Writing Romance : A Guide to Understanding the Genre
Romance Writer: A Great Book Begins with Understanding the Genre
Writing Romance
Beyond wanting to write a great book, what’s our goal when we’re writing romance (or anything)? To have happy readers, right? Readers who become raving fans, eager to review, talk about our books, and grab the next one the moment it’s released!
Let’s talk about how to create happy (and repeat) readers in the Romance genre.
The Romance Genre: More Than Meets the Eye
You’ve always wanted to write a romance book. But as you dig deeper, you realize—it’s a whole world of its own! Maybe you’ve started networking with other writers, and when they ask what you write, you respond, “Romance,” only to hear: “What kind?”
Wait… what? Isn’t a romance book just a romance book?
Errr… no!
Romance spans a broad spectrum:
- From sweet to spicy – Squeaky clean to full-on smut.
- From past to present – Regency, historical, and contemporary.
- From human to supernatural – Contemporary relationships to werewolves and time travel!
Each subgenre has its own norms, reader base, and expectations. Readers expect you to know those expectations, and if you market a book to them incorrectly, they won’t be shy about their disappointment!
Know Your Beats
Each subgenre has its own beats (aka expected events that take place throughout the book). If you stray too far, your readers will chew you up and spit you out.
✅ Not reading in your subgenre? Start now! Read a lot. Understanding your subgenre inside and out helps you:
- Find the right audience.
- Make sure your book is positioned properly.
- Choose the right cover.
- Send the correct message to readers.
Happily Ever After: A Must-Have!
The one non-negotiable in romance? The Happily Ever After (HEA).
- If your couple doesn’t end up together, it’s not a romance.
- It may be women’s fiction with romantic elements—but it’s not romance without the HEA!
Popular Subgenres of Romance
💕 Young Adult (YA) Romance
- Target audience: 12-18 years old.
- Themes: First love, family, friendship, self-identity.
- Keep the content age-appropriate!
- New Adult (NA) is an emerging category (ages 18-29) with themes of early adulthood, career beginnings, and first serious relationships.
📜 Historical Romance
- Set in a specific historical period (e.g., Regency, Victorian, Medieval).
- Readers love accurate historical details—geography, clothing, customs.
- If you love research, this is the subgenre for you!
💻 Contemporary Romance
- Set in modern times (1970s-present).
- Characters face real-world relationship challenges.
- Can take place anywhere, from big cities to small-town settings.
🔥 Erotic Romance
- NOT erotica – sex serves the romantic story, not the other way around.
- Mature themes, steamy scenes, but with a developed plot and characters.
🐺 Paranormal Romance
- Blends romance with fantasy or sci-fi elements (werewolves, vampires, time travel, other worlds).
- Rooted in gothic romance traditions (think Twilight or True Blood).
🕵️ Romantic Suspense
- Mystery, thriller, or suspense + romance.
- Action-packed with a high-stakes romance.
- If the mystery overtakes the romance, it’s a suspense novel with romance—not romantic suspense!
Other Subgenres
This is just the beginning! Writing Romance covers a wide spectrum. From sports romance to reverse harem, there’s a subgenre for every taste.
Just remember, when writing romance: ✅ Stick to the expected beats. ✅ Deliver the Happily Ever After.
Ready to Dive In?
If writing romance is calling to you, enjoy this roundtable discussion we hosted with experienced romance writers!
Happy writing! ✨
Check out Our Upcoming Events Page for Sessions You Might Want to Attend!
