Why I Love Writing Romance: A Personal Reflection

Why I Love Writing Romance: A Personal Reflection

I used to read romance books while hiding in my mom’s bathroom.

If you came here from my about page or from any of my social medias, you’ve probably seen this information before. If you are new here and have no clue who I am, surprise! Welcome to the club.

Romance novels have ensnared me since I was a too-intelligent-yet-very-impressionable middle schooler. I’d gone through all the books on my grade level and got all the reading points possible but had grown so, so bored with the “easy” books that were left in the school library. My mom collected Harlequins at the time so I randomly picked one up and was immediately hooked on billionaire romances and secret love affair babies. Insert my mom’s immediate outrage

I can’t say I blame her really.

I mean who wants their 12 year old reading about thrusting strong sheaths into delicate rose gardens, amirite? However, she eventually learned that her daughter is as stubborn as she is–so she eventually gave up trying to stop me from reading them. I would hide away in my room for hours, losing myself in passionate tales that were boiling with tension and hard-won happily-ever-afters. It was here that the first seeds of becoming a romance writer were planted, watered, and nurtured.

3 Reasons I Love Romance

1. ‍It has the unparalleled capacity to move us. It takes you on an emotional rollercoaster while following two characters as they overcome obstacles and find their way to each other's hearts. When portrayed and written well, it can have you just as invested for them to end up together as they are!‍
2. It explores the complexities of human relationships. From the sweet girls, guys, and people next door to the asshole billionaires with a tragic past, there is a little bit of psychology for everyone. Layering in the hopes, fears, wounds, and quirks keeps readers interested and makes characters more relatable–and when that asshole boss falls like a ton of bricks, it makes it all the sweeter.‍
3. The Happily-Ever-After. You’re not a true romance connoisseur if you don’t root for the HEA or the HFN (Happy for Now). That’s what truly defines the genre! When we connect with the confident CEO who falters in his first serious relationship after a lifetime of flings, WE HAVE TO KNOW THAT HE’S GOING TO END UP HAPPY DAMMIT!

To be clear, if a book I’m reading doesn’t pull me in on these three levels? DNF (Do Not Finish)!

Reason I Enjoy Writing Romance

Who knows, man?? I kid, I kid.

Seriously though, I’ve always wanted to write and finish a story about characters I’ve dreamed up and live vicariously through them. Not that my life sucks by any means. I’ve just always been more prone to live in fantasy than in reality, no matter how great it was. Shrugs

1. As a writer, I want to create and capture those types of character dynamics that keep people turning pages and the emotionally charged moments that will have you pause in the middle of the book and squeal.
2. Romance lets us dream. We enter a world fueled by hope and optimism, where there are always second chances, fresh starts, and happy endings when things seem bleak. Romance, at its best, functions like a soothing balm, letting us retreat into lovely places where lasting love blooms.
3. One of the true beauties of romance is that it can transport readers anywhere.  Historical romances let you play with fanciful Regency settings and forbidden seductions. Sexy paranormal tales allow you to imagine supernatural secrets and destined mates. Quirky contemporary stories offer fresh backdrops from tropical cruises to Alaskan excursions as a couple sparks up an unlikely connection. Who wouldn’t want to dream that up and write it?!
4. Wherever the story leads, writing romance gives my creativity free rein. I cherish crafting unique characters and new twists on familiar tropes to surprise readers. Whether that’s a grumpy sunshine pairing that bickers their way to love or a suspenseful romantic thriller with a shocking twist, romance pushes me to innovate.

My passion comes through in every original storyline I weave–for myself, because I haven’t shared any of these with readers just yet. But I plan to!.

How I’m Fulfilling My Writer Dream

I’ve never been so close to finishing a story before. Inserts nervous laughter

Because of that, I don’t know whether to laugh, cry, or do some panicked organization before booking a therapy session. Either way, I’m seeing it through and introducing you all to my inner world through my characters.  My debut short story/novelette will really show you how everything I’ve mentioned about why I love reading and writing romance has influenced the world I’ve created and the people that show up in it. So, stick around so that you can see the whole journey come full-circle!

Whether you’re a fellow romance lover,  just romance-curious, or an aspiring romance writer/author, I hope my reflections give you a glimpse into why this genre overflows with magic. And if you are truly inspired to stick around with me, sign up for my newsletter to stay in the know about when my series will debut and begin to take up space rent free in your feeds, emails, and, hopefully, your heart too.

I’d love to hear from you about your own favorite love stories and what draws you to romance. And if my personal reflections resonate, I hope you’ll join me for more of the emotional journeys and happily-ever-afters I love bringing to life.

Until next time lovebirds…