Romance but I don't like it

[Agentt]

So, well, as the title say, I need some tips writing romance. The thing is, I have no interest in reading it. Even the ones I have read for research are...well, they don't link to me. As far I can see, it's just going on a few dates and writing lines like-my hearts beating so fast, what is this feeling. I am not saying romance genre sucks, I am saying that I don't have any interest in it.
Nevertheless, I do want to include it.
So, I know it sounds stupid and selfish, but is there any way to write it without actually me reading romance?

 

[CadmarLegend]

So, well, as the title say, I need some tips writing romance. The thing is, I have no interest in reading it. Even the ones I have read for research are...well, they don't link to me. As far I can see, it's just going on a few dates and writing lines like-my hearts beating so fast, what is this feeling. I am not saying romance genre sucks, I am saying that I don't have any interest in it.
Nevertheless, I do want to include it.
So, I know it sounds stupid and selfish, but is there any way to write it without actually me reading romance?

Have a slow build-up. I haven't written romance before, but I STILL know it's necessary.

 

[Agentt]

Have a slow build-up. I haven't written romance before, but I STILL know it's necessary.

Yeah, I am planning to write a one shot as a practice first.

 

[CadmarLegend]

Yeah, I am planning to write a one shot as a practice first.

Do it. Publish it. See how the audience reacts to it. Then improve.

 

[Agentt]

Do it. Publish it. See how the audience reacts to it. Then improve.

Stop liking every reply. It feels like you are stalking me! Which is weird since I am the stalker!

 

[CadmarLegend]

Stop liking every reply. It feels like you are stalking me! Which is weird since I am the stalker!

Nope.

 

[LotsChrono]

So, well, as the title say, I need some tips writing romance. The thing is, I have no interest in reading it. Even the ones I have read for research are...well, they don't link to me. As far I can see, it's just going on a few dates and writing lines like-my hearts beating so fast, what is this feeling. I am not saying romance genre sucks, I am saying that I don't have any interest in it.
Nevertheless, I do want to include it.
So, I know it sounds stupid and selfish, but is there any way to write it without actually me reading romance?

Romance isn’t that hard to write.

Write two characters becoming best friends. Fulfilling most of the emotional side of romance. Helping one another. Comforting one another. Being there for one another. Cherishing each other. Most things on the emotional side of romance is the same thing you’ll find in a deep, good, friendship, just with the clear label of ‘we’re in love’.

Then include the step beyond, which is whatever other thing you think a good romance entails. Usually this is the more physical side of things. Holding hands? Hugging? Kissing? Write whatever you so desire.

 

[CadmarLegend]

Romance isn’t that hard to write.

Write two characters becoming best friends. Fulfilling most of the emotional side of romance. Helping one another. Comforting one another. Being there for one another. Cherishing each other. Most things on the emotional side of romance is the same thing you’ll find in a deep, good, friendship.

Then include the step beyond, which is whatever other thing you think a good romance entails. Usually this is the more physical side of things. Holding hands? Hugging? Kissing? Write whatever you so desire.

PDA!

 

[LotsChrono]

PDA!

Yup, the displays of affection, public or private, is what separates ‘Best Friends’ and ‘Lovers’. Aside from that, they’re practically the same thing from a writing perspective.

 

[CadmarLegend]

Yup, the displays of affection, public or private, is what separates ‘Best Friends’ and ‘Lovers’. Aside from that, they’re practically the same thing from a writing perspective.

But irl—

 

[Deleted member 45782]

Subtle moves and hints that show someone is into someone.
Without all the heartbeat-running jam.
Or someone does something and it shows off a bit of their personality and the other person like it.

Spoiler: Scenario 1: Like by Personality/Action of Said Character

Scenario 1:
She whips out a full mega-blown bazooka.

"Not so fast you ba***rd demon! F**** piece of ****," she screamed as she shot missle after missle at the ernomous spiderskull demon.

Damn, he thought, she's crazy.

I like it.

Spoiler: Scenario 2: Aw Sweet Romance

Probably that same heart-beat cliche example you're trying to avoid. Srry, my mind's kinda out of writing today.

He couldn't fathom it. He was sitting right next to his stupid rival, Kate.

It sucks. Why do they both have to be grounded? And sit in the same spot. What can't she go sit over there?

Its not his fault she fell for that stupid gum in hair trick. It was just a candy ball...She's super snotty too anyways!

Hmmh, they grumbled at each other. And turned in other direction.

Well at least they got to see a nicer view here looking out to the ocean. It still sucks though. Getting stuck with a snotty someone over here on the wharf when he should be out playing with his pals!

Sigh. Might as well make the best of it. He put his hands down, which just so happens to overlap Kate's hand.

"Hey!" They swung their face back to each other. Um...

Their faces was too close. It was so....awkward....

"Simon! Kate! Come here now. Best both of you not do anything foolish again! No more fights you hear me? Sigh...why did I sign up for chaperoning."

And just like that they were back to glaring at each other, eyebrows crossed.

"You better not play any slimy grimy tricks of yours Simon!"

"Why don't you stop being miss little snoopy pants first?"

Bickering and mumbling, they made their way off the fisherman's wharf.

 

[LotsChrono]

But irl—

IRL is slightly different, and more subtle, but as I said, what I pointed out was from a writing standpoint and a reader standpoint, which is most useful for beginners when it comes to the ‘Romance’ genre. Especially when writing slower, more realistically paced, romance.

 

[Agentt]

Romance isn’t that hard to write.

Write two characters becoming best friends. Fulfilling most of the emotional side of romance. Helping one another. Comforting one another. Being there for one another. Cherishing each other. Most things on the emotional side of romance is the same thing you’ll find in a deep, good, friendship, just with the clear label of ‘we’re in love’.

Then include the step beyond, which is whatever other thing you think a good romance entails. Usually this is the more physical side of things. Holding hands? Hugging? Kissing? Write whatever you so desire.

Wow...............wha?
Well, that's kinda hard for me. Mostly because I can't think of any situation that requires one comforting other. Also, unfortunately, I have to go deeper into dialogs..which I kinda don't want to, since I have to shift the tone when the transition from friends to lovers come.. For now, I'll write a tsundere for my one shot so that I don't have to worry about the dialogs.

 

[DeirdreH]

The Japanese have this all figured out so look to them for inspiration. All you need to do is read a couple of their light novels and you'll be set.

Here's the basic formula:

1. Create an interesting character who is doing interesting things in an interesting world.

2. Introduce a romantic partner. Or two. Or a dozen, the sky is the limit. For extra credit make all the romantic interest completely one sided so either the character is railroaded into the relationship(s) without any choice in the matter, or else is so oblivious he doesn't even realize he is in one (or more).

3. Forget about any goals or interests the character originally had as well as any further development of the world and plot and instead only allow the character to cook, talk about cooking, or respond to the repetitive and inane antics of his harem.

4. Continue until you stop making money or nobody reads your story any more, whichever comes first.

 

[Agentt]

Subtle moves and hints that show someone is into someone.
Without all the heartbeat-running jam.
Or someone does something and it shows off a bit of their personality and the other person like it.

Spoiler: Scenario 1: Like by Personality/Action of Said Character

Scenario 1:
She whips out a full mega-blown bazooka.

"Not so fast you ba***rd demon! F**** piece of ****," she screamed as she shot missle after missle at the ernomous spiderskull demon.

Damn, he thought, she's crazy.

I like it.

Spoiler: Scenario 2: Aw Sweet Romance

Probably that same heart-beat cliche example you're trying to avoid. Srry, my mind's kinda out of writing today.

He couldn't fathom it. He was sitting right next to his stupid rival, Kate.

It sucks. Why do they both have to be grounded? And sit in the same spot. What can't she go sit over there?

Its not his fault she fell for that stupid gum in hair trick. It was just a candy ball...She's super snotty too anyways!

Hmmh, they grumbled at each other. And turned in other direction.

Well at least they got to see a nicer view here looking out to the ocean. It still sucks though. Getting stuck with a snotty someone over here on the wharf when he should be out playing with his pals!

Sigh. Might as well make the best of it. He put his hands down, which just so happens to overlap Kate's hand.

"Hey!" They swung their face back to each other. Um...

Their faces was too close. It was so....awkward....

"Simon! Kate! Come here now. Best both of you not do anything foolish again! No more fights you hear me? Sigh...why did I sign up for chaperoning.

And just like that they were back to glaring at each other, eyebrows crossed.

You better not play any slimy grimy tricks of yours Simon!

Why don't you stop being miss little snoopy pants first?

Bickering and mumbling, they made their way off the fisherman's wharf.

Na, the project that I am thinking of can't allow any of that

 

[LotsChrono]

Wow...............wha?
Well, that's kinda hard for me. Mostly because I can't think of any situation that requires one comforting other. Also, unfortunately, I have to go deeper into dialogs..which I kinda don't want to, since I have to shift the tone when the transition from friends to lovers come.. For now, I'll write a tsundere for my one shot so that I don't have to worry about the dialogs.

Aye aye, I’ll wish you luck.

 

[Deleted member 45782]

Wow...............wha?
Well, that's kinda hard for me. Mostly because I can't think of any situation that requires one comforting other. Also, unfortunately, I have to go deeper into dialogs..which I kinda don't want to, since I have to shift the tone when the transition from friends to lovers come.. For now, I'll write a tsundere for my one shot so that I don't have to worry about the dialogs.

Maybe write about someone helping to sooth a friend from the loss of their recent departed great-gran.

 

[LotsChrono]

The Japanese have this all figured out so look to them for inspiration. All you need to do is read a couple of their light novels and you'll be set.

Here's the basic formula:

1. Create an interesting character who is doing interesting things in an interesting world.

2. Introduce a romantic partner. Or two. Or a dozen, the sky is the limit. For extra credit make all the romantic interest completely one sided so either the character is railroaded into the relationship(s) without any choice in the matter, or else is so oblivious he doesn't even realize he is in one (or more).

3. Forget about any goals or interests the character originally had as well as any further development of the world and plot and instead only allow the character to cook, talk about cooking, or respond to the repetitive and inane antics of his harem.

4. Continue until you stop making money or nobody reads your story any more, whichever comes first.

This is both an art and a science called ‘Chasing the Fad and the Buck’

 

[Deleted member 45782]

Na, the project that I am thinking of can't allow any of that

Ah ok. Well gl then.

 

[Agentt]

The Japanese have this all figured out so look to them for inspiration. All you need to do is read a couple of their light novels and you'll be set.

Here's the basic formula:

1. Create an interesting character who is doing interesting things in an interesting world.

2. Introduce a romantic partner. Or two. Or a dozen, the sky is the limit. For extra credit make all the romantic interest completely one sided so either the character is railroaded into the relationship(s) without any choice in the matter, or else is so oblivious he doesn't even realize he is in one (or more).

3. Forget about any goals or interests the character originally had as well as any further development of the world and plot and instead only allow the character to cook, talk about cooking, or respond to the repetitive and inane antics of his harem.

4. Continue until you stop making money or nobody reads your story any more, whichever comes first.

1 can't do that, boring character is part of story
2 again, can't do that. Both characters think they are not in love.
3. There are no goals other than the day to just end
4......

Maybe write about someone helping to sooth a friend from the loss of their recent departed great-gran.

Ok, that's a good point. The story does allows room for a presumed dead teacher.