I’m writing this (YA) contemporary romance and it’s proving harder than I thought. I think it’s because I can’t rely on major action-packed events to build the romance like I did with my series. I have to depend on smaller exchanges and a lot of conversation and I keep thinking a lot of conversation is bad thing. But how else do characters get to know one another? They talk.
Right?
In times like these, I deflect to the classics. My classics. Eleanor & Park and The Sea of Tranquility, obviously. Love stories that I love, love, love! Love stories that I pocket for rare occasions: the how-to’s of good romance. Not harlequin. Not BSMD. I’m not into punishment or alphas or how tattooed of a bad boy asshole he is. Yuck. It’s not real. I like real. I like genuine.
E&P is real. TSOT is real.
I believe their stories, probably because they’re written with authenticity. That’s what I’m trying to do with Autumn and Alex. I’m trying to be really real with it but I feel like I’m just jumping from scene to scene with them chit chatting around the central ark. I don’t know. I guess I’m not used to writing a straight romance without aliens and monsters and threats getting in the way. So why the switch? I have no idea. The heart wants what it wants and I guess this is it for now.
Anyone else try a new genre having a wee bit of trouble? Or extra doubt?
I understand what you mean. I have the same issue with romance – like I;m just writing the romance scenes so it’s hop from one encounter to another to another – like a “just the good parts” version ha ha! If you feel like you need a secondary arc going on, try writing the story, then go back and stick bits in anywhere it feels boring or too talky to you. You have an amazing sense of pacing, so that should be pretty easy :p
Thanks! Yeah I love the good parts (who doesn’t?) but I want there to be more than them just talking. I don’t know. Maybe I miss my action scenes.
I don’t know if I’m the right person to give input on this, but when it comes to the romance thing, it sounds like you’re doing it exactly right. Everything I’ve done where the romance made up the majority of the story (which, to be honest, has mostly been in fanfic (shh, don’t tell anyone)) has revolved around people doing a lot of talking and figuring things out. I think that’s the best way to get a relationship that feels real and not like the author’s fantasy or something like that. >_< I hope it goes well for you, even with the lack of external threats.
Thanks for chiming in, Mason. I appreciate it. And it’s nice to know I’m not alone in my dialogue-heavy romance boat over here.
I feel your pain. One of my WIP’s was supposed to be a snarky sex sci-fi. Instead it turned into some kind of out of space commentary or sexual abuse and the balance in space between those who have super powers and those that don’t. Help!
aack. That took a turn! It’s strange venturing into new territory!