How to Write Romance That Stands Out | Reedsy Live

Author, editor, and writing coach Michelle Hazen reveals some key craft elements that make for a well-written romance. Once you understand how each one works, she'll show you how to use it to make your version feel fresh, unique, and un-putdownable.

THE HAPPY EVER AFTER PLAYLIST

MORE FROM MICHELLE

FIND REEDSY HERE:

RESOURCES:

[JesPiddlin-Author]

This was the best presentation I've EVER seen on writing romance. I took seven pages of notes! I didn't want to miss any part, and I remember things best when I write them down. So, I wrote it all down. THANK YOU.

[DUST]

Based on the previous comments, I'm so excited for this presentation! The notebook is out.

[Jon-ljrn]

One of the most informative presentations ever - thanks, Michelle!

[WiseWaysofWomen]

This was really fabulous. Thanks, Michelle. Excellent presentation.

[DavidLari]

This was so good. I'm going to have to watch this one again just to absorb it all.

[lauracairns]

That's the best presentation I've seen on this genre, by far.

[ShirleyMoorcroft]

Brilliant presentation. So much information backed up with examples. Thank you

[mageprometheus]

I opened this video in Obsidian and took notes as there was so much useful knowledge. Thanks! Love and light.

[CGFernandesOficial]

That was such a gerat presentation, not only for romance writers. Thanks a lot!

[MillieMartineuz]

This was great! Thank you so much, Michelle and Martin. 🌹

[ayla]

WOW this was SO good! I wish I was able to have watched it live. Will definitely be coming back to this. Thank you!

[nikkinewbie]

I got a lot out of this. Thank you for touching on the issue of whether Romance should have one of the couple edge the other out as the story’s main protagonist. This was a running question for me and I found various perspectives on it but nothing I felt was definitive until now.

What I heard you say was that the ratio can exist on a spectrum and that fifty/fifty is okay; but if we don’t use an evenly weighted POV, you gave us a threshold ratio not to cross. Perfect! I consider the question in my mind conclusively answered now based on your obvious command of the genre.

I just listened to your presentation the first time and saved it to my playlist. Now I’m going back for seconds to take notes; but I’ll still return to the video often because I appreciated your energy. The presentation was engaging and really enjoyable. So much of it really landed with me as I kept my premise and early thoughts about my story in my mind as I took in what you said.

I’m going big for my first ever writing project: romantic thriller. It’s a tall order so I’m still learning craft - seeking out specifics but also the basics.

One of the resources I’m looking at is John Truby’s newest book for genre specific beats, themes and how to combine genres to densify the plot.

I was really jazzed to find out that the Thriller genre is a combined genre itself (horror because of the personal threat of death to a central character and detective). So I’m excited to combine the three genres and attempt to meet all those expectations in one work. If I fail I’ll fail big but I can’t help but learn a ton along the way!

That said, I am making it slightly easier on myself because I’m writing my first project as a fanfic based on a movie and a character I know extremely well. I am shipping the fandom main character and a character of my own creation. There’s going to be a meet-HATE involved. 😂😂

Like others are saying, this was the best presentation giving guidance on writing Romance genre that I’ve seen. I wasn’t expecting you to broach sex scenes; but I was hoping you would 😂😂. I’m not sure how far into that lake I’m going to wade. I have a little more time before I plan to start outlining. By then I’ll have made that decision.

I’m going to search for more of your videos on anything you’re talking about. You’re a fount of knowledge and I really connect with the way you communicate it. Thanks again!

[tanya_entelehija_bilchenko]

Very valuable information for aspiring writers. I see, knowing the basic tips of how to plot any novel and create the characters isn't enough, as it's also crucial to "narrow" your investigation and focus on the spesific genre you're writing. Thanks!

[ikinglopez]

This was very interesting! More encouraged to use tropes now that I know its distinction with cliches... Thanks Reedsy. 🐦

[ikinglopez]

That embarassment point at 59:00 was really good...

[RachelValencourt]

San Diego California. Writing a Historical Fiction Trilogy

[ejwrites]

Wish I could’ve seen this live but it’s better late than never!

I had a question about location for contemporary romance. Mostly because I have a bit of paranoia (in screwing up) real local places so I just end up creating my own towns etc.. Would it still be labeled as contemporary if said town was fictional?

[anitach]

I have great on line love stories .I just curious how to find balance if its happened in real life or virtual life . ? Cheers

[risingsun]

Re practice... Try the Reedsy Writing Prompts. You can subscribe to get via email.

[anitach]

Really hooking title Breath in the Sky