“The best—and the most satisfying—novels use elements from other genres to heighten the emotional stakes. Just as romance novels are more exciting with elements of mystery, or fantasy, or suspense, so also are mystery and fantasy and suspense novels better with a little romance,” says instructor Kilby Blades.

In this online class, we will explore how romantic subplots can be used in stories outside of the romance genre to hook more readers and deepen their emotional investment in your fiction. Drawing from iconic examples, we will discuss how to build and craft romantic arcs.

“We’ll talk about the role of romance tropes, including the most popular and effective ones (e.g., enemies to lovers, rags to riches, secret identity, protector/ward, forbidden love, etc.), and lay out tried-and-true beats that play well in commercial romance,” says Kilby. “You’ll leave this mini-course with a roadmap for integrating romantic themes into your stories.”

Register for the course right here.

COURSE LOGISTICS

• 1 Saturday in August

• Live remote meeting on Zoom

• For fiction authors

• All levels

ABOUT THE WRITING SALON'S REMOTE CLASSES

You will be able to participate in live class meetings via Zoom videoconference. To attend classes, you'll need a phone, tablet or computer and access to the internet. You can participate in the class from wherever you'd like, whether on your living room couch or in your office. Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about Zoom and your remote class. If you have any questions about remote learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.