I've decided to try my hand a romance writing. I thought it would be easy. I mean, how simple can you get? Boy meets girl, they struggle with a conflict, have sex then live happily ever after. Turns out, it's not as easy for me as I thought. It's that happy ending I'm struggling with. I can't even get through the outline without everything going to hell for my hero and heroine. My most recent and sadly, most promising outline involves death of a husband and an unexpected pregnancy with a child with (so far unspecific) mental and physical disabilities. Seriously, can't I just make it happy?
I have a book in me. Though, I'm not sure it's a romance. It's chick lit for sure, but not a romance. Maybe I should write that instead? Maybe that's why I'm struggling so much trying to frame the romance novel, because bits of the book I REALLY want to write keep seeping out.
Another problem is my hero and heroine keep turning into me and John. And while we're attracted to each other, we're not exactly the ripply biceps and bouncing bosoms that you would want to read about.
I think I should change my story completely. Maybe instead of aiming for Harlequin Superromance, I should go for a paranormal romance or historical romance. Maybe that will help me see my story and characters separate from myself.
Or you could turn the entire genre on its head. Why not romance novels that have a tragic ending or unexpected twist? I would think more people would want to read them. Still use the typical romance mold, but make it your own. Definitely use real life and historical experiences to influence your writing. I am in no way a reader of romance novels. My friend's mom had a bunch of them and we would find the steamy parts and laugh at them. I would also poke fun at my sister in law, who read them all the time. Regardless, write what you know and love writing. Best of luck!
Posted by: Matt | March 13, 2009 at 09:11 AM
rent alot of the Indie films and documentary and dramas from Netflix....I view alot of them...then watch the special features where often the writers write where there story came from etc....I get so inspired I want to write.....these stories often are off the wall, different, very real to life, never know how will end, comic and tearjerkers alike....but often based on normal everyday things...or once in the life circumstances.....not junk like romance or kissy face stuff......things that make life real.
Posted by: mom | March 13, 2009 at 11:29 AM
Write what your heart and soul is calling you to put on paper. Im sure that it will be amazing, not all things have to be sappy and happily ever after. Life is dirty, raw, hard, and real. That is what I think we look for. Im excited for it to come to life.
Posted by: KV | March 13, 2009 at 01:05 PM
Just write what you have or an outline. You can always go back. Susie offers an editing service. In fact, she has done it for a mutual friend who has written a few in that very genre.
Posted by: Grandma Jen aka mrsjwd9 | March 16, 2009 at 02:04 PM