle.” While tropes can provide a familiar framework, they can also feel clichéd if not handled thoughtfully. Put your own spin on popular tropes to make them fresh and unique.
12. Balance the Degree of Intimacy and Plot
Romance novels vary widely in their explicit content. Some focus on the sweetness of relationships, while others explore lusty encounters. The level of intimacy should fit the story and characters. No matter the degree of explicitness, scenes in your story should always serve the plot and character development.
13. Understand Your Sub-genre
Romance is a diverse genre with numerous sub-genres, from contemporary, gothic, paranormal, and romantic suspense to historical, time travel, LGBTQ+, and more. Each sub-genre comes with its own conventions and reader expectations. For example, a historical romance would likely require meticulous research for historical accuracy, while a paranormal romance might demand an otherworldly, imaginative approach.
14. Edit Ruthlessly
First drafts are rarely perfect, so get comfortable with that truth. Think of the first draft as you telling yourself the story. Then, take the time to revise and polish your manuscript’s second draft (and third and fourth, if necessary). Look for inconsistencies in character behavior, plot holes, and areas where the pacing drags. Pay special attention to emotional beats and dialogue so they resonate. Consider seeking feedback from beta readers or critique partners who are familiar with the romance genre.
15. Respect Your Audience
Romance readers are devoted and discerning. They know what they like and expect stories that deliver on the genre’s promises. Avoid stereotypes, clichés, or outdated attitudes and beliefs that might alienate your audience. Instead, focus on creating inclusive, respectful, and emotionally engaging stories that celebrate love in all its forms.
Conclusion
Writing a romance novel is about more than just crafting a love story. It’s about creating an emotional journey that readers can’t put down. By following these rules and infusing your unique voice and creativity, you can craft a romance novel that resonates with readers and leaves them swooning. Remember, the heart of a great romance is authenticity, so let your characters and their love story come through.
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10 Romance Novels Across Sub-Genres
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – A classic Regency romance featuring the iconic love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon – A time-travel romance blending history, adventure, and passion between Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser.
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks – A contemporary tearjerker about a lifelong love affair.
Bridgerton: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn – The first book in the Bridgerton series, full of regency romance and witty banter.
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes – A heartfelt, bittersweet romance between Louisa Clark and Will Traynor.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne – A fun enemies-to-lovers workplace romance.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston – A modern queer romance featuring the son of the U.S. president and a British prince.
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams—A beautifully written, emotionally intense romance about two authors who had a passionate affair as teens and reconnect years later.
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion – A quirky romance featuring a genetics professor’s unconventional search for love.
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell – A young adult romance about first love and the struggles that come with it.
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Do you read or write romance? If so, what sub-genre is your favorite?
Sending you mad writing mojo…
Happy writing!