Romantic Drama Readers and Writers!

[KariMcElroy]

Hey, fellow romantic drama readers and writers! I've been on the lookout for new series to read and also to have a place to talk about the craft of creating a romantic drama series. Hopefully this is something others want to jump in on. I've never started a forum thread before, so this is a little nerve-wracking! So, tell me what you're working on or any thoughts you have on the genre or . . . well, anything!

As for me, my name is Kari and I write and illustrate the romantic drama "Regarding Dandelions". It's been my learn-as-I-go comic, so the art is pretty rocky in the beginning, but it smooths out. I've also begun publishing the novel version of the same story.

(Edited to include links to my stories)

The graphic novel:

Regarding Dandelions | Tapas

The prose novel:

Regarding Dandelions | Tapas

[ivanskilling]

The title of your comic sounds interesting! Maybe you should post a link as well so people can check it out too.

I have a finished historical romance story that involves political drama and of course, relationship drama.

Summary: Follow Empress Wu Zetian's treacherous journey from the hands of enemy Tufan soldiers back to the Forbidden City where she battles foes from within her own kingdom.

Shackles | Tapas

And I'm currently working on a drama novel that revolves around a lot of romantic relationships, although those relationships may not be considered healthy.

Summary: Unravel the secrets hidden in a small town through the eyes of a singer, a policeman, and a school counselor. Suspects in the subsequent murders range from cyber stalkers to old flames!

Devil's Triangle | Tapas

[domisotto]

I am going to bookmark this, because I am working on improving my ability to add drama into my romances. They are just too gentle so far, heh.

[KariMcElroy]

Those both look very intriguing! I'm excited to look into them after work.

And good call on the links! I was so nervous about posting the topic that I didn't even think about including those. What a mess!

[KariMcElroy]

Do you have any that you currently publish on Tapas? I'd love to take a look if you do.

[domisotto]

Nope, I have an adventure romance so far with an external enemy impacting the course of the affair, rather than the drama within the relationship itself. The one I am writing atm offline is even softer, but I will give a shot to big drama, turbulent relationship next.

[RainbowCat]

I love romantic dramas! Honestly, I love anything with romance but drama makes it just extra enjoyable for me
I'm also writing a romantic drama on Tapas right now, but for now, it's more drama than romance it's just a very slow-burning romance, fits the characters but the latest chapter finally had some romance

If anyone's interested, here it is

Dreams and Nightmares | Tapas

[KariMcElroy]

I think an external enemy can be a great source of drama! I don't think all drama has to be internal to the relationship (although the will they/won't they make it trope is pretty solid).

[domisotto]

Well, sure, but for me the important learning right now is to create relationship drama in a romance itself vs the external pressure from the plot. I want to write more turbulent affairs.

[KariMcElroy]

Ah, a good slow burn romance is definitely my jam. I think I'm more on the drama side than romance as well in my story, but I always have trouble categorizing my own work.

I can't wait to start reading your story! I have it open and ready to go once the work day is done.

[KariMcElroy]

I see. That makes sense. That can be a tricky line to balance, for sure: you want there to be genuine conflict, but you don't necessarily want to make a total "bad guy" out of one of the characters, particularly if they ultimately end up together.

[domisotto]

True. But in all my stories, the lovers are clearly made for one another and they are good people who work together to overcome the obstacles and help one another and make it in the world.

What I am eyeing is a rivalry romance with explosive relationships and a credible conflict, and big, bright strokes, hot passion and unreasonable stuff. I don’t want it to be as gentle as what I have so far

[KariMcElroy]

That sounds like it'll be a lot of fun to both read and write.

[domisotto]

Yup! Hence why! I overall want to bring in more operatic drama into my stories, to increase the appeal, vs more intricate but softer plots. Big emotions, bigger highs, bigger lows.

[KariMcElroy]

Do you have a plan for how to make that happen? I mean, do you already have a story in mind or are you in the planning/research phase?

[KariMcElroy]

Oops, I'm sorry! For some reason I wasn't responding in line with your messages. I'm still getting the hang of forum-ing.

[Crusoe]

I guess mine could be considered a romantic drama? but they're primarily fluff. It's pretty slow though and I think my readers hate me for my cliffhangers. The drama part will become more prominent next volume, but that will take a while considering my slow writing and posting schedule.

Fair, No Fair | Tapas

[KariMcElroy]

Ooh, that looks great! And I love the authorly self-deprecation in your post. I'm all too familiar. Thank you for sharing this! I can't wait to read.

[domisotto]

I am planning.

I have a conceptual idea of the key relationships but I am working on the outline and making sure that it does not slide into ‘and then they’ve acted like reasonable people’

The big ticket at the moment is to weave in the relationship with Kamila’s ex-fiancé into the plot so they actually meet face to face during the adventure part, and have a chance to double cross one another enough times, leaving each other in the dust, winning and losing by turns, and having a chance to spar, be left alone once in a while to have passionate scenes etc.

[Dysis]

There are character conflicts in my story but I've kept drama as the third category. It's primarily a fantasy suspense. Will it still be alright?