Weekend Writing: Crafting a Love Interest

Who doesn't enjoy a good love story? Yes, most readers enjoy a book that involves two characters who fall in love. But does a story need romance to be considered "good"? Absolutely not!

(photo/Shae Estella Photo)

Here's my tip: Don't force romance into your fiction. If two characters aren't compatible, don't make them fall in love. If your story focuses on crime and murder, romance would disrupt the action. Only add romance if your story truly calls for it.

But let's say you're writing a love story. Great! But, how do you write a strong love story? There are many techniques I have learned through the years, but it's still hard work to craft a love story that feels fresh and exciting.

So, before you begin writing, you need to craft the characters who will serve as love interests. Whether you're writing a love story or looking to include a romantic subplot, let's break it down on how you should craft these characters.

The Types of Love Interests 

A love interest is a character whose role is to be a lover, or potential lover, to another character, particularly the protagonist of your story. There are many different types of love interests to consider, including:

(photo/Digital Photography School)

• Friends to Lovers 
• Enemies to Lovers
• Love Triangles
• Star-Crossed Lovers 
• Love at First Sight 
• Opposites Attract 
• Second Chances at Love 
• Fated Romances 

Some of these romances have been "overused" in fiction, but that doesn't mean you should rule them out as a possibility in your story. How can you make your story different than what has been read before? Remember that there's a romance for every reader. Some readers crave for stories about friends who become lovers, or stories about love at first sight.

Important things to consider: 

Remember that your love interests should be their own character. They should have lives outside the protagonist. Do they have other friends? Do they have a job unrelated to the protagonist? What are their hobbies and interests? Consider these characteristics. They will only make your characters stronger and more likable. 

Make your love interest human. It's easy to fantasize a love interest who isn't very realistic. We all want a Mr. Darcy, but how many people are actually like that? Make your love interest just as human as other characters. Give them flaws; characters (and people) have flaws. Make them regret something. 

(photo/epiclovestory.co.uk)

There has to be chemistry. For a relationship to really work, there has to be chemistry. Chemistry is the magnet that draws two characters together. Have them bond over a shared interest. Have them learn more about each other, discovering a secret that may surprise the other character, but in a good way. Have them teach each other something new. Have them connect in a way they have never experienced with another individual. Just like your characters should be attracted to each other, there should be a specific reason why there is an attraction. Chemistry is often the answer. 

Fall in love gradually. From my experience, I enjoy love stories that take time--the "slow burn." Characters who fall in love gradually are far more interesting to me than characters who fall in love right away. Even with the "love at first sight" trope, it should still take some time for a relationship to form. Characters should learn more about each other, go on a few dates, and truly connect before falling in love--or even admitting they love each other. This is more exciting for readers, trust me. 

(photo/Angela Speller Photography)

I'll admit that it's hard to write love stories. Romantic relationships are complex. So, whether you're writing a love story or adding a romantic subplot to your story, make sure your love interests are people. Make sure they have characteristics that readers will love! 

They might not be Mr. Darcy, but they could be the next best thing. 

Write on. 

-KJL-