Genre Guide — Romance
Genre Guide — Romance

Paranormal Romance Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Introduction of Protagonist (Approx. 0-2,000 words): Introduce the protagonist in their world, highlighting their unique abilities or connection to the paranormal, and any romantic baggage or challenges they face. Dig Deeper The protagonist is introduced in a world where the paranormal is a reality, whether they are a witch, a werewolf, a psychic, or simply someone who stumbles upon the supernatural. Their everyday life, their relationships, and any relevant backstory are established, along with any romantic baggage or challenges they might be dealing with. The Paranormal Encounter (Approx. 2,000-4,000...

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Historical Romance Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Introduction of Protagonist (Approx. 0-2,000 words): Introduce the protagonist in their historical setting, highlighting their social standing, aspirations, and any romantic limitations or challenges they face. Dig Deeper The protagonist is introduced in their historical context, whether it’s a grand estate in Regency England, a bustling city in Victorian America, or a remote village in medieval Scotland. Their social standing, family background, and personal aspirations are established, along with any romantic limitations or challenges they face due to societal expectations, family obligations, or personal circumstances. The Encounter (Approx. 2,000-4,000...

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Contemporary Romance Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Introduction of Protagonist (Approx. 0-2,000 words): Introduce the protagonist in their everyday life, highlighting their personality, aspirations, and any romantic baggage or challenges they face. Dig Deeper The protagonist is introduced in their contemporary setting, going about their daily life. This could be a bustling city, a quiet suburb, or a charming small town. Their personality, career, friendships, and family relationships are established, along with any romantic baggage or challenges they might be dealing with, such as a recent breakup, a fear of commitment, or a lack of self-confidence....

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Fantasy Romance Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Introduction of Protagonist (Approx. 0-2,000 words): Introduce the protagonist in their fantastical world, highlighting their unique abilities, social standing, and personal desires within this magical setting. Dig Deeper The protagonist is introduced within a richly imagined fantasy world, complete with its own unique magic systems, creatures, and social structures. Their place within this world, their unique abilities (if any), and their personal desires are established. This could be a farmhand with a hidden magical talent, a princess yearning for freedom, or a warrior seeking redemption. The World (Approx. 2,000-5,000...

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Steamy Romance Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Introduction of Protagonist (Approx. 0-1,500 words): Introduce the protagonist, highlighting their personality, desires, and any sexual or romantic experiences or challenges they face. Dig Deeper The protagonist is introduced in their everyday life, with a focus on their inner thoughts, desires, and sexual or romantic experiences. This could be someone exploring their sexuality, seeking a dominant partner, or looking to break free from past inhibitions. Their personality, vulnerabilities, and aspirations are established, creating a relatable and engaging character for the reader to connect with. The Encounter (Approx. 1,500-3,000 words):...

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Dark Romance Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Introduction of Protagonist (Approx. 0-2,000 words): Introduce the protagonist, highlighting their vulnerabilities, desires, and the darkness they carry within. Dig Deeper The protagonist, often a young woman with a troubled past or a hidden vulnerability, is introduced in a world that is both alluring and dangerous. Their desires, fears, and inner darkness are explored, setting the stage for their entanglement with a morally gray or even villainous love interest. The Setting (Approx. 2,000-4,000 words): Establish the atmospheric setting, emphasizing the elements of danger, mystery, and forbidden desire that will...

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Romance Guide

If you think romance novels are just about people falling in love, you’re wrong. This would be like describing thrillers as “books about people who are in a hurry.” It’s true, but misses most of the important stuff and all of the real tension.  The key to modern fiction is making the reader worry that the thing that happens in every book in the genre might not happen this time. Romance novels are no different. But instead of a ticking clock (a thriller), surviving a horrible monster (horror), or a quest to save the world from an evil warlock (fantasy)...

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Romance Study Materials

Back to romance guide Remember to read the articles in the Essentials section. These cover all the essential skills you’ll need as a self-published author. They are not just for beginners either. They go in depth on how to successfully write, publish, and market your own books. Online Resources...

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Romance Story Builder

For this exercise, you should have a document open where you can write. Now copy the text in the box and paste it into that document. This will be the blueprint  for your story. You'll fill it in as you go through the exercise and end up with a basic outline for a romance novel.* You may also want to post your story outline in the forums to get some ideas from other forum members. 

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