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The Foundation of a Great Romance Novel

© Suzanne James

The world romance writing has changed drastically in the last few years. This genre consistently claims more than 55% of the market, steadily gaining more respect, and earning a more savvy reader. The old ideas of formula writing are giving way to new, dynamic sub-genres, and bold new publishing companies, who are willing to gamble on new authors. As an editor for one of those companies, I'm constantly asked the one question which is on every writer's mind, 'How do I get published.'

The new markets make it hard to find an answer to that question. One which enables a single manuscript to shine above the rest. However, weave character and conflict together, and a good writer can write a story which does just that. While I never advocate writing without preplanning, I will admit that plotting is not important, when these two elements are the story's foundation.

When an editor picks up a submission, they are only concerned with how it makes them feel as they read. The story, characters, and plot are second to the emotions they incite in the reader. Characters are pawns; A writer uses them to arouse feelings in the reader. They are not the object of the romance story.

First, single out the emotions you want the reader to experience. Then use these to create a heroine everyone can cheer for. The hero shouldn't be a 'to die for hunk,' but a soul mate who forces the heroine out of her comfort zone. Each create tension, which fuels their passion and love. This creates emotions so strong the reader can feel them on every page. But, this is not enough if you want to write a great romance story. You need to have things get in the way of their perfect courtship.

Conflict is not 'bad things happening to good people.' Putting opposites together is amateurish in the romance genre. Today's character's actions create situations which force them to face things they would normally avoid. This is a powerful writing tool, especially if your heroine and hero's desires or needs create the conflicts. Beware of the temptation to add a situation which a character did not cause. We call this an author accident, and it flaws many romance stories. Instead of playing god, let the characters choose their own destiny. If you want the heroine to move, then she must do something which causes a series of events that force her to relocate. Don't have her boss walk in one day and fire her.

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