When writing couples, I like to use the Kiss Rule:If they have to kiss for you to know they’re in love, you’re not writing a romance right.
ironinkpen (via apromptripost)
Romance is a tricky genre, and it can be tough to add
romance to a story of another genre. When adding romance to a story, it’s
important to acknowledge that it’s not the main focus. Don’t forget about the
other components!
And if you’re writing romance on its own, then you need to
be aware of the expectations of the genre. Your characters have to show each
other how much they love them. What better way than with a kiss? Physical
affection!
But you’re missing something. When you love someone, do you
ONLY kiss them? The first time they learn of your feelings is when you kiss
them?
Anyone who’s experienced unrequited love can tell you that
that’s just not the case. When you love someone, it is part of you. The way you
act and the way you talk—they’re affected by your love.
If a kiss is the first sign of your love, is it really love?
If the only way you know they’re in love is a kiss, how is
that love? That’s physical affection. And if your love is only represented
physically, it’s more like lust.
Love is complicated. Don’t sell your characters short. Let
them do all the stupid stuff associated with being in love. You can even go
with the super-cheesy stuff if you write it well or balance it out with better
ideas. They can stare at each other from across the classroom, wondering if the
other one notices them, but they never do it at the same time. They can stop by
the vending machine to get their loved one’s favorite candy bar. They can
Make it cheesy. Make it cliché. Make it anything, as long as
it’s something. Anyone can kiss someone. That doesn’t make it love.