💕 10 tips for writing swoon-worthy romance arcs

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✨ / lynndjung
hello hello!
this week, i want to talk about an aspect of writing that is often oversimplified (in my opinion) - romance arcs! while very much a crucial element in most modern commercial writing, particularly genre fiction, i feel like it's easy to write flimsy and uninspiring romances when you're just sort of winging it.
here is my very light take on some small ways you can improve your romance arcs, namely focusing on characterization in order to create more realistic and interesting relationships.
✨ timestamps:
0:00 - title card
0:07 - intro
2:09 - write characters as individuals first and foremost
4:11 - why do they like each other?
5:43 - create conflict
7:15 - how do they complete each other?
8:37 - consider different types of attraction
10:27 - what are their lives like after they get together?
11:38 - consider individual perspective
12:48 - don't forget the 'sizzle'
13:42 - consider how their behavior changes
14:53 - build up the romance!
as always, prescriptivist writing advice is silly-these are just my personal thoughts, and you can take them or leave them as you like. :)
thank you so much for watching! if you have the means, please feel free to drop a "tip" in my kofi - link below.
✨ music:
peach jam // louie zong
peace & quiet // lukrembo
jay // lukrembo
cream & sugar // louie zong
a watermelon snack // louie zong
misty forest // louie zong
hot cocoa // louie zong
parting clouds // louie zong
moonlit isle // louie zong
aerodynamic // louie zong
✨ additional viewing:
chattin’ about writing romance subplots (with sff writer ming!)
• 💖 chattin’ about writ...
✨ previous:
autumn writing vlog // grad school applications + writing my first short story!
• 🍂 autumn writing vlog ...
✨ links:
travel writings: wherethehellami.blog
blog: lynndjung.wordpress.com/​​​​​​
twitter: / sweater_giraffe​​
kofi: ko-fi.com/lynndjung​​​​​
✨ contact me:
[e-mail]
✨ tags:
authortube, author, fantasy, writers, writing advice, sff, characters, writing craft, fiction writing, novel writing, books, screenwriting, screenplay, character arc, prose, writing issues, romance, novelist

[@worlddomination6638]

why am i trying so hard to make my fanfics so professional? i have no idea but hopefully people end up enjoying it

[@Dayluj32]

literally the reason I came here lmao

[@aixohanta]

same lmao

[@thatonegirlwithtoomanyfandoms]

I found my people

[@cookiecat645]

Sometimes I find more passion in writing fanfics than writing my own characters.

[@theshinypeliper8813]

No worries, I do the same T-T Lots of oc x canon in my corner

[@rogerleo4654]

I may be wrong, but generally speaking, romance relies the most on it's characters out of any genre or media. The plot can be as simple as a cashier and a regular at your local convenience store bouncing off of each other, or an epic about bringing a country down and falling in love while you're at it; so long as the main leads click with each other and the audience, ANY premise can be made interesting and/or entertaining. Loved the video ❤

[@lynndjung]

Great insight, I think you're 100% right!!

[@EmmaBennetAuthor]

I’m a romance author and it’s lovely to see the romance arc appreciated!

[@lynndjung]

it's so crucial and a lot trickier than I imagined!! kudos to you for writing romance

[@jadetrentrichards255]

Life doesn't mean much if you don't have someone to share it with. All stories should have an underlying romance arc in my humble opinion.

[@HelloThere604]

Really appreciate the point on changes in behavior. It’s something I try to have in the forefront of my mind because it seems the most authentic. Whether consciously or subconsciously, we do behave differently around people we’re in.

[@KrisMF]

this is like the best and most concise breakdown of solid romance writing advice 🌟🌟 i used to dislike writing romance bc the push and pull of tension, conflict and sincerity used to be really hard for me to find lol but this about sums it up. 10/10 video!!!

[@lynndjung]

thank you so much kris! 100% agree, I definitely felt intimidated by it all at first, since SO MUCH goes into writing a good romance, but thinking about it from different angles definitely helped!

[@jasminv8653]

Honestly sad that we're at a point that you've got to apologise for preferring storytelling over simply putting tropes one after another 🙈 thank you for another great video!

[@lynndjung]

Haha I just like to cover my bases 😅 ty for watching!

[@jerrel.writes]

Love the content! As an Asian American sci-fi/fantasy writer writing a story where romance is central, this content huge for me. Thank you for your content!

[@taliw7736]

thanks for sharing this info. I feel it's relatable. I am trying to write my own college romance ( since I didnt have one may as well write a cute fun one)

[@MrFurro-uu7je]

Thank you very much for the help im a sucker for romance but I haven't written one and I would really like to try it out, I already have a few ideas and I think it could work well to develop the characters

[@lynndjung]

I'm so glad the video was helpful!!

[@izzylileas6177]

For a newbie writer, this is EXTREMELY helpful and full of wisdom❤

[@stripedpolkadots8692]

You worded it so perfectly when you said writing romance is all about context! I couldn’t put my finger on it but you explained it rlly well.

[@lynndjung]

Thank you, this means a lot to hear! I'm always worried I'm not making any sense haha

[@mel_9346]

Best video about romance arcs I've ever seen and this is the perfect timing, you're god sent 😭 thank you!

[@lynndjung]

Thank you so much!! this means a lot to hear

[@Elebore]

thank you for the tips! defo going to use some of them.

[@lynndjung]

thank you for watching! I hope you have fun writing romance :)

[@lailamuhammad6889]

thanks. i really enjoyed the tips, calmness, and humor.

[@lynndjung]

thank you so much!

[@emokidsick1]

I'm getting back into writing. I wrote a crappy romance novel/fanfiction that did okay on wattpad but I was just a horny teenager when I wrote it. I want to really give it my best try this time as I am an adult and have been through a lot more life experiences. I will consider everything you suggested. Thanks for sharing.

[@emoryrubyg9631]

There's so much I hadn't considered. Thank you for this! ☺

[@lynndjung]

Thank you for watching!!

[@JW-bo3ql]

So helpful. Such great insights. Thanks for this!

[@svmm3r88]

this is really good advice! thank you

[@rachelwritesbooks]

your videos are so relaxing!!!

[@lynndjung]

tysm!!!!

[@bruceryba5740]

Love your presentation style, but more than that you had some fresh ideas I had not heard before-Thank You! --Already watched this three times!

[@misswuz2717]

Thank you for share this tips. Really appreciated 🙌🏻

[@rosalindmorley]

Wow this is such an amazing video!! I totally agree, this is stuff I like to see too and try to write ❤

[@lynndjung]

Aww, thank you so much! i'm glad it resonated 🫶

[@SoVidushi]

Yess love this advice!

[@kelleyiswriting]

Lynn you are sooo prettyyyyy

[@lynndjung]

aw you are so sweet

[@jazquartz]

is it too soon for me to say that I love you...'re content 😅 you make everything so comprehensible

[@lynndjung]

haha never ;) thank you, I'm so glad you think so!

[@samauthor342]

Loved this. Thank you ❤

[@lynndjung]

thank you for watching!

[@Mira_Louise]

Im crying ! This was so helpful! thank you😅🙂😂

[@RulerofDeath-vj4mc]

Five love languages: Physical touch Gift giving Acts of service Words of affirmation Quality time.

[@emilia2031]

thank you so much for this video

[@lynndjung]

thank you for watching!!

[@mashedpotatoes7202]

damn this is some good advice. i have never learned more out of videos than this one

[@lynndjung]

thank you so much!!

[@roweste]

Thanks for the helpful information

[@lynndjung]

Anytime! Ty for watching :)

[@mangoyangi]

great advice!

[@lynndjung]

thank you!

[@mm61777]

Unrelated topic: I love your voice! It's super relaxing ❤

[@lynndjung]

Thank you so much!!

[@mm61777]

@@lynndjung ur welcome 🫶🩷

[@zx3yp]

omg ur so pretty!

[@lynndjung]

ahh tysm!!

[@zx3yp]

@@lynndjung yw!

[@gazalashah777]

have you watched she-ra? coz i think you would LOVE catradora. - characters have backstories and individual arcs - they like each other for more than physical attraction - forbidden love, ofc - complete each other/balance each other - one is an outcast while the other is the hero (8:16) and they're both very lonely you should watch she-ra

[@t1mburt0nsdandruff]

I’m sorry, but Catradora is not a good romance. Catra had no problem torturing Adora, and even after her forced “redemption arc”, Catra still treated her like garbage.

[@gazalashah777]

yeah, catra was a terrible person in the first 4 seasons, but i feel like the redemption arc wasn't really that forced, and i liked the way they showed her getting better while also making it clear that she didn't transform over night and become an amazing person all of a sudden. she had more to go through, and i think they left it pretty open ended. to each their own, though, and i get your points.@@t1mburt0nsdandruff

[@bumfy]

I was listening to this, and the entire time, im thinking about how everything you described is me and my boyfriend 😭

[@Starman.2957]

Thanks

[@pratt6200]

I’m your biggest fan from Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

[@lynndjung]

that's incredible, thank you for the support and love!

[@kforknow]

A Libra and someone who reminds me of Horimiya🥺

[@r.halder1810]

Okay i need help. My male character is very insecure but he grew up to be physically strong because of a cult that he accidentally got into, but was able to leave it coz of (plot) reasons. So basically he is at the start of the romance arc a brute guy who thinks very less about social etiquettes and consequences of his actions, coz he believes he can only use his physical strength to dissolve any situation ( basically fear). The woman lead on the other hand also ran away from her educational institution because they were abusive, lived as a vagabond but when she came back home, was supported by her brothers and friends. She again left to live as a vagabond and help people on the way, which however made her like a sanctimonious person. Basically she does do kind stuff, but manipulates people and lies a lot in the process. But she believes that everything she is doing is correct. She knows social etiquettes well and uses the rules of society for her advantage. Her drawback is obviously that she is physically weak and trusts no one (basically tries to do everything by herself and believes her to be superior to everyone). Now my question is; do they seem like a good fit for an enemies to lovers story??? Or is it too random??

[@venusi4n766]

i'm a capricorn trying to feel love by writing about it LMAO

[@lynndjung]

REAL

[@the_book_took]

I am Libra too and I can relate😂

[@v4mpkirah]

OMG SHUT UP NO ONE CARES ABOUT UR DAMN ZODIAC JESUS CHRIST!!! “Oh im a _” “ oh us _ turn up” ALL U HAD TO SAY WAS U CAN RELATE DAMN NOT EVERYTHING IS ABT UR ZODIAC ☠️☠️☠️☠️

[@RUdigitized]

The key to writing a successful romance is to make the main characters love interest 3 things. It never. Changes. Ever... Tall Dark Handsome. Nothing else matters.

[@babyelephant3077]

6:01 😂😂

[@notporylol]

prolly the only male in the comments but thanks for all the tips my fav were 2, 9, and 10

[@lynndjung]

thank you for watching!

[@cerberusstriker271]

Nah you're not lol

[@NoubNotNoob]

100% not man

[@alananimus9145]

I hate straight romance. Show me don't tell me they are in love.

[@xilj4002]

Friendly reminder, if you use love language resources pick polyam/queer/neurodiverse friendly ones because the original is horribly misogynistic and was basically written as a tool to convince wives to submit and shut up. But the 2.0 versions turned out to be really great and insightful and awesome for character building

[@lynndjung]

I did not know this and will def look more into it, thank you for sharing!

[@xilj4002]

@@lynndjung For anyone who isn't following advice with blind-ish trust it shouldn't be an issue, one is very "lay back and think of the queen instead of complaining that he didn't take out the trash", and the other is mostly "pay attention to each other and be considerate". But some people (like me) can easily fall into the trap of skipping the critical thinking part when they stress about improving in something 😅

[@jeffh3409]

Thank God whoever was chained to the door behind her escaped! That would have otherwise made for an incredibly awkward video on writing swoon-worthy romance arcs. Or are those really large hoop earrings? They could be making a comeback.