FREE Romance Story Structure & Beat Guide From Write It Scared

Love is in the air! In this special Valentine’s Day episode of the Write it Scared podcast, I’m thrilled to be joined by the amazing Trisha Jenn Loehr, a romance expert and Author Accelerator Certified Fiction Book Coach. 

Together, we’re diving headfirst into the art (and heart) of writing authentic romance.

We’re unpacking everything from developing unforgettable characters to building emotional intimacy that makes readers swoon. Trisha shares her incredible journey into romance writing and drops golden advice on overcoming common struggles—like keeping the chemistry alive and crafting believable relationships.

We also explore the difference between romance and love stories, how to handle romance arcs over a series, and why happy endings are non-negotiable in this genre. Whether you're dreaming up a standalone romance or weaving love into a sprawling fantasy series, this conversation will inspire you to create stories that truly connect.

Episode Highlights:
 00:00 Starting with Self-Love: A Key to Great Romance
 00:24 Welcome to the Write it Scared Podcast!
01:27 Valentine’s Day Special 💕
01:36 Meet the Wonderful Trisha Jen Lair
03:04 Trisha’s Journey: From Aspiring Writer to Romance Coach
06:25 What Makes Romance Writing Magical
07:35 Crafting Relatable, Compelling Characters
15:45 Tackling Challenges in Romance Writing
19:45 Embracing the Messiness of First Drafts
23:19 Why Happy Endings Matter in Romance
24:12 Romance vs. Love Stories: What’s the Difference?
24:40 Writing Romantic Arcs Across a Series
26:03 The Unique Challenges of Romantasy
28:59 Fantasy Romance vs. Romantic Fantasy: A Breakdown
36:19 How to Create Chemistry That Feels Real
40:14 Keeping the Spark Alive for Your Characters
41:48 Transformations Through Love: Romance and Growth
43:37 Parting Wisdom for Romance Writers

Whether you’re a seasoned romance author or just dipping your toes into the genre, this episode is packed with actionable tips and heartfelt advice. Don’t miss it—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a chance to write boldly!
 
Guest Info:

Trisha Jenn Loehr is a romance writer and Author Accelerator certified book coach. She helps busy women who want to write romance novels without guilt or shame prioritize their writing, develop their craft, and find joy in the journey toward their publishing dreams.
 

Connect with Trisha on Instagram @trishajennreads and at trishajennreads.com

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

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