What makes a romance a … well, a romance?
Of course, when I started writing, I didn’t really care that there were standards and expectations. I simply wrote what I thought made a good story. And, surprisingly enough, I ended up getting published anyway.
But through the years, and the direction of some good editors, I’ve learned a few things.
In romance, most readers expect the man and woman to fall in love. I’m totally good with that. It’s one of the things I love about romance too.
Apparently, there also needs to be a “black moment” where we’re afraid the characters might not end up together after all. As much as I hate to admit it, okay. I can see this. Because I’ve read a few where there was really no conflict or anything to worry about, and I found it rather boring.
Okay. Another expectation, a happy ending. I’m here for it. Please give me a happy ending in every single story. I don’t like to get to the end of the book and be disappointed. I want an HEA!
In a lot of romance novels, we have meet cutes. That’s when the guy and girl first see each other. But it’s not completely standard. Because we have friends-to-more books, too, and they already know each other. ;)
Why am I going down this list?
It’s something I’ve been thinking about lately, because my latest book, which releases on March 26th, is not your typical romance novel. Instead, my characters are already married.
Okay. I can hear you already. Amy, if they’re already married, there’s no need for them to fall in love. Where’s the fun in a romance novel without characters falling in love?
Well, my characters did already fall in love, but the problem is, they’ve fallen back out of it a bit. Their honeymoon days are well in the past and things aren’t looking so great for them. They’ve got to remember why they got married in the first place. And figure out how to make things better again. They need to fall back in love.
So, if you’re still with me, we’ve got that first necessary item. A man and a woman falling in love.
I can guarantee there are some black moments, but I won’t give anything away.
And, because I insist on a happily ever after, I can promise that too. But again, no spoilers. ;)
Writing a romance about two married people might sound strange, but let’s face it. There are a lot of couples out there who are married and maybe need to fall back in love. Sometimes, we all need a reminder of why we got married in the first place.
I saw a Valentine’s decoration at a craft store a few months ago that I couldn’t resist. It’s a stack of wooden books and the edges say, “The best love story never ends.” That’s definitely the way I want my marriage to be, with us constantly making sure we’re still in love. And it’s my prayer for all the other married couples out there too. May you always remember why you fell in love and may you always strive to keep doing it.
I’m giving away a paperback copy of my new book to a commenter (US only). Tell me what you always look for in a romance novel. Or tell me something you do to keep your romance alive (keep it clean, please). I’ll draw a winner 3/23/24.
It’s been such a blessing to be a part of InspyRomance these last three years. Thank you so much for following along on my journey and I hope you’ll continue to follow me on my other websites too.
Divorce was never in the plans for Genevieve Stewart. Only four years into marriage, and everything has gone wrong. Why stay where she’s never going to be happy? If only she could find her way back to the way things were before Scott’s job took all his time and energy, leaving nothing for her.
Scott Stewart achieved his goal of becoming a high school principal younger than most in the state. Everything in life seems to be going exactly as planned until Genevieve threatens to leave. Suddenly, his dreams aren’t as clear as they once were. He desperately wants to stay married, but he can’t let down his school, either.
Their friends and family remind them of their lifetime promises and urge them not to give up. But the way back to love isn’t easy when you’ve grown used to taking each other for granted.
Amy R Anguish grew up a preacher's kid, and in spite of having lived in seven different states that are all south of the Mason Dixon line, she is not a football fan. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and son, and usually a bossy cat or two. Amy has an English degree from Freed-Hardeman University that she intends to use to glorify God, and she wants her stories to show that while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good.
I’m looking forward to reading your book. I think with so many married couples struggling, the message of hope for a troubled marriage is timely.
Thank you, Beth! I definitely pray my book can bring hope.
I love the premise of your book – absolutely right in that married couples need to ‘fall in love’ or rather, choose each other, again and again.
For me you hit the nail on the head when you said she wanted to go back to when his job didn’t take all his time and energy, leaving nothing for her. My husband’s veterinary job is like that – combined with his personality where he’s happiest when he’s serving someone in need. So when he’s gone for long days, every day of the week, it’s very draining and leaves nothing for us. So we make sure we have time with each other. We date, or sometimes it’s simply me riding along with him to one of his calls and talking on the way. It’s taking the time to choose each other, each day.
You already know I LOVED it, since I was fortunate to be on your ARC team!!! I found you because of this blog, and I’m so very glad they asked you to be a part of it!! I found other “new to me” authors here, too, which has made this THE BEST blog!! I do one other blog, but I have to be cautious with it, as some of the authors are Christian, and some aren’t. And, while the books are all clean, the sweet and the heat are NOT the same, either. Here, it is/was ALL good, and I’m going to miss it. However, I think my stalking skills are going to bet even better now.
Even though married couples spend a lot of time together doesn’t mean that the “spark” is still there. The couple has to realize that things aren’t the same as they were when they were newlyweds. A couple has to make a conscious effort to keep that “spark”, or the relationship could be boring and finally end.
Some people say you shouldn’t have to work to make a marriage last, but I totally disagree.
I think you said it perfectly for what I look for in a romance book, falling in love, will they or won’t they, & the HEA and yes after years of marriage, they can start to fall out of love & need reminding.
Little gestures of appreciation, weekend getaways, weekly dates, physical touch (hand holding, foot rub). Silly text messages :) that’s us
HEA or HFN in a series is okay. Whether it is the initial obstacle or an later obstacle that is the black moment is fine. Interesting is where the black moment is ongoing and they think they have it handled and under pressure it rears its head again. Have really enjoyed your posts. Thanks Amy :)
I love this so much! Yes! Finding time, even if it’s not an actual “date,” is so important.
I’m still glad you love it and look forward to being stalked by you. ;)
Completely agree. Every phase of marriage is different and it’s worth the work. :)
Thanks so much! Gotta love those HEAs.
Sounds wonderful! I adore silly texts.
Thanks so much, Dianne!
I’m looking forward to reading this book, Amy! I’m another person who found you through this blog and I have appreciated your contributions to it.
I’m not a fan of “black moments” as they are often written. I get that there needs to be some source of conflict to help move the story along, but I personally prefer for it to come from an outside source or at least not one of the main characters’ “choosing” (for example, choosing to run away from the relationship.) Especially in Christian romance, I think this gives an opportunity for the main characters to deepen their relationship as they face the challenge together, looking to the Lord for His help, strength, and guidance. I have found this to be very true in my own life and marriage. Some of the things that have drawn us closer together and/or helped us to grow in love and appreciation for each other (not to mention our faith!) have been the difficult life circumstances/situations the Lord has allowed us to face.
I’m looking for the same thing as you in a romantic novel hehe but I also like that the characters complement each other when the hero and heroine have very similar personalities it doesn’t usually work very well (not even in real life sometimes).
And certainly a romance novel with married characters gives hope! Even if you get married and things don’t seem to be going well, there is still hope and love.
Hi Amy, your book sounds like a great read and sounds like it will be a very good one to help couples see what things made us fall in love and stay in love. I think a big thing with alot of married couples is taking each other for granted and that should never be. Making time for each other like going out on a date night every so often , doing little things for each other and taking turns cooking, and for sure not bringing work home, work should stay at work . Always be kind to each other , just like the Bible verse says Love is Patient , Love is Kind. I enjoyed reading your post and I love the sound of your book. Have a great day and a great week.
I think your list of what makes a good romance novel is great, and these things could apply to both married or non married couples – I really enjoy the marriage of convenience trope, where the couple are already married but still need to work out their relationship and fall in love. I like the idea of a romance story for a couple who have been married a while and will look forward to reading yours.
[I’m in the UK so don’t add me to the draw, I just like to chat!]
All of the points you mentioned are things I look for in a romance. But I love the concept of your next book. As a person who has been married for 52 years, I always welcome stories, advice, insight, or whatever that will help me in my marriage. Marriage is hard, especially when the two people are complete opposites. I try to take one day at a time, focus on my faith, and try to love like Jesus commanded us to.
Thank you for this new book. I definitely want to read it. And thank you for being part of Inspy. God bless. ❤
What I always like in a romance book is an HEA, no cliffhangers.
That’s a great point, Betty! I completely agree. Thanks so much for your comment.
Yes! There is always hope! That’s exactly what I want people to get from my books.
Thanks so much, Alicia! Yes, the little things definitely add up.
I’m always up for a chat with a friend from the UK (my sister lived there for three years so I’m practically family–ha!). Thanks so much for stopping by, Ruthie!
Thanks so much, Bonnie. And congrats on 52 years. That is awesome. I hope you enjoy the book!
I am in complete agreement with you. I hate cliffhangers.
I feel that before you can have love and a long term romance, you first need to be friends. My husband and I have been married for 35 years. You need to be able to communicate with each other. As we have aged, we have a completely different marriage than we did when we first married. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
HEA
The entire reason I read romance is banter. It doesn’t have to be clever or witty, as long as the romantic characters are talking.
Completely agree. Friendship is a must. Congrats on 35 years!
Yay for HEA!
I love banter too!
Thanks for being a part of this group for the past few years!
I definitely see the need for a black moment in a story but it also needs to be believable and not only a small misunderstanding that would have been resolved easily through one conversation.
Completely agree. My husband can’t stand Hallmark movies because he says everything could’ve been solved much earlier if the characters had just talked to one another. I try to make it more than just in need of a good talk.
Lately I’ve been enjoying second chance romances, where a married couple, or a divorced couple, falls back in love. I think, for me, it’s about seeing both characters realize their own faults, grow closer to God, and thereby hopefully fall back in love with one another.
That sounds perfect to me too! I love second chance romances.
I forgot to comment. yesterday I had a meeting to go to after a night that was too hot to sleep well and then I went to see Henry who decided to be Henry and not come when called and walked back and I was so exhausted I was falling asleep in the chair. Then out most of today.
No advice for a marriage as I am still single (and now a few cats short of a cat mum as I only have one here now)
It’s been really good getting to know you. Loved getting to know you better when you did a week at the FB Group. I will be following you around the traps. All the best for the future.
Thanks for following me, Jenny! I’ve enjoyed getting to know you too!