The Secret to Writing a Love Story
Did you know that romance consistently ranks as the top book genre for sales and readership? It’s not surprising. Love confessions and grand gestures make hearts flutter, and nothing is more satisfying than that “happily ever after.”
But writing a romance novel that readers can’t put down takes more than just chemistry.
As an editor, one of the biggest pitfalls I see is when characters are instantly smitten the moment they meet. The story then spends pages proving how perfect they are for each other and how, together, they overcome any conflicts that come their way.
But the thing is, external obstacles won’t keep readers invested if the characters are already in love. Romance readers want to see two people FALLING in love, so love itself should be the conflict.
But how do you make love the conflict? Well, the best way is to give your characters a reason to resist love—to withhold their heart—even if they’re obsessed with that other person.
Take a look at these popular books, for example:
Twilight by Stephanie Meyers: Edward is drawn to Bella, but he tries to resist her because he’s a vampire who craves her blood.
Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas: Tiernan tries to resist Jake because he’s her boyfriend’s father, but they’re perfect for each other.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout: Poppy is the Maiden, so she has to stay pure and detached despite her growing feelings for her bodyguard, Hawke.
Even in movies, it’s the resistance to love that keeps us invested. Let’s look at the movie Spider-Man.
In this film, Peter Parker has a crush on Gwen Stacy, but being with her could put her life in danger. So he keeps his distance to protect her. Even though we understand the risk, we still root for them to be together. That romantic tension is what keeps us hooked.
Readers want the characters to resist love because choosing it feels like taking a risk (either physically or emotionally). If the love isn’t risky, the story loses its pull, and readers won’t stick around for the happily ever after.
Watching characters struggle not to fall in love (and failing) is what makes the romance so satisfying. Then, when the couple finally does ride off into the sunset, their happily ever after feels earned.
