I enjoy reading romantic suspense, and I tried writing it, but my editor kept taking out all the humor. Apparently it’s not scary anymore if the heroine binge eats whenever she’s in a dangerous situation.
Picture the hero and heroine in hiding. The hero peeks around the corner to gauge their surroundings and comes up with a plan, then when he turns back to synchronize watches (or whatever), the heroine has somehow extracted a three-foot licorice whip from her pocket and is gnawing away.
Okay, I guess my editor was right. That’s not a scene Ethan Hunt, Jack Ryan, or Jason Bourne would ever have to deal with. But it IS a scene I want to deal with.
So now I write romantic comedy. It makes my heart happy. Here’s why:
1.) Quirky Characters While I enjoy Mission Impossible, my favorite Tom Cruise movie is Knight and Day where Cameron Diaz wore the same boots with every outfit, worked on classic cars, and freaked out when bullets flew. Then there’s Romancing the Stone with author Joan Wilder, a novelist who sobs over the stories she writes, and it’s those same novels that get her out of trouble when South American gangsters turn out to be her biggest fans. As for my favorite Love Inspired Suspense novels? They are written by Heather Woodhaven (who also writes rom-com), and they include a heroine who sleepwalks and a Segway chase scene.
2.) Embarrassing Moments Perhaps the reason Heather and I default to humor is because of all the humorous situations we find ourselves in. Rather than hide in embarrassment, we laugh hysterically and feel inspired to share with others so they can laugh too. Not only do we write about those moments, we want to read about them. I could totally relate to The Guy I’m Not Dating by Trish Perry. When Kara meets Gabe, it’s one embarrassing moment after another–including black newsprint all over her face.
3.) Witty Banter When there’s comedy involved, the romance is too much fun to be sappy or angsty. The interaction between hero and heroine is energetic and playful. When I read Tacos for Two by Betsy St. Amant, I wrote her and said, “I could read a whole book of just the instant messages between Rory and Jude.” Pure delight.
4.) Sassy Internal Monologue. This doesn’t mean the character is sassy in real life. She could be sweet or even shy on the outside. But inside, she’s no sissy. Through December, I read/listened to Christmas stories, and author Sarah Monzon was kind enough to let me read her holiday novel that hasn’t released yet. Only in December offers a character who’s often too embarrassed to talk, but the reader is totally entertained by all her thoughts. There’s never a dull moment when the narrator thinks funny things.
5.) Laughing Through Tears I recently wrote a blog on how to make the reader cry, and I used the example of Tamera Alexander’s tear-jerker Rekindled. It’s incredible. Beautiful writing. I could only dream to write that well. But you know what I didn’t say in my article? I didn’t admit that I’ve never read another one of Tamera’s books. I’m too afraid. I know some people love tear-jerkers. My own daughter can’t get enough of books and movies that make her cry. I personally prefer to laugh. Though I also want the story to have depth–I want it to make me laugh AND cry. That’s why even though Rachel Hauck’s book Sweet Caroline had me bawling all the way to pick up my son from school one day, I still read her books. Because she also includes the quirky characters, embarrassing moments, witty banter, and snarky internal monologue for light-hearted and life-changing entertainment.
I know not every genre is for everyone, but I can’t tell you how pleased I am that romantic comedy is making a comeback. Especially with all our world has been going through. If you share my passion, this is your chance to win ten romantic comedies from some of my favorite authors.
Laugh your way through 2022! The giveaway includes an autographed copy of my book Husband Auditions along with some of the other authors I’ve mentioned. Click here to enter. Then answer this question below: What is your favorite thing about romantic comedy?
Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there's nothing else she'd rather write about. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been optioned for film, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon best-sellers. She also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she teaches as an expert online at WRITE THAT BOOK.
Rom coms always give me a good laugh.
Yes! I’m listening to Plot Twist right now. Just what I need after every day of airline instructor training.
The witty banter is a huge plus imo
For sure!
I always have a running commentary going on inside my head – does everyone? So it is fun when I click with a character’s internal monologue.
I’m guessing romantic comedy is making a comeback #becausecovid. We need diversion and laughter in this day and age!
Agreed! And I love that running commentary. <3
Hi, I think Romantic comedy is even more realistic, in romance there are silly moments and funny situations. I enjoyed reading your post. Have a great weekend and stay safe.
Thanks, Alicia! The embarrassing moments are definitely realistic for me. :-/
I don’t read a lot of RomCom, and I don’t watch those types of movies. I do like books that make me laugh, and I love witty banter between the characters. I’ve read some great ones that have made me laugh out loud, yet weren’t RomComs. I admit I have not yet read any of your books, and when I finally do, they may just change my mind! I also admit, I’m not crazy about Hallmark movies, either. I have seen a few I liked, though it seems like if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.
I hope they change your mind, Trudy! I’d love to hear your thoughts on Husband Auditions. (And I agree about Hallmark.)
Laughter because we need it so much right now! Absolutely love reading RomComs and plan to read only this type of books this year. Loved this article and checking out those you recommended!
What a fun plan! Will you be reviewing your reads? Because I’d love help finding more rom-com!
My first published book, Entrusted, the hero and heroine went on a romantic boat ride. She threw up. I can relate to that because any romantic scene in my life always includes awkward. For me, I satisfy my “I wish I could write suspense” by watching Cold Justice. LOL
I love suspense shows like that! And I totally get the boat ride barf. LOL
I love rom-coms. There are times I just want to read something that makes me smile and laugh, and I can relax and enjoy it knowing that it has a happy ending.
All the heart eyes. <3
I miss rom com movies too.
Yes! Confessions of a Shopaholic and Miss Congeniality were so well done!!!
I love to smile when I read, and rom-coms make me smile!
This sounds very much like a recent review. ;-)
I’ve just recently started reading CF Rom-Coms, so I’m fairly new to the genre. Bethany Turner got me started with her books. I think the one thing I love the most about them, is the witty inner monologue or the self-recrimination the characters have. Because some of those thoughts are EXACTLY what I would say within myself in the same situation!
Embarrassing moments are fun too. I often laugh at myself (while mentally kicking myself at the same time) when I do something embarrassing. Because really, if you can’t laugh at yourself, you’ll end up crying, lol!
Finally, laughing through the tears. Yep, those times when something is both funny & poignant. It makes you remember the lessons the author is trying to get through to the reader. There’s so many things I’ve taken away from a rom-com book that have stuck with me!
I don’t often read this genre because I have to be in the mood for it, but I’m sure glad for the times that I do! Sometimes I need a relief from some serious stuff in my life or from reading more serious books, rom-com shakes me up for all the right reasons.
Angela, I sure did enjoy “Husband Auditions”….I think I read in in one day because I just could not put it down! Funny but serious at the same time with powerful life lessons & filled with faith :-)
Oh, thank you so much!!! I’m enjoying Bethany’s latest right now. I’m a little scared though. What is the PLOT TWIST going to be???
You’ll have to keep reading to find out that answer 😉
It was sooooo goooood!!!
They always have the ridiculous things that really do happen in life in them that other romance novels don’t. That is what makes the character seem more human. And that yes men do really fall in love with someone who actually manages to wear odd shoes to work (odd colours and different heel sizes)and only notices after lunch when the boss’s new client is about to walk in. Not to mention heroines with snapped undies elastic, laddered stockings, with a tendency of falling over, dropping food on someone, accidently patting a strange men on the behind, and even whispering about a handsome hunk forgetting the speaker is on. This is why I love romantic comedies and what makes me drop my book and run up and down shrieking “Oh no!!!No no no! much to my family’s amusement.
That is awesome. I’m guessing you can relate. Did you do the shoe thing in real life? ;-)
I enjoy the lightheartedness of a RomCom. They may find themselves in a corner, but there always remains a laugh in the next scene. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
Witty Banter :)
I love most is to laugh & see romance & even more.
I like to read really funny stories & back myself & family laugh
Angela,
I agree with you on many of the same reasons I love rom-coms.
The fun dialogue, the sassy quirky characters, the sweet romance, and all the laughs.
Thanks for writing stories that warm my heart and bring a smile to my face!
WOULD YOU LOVE to read a romantic suspense with a scene like that lol…comedy romantic suspense? have all my money.
I love that romance novels remind me that life can be fun and that God has a sense of humor.
More than one person has a funny story about how they met their partner…the mother of a friend when she was 19 years old did not stop praying for the boy she liked to notice her…it never happened, then I pray that God give her a man to love her. That same summer as a missionary she met a boy with whom she got along horrible and they did not stop arguing for the first few weeks, she kept praying for God to give her a boyfriend. Eh well, Lord gave her a boyfriend… she married that annoying boy and they have been together for many years.
I love the absolute mess the heroine can end up in.