A shocking thing happened to me last week. Inspiration struck, and it struck hard. Never has an idea come to me so fully formed. Everything fell perfectly into place as I jotted down timelines and outlines and character sketches. Then I started writing what I initially thought would be a short story. By the time I reached 4000 words I gave in and wrote Chapter 1 on the top of the first page.The shocking part? It's a romance.
My husband will be the first to tell you that I don't have a romantic bone in my body, and my stories usually reflect that. I write about the darker side of human nature, not the soft side. I'm more comfortable with psychological torture than sweet nothings.
How this idea came to me is a mystery. Maybe it's nature's way of telling me I have to step into the light for a little while. It's strange and kind of uncomfortable because I'm out of my element here. But you know what? It's great. I have no idea what I'm doing and I'm having a whole lot of fun doing it. I can't remember the last time I was this excited about writing.
It really shouldn't come as a surprise. Exploring the unknown is one of the best things about writing. I know as much about the meet cute* as I know about body disposal, which is to say I knew nothing until I needed to write about it. Now I can match-make and dispose of people until the cows come home.
The unsettling thing about writing in a genre that is unfamilar is wondering if I'm doing it right. I don't know the rules, or the formula (because apparently there is one). I don't know what's been done and what hasn't.
On the flip side of that, I don't know the rules, and that can be a good thing. I'm not writing this in the hopes of become a bestselling romance author. I'm writing it because right now, in this moment, it makes me happy. It's a story begging to be given a chance, and I owe it that much.
So I'm going to enjoy this little side trip outside my comfort zone and give it my best shot. But if anyone catches me strolling down the street humming Barry Manilow tunes, please take me aside and give me a stern talking to.
* Meet Cute: I just found out about this term which means a contrived encounter of two romantic partners in unusual or comic circumstances. Huh.
Oh, this is FABULOUS news! In spite of your taste for horror writing, as a person you OOZE romance and fun! So it doesn't surprise me in the least that a romantic novel has sprung into your noodle! I can hardly wait to see what transpires - best of luck, writerly lady! May the sparks fly!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! It's great to stretch and to try new things. You sound like you're having a blast. Writing should be fun.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! And I thought I was just weird for having those... mushy feelings, lol. I wish you the best in this. Good characters and a good story, regardless of genre, is what it's all about.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to step out of the usual 'rut' and try a different route.
ReplyDeleteI wish you well - and don't let anyone tell you this is a 'soft' option!
That's great! Yeah, I'm not sure I could ever write a romance, although some of my stories have "romantic themes" or some such thing.
ReplyDeleteI love a good cheering squad. :)
ReplyDeleteThis might all end up in a bloodbath yet, but so far everyone is intact. Mostly.
As you said, not knowing the genre has it's good and bad points. But big deal, right? If you have a story that's itching to be told, tell it. You can worry about all that marketing mumbo-jumbo when you're all done with your draft.
ReplyDeletei always knew you were mushy..
ReplyDeleteThat's really cool, and perceiving yourself as a dark writer can really work in your favor, make the romance a stronger work by not killing it with sugar. Good luck with the project!
ReplyDeleteoooh, this is exciting! romance, or a love story? they are different animals. but... whatever, enjoy yourself, and good for you for stretching.
ReplyDeletei am just happy you have a story that's getting you all excited. i'm working on a long story that has me reading AMERICAN SNIPER because that is what my character is -- a sniper. which is kind of fun. peace...
I love that you're in love with your story. That is just about the second or third best feeling that a writer can have.
ReplyDelete(Gotta leave some room at the top for some of the things you're no doubt contemplating as your story progresses. ;) )
Mark! How've you been? I think you're right about that. There will be no sticky sweetness, at least I don't think so.
ReplyDeleteLinda, that's a really good question. As I said, I'm not at all familiar with the genre. I would say maybe leaning toward love story than romance. At least for now.
It's not great literature, but it's fun. :)
I wish I got more exciting ideas. They're incredibly rare for me.
ReplyDeleteI'd written and sold multiple meet-cutes before knowing what they were. We ought not to be prejudicial against ideas because of their genre classifications; we ought to embrace what ideas for literature we get that move us. I don't enjoy most romances, and Romance as a genre is one of my least favorites, but I love good love. Following your passion like this is wholly sensible, Laurita. You might do some research into the market to see if anyone has done similar ideas just to find what trails have already been blazed, but otherwise, make it your own and I'm sure we'll all fawn over your fictions.
ReplyDeleteGo with it! Those are the best ideas. They come to you without being beckoned and they won't go away until you listen.
ReplyDeleteIf you get bored with the story, you can always have one of them die in a really appalling manner, then have the remaining love bird go mad with grief and embark on a killing spree. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThis idea has definite possibilities. :)
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