Why I picked up this book:
I’ve seen this book around for awhile, but because I don’t write strictly romance, I’ve sort of kept it on the backburner. As I’ve been drafting my next fantasy story, I realized the romance in this particular tale was going to slide a little more center stage, and that none of my usual beat sheets were clicking with the rhythm of the story. So I picked up Gwen’s book to see if I could fill in a few holes (giggity) and whoa…!
Where has this book been all my life?
This review may contain spoilers.
Romancing the Beat: Story Structure for Romance Novels |
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What makes a romance novel a romance? How do you write a kissing book?
Writing a well-structured romance isn’t the same as writing any other genre—something the popular novel and screenwriting guides don’t address. The romance arc is made up of its own story beats, and the external plot and theme need to be braided to the romance arc—not the other way around. Told in conversational (and often irreverent) prose, Romancing the Beat can be read like you are sitting down to coffee with romance editor and author Gwen Hayes while she explains story structure. The way she does with her clients. Some of whom are regular inhabitants of the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. Romancing the Beat is a recipe, not a rigid system. The beats don’t care if you plot or outline before you write, or if you pants your way through the drafts and do a “beat check” when you’re revising. Pantsers and plotters are both welcome. So sit down, grab a cuppa, and let’s talk about kissing books. |
What I loved:
I loved absolutely everything about this book. From Gwen’s voicey conversational tone to her deep insight into the moments that build up an organic romance between lovers, this is a book every writer should have on their shelf.
I mean every writer.
Not all writers write romance, but every story has a relationship. Gwen’s book helps break down our understanding of character by shining a light in the dark in the one place they all keep hidden—that hole in their hearts. Once you really dig in, it’s amazing to see how the one missing piece of every character can drive strong adventures and emotional turmoil.
Can my story have more than one plot structure?
Yes, absolutely.
I’m a huge fan of the 4-Act structure while the rest of the world seems to love 3-Acts. But Gwen’s breakdown to 4 solid phases to build a relationship made a ton of sense, and it’s a easy guide to pull into a worksheet to help write out those beats, no matter if your characters are friends, enemies or strangers from page one of the story.
Overall:
I’d recommend this book for every writer whose character is going to build a strong relationship. While the focus of this craft book is on lovers, the steps are easy to modify and help strengthen sibling relationships, build friendships, or even plot it backwards and watch your characters tear their relationships apart.
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