This Randomly Blew Up On Twitter So I Figured I’d Post It Here Bc Lord Knows Everyone On This App Is

Writing romance between characters

A lot of readers like romance, don't they? From romance books to romantic subplots in a fantasy/sci-fi/thriller, we have some sort of romance in the books we read (though not all of them). A lot of times though, we feel the romance is forced and can be extremely unpleasant to watch. Let's discuss some tips about how to write romance properly.

Tension, tension, tension

Tension is key to any romance, whether it be enemies-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers, rivals-to-lovers etc. Some examples are longing gazes, hands brushing each other, wistful gazes, hugs that last a little too long and more! Without tension, the romance just feels will be flat and boring and the readers won't be engaged in it. Please note that for the tension part, the things I listed can be platonic as well! What I mean to say is their reactions, such as them realizing they've caught feelings and now acting differently with each other, wistful gazes at someone they know they can't romance etc. All these actions I've listed in the post can happen platonically, especially for queerplatonic friends etc.

2. Give intimacy

Intimacy is not inherently sexual. It can also be emotional, and when portrayed in books properly, it can be marvellous to watch. Intimacy means being vulnerable with another person, being able to show them baring out their souls to one another, showing that they trust one another. Because if two people can't be intimate or vulnerable with each other, then no, we can't expect them to be in a romantic relationship.

3. Make them great individually

If the characters themselves aren't compelling characters, then we can't expect them to be any better in a romance. If one (or both) of the characters is flat and boring and the very embodiment of meh, then they're also going to be very "meh" in their relationship. Make the character engaging and exciting to watch, whether they're a villain or a hero. To gain some tips on how to write characters properly, check out my post on character writing!

TIP!

I have read this somewhere and I feel it's a really good tip! Use the no-kiss rule. Imagine the couple/ship you're writing. Write them but make sure that they don't kiss. Objectively, can you tell they have feelings for each other? If no, then do better or scrap it. If characters need to kiss to tell that they're in love, then they're not in love. Period.

Dhampir hunter — your mother was human, but your father was a vampire, and you’re betraying his ancient blood. Your human self is your weaker self. Humans are nothing more than livestock.

VAMPIRE HUNTER D: BLOODLUST (2000) dir. Yoshiaki Kawajiri

"should autism exist in my fantasy story?" yes. "should psychosis exist in my fantasy story?" yes. "should personality disorders exist in my fantasy story?" yes. "should ADHD exist in my fantasy story? should intellectual disabilities exist in my fantasy story? should dissociative disorders exist in my fantasy story? should trauma disorders exist in my fantasy story? should anxiety disorders exist in my fantasy story? should mood disorders exist in my fantasy story? should--"

yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

you don't have to include their real actual names and you don't have to have main characters with every single one of these things. But neurodivergent and mentally ill people should EXIST in fantasy stories and fantasy societies, because we exist in real life. We deserve to be acknowledged.

Me and my mutuals

Me when I look into myself and I can't remember my own feelings or feel my feelings and now I can't really connect with anything.

I wish I hadn't forgotten all my pain. I want more of myself. I wish my bed was wider so it can fit what has poured out of me when I lay on my sides. I need to look at it and remember even when it’s unsightly. Even if it was the figure in the dark I thought were clothes hanging on the door or piled on the chair. I think I’d cuddle it and hug it close to my chest. I wish my heart isn't too far inside of my skin, I wish I can just have it in my palm. I want to hold it and see what I've hidden in its folds, then flow inside and go to my brain just to look at my heart again. I knew she will keep me safe even when it hurts. I want to go back to myself. I wish I remember

Labyrinth (1986)

ok but imagine if Howl's motherfucking Jenkins is in the same room as Alex Russo. what do you think would happen

" all I can do is take drugs and lie down " 😭😭😭😭

I had a good day yesterday knowing that today I’d be in horrible pain. Well today is here. I cannot sit without severe back pain and that means I cannot work. I don’t deserve this. I just want to be a productive human. My back hurts so badly. 😭 all I can do is take drugs and lie down.

#whitewomantears

sometimes the executive function fairy godmother finally shows up, whacks you, and then you’ve got to run around like cinderella on a midnight deadline trying to get things done before time runs out and your brain makes it illegal again