Romantic stories belong in any personal legacy. However, there are many ways you can go about writing about romance. With Cupid standing in the wings, waiting for his and Hallmark’s big day, I thought I’d cover some basic approaches to writing about romance. Each little question can turn into a story. Write yours down!
Writing about Romance –The Basic Facts
The beginning is often a very good place to start. In other words, where did you—or your subjects—meet? When did you know you were in love? Who said those words first? Under what circumstances? The marriage proposal on its own makes a great story.
Writing about Your own Romance
Your own memories are the ones that come most easily to the surface when you’re writing about romance. Make sure your loved ones know your stories.
Hint: If you’re just starting out down your romantic road, Wiki-how has some good ideas for scrapping your romantic journey. Read How to make a romantic scrapbook.
Love of your life
Assuming you’re happily married or committed, your writing about romance will star the love of your life. Besides the basic facts mentioned above, explain what attracted you to your love. (Physical and character traits!) What cemented your relationship together? Which of his or her traits do you value the most now?
First love
Who was your first love? Describe how you met and what this person was like. Why didn’t it work out? What do you feel about this person when you look back?
Romantic stories
Contrary to what my kids seems to believe, romantic stories don’t just take place when your young. Neither do romantic gestures come off as planned. (Example: Romantic Doggie Bag)
Broken Hearts
Did you suffer a broken heart or two on your way to domestic bliss? There’s probably a great story in that? How did you move forward from the heartbreak? What did you learn?
Narrow Brush with Catastrophe
Retrospect provides a great lens to illuminate past relationships. Write about romance that almost took you down a rocky path. How close did you come to spending your life with this person?
Long Distance Relationships
Did absence make the heart grow fonder? Especially if they took place before the advent of cell phones and Skype, long distance relationships were often difficult. How did you cope? Did the relationship survive?
Write about your Parent’s (or other relatives’) Romance
A wonderful example of writing about family member’s romance is Colleen Green’s Every family history needs a love story like Michael John Flanagan and Elsie Charlotte Hayes. Include the basic facts mentioned above, as well as
- How long did they know each other before marriage (You’d be surprised how many times this is months and weeks instead of years!)
- How far apart were their homes
- Were their families in favor of the match?
- Were there any other significant romances or suitors?
- Wedding picture
If you don’t already know, find out if there were any significant romantic stories. Compare their early relationship with the relationship they have now or had at the end of their lives. Were there any bumps in the road?
What you Learned from your Romance
How did your romantic escapades make you wiser? Writing about romance shouldn’t be limited to the “Who,” “Who else,” “Where,” and “How you met.” How did your romances, good and bad, make you wiser? What’s your perspective on dating and marriage today? What advice would you give to young lovers?
Your Turn
Have you written about romance? How did you handle the subject?
Speaking of romance – Happy Valentine’s Day!
Haha! Thanks Phil! A belated Valentine’s day to you too!