Romance writing requires a plot structure that varies a bit from other plot structures. The key to romance writing is keeping up that all-too-important tension between the two protagonists, which is an arduous task throughout a 300-400 page novel. There are seven basic parts in the romance writing plot structure, however, that should make it easier to keep up tension and move the story along. So take a long sip of love potion, sit back with a box of chocolates, and dive into all that is awesome and magical in plotting romance novels.
The Ordinary World
Just diving right into a fiery romance is where many writers go wrong with romance writing. First, the reader wants to get to know our characters, including their hopes and dreams, their jobs, their family life, and their strengths and weaknesses. It also helps to note in the opening what the protagonist might be missing in his/her life that only another human being can fill in for them. In the opening chapters, try to keep interest in the story and an emphasis on upcoming plot but weave in some backstory for your protagonists here and there as well.
The Cute Meet
Your two characters will inevitably meet up at some point, and this should not only be a unique meeting, but one that perhaps causes some initial sparks to fly. One way to do this, incredibly, is by having them hate each other at first. Opposites really do attract, so this might be emphasized in the first meeting. Or maybe they like each other only as friends at first, or perhaps the sparks fly but they ignore them because of other important goals they have to achieve. Either way, The Cute Meet should be unique and memorable.
The Complication
This is where both protagonists realize that there is something at stake if they pursue a relationship. Romantic tensions are high, and perhaps they have even shared a first kiss, but the future of the pairing is unclear. For example, this might be where a vampire wonders if he will hurt a love interest if he continues a relationship, or a prince might wonder if a peasant girl will fit into his world of royalty.
The Midpoint
At this point, the characters are facing emotional conflict about the relationship, and while romantic tensions are high, they both still have a way out of the relationship without getting too hurt in the process. This is also the point where intimacy may occur, although that is not set in stone. The Midpoint also sets up The Final Turning Point and The Black Moment, making up the final parts of the story.
The Final Turning Point
The stakes are highest for our two lovebirds here. If they continue on with a relationship, they might lose any chance of achieving set goals, they might struggle with an inner battle of some sort, or they might question the whole commitment thing altogether. Falling in love—the forever kind of love—is frightening and might leave your character(s) feeling vulnerable. Whatever happens at The Final Turning Point will determine the outcome of the relationship moving forward. This is the point of no return, the moment of ultimate decision and heightened inner conflict.
The Black Moment
Most of us are aware of The Black Moment in plot structure—even if only subconsciously—having read so many stories. This is where everything is dark, the romance is in crisis, the story is at its climax, and the relationship seems lost forever. Decisions have been made, vulnerabilities exposed, and everything is black and bleak. It is here that our characters head toward a decision that determines the fate of the relationship and perhaps even their lives. Maybe they are moving away and have to leave their soulmate behind. Maybe a truth was exposed that one feels they can never move past. Maybe lives were even at stake. The Black Moment should be emotional and read like the climax of the story.
The Ending
In the end, the characters ultimately realize they are stronger with each other and their love is true and forever. They have faced beliefs, determined their goals or let some goals go, and have struggled through the ups and downs of falling in love. This is the happily ever after, and it should leave the reader satisfied.
Bonus Breakdown of Plot Structure in Romance Writing
1. The Ordinary World
2. The Cute Meet
3. The Complication
4. The Midpoint
5. The Final Turning Point
6. The Black Moment
7. The Ending
These rules for romance writing may be broken, of course, but they give us a good idea of how to structure romance novels and how to keep romantic tension high between the two protagonists. I truly hope these help you with writing romance, whether you are writing a traditional romance novel, a specific genre of romance, or even including romantic elements in your story. It helps to think of a finish line (The Ending) and keep yourself moving along like an Olympic runner as you continue to fill in the rest of the story toward that goal. Good luck!
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