Writing Romantic Arcs in Fiction

Introduction

• Presenter: Lynn D. Jung, science fiction and fantasy writer
• Purpose: Offer tips on writing romance arcs in fiction
• Note: Non-prescriptive advice, based on personal observations

1. Consider Characters as Individuals

• Develop individual arcs before bringing them together
• Avoid characters existing solely for the relationship
• Create well-rounded characters who can stand on their own
• Importance of having realistic obstacles
• Characters with past relationship histories make the story more believable

2. Ask: Why Do They Like Each Other?

• Evaluate the reason behind the characters' attraction
• Consider beyond physical attraction
• Avoid uniting characters just for their appearance
• Importance of emotional or intellectual connection

3. What Keeps Them Apart?

• Need for conflict to make the relationship more interesting
• Relationship grows through adversity
• Opportunity to showcase the characters' inner strength

4. Consider How They Complement Each Other

• Attraction of opposites and complementing personalities
• Example: extrovert vs. introvert
• Look for inner connections and similarities

5. Different Types of Attraction

• Beyond physical attraction
• Importance of emotional connection
• Consideration of the five love languages: physical touch, receiving gifts, acts of service, words of affirmation, quality time

6. Life After Being Together

• Think about the relationship's future
• What do the characters seek for their life together?
• Importance of having a long-term vision

7. How Do They See Each Other?

• Difference between perception and reality
• Importance of seeing each other positively
• Transformation through the perception of others

8. Don’t Forget the Spark

• Importance of tension and spark in the relationship
• Situations requiring vulnerability
• Example: healing scenes or moments of closeness

9. Behavior with Others and Each Other

• Show contrasts in behavior with different people
• Effective for showing rather than telling explicitly
• Avoid directly expressing the characters' feelings

10. Focus on Gradual Development

• Gradual building of emotional and physical intimacy
• Importance of progressive growth towards dramatic culmination

Conclusion

• Reflection on writing romantic arcs
• Advised by personal experience and preference for slow burn
• Importance of making readers care about the relationship