Master Fiction Writing

How to Create Romantic Tension


Listen Later

Today's episode is all about the spine-tingling magic that keeps readers flipping page after page — romantic tension.

While sexual tension is a sizzling game of "will they or won't they get intimate?", romantic tension is a more profound, heart-pounding game of "will they or won't they end up together?" It's that underlying question, the heartbeat of every romance novel, and what makes readers invest in the characters and their love journey.

In this episode, we'll break down the elements that contribute to romantic tension. We'll discuss the importance of believability, what makes the romance truly captivating, and the nuances that separate romantic tension from its steamier cousin, sexual tension.

Whether you're a seasoned romance writer or just getting started, we'll provide insights and tips on ensuring your story is bursting with the tension that readers crave. We’ll also touch on the role of dynamic characters, and why romantic tension is non-negotiable in a good romance novel.

So, grab your pen and notebook and let’s dive into the world of heartbeats, hesitant glances, and the thrilling unknowns of romantic tension!

Have you ever wondered how to create characters that feel like real people with rich histories?

In my new course, "Emotional Echoes: The Art of Character Backstory", you'll discover the power of linking backstory to desires, forging connections that propel your characters through the plot. You'll learn how to expertly unveil their pasts, layering emotions and experiences to create truly three-dimensional individuals.

Find out more here.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Master Fiction WritingBy Stuart Wakefield

  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6

4.6

21 ratings


More shows like Master Fiction Writing

View all
The Joe Rogan Experience by Joe Rogan

The Joe Rogan Experience

230,217 Listeners

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! by NPR

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

38,805 Listeners

Writing Excuses by Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler

Writing Excuses

1,299 Listeners

Helping Writers Become Authors by K.M. Weiland

Helping Writers Become Authors

1,010 Listeners

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers by Joanna Penn

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

633 Listeners

Novel Marketing by Thomas Umstattd Jr.

Novel Marketing

326 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

113,179 Listeners

Writer's Routine by Dan Simpson

Writer's Routine

314 Listeners

Today in Focus by The Guardian

Today in Focus

1,042 Listeners

Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips by Savannah Gilbo

Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips

1,480 Listeners

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing by Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

787 Listeners

The Ezra Klein Show by New York Times Opinion

The Ezra Klein Show

16,339 Listeners

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel by James Thayer

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

427 Listeners

Writers on Writing by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett and Marrie Stone

Writers on Writing

93 Listeners