How to Write Romance: A Complete Guide

Romance is the best-selling fiction genre for good reason: readers crave stories about human connection, emotional growth, and the transformative power of love. This guide covers everything you need to write compelling romance.

The Two Rules of Romance

1. Central love story: The romance must be the main plot
2. Emotionally satisfying ending: HEA (Happily Ever After) or HFN (Happy For Now)

Romance Subgenres

• Contemporary: Modern settings, relatable issues
• Historical: Regency, Victorian, medieval periods
• Paranormal: Vampires, shifters, supernatural elements
• Romantic Suspense: Danger and romance intertwined
• Romantic Comedy: Humor-forward with witty banter

Popular Romance Tropes

• Enemies to lovers
• Friends to lovers
• Second chance romance
• Fake relationship/marriage of convenience
• Forced proximity
• Forbidden love
• Grumpy/sunshine
• Only one bed

Building Chemistry

• Tension: Create obstacles between the characters
• Banter: Witty dialogue shows compatibility
• Vulnerability: Moments of emotional honesty
• Physical awareness: Show attraction through details
• Near misses: Almost-moments that delay satisfaction

Romance Story Beats

1. Meet cute: First meeting with chemistry or conflict
2. Growing attraction: Forced interaction, building tension
3. First kiss: Payoff after sustained tension
4. Deepening relationship: Emotional intimacy grows
5. Black moment: Crisis threatens the relationship
6. Resolution: Characters overcome obstacles
7. HEA/HFN: Satisfying romantic conclusion

Common Mistakes

• Rushing the relationship development
• Weak external conflict or "stupid" misunderstandings
• Telling emotions instead of showing them
• One-dimensional love interests
• Neglecting the HEA/HFN requirement

Related Resources

• Dialogue Writing Tips →
• How to Write a Novel →
• Hearth for Romance Writers →