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How to Write Romantic Subplots Readers Will Love

(Originally published October 3, 2022)

Hey, storyteller!

Many, if not most, novels contain a romantic subplot, or at least a hint of romance. Giving your protagonist a love interest can make him/her more relatable and add to the stakes of the story. But how can you write a romantic subplot that isn’t cheesy, predictable, or flat?

In this week's writer coaching session, I attempt to answer that and several other questions from subscribers about romantic subplots, including how to tackle tricky topics like insta-love and love triangles.

Watch the video below to discover:

  • the differences between romantic subplots and writing for the romance genre

  • how to make a romantic subplot likable

  • how to choose a love interest for your protagonist

  • tips for developing the relationship (growing the chemistry)

  • how to handle (or avoid) insta-love and love triangles

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Click this link to download the REAL Method to Creating Unforgettable Characters.

Video Timestamps

  • 0:01 Introduction

  • 0:44 A Gift for You

  • 1:33 Writing a Romantic Subplot vs Writing for the Romance Genre

  • 4:55 Setting Up the Relationship

  • 5:02 Creating a Likable Romance

  • 11:26 Choosing Your Protagonist's Love Interest

  • 13:36 Developing the Relationship

  • 13:43 Growing Character Chemistry

  • 15:38 Creating Romantic Moments

  • 17:43 Tackling Tricky Romance Tropes

  • 17:56 Insta-Love

  • 20:50 The Truth about Love Triangles

  • 25:30 This Week’s Power-Up

Helpful Resources

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