What Makes a Romantic Scene Romantic?
post by Michelle Griep
Nobody wants to admit to reading romance novels. Those are for the trashy sort, the kind that hang out in laundromats, the losers with awkward social skills who don't have a hope of ever snagging their own happily-ever-after. Right?
Wrong-o bucko.
Besides that statement being politically incorrect and highly intolerant, it's also a huge misconception. In fact, romance novels are and have been some the hottest selling books flying off the shelves. So rest at ease if one of your guilty pleasures is snuggling up with a romantic tale. In fact, I just wrote a kissy-faced scene today and had to stop and think about the actual nuts and bolts of romance. And since I did all that brainwork, thought I'd share . . .
What Makes a Romantic Scene Romantic
Wrong-o bucko.
Besides that statement being politically incorrect and highly intolerant, it's also a huge misconception. In fact, romance novels are and have been some the hottest selling books flying off the shelves. So rest at ease if one of your guilty pleasures is snuggling up with a romantic tale. In fact, I just wrote a kissy-faced scene today and had to stop and think about the actual nuts and bolts of romance. And since I did all that brainwork, thought I'd share . . .
What Makes a Romantic Scene Romantic
The ooh-la-la-la thrill of it all.
Let's get this one out of the way first, shall we? When people think romance, they think smoochy-smoochy-touchy-feely, all twangy in the tummy and fireworks sizzling along every nerve. Of course you'll include physical sensations if you want to reflect human beings, not robots.
The feeling of being cherished/wanted.
A really romantic scene plays on the deep need everyone has: of being desired for who they are, not just for what they look like or what they do. True romance is being loved even for your warts and toenail fungus. Yeah. That's tough love -- but it's also a primal need in all of us.
The hope of a secure future with this person.
Romance isn't just about a one night stand. It's about feeling secure, a peace and a hope of a bright new dawn. There's a reason for the phrase happily ever after. It makes our hearts grab some pom poms and cheer.
The outer release of inner feelings that have been building.
Think of this as the Christmas morning of all scenes. The culmination of what the reader's been waiting for. The tension that's been building inside the characters is finally released in a tangible way.
Next time you're crafting a romantic scene, make sure to include all four of these elements. It will connect with the reader on a deeper level than just a simple kiss. It will connect with their heart.