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How to write a romance story?
Good afternoon.
A few days ago, on Facebook, I was challenged by my cousin Jacque to write a novel. It seems that she likes the way I describe things now and then.
Then Dena and my brother joined in and Michael piled on, so I may have to see if I'm up to the challenge.
I am not committing to writing a novel, but maybe a short story that is heart-wrenching, sad, hopeless, and then ends with a flourish of hope and great news.
Now, I don't know the first thing about romance novels, but I do know basic story formulas and how to break out story points.
To make this challenge more interesting, I'm thinking about writing it from the female protagonist's point of view.
So, how to get started?
Is it more appropriate, in a romance story, to write from the first-person view of the protagonist, or is it better to write from a third-person view of the omniscient narrator? Anyone have any thoughts on this?
We'll see how this goes.
JD
A few days ago, on Facebook, I was challenged by my cousin Jacque to write a novel. It seems that she likes the way I describe things now and then.
Then Dena and my brother joined in and Michael piled on, so I may have to see if I'm up to the challenge.
I am not committing to writing a novel, but maybe a short story that is heart-wrenching, sad, hopeless, and then ends with a flourish of hope and great news.
Now, I don't know the first thing about romance novels, but I do know basic story formulas and how to break out story points.
To make this challenge more interesting, I'm thinking about writing it from the female protagonist's point of view.
So, how to get started?
Is it more appropriate, in a romance story, to write from the first-person view of the protagonist, or is it better to write from a third-person view of the omniscient narrator? Anyone have any thoughts on this?
We'll see how this goes.
JD
Tags: point-of-view, romance, story, write
Views: 1
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Michael Clutton on -
I was halfway through my novel in the third person when I decided to change to first person and it totally changed the feel of the story.
Note that writing in the first person requires certain care, also. The narration can't sound like dialogue. In other words, you can't write the way you talk, unless it's dialogue from a character. One of the blogs I follow did an in-depth piece on this topic. It's the first mistake many "new" authors make. They think it'll make the story more believable... but it does the opposite.
So... avoid the "um... like... so... " etc in the narration.
My two cents. -
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Permalink Reply by John Dilbeck on -
Good afternoon, Michael.
I appreciate your help on this.
I've been leaning towards first person and your advice is sound.
I'm just wondering what would be the most popular point of view for romance readers - not that it matters a great deal, since I'm sure all the romance books don't follow the same format.
I tend to like science fiction that is told from the first person perspective.
Thanks.
All the best,
JD -
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Permalink Reply by Michael Clutton on
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You could be a trend-setter and write a first person romance... from the guy's POV. Not sure if that's been done yet.
Of course, if you succeed, you may need therapy and heavy medication... hehehehe
Okay, John. The world is waiting ... lay it on us! -
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Permalink Reply by Carol Chapman on -
Hi John & Micheal........... I didn't realize until just a moment ago that this was one of the forums. I have had a few things published in the past and am working on another short story for "True Story Magazine." I wrtite almost everything in the first person. I feel it gets the readers more involved and gives a feeling as though it is happening to them. The first work I did was in 1980 for Red Book. Remember them? Well, the story was about domestic abuse and was turned down by the editors. I was told that even though it was full of emotion and written well their readers were not ready for that subject. Another magazine picked it up. But I have never tried my luck with Romance writing.
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Permalink Reply by Michael Clutton on
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So, what are you working on now? Got any unfinished pieces that need to be revisited? Do you only write "real" stuff ... or some fiction, too? Are magazines your main source or have you done books, too?
Oooops. Got carried away. Just curious. Tell us more about what you've done and/or are doing. Or, if you have any questions that might stimulate a response from our viewers. -
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Permalink Reply by John Dilbeck on
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Good morning, Carol.
If you were going to try your hand at writing romance, where would you start?
All the best,
JD -
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