Love is in the air

Valentine’s Day is almost here and love is in the air. There’s no better excuse to be in the mood for writing something romantic. It’s still one of the most popular genres for readers and one of the most lucrative for writers. So, what makes a good romance novel?

Tension. Something you know you’re going to have in abundance in a crime thriller, but romance? Remember, ‘that the course of true love never did run smooth’ (and you can’t argue with Shakespeare). Just like the plot in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, there needs to be tension throughout. Lovers may meet starry-eyed across a crowded room and live happily ever after, but without the doubts, the will they won’t they, it won’t keep readers turning the pages.

So, you need a plot with tension, but what about the setting? Your theme and plot may be romance but your setting can transcend any sub-genre. Settings consist of a time, place and social environment. A historical romance, set in the Palace of Versailles during the French Revolution between people of different social backgrounds for example. Or maybe a futuristic space station in the year 2099 between an a crew member and an alien ambassador? The possibilities are endless. All you need to do is write with integrity and make it believable.

Characters also need to be believable, as does the relationship between them. Whether you’re going to play it as a slow burn or a steamy and passionate affair, you need to allow the reader to experience the emotion as if it was happening to them. Create fully rounded characters. Know what their backstory is, their hopes and dreams, even what makes them laugh. Why are your characters attracted to another? It is a first love scenario or were they lovers before, parted by circumstance? Things like these will help determine how and why your characters interact and react with one another. If it was their first love and first kiss for instance, they are likely to lack confidence.

Whatever you decide, a love story needs to be an emotional rollercoaster and you need to give your readers a front seat. To ensure they experience the highs and lows, tears and laughter you need to show their emotions and physical reactions as well as their thoughts. As you write each scene, try and picture it in your head and think of all your senses. What can you smell? How does something feel to touch? What happens to your body when you feel angry or sad? Describe your character’s body language and show what they’re doing when they speak.

Even if you’re writing a romantic fantasy, you won’t need to rely on a potion to put your readers under a spell if you weave all the above elements into a story that everyone will love.