Writing romance is fun, because it's neat to see how two characters interact in a situation in which nobody's ever really comfortable. What would have to happen for these two characters to even have a relationship, and would that relationship last? And what if there were more than just the two characters involved?
Normally I try to avoid the Designated Romance. I fill a pot with characters and if some of them click, we've got a stew. As I'm working out how to write a historical romance (well, half-historical), though, I'm trying to answer a few questions about the characters who are the designated romancers so that it develops naturally instead of being thrown together by Plot.
How a character approaches romance is a great way to define a character. Does the character enjoy the chase or the success more? Is he a quick thinker? Does she let momentum build the relationship or does she actively take it to the next level? What annoys them? What makes them happy?
Also, you get to write Sexy Sex Scenes, so that's always fun.
Just in case you didn't see this coming:
"(I Just) Died In Your Arms Tonight"
Ah. That's...stuff. Good ole' Vice City.
+-+Stewardess.jpg)
Stewardess, book me on the next flight to Love! Yeah! (rockin' guitar riff)
Sorry sir, you've been bumped. But we can offer you a complimentary flight tonight. What airport are you going to?
(sigh) ...DIY.
----
250 words? Yes
Book "Lived Too Long To Die" - writing the middle
Book "Fire in Khartoum" - outlining
- - - -
Reading - ?
*092
I used to dabble in acting, and I was amazed at how much more natural romance acting felt after I was in a relationship--the whole "experience" thing, I guess. But then, not all relationships are the same, either. I've gotten nearly as much inspiration watching other people's relationships--both those that succeed and those that fail--than I've gotten from my own. In fact, those that fail (heard in snippets from coworkers or callers on radio shows) can open up whole stories just in themselves. It certainly can be fun to write romance, but we've got to make sure we don't write them too much like ourselves.
ReplyDeleteThat's true. Fortunately, my relationships wouldn't really apply to dramatic romance, since I date women based almost entirely on their ability to withstand and contribute to witty banter in the long term. Also, they have to be in at least as good shape as me, because some of the physical humor is taxing.
ReplyDeleteI mean, what really is the point of having a girlfriend if you and she can't walk into a party and immediately take it over? (whisper, whisper) OH! Teeheeheehee.