Bad Romance: Common Pitfalls Romance Writers Should Avoid
The stats don’t lie – Romance continues to dominate book sales worldwide, accounting for some $1.44 BILLION in sales on Amazon. It is the number one selling genre in fiction. It's not just about creating chemistry between characters or writing steamy scenes – it's also about creating a compelling story that engages readers emotionally. I asked some romance authors what the most common pitfalls are.
Unrealistic Dialogue: Dialogue is a powerful tool in any story, but it can be particularly challenging in romance. It's important to ensure the dialogue feels natural and authentic to the characters and the situation. Avoid clichéd lines or overly dramatic language, and focus on creating dialogue that feels real and meaningful. Consider reading the dialogue out loud to see how it sounds – if it feels forced or awkward, it may need to be reworked. Having said that, it didn’t do Fifty Shades of Grey too much harm!
Lack of Character Development: Romance readers want to feel invested in the characters and their journey. When editing a romance, pay close attention to character development. Are the characters fully fleshed out? Do they have flaws and motivations that make them interesting and relatable? Avoid creating one-dimensional characters defined solely by their romantic relationships. Instead, focus on creating complex, multi-dimensional characters.
Overuse of Clichés: Romance is a genre prone to clichés, but overusing them can be a turn-off for readers. When editing a romance, be on the lookout for clichéd phrases, situations, or character types. Instead, focus on creating unique, engaging storylines that keep readers engaged. Instead of another ‘billionaire boss’, what about a gruff mechanic? (those oily hands, ugh, OK, maybe not…)
Lack of Emotional Depth: Romance is all about emotion – the highs, the lows, and everything in between. When editing a romance, make sure that the emotional depth is there. Are the characters experiencing a range of emotions throughout the story? Are these emotions being conveyed effectively to the reader? Focus on creating scenes that are emotionally resonant and will stay with the reader long after they finish the book.
Lack of Conflict: Conflict is crucial in any story, but especially in romance. Without it, the story can feel flat and uninteresting. Conflict creates tension, raises the stakes, and keeps readers engaged. When editing a romance, look for ways to heighten or expand the conflict. Does the main conflict feel resolved too easily? Are there smaller conflicts that could be added to increase tension?
In conclusion, romance writing can be a challenging and rewarding genre, but it's important to be aware of some common pitfalls. By avoiding these mistakes, you can create a romance that is compelling, engaging, and emotionally resonant. Remember to focus on conflict, realistic dialogue, character development, avoiding clichés, and creating emotional depth, and you'll be well on your way to creating a great romance novel – whether your love interest is a billionaire boss or a gruff mechanic!
