How to Build Romantic Relationships Your Readers Will Fall For

Hi Reader,

Writing romantic storylines is more than crafting swoon-worthy moments—it’s about creating connections that make readers root for your characters to find their happily ever after. Whether you're writing a screenplay or a novel, building a compelling romantic relationship is all about layering emotional connections, using setups and payoffs, and delivering meaningful gestures that make your audience believe in love.

Here’s how to do it step by step.

Start Where They Are

Falling in love is a journey, so your characters need a clear starting point. Are they strangers, enemies, friends, or colleagues? Wherever they begin, their initial dynamic is the foundation you’ll build on. Highlight their flaws, fears, or even misconceptions about each other to set the stage for growth. Remember, their transformation as a couple is just as important as their individual arcs.

Small Steps, Big Feels

The magic of romance lies in the small moments that build into something bigger. Think of emotional connection as a staircase: each step should bring your characters closer.

Instead of grand, sweeping gestures right off the bat, focus on meaningful details. Does he remember her favorite flowers without being told? Does she step outside her comfort zone to make him smile? These tiny, thoughtful actions show how much they notice and care for each other.

And as these small gestures accumulate, they should lead to increasingly significant moments—moments where your characters reveal vulnerability or make sacrifices.

The Power of Even Though

If there’s one secret sauce to writing love stories, it’s this: the phrase even though.

He helps her, even though it costs him a promotion.

She supports him, even though he hasn’t been the easiest person to love.

These even though moments show that love isn’t just about compatibility—it’s about choosing someone despite the cost. They demonstrate character growth and commitment,

Meaningful Sacrifices

Speaking of costs, real love stories thrive on sacrifice. When your characters help or rescue each other, make it matter. A grand romantic gesture should never be easy. Maybe she skips an important meeting to support him in a moment of crisis. Maybe he gives up a job opportunity so she can pursue her dream. These sacrifices reinforce the stakes of the relationship and make your audience root for their love to succeed.

Symbols of Love

Who doesn’t love a good metaphor? Incorporate symbols that represent the growing bond between your characters. Symbols can be simple—a bracelet, a song, or even an inside joke—but they carry weight because of the meaning your characters attach to them. As the relationship deepens, these symbols should take on greater emotional significance.

Setups and Payoffs

The best romances are built on setups and payoffs. Introduce small details early that blossom into big emotional moments later. Did he bring her favorite flowers because he remembered a passing comment? That’s payoff. Did she teach him how to cook, and now he surprises her with a meal on her hardest day? Another payoff.

Each payoff should lead to another setup, creating a chain of escalating connections. This structure ensures that your romance grows organically and keeps readers engaged.

The First Kiss: Your Crown Jewel

In a romantic story, the first kiss is often the pinnacle of emotional connection. It’s not just about the kiss itself—it’s about everything leading up to it. Make sure you’ve laid the groundwork with your setups and payoffs.

When your characters finally lock lips, it should feel inevitable yet surprising, like a puzzle piece snapping into place.

Build, Layer, Repeat

Romance isn’t about rushing to the big moments—it’s about savoring the journey. Focus on layering emotional connections, balancing small steps with big payoffs, and challenging your characters to grow through sacrifice and vulnerability. Done right, your audience won’t just read about your characters falling in love—they’ll fall a little in love themselves.

So go forth, sprinkle in that quirky banter, add some dramatic “even though”s, and craft a love story that lingers in the hearts of your readers long after the final page (or credits) rolls.

Ready to take your writing to the next level? Remember, romance isn’t about flowers and chocolates—it’s about the heartbeats in between. Write those beats beautifully, and your love story will shine.

This is a recap of a workshop by Victorine Lieske author of How to Write a Swoon-Worthy Sweet Romance Novel and How to Write a Swoon-Worthy Second Chance Romance Novel.