I need tips and stuff to avoid on writing my first romance story!

[Undertaildoof34]

My biggest tip I can give is don't do perfection. Like I get if the two really like each other but that doesn't mean things are going to go perfect. Folks don't fall instantly for each other like magic. It's more like a waltz. make it feel like they're human. People don't always see eye to eye and it's ok to argue, sometimes it's the fact that they like the other on their lowest that makes the reader feel like the other character genuinely loves them.
Mental disorders or no. Gender change or no.
That's what makes good romance is they accept the bad and good (in my opinion take this all with a grain of salt)

[dorimao]

I see, thank you for the quick and nice reply, it helps me relax a little since I want to refine this story a bunch before getting in to the actual drawing stage and I often forget that sometimes I can't please everyone's tastes and thats completely fine!! Also, whew, yeah I agree, those love triangle and unnecessary miscommunication tropes are tiring, I'll watch out for that!! Thx!

[dorimao]

A waltz.. That's nice! And yeah, I really want to go for a more human feel, to the point where a reader can feel the genuine love. Thank you!!

[Undertaildoof34]

You're welcome. Sorry for the weird reference it's all I can think of at the moment.

[dorimao]

Lol that's totally fine! A waltz is a charming way to put it!!

[Inspector_Spinda]

PROBLEMS!

And not the shitty kind where both people in the relationship are unreasonable. But like normal arguments or small disagreements that they need to talk out. Compromises. Also read this

Heartstopper | Tapas

I'm actually trying to write a gay romance as well so I'm interested in what other people have to say about this since I don't really have too much specific experience writing/reading LGBT content yet.

[krissyhalo]

I would highly recommend looking at a discussion forum that discusses about romantic tropes that those people don’t like. I know there’s a lot of opinion when it comes to discussions in general but I think they can give you some good advice. The topic I believe is called Romantic Tropes you Dislike.

[dorimao]

Ooh yes I'll check out Heartstopper!
I'll definitely try thinking of conflicts or disagreements that are carefully introduced rather than being thrown in out of the blue (A common one I see is an ex?? Coming out of nowhere with really short notice....? It's sudden...)

With gay romance, I don't have any experience writing much romance in general, but I've spotted a good handful out there that handle it properly and not in a... fetish-y way. I often look towards well written works as a bit of a reference or inspiration. Good luck with your writing!!

[Inspector_Spinda]

not to get too off topic or anything, but he's not going to show up until late in the story and im really hyped so i want to talk about him. he's a vampire slayer and the protag is a vampire. the protag isn't the love interest though. and the vampire slayer isn't a villain exactly although he's a pretty nasty person, but still likable (hopefully). he's a major control freak with a dry sense of humor, but does have a heart very very deep down. his bf is a pure cinnamon roll. he's very idealistic and a simple person, but still very smart. they both respect each other as equals 99% percent of the time but the vampire slayer still has his controlling nature and him basically lying through their whole relationship eventually ends it. the he's eventually going to get character development and maybe find someone else, but the bf will probably disappear from the story after they break up.

[dorimao]

OHH that sounds really cool.... I've always been a SUCKER for vampire stuff lol
Also I love ur art!!!

[rizamasuyama]

I think a big part of romance stories is making sure you know your characters. Their motivations, their history, and what they would/wouldn't do. If/once you know these things, you're less likely to have cheesy moments. Even so, I think it's important to choose your "I love you's" carefully. Too much usage makes the phrase loose its impact. Additionally, reading other romance books can help you identify what's cheesy vs what makes the romance feel authentic etc.

Good luck on this project, it sounds really interesting!

[WillowTree]

Additionally, reading other romance books can help you identify what's cheesy vs what makes the romance feel authentic etc.

I want to double up on this advice! Reading in the genre you're going to create works in is always great advice!

[Inspector_Spinda]

also lots of research on your specific scenario assuming it's a realistic one

[joannekwan]

My number one tip: Avoid cheap drama, like a misunderstanding that could be cleared up with a 5 minute conversation. To me, there's nothing more frustrating in any genre, haha.

[KGBrightwell]

There's a thread on the favorite romance tropes too.

[paracosmosfiction]

I'm going to second the avoid cheap drama thing. Ultimately, you should write the story you want to write. (Heck, that's what I'm doing.) But I also believe that you can write a story full of all the romantic cliches and tropes you want and still make it a good story. I mean, they're cliches for a reason, right? It's because they work.

That said, I definitely feel like cheap drama in the romance genre is something that most people are just tired of seeing. Frankly, it's the reason I don't read a lot of romance novels or watch a lot of romance movies anymore. Like @joannekwan said, if it's something that could be cleared up with a five minute conversation, best just avoid it. Or if you are gonna use that. Make that five minute conversation the resolution! Don't try to drag it out for days or even months at a time over a simple misunderstanding, because that's just exhausting to read. Again, just my opinion.

My advice, stay true to your vision. But write that vision in such a way that makes it believable.

[Dysis]

Hi! These should help:

1. https://forums.tapas.io/t/what-is-your-favourite-romance-tropes/49814

2. https://forums.tapas.io/t/romance-tropes-you-dislike/50044

3. https://forums.tapas.io/t/heart-01-best-romance-tropes-heart-01/52234/35

[domisotto]

In my view, if you are going for fluff and realistic, go for it. The current romance I am writing is pretty sweet, and I still find readers for it.

I looked at a lot of popular romances where characters get beat up and abused and rapes, and for me this is not something I want to read, let alone write.

So, I write sweet and adventurous, and enjoy it! Like, if you want to write a long scene where the characters just hold hands, and you can fill it with tension and feeling, go for it.

So long as you vibe with the scenes, that’s the most important part imo

Hope you will love writing your story ️

[DiegoPalacios]

Romance is one of the most character driven genres, so is important that the couple (or group if you are going on the polyamory route) are interesting and endearing in a way. Also, that said characters are interesting enough on their own.

How well you portray their chemistry can make or break the immersion for the reader, so that is also an important point.

[SauLuoi0101]

I'm drawing a romance webtoon. And the protagonist fall in love from the start
In my opinion, when they fall in love, many real problems happen.
Here's my webtoon: https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/darisha/list?title_no=526837
First you should understand the personality of the two main characters. Ask yourself a lot of questions about the character (personality, action, how the character solves the problem, why they love your partner ...) and answer it yourself until you can answer without thinking.
Second, never force your character to act in any situation. Let think how the character act when they are in this situation first => So you need to understand the character first.
Third, please watch/read more romance webtoon/movie to get the ref
If I can think of anything, I will write more... Thankf for reading, hope it help you