Plotting with Romance Clichés/Tropes A story may have an awesome setting or interesting characters, but it’s the plot that runs the story. If your plot isn’t well-thought, what holds your story together? What stops the reader from putting your book down? Every plot needs conflict and a resolution. Create a plot to pull your characters together. Give them obstacles to jump over. Promote tension and emotion, and push your plot forward. Then develop a satisfying ending. The most popular romance clichés/tropes are: second chances, secret babies, the billionaire, good girl/bad boy, revenge, best friend’s sister, marriage of convenience, opposites attract. The list goes on and on. The key to using a romance cliché is to make it your own. Put your own voice into the plot. Add in twists and turns. Who doesn’t enjoy a story that keeps you guessing? You want your readers to say, “I didn’t see that coming!” While the ending of a romance book is predictable with its happy-ever-after, take the reader on a journey to get there. We all love to read the romance clichés, but don’t let your reader expect what comes next. Make your plot unique and hold your reader’s attention all the way to the end. What are your favorite romance clichés/tropes? One twist of Faith can change everythingKatrina has one goal—follow through on her late-grandmother’s last request, to oversee the renovation of Katrina’s childhood home. The handsome contractor is distracting, but she refuses to be swayed by his deep brown eyes and broad shoulders. A summer romance is not part of the plan. When the truth is discovered about her family’s past, Katrina fears her own future is in jeopardy. She doesn’t have faith, but the twists that lie ahead may just change her mind.
Nick refuses to accept help from anyone, until Katrina gives him an ultimatum—one he can’t refuse. Her renovation project will save his business, but puts his heart on the line. Can he convince Katrina to stay or will a promise to her late-grandmother pull her away? With a little twist of Faith, the odds may be in his favor. Excerpt: The man shifted his weight. Suddenly, the air cooled around her. For the first time since she spied him in her home, Katrina stared face-to-face at her intruder. Past the pain, she saw a strong jaw line and a chin framed by the shadow of a goatee, or as they say in Paris, a French beard. A perfect set of lips held a thin moustache and his brown layered hair fell just above his chin. Dark brown eyes kept her gaze captivated. Johnny Depp has broken into my house. His face didn’t belong to someone who made a living from breaking-and-entering. This face belonged to a refined and hard-working man. She could tell there was more to the story behind those eyes, but the instant she stared at his lips, her thoughts turned to mush. He stumbled to stand, leaning on the wall for support. Johnny Depp kicked the wood, sending it rolling to the other side of the room. Katrina, now believing he meant no harm, accepted the hand he offered to help her from the floor. She ignored the tingling sensation running up her arm, knowing the fuss couldn’t be from the strong hand holding hers. He inhaled a deep breath and opened his mouth to speak, but shook his head instead. Frowning, he pointed a finger toward the card on the floor and limped to the exit, slamming the door behind him. She bent to pick up the card, which read, Donaldson and Porter, Architecture and Contracting, Nick Porter. Her shoulders dropped. “Damn!” Katrina now had less than twenty-four hours to master the art of groveling. Bio: An avid reader since childhood, Darlene loved to put a pencil to paper and plot out stories of her own. She writes heartwarming contemporary romances with a focus on plot-driven page-turners. When Darlene isn’t writing, editing, or reading, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and Yellow Lab. Contact links: Web Blog: http://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarleneLF Twitter: https://twitter.com/DarleneLF Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/DarleneLF
Darlene
3/30/2015 12:29:32 am
Thank you for the spotlight on Twist of Faith! :)
Marlow
3/30/2015 12:34:40 am
My pleasure 3/30/2015 02:38:42 am
Great post, Darlene. Clear and to the point. Best wishes on sales.
Darlene
3/30/2015 03:33:41 am
Thank you, Mary for stopping by! 3/30/2015 03:54:37 am
Nice blog, really enjoyed it. You hit the nail on the head--the important part is taking one of the readers' favorite tropes and putting your own personal twist on it. And lots of twists and turns and conflict. Excellent post. 3/30/2015 08:06:00 am
great info here, only so many plots to work with and we must bring new life to them. You followed your own advice in Twist of Faith, didn't see some of those turns coming!
Darlene
3/30/2015 09:08:16 am
Thank you, Hebby for stopping my and for the kind words on my post.
Darlene
3/30/2015 09:09:44 am
Gini, you're the best! Happy to hear Twist of Faith kept you guessing.
Darlene
3/30/2015 11:51:45 pm
Than you, Misty! Comments are closed.
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