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Monday, July 9, 2012

My Favorite Tip for Writing Romance

I've been doing some reading on writing romance as of late, since my current work-in-progress has a strong romantic sub-genre (I don't know if I'd actually call it romantic fantasy, though. My alpha readers will have to tell me.) After much blog-hopping and library checking-outing, however, one tip has stood out to me more than the rest:

Exaggerated Awareness.

It's the idea that every glance and every touch is exaggerated in writing. Brushing shoulders with a stranger is hardly noticed, whereas brushing shoulders with that someone sends lightning bolts through your body. Each half of the potential couple is extremely aware of the other person. Not only does exaggerated awareness really get across to the reader that something is going on, but it's completely true in real life as well, which, I think, makes it hit home.

Do you have any tips for writing romance, or ever struggled with it? Please share! I would love to hear everyone's thoughts.

4 comments:

  1. Good tip! The technique keeps the romance simmering in the background even while the characters are off doing plot stuff.

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  2. That hits the nail on the head right there.

    I'd say don't be afraid to go off on paragraphs-long digressions for introspection, where that hyper-awareness is spun out into the main characters analyzing situations and circumstances, especially based on conversations and interactions. It really extends the emotion.

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  3. Ah yes! I've heard of this one, and have to agree. Remember those times when you're like, "He looked at me! He looked at me!" OR "We touched!" And it doesn't even have to be something big! bahahaha! So true! Good one to use!

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  4. That's completely true. I love that feeling of knowing 'he' has just walked into a room without even seeing him, just sensing it.

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