Rachael Eyre's Blog - Posts Tagged "romance"
Writing Romantic Relationships
Everyone thinks they know the formula for the perfect romance. Gentle pretty filly of a heroine, hunky misunderstood hero, a series of events and obstacles culminating in a big white wedding. Right?
Wrong! As readers grow more sophisticated, they demand variation in their characters and plots. They might request same sex couples, couples from different cultural or religious backgrounds, paranormal and interspecies couples. Whatever the story board, the same complaint comes up time and time again: the romance arc isn't believable.
I don't claim to be an expert. Of my three books, only one has romance as a central component. I admit to being yet another cynic when I started Love and Robotics, scoffing, "How hard can it be?"
Pretty damn difficult, actually!
Here's a countdown of the five biggest issues a romance can run into. If your story has any of these, it may need a few more rewrites.
1) The Spin Cycle Romance
It's the stalest of tropes. Two strangers clap eyes on each other and know they're meant to be. They get talking and, surprise surprise, find they share the same interests and opinions. Within a day or two they picking out curtains.
Sorry to burst anyone's bubble, but relationships like this are boring. There's no conflict, meaning that authors are forced to throw in the most contrived developments to spice things up. Yes, you might be attracted to someone you've just met, but any relationship forged at this stage is bound to be superficial. This is why so many real life relationships founder - not because the other person is a monster, but because they're not the same as that idealised, honeymoon image you fell in love with. Yes, real people eat the last slice of pizza, hog the remote and fart!
Real love takes time. In Love and Robotics Alfred and Josh are close friends for nearly two years before they have sex. Some readers grew impatient, wanting a quicker resolution. Quite aside from their personal circumstances (Josh has to break his programming to be in love at all; Alfred used to despise robots and has severe trust issues), I wanted readers to invest in them as a couple. If I hadn't laid that groundwork, CER's decision to marry Josh off wouldn't be as shocking.
2) Opposites Repel
We're used to chalk and cheese pairings. Work colleagues, relatives, unlikely buddies - these disparate characters can be a rich source of drama and/or comedy. Whether it's Pinky and the Brain or Greg and Jack in the Meet the Parents franchise, diametrically opposed characters make terrific material.
Except - and this is a huge except - in terms of romance. How can you have a lasting relationship with someone whose outlook or hobbies are anathema to you? Differences of opinion are fine in the early days when you never get out of bed, but what if you want kids and your partner doesn't? What if your other half refuses to come out? What if one of you wants to move abroad for the job of a lifetime but the other can't leave their family?
Telling us a couple is perfect for one another is very different from it actually being the case. I always had deep reservations about Ross and Rachel in Friends. He's a hyper intelligent, socially awkward paleontologist, she's an airheaded daddy's girl. What on earth would they find to talk about? Wouldn't they bore the pants off each other?
Writing The Governess, this was one of my strongest indications that Benny and Amy's relationship wasn't a taboo breaking romance but warped and unhealthy. However she might protest otherwise, Benny has no interest in Amy's mind or character. She simply lusts after her and wants to possess her. At least Amy has the excuse that she's mistaken and thinks she's in love. She soon realises otherwise.
3) I Wuv You, Snugglebum
We've all known a couple who are so loved up they're embarrassing to be around. They can't go a moment without kissing or hugging, swap pet names, gaze into each other's eyes and discuss their feelings at great length. Though undoubtedly fascinating for the interested parties, it makes everyone else want to hurl.
The same applies for fictional sweethearts. Unless they're hormonal teenagers or you're deliberately poking fun at them, couples who do nothing but go on cutesy dates or proclaim their love are nauseating. Write them having regular conversations, doing ordinary things. This shows whether they're compatible for the long term or just a quick fling.
Although Rose and Evan in The Revenge of Rose Grubb are teenagers in love, I attempted a dose of reality. Their first 'date' is in the garden centre where he works. We see them walking the dog, painting his room, going shopping. Not everything in a romance has to be ripped from a Richard Curtis movie.
4) Banter Equals Love
I'll come out and say it: I don't like banter. At all. It seems an excuse to make cheap gibes - then, when the other person understandably takes offence, mutter, "It's only banter."
It's therefore a source of amazement and irritation that so many writers think hostile behaviour and trash talk is somehow a mask for mutual attraction. Either both characters know this on some level and this is their screwed up way of flirting, or one of them is shocked into a kiss by someone they thought hated them. This development is popular in yaoi for some reason. Yuki in Gravitation goes from abusing Shuichi's writing to snogging his face off in a matter of pages!
I don't buy it. Arguments aren't fun bonding experiences. I'm not saying your romance should be a squabble free zone; that's equally unrealistic. Fact remains, couples who row constantly end up in the divorce courts, not happily ever after.
5) Why The Hell Would You Want Them Back?
As time has gone by and attitudes have mellowed, our notions of acceptable behaviour have changed. A woman who slept with a man before marriage was denounced as a hussy - no longer. Widows were expected to remain loyal to their late husbands while widowers were the romantic heroes of choice.
Nowadays readers don't mind the odd indiscretion, or even a large one in certain circumstances. When Claire in Outlander ends up in the 1740s, she has to marry Jamie for her own protection - despite being married back in 1946. Before long she finds herself falling for him. This is anything but a normal situation and the reader can forgive her.
There are some actions that cannot and should not be forgiven, however much the writer and/or characters excuse themselves. Mrs de Winter's reaction to Maxim's bombshell shouldn't be a whimsical "Never mind, darling," but getting the first cab out of Manderley. Likewise, Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing. He slutshames Hero on her wedding day; as far as he knows, his actions have driven her to suicide. He's told he's going to marry an identical cousin - Hero herself, of course. Even once the deception is revealed and she's proved to have been innocent, Claudio is not punished. What a git!
Wrong! As readers grow more sophisticated, they demand variation in their characters and plots. They might request same sex couples, couples from different cultural or religious backgrounds, paranormal and interspecies couples. Whatever the story board, the same complaint comes up time and time again: the romance arc isn't believable.
I don't claim to be an expert. Of my three books, only one has romance as a central component. I admit to being yet another cynic when I started Love and Robotics, scoffing, "How hard can it be?"
Pretty damn difficult, actually!
Here's a countdown of the five biggest issues a romance can run into. If your story has any of these, it may need a few more rewrites.
1) The Spin Cycle Romance
It's the stalest of tropes. Two strangers clap eyes on each other and know they're meant to be. They get talking and, surprise surprise, find they share the same interests and opinions. Within a day or two they picking out curtains.
Sorry to burst anyone's bubble, but relationships like this are boring. There's no conflict, meaning that authors are forced to throw in the most contrived developments to spice things up. Yes, you might be attracted to someone you've just met, but any relationship forged at this stage is bound to be superficial. This is why so many real life relationships founder - not because the other person is a monster, but because they're not the same as that idealised, honeymoon image you fell in love with. Yes, real people eat the last slice of pizza, hog the remote and fart!
Real love takes time. In Love and Robotics Alfred and Josh are close friends for nearly two years before they have sex. Some readers grew impatient, wanting a quicker resolution. Quite aside from their personal circumstances (Josh has to break his programming to be in love at all; Alfred used to despise robots and has severe trust issues), I wanted readers to invest in them as a couple. If I hadn't laid that groundwork, CER's decision to marry Josh off wouldn't be as shocking.
2) Opposites Repel
We're used to chalk and cheese pairings. Work colleagues, relatives, unlikely buddies - these disparate characters can be a rich source of drama and/or comedy. Whether it's Pinky and the Brain or Greg and Jack in the Meet the Parents franchise, diametrically opposed characters make terrific material.
Except - and this is a huge except - in terms of romance. How can you have a lasting relationship with someone whose outlook or hobbies are anathema to you? Differences of opinion are fine in the early days when you never get out of bed, but what if you want kids and your partner doesn't? What if your other half refuses to come out? What if one of you wants to move abroad for the job of a lifetime but the other can't leave their family?
Telling us a couple is perfect for one another is very different from it actually being the case. I always had deep reservations about Ross and Rachel in Friends. He's a hyper intelligent, socially awkward paleontologist, she's an airheaded daddy's girl. What on earth would they find to talk about? Wouldn't they bore the pants off each other?
Writing The Governess, this was one of my strongest indications that Benny and Amy's relationship wasn't a taboo breaking romance but warped and unhealthy. However she might protest otherwise, Benny has no interest in Amy's mind or character. She simply lusts after her and wants to possess her. At least Amy has the excuse that she's mistaken and thinks she's in love. She soon realises otherwise.
3) I Wuv You, Snugglebum
We've all known a couple who are so loved up they're embarrassing to be around. They can't go a moment without kissing or hugging, swap pet names, gaze into each other's eyes and discuss their feelings at great length. Though undoubtedly fascinating for the interested parties, it makes everyone else want to hurl.
The same applies for fictional sweethearts. Unless they're hormonal teenagers or you're deliberately poking fun at them, couples who do nothing but go on cutesy dates or proclaim their love are nauseating. Write them having regular conversations, doing ordinary things. This shows whether they're compatible for the long term or just a quick fling.
Although Rose and Evan in The Revenge of Rose Grubb are teenagers in love, I attempted a dose of reality. Their first 'date' is in the garden centre where he works. We see them walking the dog, painting his room, going shopping. Not everything in a romance has to be ripped from a Richard Curtis movie.
4) Banter Equals Love
I'll come out and say it: I don't like banter. At all. It seems an excuse to make cheap gibes - then, when the other person understandably takes offence, mutter, "It's only banter."
It's therefore a source of amazement and irritation that so many writers think hostile behaviour and trash talk is somehow a mask for mutual attraction. Either both characters know this on some level and this is their screwed up way of flirting, or one of them is shocked into a kiss by someone they thought hated them. This development is popular in yaoi for some reason. Yuki in Gravitation goes from abusing Shuichi's writing to snogging his face off in a matter of pages!
I don't buy it. Arguments aren't fun bonding experiences. I'm not saying your romance should be a squabble free zone; that's equally unrealistic. Fact remains, couples who row constantly end up in the divorce courts, not happily ever after.
5) Why The Hell Would You Want Them Back?
As time has gone by and attitudes have mellowed, our notions of acceptable behaviour have changed. A woman who slept with a man before marriage was denounced as a hussy - no longer. Widows were expected to remain loyal to their late husbands while widowers were the romantic heroes of choice.
Nowadays readers don't mind the odd indiscretion, or even a large one in certain circumstances. When Claire in Outlander ends up in the 1740s, she has to marry Jamie for her own protection - despite being married back in 1946. Before long she finds herself falling for him. This is anything but a normal situation and the reader can forgive her.
There are some actions that cannot and should not be forgiven, however much the writer and/or characters excuse themselves. Mrs de Winter's reaction to Maxim's bombshell shouldn't be a whimsical "Never mind, darling," but getting the first cab out of Manderley. Likewise, Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing. He slutshames Hero on her wedding day; as far as he knows, his actions have driven her to suicide. He's told he's going to marry an identical cousin - Hero herself, of course. Even once the deception is revealed and she's proved to have been innocent, Claudio is not punished. What a git!
Publication of The Artificial Wife
I'm delighted to announce that my new novel The Artificial Wife has been published on Amazon! A sci fi lesbian romance, it's set in the same world as Love and Robotics.
Summer has been coached to be the perfect wife. When she is sold to the self centred, bullying Robert, she thinks her life is over.
Former prostitute Elle has lost everything in a short space of time. Robert seems to offer her a way out.
Two robot women from drastically different worlds, brought together by the same man. In these unlikely circumstances, true love can grow.
Summer has been coached to be the perfect wife. When she is sold to the self centred, bullying Robert, she thinks her life is over.
Former prostitute Elle has lost everything in a short space of time. Robert seems to offer her a way out.
Two robot women from drastically different worlds, brought together by the same man. In these unlikely circumstances, true love can grow.
Free Promo: The Artificial Wife
Beginning tomorrow and running over the next few days, you can get my latest novel The Artificial Wife for free!
Summer and Elle meet, bond and fall in love. Unfortunately they are artificial humans, or arties, and owned by insufferable academic Robert. What's an AI in love to do?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Artificial-W...The Artificial Wife
Summer and Elle meet, bond and fall in love. Unfortunately they are artificial humans, or arties, and owned by insufferable academic Robert. What's an AI in love to do?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Artificial-W...The Artificial Wife
Coming Soon: Book 666
Being a demon is no picnic. Especially when your full time job is trying to Tempt a nine year old who thinks unicorns are the coolest thing ever. Oh, and you’re expected to send your evil uncle regular updates. No pressure.
But when Meg Wormwood falls in love with Selina, the Guardian Angel at her posting, all hell breaks loose. In fact, it may even mean the end of humanity as we know it ...
#Book666 will be released in 2020. Nothing short of an act of God will stop it.
But when Meg Wormwood falls in love with Selina, the Guardian Angel at her posting, all hell breaks loose. In fact, it may even mean the end of humanity as we know it ...
#Book666 will be released in 2020. Nothing short of an act of God will stop it.
Publication of Book 666
I’m delighted to announce that Book 666 is now available on Amazon. A paranormal dramedy, it follows our two heroines as they go from enemies to friends to love.
Being a demon is no picnic. Especially when your full-time job is trying to Tempt a nine year old who thinks unicorns are the coolest thing ever. Oh, and you’re expected to give your evil uncle regular updates. No pressure.
But when Meg Wormwood falls in love with Selina, the Guardian Angel at her posting, all hell breaks loose. In fact, it may even mean the end of humanity as we know it ...
Book 666
Being a demon is no picnic. Especially when your full-time job is trying to Tempt a nine year old who thinks unicorns are the coolest thing ever. Oh, and you’re expected to give your evil uncle regular updates. No pressure.
But when Meg Wormwood falls in love with Selina, the Guardian Angel at her posting, all hell breaks loose. In fact, it may even mean the end of humanity as we know it ...
Book 666
Free Promo: Book 666
If, like me, you want to escape from the Jubilee celebrations this weekend, here’s the perfect antidote!
Starting from tomorrow (Thursday 2nd June) and ending Monday 6th June, #Book666 will be free on Amazon! A supernatural romance, it follows demon Meg and angel Selina as they go from enemies, to friends, to more.
‘Being a demon is no picnic. Especially when your full-time job is trying to Tempt a nine year old who thinks unicorns are the coolest thing ever. Oh, and you’re expected to give your evil uncle regular updates. No pressure.
But when Meg Wormwood falls in love with Selina, the Guardian Angel at her posting, all hell breaks loose. In fact, it may even mean the end of humanity as we know it ...’
Book 666
Starting from tomorrow (Thursday 2nd June) and ending Monday 6th June, #Book666 will be free on Amazon! A supernatural romance, it follows demon Meg and angel Selina as they go from enemies, to friends, to more.
‘Being a demon is no picnic. Especially when your full-time job is trying to Tempt a nine year old who thinks unicorns are the coolest thing ever. Oh, and you’re expected to give your evil uncle regular updates. No pressure.
But when Meg Wormwood falls in love with Selina, the Guardian Angel at her posting, all hell breaks loose. In fact, it may even mean the end of humanity as we know it ...’
Book 666
